Lachit Borphukan, often hailed as the “Shivaji of the Northeast,” was a legendary military leader and warrior of the 17th century. Serving as the commander of the Ahom Kingdom, Lachit is renowned for his unparalleled courage and tactical genius that led to the defeat of the Mughal army in the historic Battle of Saraighat in 1667. His leadership not only safeguarded the sovereignty of Assam but also permanently halted Mughal expansion in the region.
The Ahom Kingdom, which ruled Assam for nearly 600 years, saw no greater patriot, strategist, or warrior than Lachit Borphukan. His exceptional military acumen and unwavering dedication to his land and people made him a towering figure in Indian history, comparable to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj of western India.
The Battle of Saraighat: A Turning Point
The Mughals, under Emperor Aurangzeb, aimed to extend their empire into the northeastern territories, driven by their policies of territorial expansion and religious dominance. Over the course of 70 years, the Mughals clashed with the Ahom Kingdom repeatedly but were unable to conquer it. The decisive blow came during the Battle of Saraighat, where Lachit Borphukan’s leadership dealt a crushing defeat to the Mughal forces, led by General Ram Singh. This victory ensured that the Mughals could never establish their dominion in the northeastern region.
Lachit Borphukan: Early Life and Rise
Born on November 24, 1622, in the Golaghat district of modern Assam, Lachit was originally named Chao Lachit. His father, Momai Tamuli Borbarua, was a prominent figure in the Ahom Kingdom, serving as the first Borbarua (a high-ranking official). Lachit earned the title “Borphukan” when he was appointed as the commander of the Ahom Kingdom’s western territories.
Momai Tamuli’s journey from being a bonded laborer to one of the most trusted administrators of the Ahom ruler, Swargadeo Pratap Singha, set the foundation for Lachit’s rise. Known for his diligence and loyalty, Momai was nicknamed “Momai Tamuli” after being appointed the overseer of the royal gardens. His reputation as a steadfast and capable leader earned him the admiration of the Ahom court and a place in history as a key architect of the kingdom’s administration.
The Administrative and Military Framework of the Ahom Kingdom
The Ahom administration, solidified under King Pratap Singha, was a well-structured system. It included five key ministers: Burhagohain, Borgohain, Borpatrogohain, Borbarua, and Borphukan. Lachit Borphukan, as the Borphukan, governed the western territories of the kingdom.
The Ahom military was equally organized. Soldiers were grouped into units led by specific commanders:
- Deka (10 soldiers)
- Bora (20 soldiers)
- Saikia (100 soldiers)
- Hazarika (1,000 soldiers)
- Rajkhowa (3,000 soldiers)
The Borphukan commanded 6,000 soldiers, showcasing the advanced military organization of the Ahom Kingdom. This structure played a crucial role in their success against the Mughals.
Originally known as Lachit Dekha, he was later bestowed the title of Borphukan, denoting his important military role within the Ahom kingdom.
Trained in humanities and military tactics, Lachit was first appointed as the flag bearer for Ahom king Swargadeo. This position marked his foray into the world of military leadership and politics, paving the way for greater responsibilities. Prior to becoming Borphukan, Lachit had also served as the chief of the royal cavalry, overseer of the strategically significant Simlagarh fort, and head of the royal cavalry protection unit.
Under the reign of King Chakkradhwaj Singha, Lachit was entrusted with the critical task of leading the Ahom forces against the Mughal invaders, who had been persistently attacking Assam since January 1662. Despite facing substantial threats from the Mughal general Mir Jumla II, the Ahom forces managed to thwart his advances following a series of guerrilla attacks spearheaded by King Jayadhvaj Singha. After restructuring the army, King Chakkradhwaj appointed Lachit as the commander-in-chief, a decision that would prove vital in subsequent conflicts.
Lachit Borphukan’s military acumen became evident in 1667 when he launched a campaign to reclaim Guwahati from the Mughals. Setting his headquarters in Kaliabar, he executed a series of successful operations that culminated in recapturing strategic locations, including the renowned Itaguli stronghold. His decisive actions not only led to the capture of Mughal commander Firoz Khan but also earned him a gilded sword, “Hengdang,” from King Chakkradhwaj Singha.
Despite these early victories, the Mughal Empire, under Emperor Aurangzeb, was relentless. In 1669-70, a series of clashes ensued between the two factions, though no clear victor emerged. The stage was set for one of the most significant encounters in the region’s military history—the Battle of Saraiyaghat in 1671.
This epic confrontation unfolded in the Brahmaputra River and is marked as a crucial moment that innovated water combat strategies. The Mughal forces, under Rajput commander Ram Singh, boasted a formidable army of over 30,000 troops, supported by a fleet of more than 1,000 boats. In contrast, the Ahom forces, bolstered by local allies including Jayantia, Garo, Naga, and Dungrong soldiers, had the strategic advantage offered by the challenging monsoon conditions.
As tensions rose, misinformation circulated within the Ahom camp. A purported message from Ram Singh suggested that Lachit had been bribed and had abandoned the battlefield—a tactic that sowed distrust among the Ahom ranks. However, Prime Minister Atan Buragohain intervened, reassuring the king of Lachit’s integrity and loyalty.
The ensuing battles were fierce, with Lachit demonstrating exceptional tactical skills even in dire situations. Despite initial setbacks—such as significant Ahom troop losses—his persistence turned the tide, leading to a resounding victory against the Mughals.
Originally known as Lachit Dekha, he was later bestowed the title of Borphukan, denoting his important military role within the Ahom kingdom.
Trained in humanities and military tactics, Lachit was first appointed as the flag bearer for Ahom king Swargadeo. This position marked his foray into the world of military leadership and politics, paving the way for greater responsibilities. Prior to becoming Borphukan, Lachit had also served as the chief of the royal cavalry, overseer of the strategically significant Simlagarh fort, and head of the royal cavalry protection unit.
Under the reign of King Chakkradhwaj Singha, Lachit was entrusted with the critical task of leading the Ahom forces against the Mughal invaders, who had been persistently attacking Assam since January 1662. Despite facing substantial threats from the Mughal general Mir Jumla II, the Ahom forces managed to thwart his advances following a series of guerrilla attacks spearheaded by King Jayadhvaj Singha. After restructuring the army, King Chakkradhwaj appointed Lachit as the commander-in-chief, a decision that would prove vital in subsequent conflicts.
Lachit Borphukan’s military acumen became evident in 1667 when he launched a campaign to reclaim Guwahati from the Mughals. Setting his headquarters in Kaliabar, he executed a series of successful operations that culminated in recapturing strategic locations, including the renowned Itaguli stronghold. His decisive actions not only led to the capture of Mughal commander Firoz Khan but also earned him a gilded sword, “Hengdang,” from King Chakkradhwaj Singha.
Despite these early victories, the Mughal Empire, under Emperor Aurangzeb, was relentless. In 1669-70, a series of clashes ensued between the two factions, though no clear victor emerged. The stage was set for one of the most significant encounters in the region’s military history—the Battle of Saraiyaghat in 1671.
This epic confrontation unfolded in the Brahmaputra River and is marked as a crucial moment that innovated water combat strategies. The Mughal forces, under Rajput commander Ram Singh, boasted a formidable army of over 30,000 troops, supported by a fleet of more than 1,000 boats. In contrast, the Ahom forces, bolstered by local allies including Jayantia, Garo, Naga, and Dungrong soldiers, had the strategic advantage offered by the challenging monsoon conditions.
As tensions rose, misinformation circulated within the Ahom camp. A purported message from Ram Singh suggested that Lachit had been bribed and had abandoned the battlefield—a tactic that sowed distrust among the Ahom ranks. However, Prime Minister Atan Buragohain intervened, reassuring the king of Lachit’s integrity and loyalty.
The ensuing battles were fierce, with Lachit demonstrating exceptional tactical skills even in dire situations. Despite initial setbacks—such as significant Ahom troop losses—his persistence turned the tide, leading to a resounding victory against the Mughals.
Before the historic Battle of Saraiyaghat, Ahom army commander Lachit Borphukan fell severely ill, rendering him unable to participate. However, as the battle commenced and the Ahom forces began to falter against the Mughal army, Lachit, despite his ailment, joined the fray. His extraordinary leadership turned the tide of the battle, resulting in the killing of approximately 4,000 Mughal soldiers and the destruction of numerous enemy boats.
The defeat at Saraiyaghat proved catastrophic for the Mughals, forcing them to retreat and abandon any further attempts to invade Assam, forever altering the region’s power dynamics.
A crucial aspect of the Mughal-Ahom conflict is the contemporary nature of Lachit Borphukan and Shivaji, the founder of Hindavi Swaraj. Both these valiant warriors faced the same Mughal commanders. Among them was Shaista Khan, the then-Governor of Bengal, who suffered a notable defeat at the hands of Shivaji in Pune, leading to his transfer to Bengal by Aurangzeb. The very Mughal commander who faced Lachit Borphukan at Saraiyaghat was the same who oversaw Shivaji’s dramatic escape from imprisonment.
The Mughal Empire made a total of seventeen attempts to conquer Assam, yet they were never successful. The valiant Assamese forces consistently thwarted the formidable Mughal advances, ensuring that the Middle Eastern empire could not lay claim to Assam.
Tragically, just a year after the pivotal victory at Saraiyaghat, Lachit Borphukan passed away due to natural causes. In his memory, a monument was erected by Swargadeo Udayaditya Chakradhwaja Singha in 1672, located around 16 kilometers from Jorhat at Hulungpara.
In honour of his bravery and sacrifices, the National Defence Academy presents the Lachit Borphukan Gold Medal to its best cadet. Established in 1999, this award recognizes the valor of Borphukan and aims to inspire defense personnel to emulate his dedication and commitment.
Lachit Borphukan’s legacy continues to resonate in Assam and beyond, serving as a symbol of courage in the face of adversity. His exemplary leadership not only shaped military history but also instilled a sense of pride and resilience among the Assamese people.
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