Ahom Dynasty Rulers: Key Contributions and Historical Impact on Assam (Part 2)

The Ahom Kings and Their Contributions: A Historical Overview

The Ahom dynasty, known for its valiant rulers and significant contributions to Assam’s history, played a vital role in shaping the socio-political and cultural landscape of the region. The following is a detailed account of the key rulers, their achievements, and their struggles against external and internal challenges.

1. Pratap Singha (1603–1641): The Visionary Leader

Pratap Singha, also known as Susengpha, ascended the throne after the death of Sukhampha. Nicknamed Burha Raja for his age at accession and Buddhi Swarganarayana for his wisdom, Pratap Singha was a pivotal ruler in Ahom history.

Key Achievements

1. Ahom-Mughal Conflict:
   • The Ahom-Mughal clashes began due to boundary disputes after the annexation of Koch Hajo by the Mughals.
   • The prolonged war ended with the Treaty of Asurar Ali in 1639, establishing Barnadi and Asurar Ali as boundaries.
2. Administrative Reforms:
   • Pratap Singha introduced the Barbarua and Barphukan posts, appointing Momai Tamuli Barbarua and Langi Panisia Barphukan, respectively.
   • He systemized the Paik System, a socio-economic and military structure ensuring manpower for state services.

Paik or Khel System

• Structure: Every male aged 16–50 served in rotation for three months annually. They were divided into khels based on professions, such as boat-building or farming.
• Administrative Hierarchy: Bara (20 paiks), Saikia (100 paiks), Hazarika (1,000 paiks), and Phukan (6,000 paiks).
• Land Grants: Paiks were allotted two puras of land but had no hereditary rights.

Contributions of Pratap Singha

1. Official Language of the Court:
   • Assamese was declared the official language of the court, enhancing the cultural identity and administrative cohesion of the Ahom kingdom.
2. Posa System:
   • Introduced the Posa system, a tribal appeasement policy to foster harmonious relations with hill tribes.
   • Tribals were granted privileges and exempted from regular taxation, ensuring their loyalty to the kingdom.

Pratap Singha’s reign was a blend of military resilience and administrative excellence, marking a golden period in Ahom history.

2. Jayadhvaj Singha (1648–1663): The Defiant King

1. Ahom Name: Sutmala.
2. Religious Contributions:
   • First Ahom ruler to adopt Vaishnavism, becoming a disciple of Niranjandev.
   • Established the Auniati Sattra in Majuli in 1653.
   • Introduced copper plate inscriptions for recording land grants, a first in Ahom history.
3. Ahom-Mughal Conflict:
   • Reclaimed Gauhati from Koch king Pran Narayan during the Mughal succession war.
   • Faced a major Mughal invasion in 1661, led by Mir Jumla, with a massive force of 12,000 cavalry, 30,000 infantry, and 323 war boats.
   • Key losses: Jogighopa, Gauhati, and Garhgaon fell to the Mughals.
4. Treaty of Ghilazharighat (1663):
   • Ceded western Assam territories, including parts of Darrang, Dimarua, Beltola, and Rani.
   • Promised an annual tribute of 20 elephants.
   • Offered royal daughters, including Ramoni Gabharu, to the Mughal harem.
5. Ramoni Gabharu:
   • Renamed Rahmat Banu Begum after conversion to Islam, later married to Aurangzeb’s son, Muhammad Azam Shah.
6. Legacy:
   • Known for his religious reforms and struggle against the Mughals.
   • Passed away in 1663, heartbroken by the loss of Assam’s sovereignty.

3. Chakradhvaj Singha (1663–1670): The Strategic Planner

1. Ahom Name: Supungmung.
2. Lineage: Cousin of Jayadhwaj Singha, also known as Charing Raja before ascending the throne.
3. Key Military Appointment:
   • Elevated Lachit Borphukan (then Lachit Deka) to Barphukan, entrusting him with safeguarding Assam.
4. Recapture of Gauhati (1667):
   • Under Lachit Borphukan’s leadership, the Ahoms reclaimed Gauhati from Mughal control in a decisive operation.
5. Mughal Counterattack:
   • Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb deployed Raja Ram Singh along with Guru Tegh Bahadur to retake Gauhati.
   • Ram Singh’s army advanced to Hajo, while Lachit strategically delayed them to complete fortifications at Saraighat, particularly the Mumai Kota Garh rampart.
6. Battle of Alaboi (1669):
   • A significant defeat for the Ahoms; over 10,000 Assamese soldiers perished in the battle against Mughal forces.

4. Udayaditya Singha (1669–1673): The Transitional King

1. Ahom Name: Sunyatpha.
2. Battle of Saraighat (1671):
   • The Mughal forces under Raja Ram Singh proposed a return to the 1639 status quo (prior to Ahom expansion), aiming to maintain peace.
   • However, Ram Singh soon received reinforcements and decided to go on the offensive once again, intensifying the conflict.
3. Ahom Strategy:
   • Udayaditya Singha sent an army of 20,000 soldiers under Atan Burhagohain from Chamdhara to Saraighat to defend the kingdom.
   • Despite this large force, the Ahom army was still deeply affected by the loss at Alaboi and lacked morale.
4. Challenges:
   • Lachit Borphukan, the legendary Ahom commander, was seriously ill and unable to lead the battle, which significantly weakened the Ahom command.
   • The Ahom forces began to retreat shortly after the battle commenced, unable to match the Mughals’ renewed aggression.
5. Legacy:
   • Udayaditya Singha’s reign, though brief, was marked by internal and external crises, with his leadership tested by military defeats.
   • His efforts in defending Assam laid the groundwork for future resistance under his successors, leading to a pivotal resurgence at the Battle of Saraighat after his death.

Udayaditya Singha’s period highlighted the Ahoms’ struggle during difficult times, showing the resilience of Assam in the face of external threats.

FAQ: The Ahom Kings and Their Contributions

1. Who was the most influential Ahom king?

• Pratap Singha (1603–1641) is regarded as one of the most important Ahom rulers. His reforms, including the Paik System and making Assamese the official court language, strengthened the kingdom.

2. What was the Paik System?

• Introduced by Pratap Singha, the Paik System required every male aged 16-50 to serve in the military or for state duties, ensuring a strong defense force.

3. What role did Lachit Borphukan play in defending Assam?

• Lachit Borphukan, appointed by Chakradhvaj Singha, played a crucial role in recapturing Gauhati from the Mughals in 1667 and defending Saraighat in 1671.

4. What was the Treaty of Ghilazharighat (1663)?

• Signed between Jayadhwaj Singha and the Mughals, this treaty saw Assam cede territories and agree to an annual tribute of 20 elephants, marking a temporary setback for the Ahoms.

5. What was the significance of the Battle of Saraighat?

• The Battle of Saraighat (1671) was a decisive moment in Ahom history. Although initially in retreat, the Ahom forces, led by Lachit Borphukan, ultimately secured victory against the Mughals.

Conclusion

The Ahom dynasty shaped Assam’s history through military strategy, cultural reforms, and resilience. Kings like Pratap Singha and Lachit Borphukan ensured the survival and prosperity of Assam through their leadership and determination, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.

Follow Us

Stay connected and updated with our latest offerings by following us on Youtube