Lachit Diwas – 401st Birth Anniversary of Lachit Borphukan

GS Paper I Art and Culture

Context:

Lachit Divas honors the military brilliance and leadership of Lachit Borphukan celebrated every year on November 24th

Spread: The Ahom kings ruled large parts of present-day Assam, spread across the Brahmaputra valley from the early 13th century to the early 19th century.
Conflict with Mughals: The Ahoms engaged in a series of conflicts with the Mughals from 1615-1682, starting from the reign of Jahangir till the reign of Aurangzeb.
Mughal Victory: One of the major early military conflicts was in 1662, where the Mughals conquered parts of Assam and briefly occupied Garhgaon, the Ahom capital.
Counter-Offensive: Started under Ahom King Swargadeo Chakradhwaja Singha.
- After Ahom’s initial victories, Aurangzeb sent Raja Ram Singh I of Jaipur in 1669, resulting in the Battle of Saraighat in 1671.
- Battle of Saraighat: It was fought between the Ahom King Swargadeo Chakradhwaja Singha and Raja Ram Singh I.

He was the legendary Assamese general and folk hero who led his troops to victory in the Battle of Saraighat in 1671 and died a year after from an illness.
Role of Lachit Borphukan: He was a military commander who was chosen as one of the five councillors of the Ahom kingdom by king Chakradhwaja Singha, and given administrative, judicial, and military responsibilities.
- He preferred guerrilla tactics which provided an edge to the smaller, but fast moving and capable forces.

Lachit Diwas

Significance: His achievements stand as a symbol of defiance against external forces in the face of adversity.
- He has emerged as one of the most revered heroes in Assamese history, epitomising qualities of bravery, courage, and intelligence.

News Source: PIB