A towering image of valour just lately rose in Assam with the revealing of a grand statue commemorating Lachit Borphukan, a legendary army commander of the Ahom kingdom. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday unveiled a 125-foot bronze statue of ‘Ahom normal’ Lachit Borphukan in Assam’s Jorhat. This tribute honours a person whose strategic brilliance and unwavering braveness secured a pivotal victory for Assam. But who precisely was Lachit Borphukan? Let’s delve into 5 fascinating information about this historic determine.
Who was Lachit Borphukan?
Lachit Borphukan (1622-1672) was a commander in the Ahom kingdom, mainly remembered for his management towards the Mughal Empire. In the 1671 Battle of Saraighat, his strategically adept Ahom forces defeated a a lot bigger Mughal military beneath Ram Singh of Ajmer.
Borphukan’s use of guerilla techniques and leveraging the Brahmaputra River to his benefit proved decisive. His victory stays an emblem of Assamese resistance and is widely known yearly on Lachit Divas.
Interesting information to learn about him:
- Lachit Borphukan, who was beforehand generally known as Lachit Deca, was born in the early 1600s in Betioni, which is situated in the Golaghat district of what’s now Assam. Momai Tamuli, his father, later rose to turn into the primary Governor of Upper Assam and the Chief of Staff of the Ahom military, additionally known as Borbarua. Because of his father’s place, Borphukan was raised in an prosperous household. Momai Tamuli ensured his son acquired a complete schooling masking humanities, army methods, and non secular scriptures.
- Borphukan ascended by means of the army hierarchy to realize the best management place, having served in esteemed roles similar to Ghora Barua, overseeing the royal horses, and Dolaksharia Barua, commanding the royal family guards. He later turned the Commander of the strategically important Simulgarh Fort and was ultimately appointed the Chief of the Ahom military by King Chakradhwaj, following his tenure because the monarch’s Private Secretary, generally known as Soladhara Barua.
- The famend Battle of Saraighat, related to Borphukan’s fame, occurred alongside the Brahmaputra’s shores. Facing a formidable Mughal power comprising 30,000 infantry, 15,000 archers, 18,000 Turkish cavalries, 5,000 gunners, and over 1,000 canons, Borphukan recognised typical warfare’s inadequacy. Employing guerrilla techniques and strategic terrain choice, he guided the Ahom military to a conclusive triumph.
- Offered a considerable bribe to desert his military, Borphukan’s valour and affect have been evident. Recognising his pivotal function, the Mughals feared going through the Ahom military beneath his management. Despite sustaining extreme accidents, Borphukan’s impassioned plea reignited the Ahom troopers’ resolve, as he vowed to combat relentlessly till his final breath, inspiring unwavering loyalty. He stated, “If you want to go back you are free, but I even in spite of my hurt will fight until death. Go back and tell king Chakradhwaj that I fought with determination till my last breath!”
- The Mughals have been astonished to search out Lachit Borphukan’s military missing in technical prowess. Despite a proposal of artillery help, Borphukan defiantly declared their readiness to combat till each soldier’s final breath, showcasing unwavering dedication. He stated, “I would like to say that we are prepared to fight as long as there remains a drop of blood in our veins.”
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