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Ahom Commander Lachit Borphukan, Heroism of Lachit Borphukan

Who is Lachit Borphukan?

Lachit Borphukan was a general of the Ahom Kingdom, who led his army successfully in resisting the imperial expansion of the Mughal Empire in the late 1600s. He is best known for his victory in the Battle of Saraighat in 1671, which prevented the Mughals from conquering Assam. Lachit Borphukan was born in 1622 in Charaideo, Assam. He came from a family of military leaders, and he began his career in the Ahom Army at a young age. He quickly rose through the ranks, and by the time he was 30 years old, he had been appointed Borphukan, the commander of the Ahom army in the eastern region of Assam.

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In 1671, the Mughal Empire, under the leadership of Emperor Aurangzeb, launched a major invasion of Assam. The Mughal army was much larger and better equipped than the Ahom army, but Lachit Borphukan devised a brilliant strategy to defeat them. He blockaded the Brahmaputra River at Saraighat, where the Mughal army was forced to cross. The Ahom army fought from boats on the river, and they were able to inflict heavy casualties on the Mughals. The Mughal army was eventually defeated, and they were forced to retreat.

Lachit Borphukan died a year after the Battle of Saraighat, but his victory is still celebrated in Assam today. He is considered to be one of the greatest heroes in Assamese history, and his legacy continues to inspire people all over India. Here are some of his notable achievements:

  • Led the Ahom army to victory in the Battle of Saraighat, which prevented the Mughals from conquering Assam.
  • Devised a brilliant strategy to defeat the Mughal army, which was much larger and better equipped than the Ahom army.
  • Is considered to be one of the greatest heroes in Assamese history.
  • His legacy continues to inspire people all over India.

Legacy of Lachit Borphukan

Lachit Borphukan is a legendary figure in Assamese history. He was a brilliant military strategist who led the Ahom army to victory in the Battle of Saraighat, which prevented the Mughals from conquering Assam. His victory is still celebrated today as a symbol of Assamese independence and resilience. Borphukan is also remembered for his administrative and diplomatic skills. He was a wise and just ruler who promoted education and economic development in Assam. His legacy continues to inspire people all over India as a symbol of courage, determination, and leadership.

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Background of Ahom Commander Lachit Borphukan

Lachit Borphukan, the revered Ahom commander, was born in 1622 in Guwahati, Assam, during a crucial period in the history of the Ahom Kingdom. Hailing from the prestigious Borphukan clan, Lachit was raised in an environment that valued leadership, courage, and military prowess. He received a comprehensive education that included martial training, military tactics, and administration.

His family background and upbringing prepared him for a life dedicated to serving his kingdom. As he grew older, Lachit honed his skills and ascended through the ranks of the Ahom military, earning a reputation for his astute strategic thinking and unyielding dedication to the defense of Assam. This solid foundation, coupled with his unwavering commitment to his people, would ultimately shape Lachit Borphukan into the legendary commander he is celebrated as today.

History of the Ahom Kingdom and their Commander Lachit Borphukan

The Ahom Kingdom was a kingdom in Assam that lasted for nearly 600 years. It was founded in the 13th century by Sukaphaa, a Tai prince from Mong Mao (present-day Yunnan Province, China). The Ahom Kingdom was able to resist Mughal expansion in Northeast India for a long time. Lachit Borphukan was a general of the Ahom Kingdom who led his army to victory in the Battle of Saraighat in 1671. This victory prevented the Mughals from conquering Assam. Lachit Borphukan was a brilliant military strategist and a skilled administrator. He is remembered as one of the greatest heroes in Assamese history.

  • Lachit Borphukan was a commander and councilor in the Ahom Kingdom.
  • The Ahom Kingdom resisted the invasion of the Mughal Empire several times and reigned in present-day Assam for over 600 years.

About Ahom Dynasty

    • The Ahom Dynasty was founded in 1228 in Assam’s Brahmaputra Valley.
    • The first King of the Ahom Kingdom was Chaolung Sukaphaa, who crossed the Patkai mountainous region to reach the Brahmaputra valley.
    • In 1615, the Ahom Dynasty engaged in its first significant conflict with the Mughal Empire.
    • So, the Mughal-Ahom conflict first began in 1615 and continued afterward. It was against this backdrop Lachit grew up.
    • The Mughals conquered the Ahom capital of Garhgaon in 1662 but were defeated in later battles.

Mughal-Ahom Conflict

  • By the time of Lachit Borphukan’s appointment as commander, the Mughals had occupied Guwahati and had forced the Ahoms to sign the humiliating peace treaty of Treaty of Ghilajharighat in 1663 which imposed harsh conditions on the Ahom kingdom.
  • King Chakradhwaj Singha resolved to rid the entire region of the Mughal occupation, a will that would be carried out by Lachit Borphukan.
  • Finally, during the battle of Saraighat in 1671, the Ahoms led by Lachit Borphukan successfully defeated the Mughals.
  • Borphukan is mainly known for his leadership in this battle.
  • By 1682, the Mughal influence in the region was completely eradicated.

The heroism of Ahom Commander Lachit Borphukan

Here is a brief summary of Ahom Commander Lachit Borphukan’s heroism:

  1. Lachit Borphukan was a brilliant military strategist who led the Ahom army to victory in the Battle of Saraighat.
  2. He blockaded the Brahmaputra River at Saraighat, where the Mughal army was forced to cross.
  3. The Ahom army fought from boats on the river, and they were able to inflict heavy casualties on the Mughals.
  4. The Mughal army was eventually defeated, and they were forced to retreat.
  5. Lachit Borphukan was also a skilled administrator who promoted education and economic development in Assam.
  6. He died in 1672, but his legacy continues to inspire people all over India.

Lachit Borphukan Gold Medal

Lachit Borphukan Gold Medal

The Lachit Borphukan Gold Medal is awarded to the best cadet passing out of the National Defence Academy (NDA) every year. The medal is named after Lachit Borphukan, a general of the Ahom Kingdom who led his army to victory in the Battle of Saraighat in 1671. The medal is made of gold and features a portrait of Lachit Borphukan on one side and the NDA crest on the other. The Lachit Borphukan Gold Medal is a prestigious award that is given to cadets who have demonstrated outstanding academic and military performance. The medal is a testament to the cadet’s hard work and dedication, and it is a reminder of the sacrifices that Lachit Borphukan made to defend his country.

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FAQs

Q. Who was the king of Ahom Kingdom during the battle of Saraighat in 1671?

Ans. The king of Ahom Kingdom during the battle of Saraighat in 1671 was Sri Chakradhwaj Singha.

Q. The best cadet from the National Defence Academy is awarded with which award?

Ans. The best cadet from the National Defence Academy is awarded the Lachit Borphukan gold medal.

Q. When did the Mughal-Ahom conflict first begin?

Ans. The Mughal-Ahom conflict first began in 1615 and continued afterwards. It was in this backdrop Lachit grew up in.