Birangana Sadhani
HISTORY / Assam / Sati Sadhani / Inspiration
Birangana Sadhani
The Warrior Queen of the Chutiya Kingdom
Hanid Ranjan Bhuyan
The Chutiya tribe is a prominent indigenous ethnic group of Assam. The history of the Chutiya tribe is filled with stories of sacrifice, valour, and struggle, showcasing their strength and determination.
The Chutiyas had a significant presence in ancient Assam, ruling over Saumarpith (Located between the Dikrai river to the east and the Duimuni-shila to the west of Assam)for nearly 800 years.
The legacy Chutiya kingdom had played an important role in shaping the historical and cultural identity of Assam.
For several centuries the Chutiyas thrived and prospered under able leadership of Chutiya kings, whose tales of bravery and benevolence, echos across the timelines. As curtains draws in the saga of Chutiya kingdom with its decay and downfall, one lady from Chutiya Royals, emerged brightest, in this tragic yet glorious chapter of Chutiya history. That lady was Sadhani, daugther of Chutiya King Dhirnarayan or Dharmadwaj , wife of Chutiya King Nitipal, and Queen of Chutiya Kingdom. To understand Sadhani’s tragic yet inspiring saga, it is essential to first explore the historical context of the Chutiya people and their kingdom.
The origin of Chutiya people often linked to the Mongoloid races of South East Asia. Evidence of their early existence can be traced to the 1st-century manuscript namely “Periplus of the Erythraean Sea”, written by an anonymous Greek author from Roman-occupied Alexandria of Egypt.
This text mentioned existence of a group called the “Sesatai,” described as Mongoloid in appearance and residing along the borders of present day India (Assam) and China. The Sesatai were known for trading “Malabathrum” (Assamese:tejpat, Scientific name: Cinnamomum Tamala), which was purchased by merchants from Chola Kingdom and exported to various parts of the Roman Empire.(1)
The character themselves indicate that the Sesatai were a people similar to the Kirradai and their access to the border with China indicates that they lived, as Coedes suggests “dans les pays montagneux Qui bordent la Chine au suboust, quelque part entre l’Assam et le Se-tchoun.” (2)
Historian Dr. Swarnalata Baruah mentioned that the term “Sesatai” likely refers to the Chutiya people, suggesting a direct connection between these early inhabitants and the later Chutiya Kingdom. (3)
While availability of data and information pertaining to early developments of Chutiya community are scarce, its existence and continuity is confirmed from these available records. Sources states that, a king from Chutiya tribe named Asambhinna, from 7th century CE is believed to be the first to embrace Hinduism, ushering an era of cultural shift. His reign was followed by approximately 33 generations of his family, culminating with a King named Lekroi.
After Lekroi’s death, a succession dispute among his four sons—Burura(Buruk), Maisura(Maikron), Kolita, and Koshi—plunged the kingdom into chaos. Their internal strife coincided with an external invasion of the Chutiya Kingdom, in 1228 CE, by Shan general Samlungpha with Mau army , which resulted in devastation of the kingdom.
While prince Burura was killed in battle, Maichura fled to Maibong in present day Dima Hasao district, Kolita escaped further westward and established a separate realm, and Koshi, submitted to Samlungpha. Koshi was installed as a vassal king under a Shan governor (Temon). After Samlungpha returned to his native land, Seizing an opportunity, king Koshi poisoned the Shan Governor Temon and declared his independence.
This act of Koshi draw another invasion by Shans six months later, led by Shan prince, Chau-kaa-pha. The invasion, forced Koshi to flee towards Cachar and his final fate remains unknown.(4 ) Prominent Historian Sarbananda Rajkumar had mentioned that the aforementioned Shan prince Chau-Kaa-Pha was none other then Chaolung Sukapha, the founder of Ahom dynasty in Assam. (5)
The invasions resulted in fragmentation of Chutiya Kingdom creating political instability. Amid this political instability, a Chutiya chieftain named Birabar established a new kingdom along the northern banks of the Brahmaputra River, near the foothills of the Suwanshiri River. Uniting Chutiya families, Birabar, also known as Birpal or Gayapal, laid the foundation for a revitalized Chutiya state.
According to legends Birpal become supreme among Chutiyas after obtaining blessings of Lord Kubera the Sylvan deity. Lord Kubera also offered him some divine gifts including a golden Cat, a Sword, a Shield and a Spear. His surname seems to be an imitation of the Kamrupa kings of Brahmapal Dynasty.
After his death, his son Ratnadhwajpal (also known as Gaurinarayan, reign 1210–1250 CE) unified 60 Chutiya families and expanded the boundary of Chutiya kingdom by dominating the chieftains of neighbouring hills i.e. Rangalgiri , Kalogiri, Nilgiri, Dhavalgiri and Chandragiri. He also had conquered the kingdom of Bhadrasen located at the hill of Swetagiri and established a new kingdom their at Ratnapur. By occupying the entire hilly areas Gaurinarayan assumed the title of “Lord of the hills”. He had next annexed the kingdom of Nyapala and of neighbouring territories of some Bhuyan Chieftains. Moreover, he had succeeded to reclaim the southern ancient Chutiya kingdom which was invaded earlier by Shamlungpha.( 6)
Meanwhile, the Ahom Kingdom, founded by Sukapha in Charaideo, emerged as a parallel power. Initially, the Chutiya and Ahom kingdoms coexisted without significant conflict. However, by the 14th century, territorial disputes sparked tensions. Ahom king Chaotupha attempted to expand into Chutiya territory but failed due to a lack of support from his nobles.
Forced to seek peace, Sutupha attended a friendly sporting event on the Saffrai River, where he met his untimely death, further escalating hostilities. His successor, Tyaokhamthi, launched retaliatory attacks on the Chutiya king Nandishwar.But the Chutiyas had escaped by taking refuge in the hills. Historical records remain silent on the extent of Tyaokhamthi’s success.(7)
From approximately 1512 to 1524 CE, the Chutiya and Ahom kingdoms again engaged in a series of bloody conflicts that marked the final chapter of the Chutiya Kingdom. For the Shans (Ahoms), it was about to consolidate their dominance in Saumarpith. For the Chutiyas, it was desperate struggle to preserve their homeland and sovereignty. During this period, the Chutiya king was Dhirnarayan ( Reign 1500-1522 AD). He was also known as Dharmadhwaj Pal alias Khunta Roja.
He was a powerful king. His capital was located at Sodhoyapur or Sodiya (at present Chopakhowa of Tinsukia District of Assam). A plate- grant which was discovered at Dhokuakhan Konwar gaon describes Dhirnarayan as great conqueror with his might , the powerfull ruler of Sodhayapur. (8 )
Under his rule the Chutiya Kingdom was extended upto the Dihing river to the South bank of the Brahmaputra and Biswanath to the North bank. King Dhirnarayan had been childless for a long period of time and later on , obtained by his prayers , the blessings of a child to comfort his old age, who was thence called ‘Sadhani’ meaning ‘the Solicited prayed for’. Later by worshiping god his queen had also gave birth to a son, who had later known as Sadhaknarayan.( 9)
Little is known about princess Sadhani’s childhood, but it’s likely she received a traditional education, learning to read and write in the Kamrupi script under the guidance of Brahmin tutors, alongside her brother. In daily life, she would have spoken the Deori Chutiya dialect. As a member of a royal family, Sadhani would have been trained in fine arts like singing, dancing, weaving, and painting, as well as martial skills such as archery, swordsmanship, and horse riding.
Growing up amidst the escalating conflict between the Ahom and Chutiya dynasties, Sadhani would have been exposed to the political and social intricacies of the kingdom from a young age. From her early ages Sadhani may had the opportunity to be accustomed with social and political affairs of Chutiya kingdom . As she had grown up to teen ages the clash of Ahom Chutiya Dynasty may had been in its peak.
The contemporary king of Ahoms Kingdom was Chaopha Suhungmung(1497-1539). He ruled from Bornogor (Sorogua), located near present-day Sivsagar. He led campaigns against neighboring tribes, including the Aitonia Nagas, Chutiyas, Dimasa Kacharis and achieved a significant victory over the invasion of Turbak. (10)
In 1512 AD annexation of Panbari of Habung by Suhungmung marks a significant event. It is not clear why early Ahom chronicles had remained silence about counterattack of Chutiyas during their expedition in Panbari.(11 )
After victory at Panbari some Ahoms were seen chasing a big catfish(Wallogo attu) around Dihing river, by the sentinels of Chutiya Fort. One frontier commander namely Manikchand Borua sent troops to seize those intruders. But Chutiyas were severally beaten and two of them were abducted by Ahoms. Manikchand Borua had realized the consequences and he had informed higher authority about potential aggression of Ahoms.
In this response in the year of 1513 AD Chutiyas combined naval and land forces had launched a surprise attack on Ahom territory at Dikhoumukh and at the bank of Nangkongmung Lake(beel). The Chutiyas attack dealt a significant blow to the Ahom kingdom. Even Suhungmung’s grandson lost his life during conflict with Chutiyas.
In response, Suhungmung took decisive action by punishing officials for negligence, restructuring his forces, and appointing new leadership. This turn around enabled the Ahoms to regain the upper hand, driving the Chutiyas back to the Dihing River and conqured the Mungkhrang fort.
After losing Mungkhrang Fort, the Chutiya minister Kasitora and commanders regrouped and planned a surprise attack on the Ahom troops. In 1520 AD, they successfully ambushed the Ahom garrison, killing General Khyenmung and forcing the rest to flee. The Chutiyas reclaimed the fort and held it for nearly two years. (12)
With their border secured along the Dihing River, Dhirnarayan likely turned his attention to internal governance and strengthening his kingdom. Meanwhile as Princess Sadhani grew into a beautiful girl, her marriage likely became a significant consideration for her family. Given the peaceful period in the Chutiya kingdom between 1520-1522 AD, it’s plausible that her marriage was arranged during this time. However, the lack of concrete evidence and the entanglement of legends with her story make it challenging to separate fact from fiction.
It’s likely that Dhirnarayan and his queen , would have played a role in finding a suitable groom for her, following traditional royal customs. Dhirnarayan organized a swayamvar (a ceremony for choosing a groom) for his daughter, Sadhani. Unexpectedly, a commoner named Nitai won the contest by hitting the target of a squirrel with an arrow, earning Princess Sadhani’s hand in marriage. Despite the unexpected outcome, Sadhani adhered to her father’s promise and had married Nitai.
After her marriage the proud princess Sadhani had claimed the sacred gifts of god Kubera and throne of Chutiya kingdom for her husband Nitai from her father. With heavy heart king Dhirnarayan had fulfilled her wish. Dhirnarayan handed over administrative responsibilities to his inexperienced son-in-law, Nitai, and retired from active governance. As per legend Dhirnarayan had left his royal palace and had taken refuge in hermitage of Sindhuxetra.(13)
After coronation Nitai was assumed the name as Nitipal or Chandranayan. This incident sparked discontent among the Chutiya nobility and vassals, weakening the kingdom’s unity. Knowing the internal disorder in Chutiya kingdom , Ahom king Suhungmung launched a invasion in 1522–1523 CE.
Nitipal, lacking diplomatic experiences, failed to secure alliances with neighboring states and was forced to lead the defense himself. The Ahoms, bolstered by their allies, captured key Chutiya strongholds along the Dihingmukh, Sesaamukh and Dibrumukh.
After losing Dibrumukh the Chutiya king’s had reinforced his troops under Thanbao Borua’s leadership. Key officials like Kasitora( Minister), Thanbaru Borua(General), Dhela Boruah, and Borhuloi Borua had assembled their soldiers. The Chutiya forces strategically assembled at Larupara and built an embankment near the Dibru river, indicating careful planning and preparation for their next move.
The Chutiya forces’ attempt to siege the Ahom fort on the left side of the Dibru river was unsuccessful, resulting in significant losses. Commander Manikchand Borua and many of Chutiya soldiers were killed in battlefield.
As per Tai-Ahom historical records it was estimated that around 4000 martyred and 3000 captured by the Ahoms. The civilians may had suffered greatly, facing unimaginable atrocities in the conflict’s aftermath.(14 ) After this heavy loss Chutiya King with his flotillas had retreated to Sadiya with remaining soldiers.
The Ahom forces, led by prominent generals like Phrasenmung Borgohain, Klingmung Buragohain, Kongcheng Borpatra Gohain, Kaitora , Alangi Chetia, Potalunga and others, had advanced towards Sadiya. Suhungmung personally led the army by land, riding on a black horse. Meanwhile, the Chutiya king attempted to negotiate peace with Dihingia Raja, but the proposal was rejected, and the Ahoms continued their military campaign.
The Chutiyas fortified a position at the mouth of the one of the rivers near Sadiya, but were easily dislodged by the Ahoms, who crossed the river on a bridge of boats and pursued the retreating Chutiya as far as Kaitora hill.(15)
The Chutiya royal family and their imperial guards retreated to the fortified palace of Barnagar (now Bhishmaknagar, Arunachal Pradesh) and later to the Chandragiri or Chandangiri hills in the Mishmi Hills region. The royal family accompanied by nearly 200 followers including a small contingent of warriors and a group of civilians, including women, children, and the elderly, seeking refuge in these secure locations.
Meanwhile one Chutiya official namely Tamuli Gajorai Borua was captured by Ahom forces. He was forced to disclose the hiding place of Chutiya king and Queen . Later he had informed the Ahom officials that the Chutiya King and Queen is taking shelter near a mountain stream at Chandragiri.(16)
The Ahoms encircled Chandragiri, and King Nitipal fought bravely until his demise. Meanwhile, Queen Sadhani demonstrated remarkable courage, mobilizing her female companions to put up a strong resistance against the Ahom forces. Queen Sadhani, faced with the prospect of defeat and subjugation, chose a heroic yet tragic path. Rather than surrender, she took her own life by leaping from the peak of Chandragiri mountain. Along with her many Chutiya male and female warriors had also lost their life defending their motherland. The death of Birangana Sadhani was one of the most tragic incident in the history of Assam.
According to some Ahom chronicles the last king Chutiya kingdom was Dhirnarayan , while others mentioned its as Chandranarayan or Nitipal.
The Ahom king celebrated the victory over Chutiyas by performing the Rikkh van ceremony .The Chutiya kingdom was then fully annexed and devastated and annexed to the Ahom territory in 1523 AD . Queen Sadhani’s sacrifice is still remembered, and the Chutiya people observe Sati Sadhani Divas on the seventh day of Bohag to honor her bravery and ultimate sacrifice.
After the annexation, Phrasenmung Buragaohain was appointed as the Governor of the Chutiya kingdom. Despite their defeat, the Chutiyas continued to resist, including an ambush on Ahom troops in 1527 AD.(17)
To weaken their unity, the Ahoms relocated Chutiyas to various parts of lower and middle Assam. The Ahom king Suhungmung showed respect for the Chutiyas’ bravery by appointing Sadhani’s brother, Sadhaknarayan, as a vassal ruler. The Ahom king gave an estate bounded on the north by Kabirar Ali, on the south by Brahmaputra river , on the east by the Routa and on the west by Dhansiri river, to Sadhok Narayan. Sadhok Narayan later shared a part of his estate with Kityapal who was nephew of King Nitipal.
Later the Ahoms and Chutiyas developed harmony through intermarriages and mutual respect, enriching Assam’s cultural landscape. Chutiyas were integrated into Ahom administration, with notable individuals like Langi Panihiya Borphukan, Piksai Chetia Phukan, and Jadu Borua holding key positions, showcasing their contributions to Assam’s history.
While Ahom chronicles (Buranjis) extensively document the Chutiya-Ahom conflicts, they rarely mention about Queen Sadhani. The most detailed accounts of her life appear in two narratives compiled by Suryya Kumar Bhuyan in the Deodhai Assam Buranji in two chapters.
Bhuyan had mentioned in ‘Deodhai Assam Buranji” that the first account had been reproduced from an old chronicle, which was published in the ‘Arunuday’ for December 1850, by William Robinson, Inspector of Government School in Assam. But William Robinson had not clearly mentioned from whom the old chronicle was obtained.(18) While the Second chronicle was collected by Bhuyan himself from an old manuscript available in the family of Sukumar Mahanta. (19)
Besides aforesaid sources in W.B.Brown’s “An Outline Grammar of Deori-Chutiya Language” which was published in 1895, we may have some hints regarding existence of ancient Chutiya Chronicle. Brown had included two notes written by E.T. Dalton and H.F. Kellner. Kellner’s note mentions a genealogy obtained from an individual named Amrit Narayan, while Dalton referenced another Chutiya manuscript in his Notes on the Chutiyas of Upper Assam.
In his article “ Notes on the Chutiya of Upper Assam by Lieutenant E.T. Dalton had mentioned that “There is extant an ancient chronicle in the Hindu Assamese language and character which treats of the early history of the Chutiyas and the establishment of their govern-ment at Sadiya, but it gives no dates, and, as it agrees in all particulars with the traditions I have elsewhere met with, it may merely be a compilation from them. ……..
…..Ratnadaj was succeeded by his son Bijaidaj Pal, of whom and the three kings who reigned after him, Bikramdaj Pal, Gurudaj Pal, and Dharmadaj Pal, nothing but the names are recorded. The next in succession is Karmadaj Pal, who in the decline of life obtained by his prayers, what had been denied to his virility, the blessing of a child to comfort his old age, a. girl, who was thence called ” Sadhuni,” “the solicited, prayed for.”
Though Daltons had mentioned about princess Sadhani he had not clearly indicates about getting any written manuscript. Further in reference to Dalton’s account , H.F.Kellner had mentioned as follows:
“I have carefully compared Lieutenant Dalton’s account of the Chutiyas with the Bansabali which I obtained from Amrit Narain. The two accounts agree in most points, but Lieutenant Dalton does not mention the tradition that Kubir was the father of Ratnadaj Pal, he having treated Bibar’s wife, Rupavati, after the same fashion as Siva the wife of Hirya Mech. Kubir accomplished his purpose by appearing to Rupovat in likeness of her husband.”
H.F. Kellener’s remarks had testified that one Bansabali or chronology of Chutiya Dynasty was maintain by Amrit Narayan’s family. Amirt Narayan was a descendent of Sadhak Narayan’s the royal bloodline of Chutiya kings. He was a Jominder or landlord during British Raj (with effect from 1829 to 1855) and was entitled with Borua title. (20)
Aforesaid chronology preserved by the Chutiya royal family confirm the heroic exploits of Birangana Sadhani, highlighting her bravery and significance in history. These records serve as a testament to her enduring legacy.
Further research by new scholars can indeed shed more light on the lesser-known aspects of the Chutiya dynasty and Assam’s history. We hope that the sacrifice of Birangana Sadhani will continue to inspire future generations as a powerful symbol of women’s empowerment, courage, and patriotism.
References:
(1) Scoff H. Wilfred, The Periplus of the Erythrean Sea. Pg.287-288
(2) Casson, Lionel, The Periplus Maris Erythrai, 1914, pp. 242- 244.
(3) Baruah, Swarnalata. Chutiya Jatir Buranji ,Chutiya Jatir Buranji Pronoyan Samitee, April, 2007. Pg.10
(4 )Eliays , Ney , Introductory Sketch of the History of Shans in Upper Burma and Western Yunan, Calcutta Printed At the Foreign Department Press , 1876. pp.32
(3) Baruah, Swarnalata. Chutiya Jatir Buranji ,Chutiya Jatir Buranji Pronoyan Samitee, April, 2007. Pg.10
4) Casson, Lionel, The Periplus Maris Erythrai, 1914, pp. 242- 244
(5) Rajkumar ,Sarbananda, Chutiya , Bhuyan aru Motok Rajya. Publisher: Sarbananda Rajkumar , Deputy Commissioner , Kamrup , Guwahati, Axom Prokason Porishad, 1964 , pp.27.
( 6) Chutiya, Prasanta , A History of Chutiyas , Published Sati Sadhani Rajyik Vishwavidyalaya , Golaghat , Assam ,pp.32-33.
7) Bhuyan , Surya Kumar, Deodhai Asam Buranji, Published by Historical and Antiquarian Studies, Assam: Gauhati 1962. Pg.147.
(8 ) Chutiya, Prasanta , A History of Chutiyas , Published Sati Sadhani Rajyik Vishwavidyalaya , Golaghat , Assam ,pp.43-44
( 9) Bhuyan , Surya Kumar, Deodhai Asam Buranji, Published by Historical and Antiquarian Studies, Assam: Gauhati 1962. Pg.144.
(10) Buragohain, Nobin, Ahom Jugar Rajdhani, pp.51.
(11 ) Gaits, Sir Edward Albert, A History of Assam, Calcutta: Thacker, Spink & Co.1906. pp.84
(12) Gaits, Sir Edward Albert, A History of Assam, Calcutta: Thacker, Spink & Co.1906. pp.84
(13) Bhuyan , Surya Kumar, Deodhai Asam Buranji, Published by Historical and Antiquarian Studies, Assam: Gauhati 1962. Pg.145
(14 ) Bhuyan, Suryakumar, Satsari Asom Buranji, pp.131
(15) Gaits, Sir Edward Albert, A History of Assam, Calcutta: Thacker, Spink & Co.1906. pp.85
(16) Bhuyan, Suryakumar, Asom Buranji, , Published by Historical and Antiquarian Studies, Assam: Gauhati, 1988, pp.10
(17) Gaits, Sir Edward Albert, A History of Assam, Calcutta: Thacker, Spink & Co.1906. ,pp.87
(18) Bhuyan , Surya Kumar, Deodhai Asam Buranji, Published by Historical and Antiquarian Studies, Assam: Gauhati 1962. Origin Sources of “Deodhai Asam Buranji” , pp.xxxiv.
(19) Bhuyan , Surya Kumar, Deodhai Asam Buranji, Published by Historical and Antiquarian Studies, Assam: Gauhati 1962. Origin Sources of “Deodhai Asam Buranji” , pp.xxxv
(20) Khonikor, Suryakanta, Chutiya Jatir Itihas aru Lok-Sanskriti, 2nd edition,2003, pp.86
Data Edited by:
Sri Diganta Kumar Gogoi, (Writer) Mayang
Sri Nobin Buragohain, (Historian), Sivasgar.
Special Thanks to:
Sri Anjan Sarma, Editor , Mahabahu , Guwahati
Sri Kshirod Kumar Saikia( Writer ), Dibrugarh.
Thanks to:
Sri Prasanta Kumar Chutiya, (Historian), Sivsagar.
Sri Bhupen Chutia, Principal, Sodiya College, Chopakhowa
Sri Ashim Chutiya, Principal, Sepon College.
Sri Jipen Borua, Descendent of Chutiya Prince Kityapal, Routa
Sri Deven Borua, (Writer), Tinsukia.
21-04-2025
Mahabahu.com is an Online Magazine with collection of premium Assamese and English articles and posts with cultural base and modern thinking. You can send your articles to editor@mahabahu.com / editor@mahabahoo.com(For Assamese article, Unicode font is necessary) Images from different sources.
Related Posts
অসমৰ অন্তৰ্ভুক্তি, ৰেডক্লিফ ৰেখা আৰু সপ্তাঞ্চলত ব্ৰিটিছ সাম্ৰাজ্যবাদৰ উত্তৰাধিকাৰ
অসমৰ অন্তৰ্ভুক্তি, ৰেডক্লিফ ৰেখা আৰু সপ্তাঞ্চলত ব্ৰিটিছ সাম্ৰাজ্যবাদৰ উত্তৰাধিকাৰ অঞ্জন শৰ্মা অঞ্জন শৰ্মা ১৯৪৭ চনৰ আগষ্টত অংকিত ৰেডক্লিফ ৰেখা ভাৰতীয়...
Read moreDetails
Mahabahu: An International Journal Showcasing Premium Articles and Thought-Provoking Opinions on Global Challenges—From Climate Change and Gender Equality to Economic Upliftment.