Lachit Borphukan

In News 

• Recently, the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid tribute to Lachit Borphukan.

About 

• Born: 24th November 1622.
  • This day is celebrated by the people of Assam and the nation as Lachit Diwas.
• He was an Army General of Ahom (Assam) Kingdom and is revered as the greatest military hero of Assam.
• He excelled in the art of Guerrilla Warfare.
• He is known for his exemplary leadership in the Battle of Saraighat (1671), where the Ahoms defeated the Mughal forces.
  • The battle was fought on the Brahmaputra River near Saraighat and was the last major attempt by the Mughals to extend their empire into Assam.
• The Lachit Borphukan gold medal is awarded to the best cadet from the National Defence Academy.
  • It was instituted in 1999 to inspire defence personnel to emulate Borphukan’s heroism and sacrifices.
• Death: 25th April 1672.

Source: PIB