Lachit Diwas – 401st Birth Anniversary of Lachit Borphukan

Context:

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

Background of Ahom Kingdom 

• 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.

About Lachit Borphukan

• 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. 

• 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