Ahom Kingdom

The Ahom Kingdom

A Glimpse into Assam's Glorious Past

The Ahom Kingdom, also known as the Kingdom of Assam, is a significant chapter in the history of Northeast India. For nearly six centuries, from 1228 to 1826, the Ahom dynasty ruled over a vast region that now constitutes most of modern-day Assam. Their reign is marked by remarkable achievements in administration, warfare, and culture, leaving an indelible mark on Assam's heritage.

The Origins of the Ahom Kingdom

The Ahom Kingdom was founded by Sukaphaa, a prince from the Tai ethnic group, who migrated from Mong Mao (modern-day Yunnan in China) to the Brahmaputra Valley in 1228. Sukaphaa established his capital in Charaideo, which later became the royal cemetery for the Ahom kings. His arrival marked the beginning of a dynasty that would dominate Assam for centuries.

Sukaphaa's leadership was characterized by his diplomatic skills, which allowed him to forge alliances with the indigenous communities, particularly the Barahi and Morans. The fusion of Tai and local traditions laid the foundation for a unique cultural and political entity that became known as the Ahom Kingdom.

Expansion and Consolidation

The early Ahom rulers focused on consolidating their power in the Brahmaputra Valley. By the 14th century, the kingdom expanded its territory through both diplomacy and military conquest. One of the most significant expansions occurred under the rule of Suhungmung (1497–1539), also known as Dihingia Raja. His reign saw the annexation of several neighboring territories and the establishment of a centralized administrative system.

The Ahoms were skilled warriors and strategists. Their military prowess was evident in their successful defense against the Mughals, who made several attempts to invade Assam. The most notable of these battles was the Battle of Saraighat in 1671, where the Ahom general Lachit Borphukan defeated the Mughal forces led by Raja Ram Singh I. This victory is celebrated as a symbol of Assamese resilience and valor.

Administration and Society

The Ahom rulers implemented an efficient administrative system that was ahead of its time. The kingdom was divided into several provinces, known as Sarkars, each governed by a Borphukan or a local administrator. The kingdom also had a well-organized revenue system, which relied on a survey of agricultural land and levying taxes accordingly.

The Ahom society was highly structured, with a strong emphasis on meritocracy. The kingdom's bureaucracy was largely composed of officials chosen for their abilities rather than their birth. This system allowed for social mobility and ensured that the most competent individuals held positions of power.

Religion played a significant role in Ahom society. While the Ahoms initially practiced their indigenous Tai faith, they gradually adopted Hinduism, particularly the Shaivite and Vaishnavite traditions. However, they retained many of their traditional practices, creating a syncretic culture that blended Hindu rituals with their original beliefs.

Contributions to Culture and Architecture

The Ahom Kingdom was not just a political entity; it was also a cradle of culture and learning. The Ahoms patronized the arts, literature, and architecture. The Buranjis, a genre of historical chronicles, were written during this period and provide valuable insights into the history and culture of the kingdom.

One of the most enduring legacies of the Ahoms is their architectural achievements. The kingdom is dotted with monuments that stand as a testament to their architectural prowess. The Rang Ghar, often referred to as Asia's oldest amphitheater, is a prominent example. The Talatal Ghar, a multi-storied palace in Sivasagar, showcases the Ahom's advanced engineering skills. The Ahoms also constructed numerous temples, including the renowned Siva Dol in Sivasagar, which remains a major pilgrimage site.

Decline and Legacy

The decline of the Ahom Kingdom began in the late 18th century, primarily due to internal strife and external invasions. The Burmese invasions in the early 19th century dealt a severe blow to the kingdom, leading to its eventual downfall. In 1826, the Treaty of Yandabo marked the end of the Ahom rule and the beginning of British colonial control over Assam.

Despite its decline, the legacy of the Ahom Kingdom continues to shape the identity of Assam. The Ahom dynasty's contributions to the region's culture, language, and traditions are deeply ingrained in Assamese society. The annual celebration of Lachit Divas on November 24th commemorates the bravery of Lachit Borphukan and serves as a reminder of the indomitable spirit of the Ahom warriors.

Conclusion

The Ahom Kingdom stands as a symbol of Assam's rich historical and cultural heritage. Its legacy is not only a source of pride for the people of Assam but also an important chapter in India's history. For visitors to Assam, exploring the remnants of the Ahom era offers a unique opportunity to connect with the region's past and appreciate the achievements of a remarkable dynasty that shaped the course of history in Northeast India. Whether it's visiting the majestic Rang Ghar, the historic Sivasagar town, or learning about the tales of valor and governance, the Ahom Kingdom continues to captivate the imagination of history enthusiasts and travelers alike.

in History Of Assam

Maidams

Assam History

Assam is the eastern most sentinel of India endowed with enchanting and picturesque natural beauty. The State is adorned with beautiful lush covers of greenery, a chain of hills and rivers mainly the Brahmaputra and the Barak. It has been the living place of various races, tribes and ethnic groups since time immemorial. The dynamics of synthesis and assimilation of the races make Assam glorified and rich.

There are several opinions to the origin of the name “Assam”. In the ancient Sanskrit literature both the names ‘Pragjyotisha’ and ‘Kamrupa’ were used as designation for ancient Assam. Its antiquity can be established from the fact that it has been mentioned in the two great epics- The Mahabharata and the Ramayana and also in the Puranas. Regarding the name ‘Prajyotisha’ or ‘Pragjyotishpura’, Gait (1992, reprint) writes that Prag means ‘former’ or ‘eastern’ and Jyotisha ‘a star’, astrology, shining. Pragjyotishpur may, therefore, be taken to mean the ‘City of Eastern Astrology’.

References of Kamarupa are found in literature as well as in many epigraphs. The mythology regarding the origin of the name Kamarupa tells us the story of Sati who died due to the discourtesy shown to her husband by her father Daksha. Overcame by grief, Shiva carried her dead body and wandered throughout the world. In order to put a stop to this, Vishnu used his discus to cut the body into pieces, which then fell into different places. One such piece fell down on Nilachal hills near Gauhati and the place was henceforth held sacred as Kamakhya. But Shiva’s penance did not stop, so the Gods sent Kamdev, the cupid to break his penance by making him fall in love. Kamdev succeeded in his mission, but Siva enraged at this result, burnt Kamdev to ashes. Kamdev eventually regained his original form here and from then onward the country came to be known as Kamarupa (Where Kama regained his Rupa or form).

The name ‘Aham’ or ‘Asom’ was probably given by the Ahoms who came to Assam in 1228 A.D. Even though the origin is ambiguous but it is believed that the modern name Assam is itself an anglicization.

The Ahom’s entered Assam fully assimilated and ruled Assam for nearly six hundred years. The period of Ahom rule is a glorious chapter in the history of Assam. The Ahom dynasty was established by Sukaphaa, a Shan prince of Mong Mao who came to Assam after crossing the Patkai Mountains. It is between 13th and 19th century that several tribal communities also came into the historical forefront of Assam. Kacharis, Chutias and Koch were the prominent tribal groups that were found in the medieval times of Assam. The rule of this dynasty ended with the Burmese invasion of Assam and the subsequent annexation by the British East India Company following the Treaty of Yandaboo in 1826. The British emperor took charge of the state and thus begun the colonial era of Assam.

Assam lost much of its territory to new states that emerged from within its borders. The British annexed Cachar in 1832 and Jaintia Hills in 1835. In 1874, Assam became a separate province with Shillong as its capital. Sylhet was merged with East Bengal on partition of India. With the partition and independence of India in 1947, the district of Sylhet (excluding the Karimganj subdivision) was ceded to Pakistan (the eastern portion of which later became Bangladesh).

However, like all other states of India, Assam was also involved in various freedom movements. With the enthusiastic participation of many courageous activists Assam, Assam became a constituent state of India in 1950. It saw further reduction of its area when Dewangiri in North Kamrupa was ceded to Bhutan in 1951. The capital of Assam was formerly Shillong (now the capital of Meghalaya), and later shifted to Dispur, a suburb of Guwahati, in 1972. The States of Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram got their own separate states.

The history of Assam has passed several stages of development to reach to its present state. The history of Assam can be divided into four eras. The ancient era began in the 4th century with the mention of Kamarupa in Samudragupta's inscriptions on the Allahabad pillar and the establishment of the Kamarupa kingdom. The medieval era began with the attacks from the Bengal Sultanate, the first of which took place in 1206 by Bakhtiyar Khilji as mentioned in the Kanai-boroxiboa rock inscription, after the breakup of the ancient kingdom and the sprouting of medieval kingdoms and chieftain-ships in its place. The colonial era began with the establishment of British control after the Treaty of Yandaboo in 1826, and the post-colonial era began in 1947 after the Independence of India.

The first Governor of independent Assam was Sir Muhammad Saleh Akbar Hydari and Chief Minister was Gopinath Bordoloi who witnessed the foundations laid of Gauhati University (1948), Gauhati High Court (1948) and Guwahati station of All India Radio (AIR). When Gopinath Bordoloi passed away in 1950, Bishnu Ram Medhi took over as the next Chief Minister of Assam. During his tenure from 1950 to 1957, the First Five-Year Plan was started, Panchayat system of governance was introduced and the agricultural sector got more importance.

Bimla Prasad Chaliha was the third chief minister from 1957 to 1970. In 1958th the 66th session of Congress was held at Jalukbari, Guwahati. The Saraighat Bridge was constructed over the Brahmaputra river (1965), an Oil refinery was established at Noonmati, Guwahati in 1962 during his time. In 1959-60 the famous language revolt took place in Assam, and as a result Assamese became the official language of the State and Bengali also enjoyed the same status in the Cachar District of Barak Valley.

Mohendra Mohan Choudhury assumed the mantle of chief minister in 1970. The foundation of Bongaigaon Petro-Chemicals, Paper Mill at Jogighopa and Jute factory at Silghat in Nagaon were laid in his tenure. In 1972 Sarat Chandra Sinha came to power after Congress secured absolute majority. In 1974 the capital was finally shifted to Dispur in Guwahati.

The Assam Movement (1979-1985) was a popular movement against illegal immigrants in Assam. The movement, led by All Assam Students Union (AASU) and the All Assam Gana Sangram Parishad (AAGSP), developed a program of protests and demonstration to compel the Indian government to identify and expel illegal, (mostly Bangladeshisi), immigrants and protect and provide constitutional, legislative and administrative safeguards to the indigenous Assamese people. The agitation programs were largely non-violent, but the Nellie massacre was a case of extreme violence. The agitation program ended in August 1985 following the Assam Accord, which was signed by leaders of AASU-AAGSP and the Government of India.

The Assam Accord (1985) was a Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) signed between representatives of the Government of India and the leaders of the Assam Movement in New Delhi on 15 August 1985. A six-year agitation demanding identification and deportation of illegal immigrants was launched by the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) in 1979. It culminated with the signing of the Assam Accord.

Today Assam has an area of 78,438 square kilometers. It consists of thirty three districts and is credited to be the most populous state in the entire Northeast India.

Detail View About Assam on Assam State Portal

Data Reference fron Assam State Portal :- https://assam.gov.in/about-us/394