Lachit Borphukan

In News

• Recently, the Assam Chief Minister launched an event to mark the 400th anniversary of Lachit Barphukan, a celebrated general of the Ahom dynasty.

Lachit Borphukan

• Born: on November 24, 1622 in Charaideo, the first capital of the Ahom kings. 
• Excelled in the art of Guerrilla Warfare.
• Led two battles against an alien Mughal army.
  • Battle of Alaboi:
    • Fought on August 5, 1669 in the Alaboi Hills near Dadara in North Guwahati.
    • Aurangzeb had ordered the invasion in 1669 under his ally Rajput Raja Ram Singh I who led a combined Mughal and Rajput army. 
    • Borphukan engaged in guerrilla warfare, assaulting the invaders and then falling back until Ram Singh I unleashed his entire forces on the Ahoms, defeating them in the Battle of Alaboi.
  • Naval battle in Saraighat in 1671:
    • Lachit Borphukon’s valorous leadership led to the decisive defeat of the Mughals.
    • According to historical accounts, Lachit is said to have tricked the Mughals by feigning an attack in front. 
    • As the fleet advanced on the river Brahmaputra, the main Ahom fleet attacked from behind, sealing a victory for the locals.
• Death: 25th April 1672.

Image Courtesy: TN 

Source: TH