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Lachit Borphukan: The Hero of Saraighat and Defender of Assam
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This course explores the life and military career of Lachit Borphukan, focusing on the strategic and geopolitical significance of the Ahom-Mughal conflicts in 17th-century Assam. We will analyze the reasons for the long conflict, the Borphukan’s appointment and rapid reorganization of the Ahom forces, and the tactical brilliance displayed in the Battle of Saraighat, cementing his place as one of India’s greatest military commanders.
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1
The Ahom Kingdom and the Mughal Shadow -
2
Early Life and Political Ascent
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3
The Turning Point: Appointment as Borphukan
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4
Reorganization and Preparation for War
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5
The Reclamation of Guwahati (1667)
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6
The Mughal Counter-Attack: Ram Singh's ArrivalHello, architects of pressure! I'm Rotutor. The swift and decisive reclamation of Guwahati (Lesson 5) by Lachit Borphukan provoked a furious and massive response from the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, leading to the most crucial phase of the Ahom-Mughal conflict.Aurangzeb's Response and Ram Singh's CommandThe loss of Guwahati was a major blow to Mughal prestige, prompting Aurangzeb to organize a large-scale, decisive military expedition.The Commander: Aurangzeb placed the expedition under the command of Raja Ram Singh I of Amber (Jaipur). Ram Singh was a renowned Rajput general serving the Mughal Empire. The choice of a Rajput commander was strategic, as it positioned a Hindu king to lead the charge against the Ahom King, who was also Hindu, adding a layer of political complexity.The Expeditionary Force: Ram Singh's army was formidable and designed to ensure victory. It included:A massive land army estimated to be around 30,000 infantry and cavalry.Large numbers of artillery pieces (cannons).A sizable fleet of war boats and barges to challenge the Ahom mastery of the Brahmaputra River.An accompanying force of $Atext{h}adis$ (gentlemen troopers paid directly by the Emperor).The Sheer Magnitude of the ThreatThe arrival of Ram Singh's army in 1669 put immense strategic and psychological pressure on the Ahom forces.Numerical and Technological Superiority: The Mughal army possessed overwhelming numerical superiority and far greater technological superiority in terms of heavy artillery and cavalry. In open land combat, the Ahom forces stood little chance.The Stakes: Lachit Borphukan and Swargadeo Chakradhwaj Singha understood that this was not just another skirmish; this was a decisive, existential battle that would determine whether the Ahom Kingdom retained its independence or was fully annexed by the Mughal Empire.Initial Mughal Strategy: Ram Singh initially attempted negotiation and psychological warfare, offering the Ahom King terms of surrender and trying to exploit internal divisions within the Ahom nobility. However, the Ahom court stood firm.Key Takeaway for the BuilderThe strategic pressure faced by the Ahom forces was immense, recognizing that the imminent battle would decide the fate of their kingdom. Lachit's challenge was to devise a strategy that could neutralize the Mughals' overwhelming numerical and technological superiority on the battlefield. This required avoiding open land combat and choosing terrain that would favor the Ahom's unique skills.
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7
Saraighat: The Geography and Strategy
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8
The Naval Showdown: Master of the Water
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9
Leadership and Sacrifice: Discipline Over Comfort
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10
The Enduring Legacy: Hero of Assam
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Lectures
10
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