Lachit Borphukan
In the history of Hindu India, there were many kings and generals, who had not only stopped the islamic war machines but made the Mughals to retreat to their home lands. They reshaped the destiny of hindustan, for the natives & discouraged islamic Invasions. Lachit Borphukan, a notable military commander from the Ahom kingdom, was one among them. He played a pivotal role in defending the Ahom kingdom against the Mughal forces during the 17th century.
Lachit Borphukan was born in 1622 into a prominent Ahom family. The Ahom dynasty was a powerful kingdom in Northeast India that ruled over Assam for nearly six centuries. Lachit rose through the ranks in the Ahom army and eventually became the Borphukan, which was a high-ranking military and administrative position in the Ahom kingdom.
In the 1660s, the Mughal Empire under Emperor Aurangzeb launched an expedition to conquer the Ahom kingdom and extend Mughal influence into the northeastern region of India. During this time, Lachit Borphukan was appointed as the commander-in-chief of the Ahom army. The Battle of Saraighat, fought in 1671, became the most significant event in Lachit Borphukan’s military career. The Mughal forces, led by Raja Ram Singh I, faced fierce resistance from the Ahom defenders. Lachit’s strategic brilliance and leadership skills were crucial in the Ahom victory. Despite being outnumbered and facing well-equipped Mughal naval forces, Lachit’s tactical acumen and determination led the Ahom forces to a decisive triumph, preventing the Mughals from annexing Assam.
Lachit Borphukan delivered a crushing and humiliating defeat on the Mughals. The heroic fight of Lachit Borphukan and his army remains one of the most inspiring military feats of resistance in the history of our country
Lachit Borphukan’s dedication to his motherland and his military prowess in the face of adversity have made him a revered figure in Assamese history and folklore. He is celebrated as a symbol of Assamese pride and heroism. Every year, on the occasion of “Lachit Divas,” people in Assam pay homage to his memory, and his legacy continues to inspire generations.
Lachit Borphukan’s role in the Battle of Saraighat and his contributions to the defense of the Ahom kingdom have earned him a place among the great military leaders of Indian history. His courage, leadership, and love for his homeland have made him an enduring and celebrated figure in Assam’s history and culture.
