Context:
Recently, the Prime Minister of India paid tribute to Lachit Borphukan on Lachit Diwas.
Relevance:
Facts for Prelims
Dimensions of the Article:
- Lachit Borphukan
- Ahom Kingdom Overview
Lachit Borphukan:
- Revered in Assam for his pivotal role in the Battle of Saraighat in 1671 against the Mughals.
- Served as the commander of Ahom armies, displaying exceptional military prowess.
Battle of Saraighat:
- Fought on the banks of the Brahmaputra in Guwahati.
- Successfully employed guerrilla tactics, providing an advantage to his smaller, agile forces.
Administrative Responsibilities:
- Chosen as one of the five Borphukans by King Charadhwaj Singha.
- Entrusted with administrative, judicial, and military duties, showcasing his multifaceted capabilities.
Military Strategy:
- Known for preferring guerrilla tactics, showcasing strategic acumen.
- Led fast-moving and highly capable forces, contributing to the success of the Ahom armies.
Legacy:
- Revered as a brilliant military commander who played a pivotal role in preserving Assam’s independence.
- Succumbed to a prolonged illness a year after the Battle of Saraighat.
Ahom Kingdom Overview:
- Ruled significant parts of present-day Assam for nearly 600 years, from the early 13th century to the early 19th century.
- Flourished as a prosperous, multi-ethnic kingdom in the Brahmaputra valley, sustaining on rice cultivation in fertile lands.
- Engaged in conflicts with the Mughals from 1615-1682, spanning the reigns of Jahangir to Aurangzeb.
