On December 18th, during the Pune Book Festival, the book 'Lachit
Barphukan' by Arun Karmarkar was inaugurated. I was invited to attend as
the Chief Guest. As we celebrate the birth centenary of Lachit Barphukan this
December, this book provides a profound analysis of the military tactics and
major battles fought by the man known as the "Shivaji Maharaj of Northeast
India."
Introduction
Throughout Indian history, many brave souls protected the
motherland from foreign invaders. Just as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and
Maharana Pratap stood firm in their regions, Lachit Barphukan was the leader
who halted the aggressive expansionism of the Mughals in Northeast India. The
history of this commander—who preserved Assam's independence by defeating the
massive army of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb on the waves of the Brahmaputra
River—is truly awe-inspiring.
A son of Assam and the commander of the Ahom Kingdom, Lachit
Barphukan is one of the greatest heroes of Indian history, before whose bravery
even the mighty Mughal power had to bow. The 'Battle of Saraighat' in 1671 was
not just a war between two armies; it was an unprecedented struggle to maintain
the freedom and identity of Assam.
Historical Background and the Mughal Invasion
In the 17th century, Emperor Aurangzeb was attempting to
bring all of India under his rule. The Ahom Kingdom of Assam became a thorn in
the side of the Mughals. In 1663, the Mughal general Mir Jumla defeated the
Ahoms, imposing a heavy tribute and annexing territory. King Chakradhwaj Singha
could not tolerate this insult. He began preparations to reclaim the lost land
and entrusted the leadership of this mission to Lachit Barphukan.
Leadership and Organizational Skills
Lachit Barphukan was not just a soldier but a brilliant
strategist. He reorganized the army and, considering Assam's geography
(mountains, rivers, and dense forests), provided specialized training to the
infantry and navy.
A famous anecdote illustrates his discipline: while
constructing a fortification (Momai-Kota Garh) to protect Guwahati, he
found his own maternal uncle being negligent in his duties. Declaring, "My
country is greater than my uncle," Lachit beheaded him on the spot.
This sent such a strong message of discipline through the ranks that the entire
fortification was completed in a single night.
The Battle of Saraighat (1671): Strategy and Warfare
The Mughals sent a massive force under the leadership of
Raja Ram Singh I of Amber. This army consisted of 30,000 infantry, 15,000
archers, 18,000 cavalry, and a vast artillery. In contrast, the Ahoms were
outnumbered.
Lachit Barphukan knew that fighting the powerful Mughal
cavalry on open ground would be suicidal. Therefore, he decided to utilize Guerrilla
Warfare and naval expertise.
Key Tactics of the Battle:
- Choice
of Battlefield: Lachit cleverly chose the narrowest stretch of the
Brahmaputra River at Saraighat. The narrow width rendered the large Mughal
ships and heavy artillery ineffective.
- Fortifications:
He built strong mud and bamboo forts (Garhs) on both banks. Forced
by the impossible terrain on land, Ram Singh was compelled to use his
navy.
- Guerrilla
Tactics: Ahom soldiers would infiltrate Mughal camps at night to cut
off supplies, exhausting the enemy's morale before the main battle.
- Indomitable
Will: On the day of the decisive battle, Lachit was severely ill. As
the Mughals pressured the Ahom line and the soldiers began to retreat,
Lachit had himself carried to a boat and shouted: "I do not wish
to die leaving my country in danger; those who want to flee may do
so!"
- Naval
Victory: The Ahoms used small, agile boats (Bichari) that could
maneuver quickly, while the large Mughal vessels got stuck. Seeing their
dying commander fight like a tiger, the Ahom army launched a ferocious
attack, leading to a humiliating defeat for Ram Singh.
Analysis of Military Skills
Lachit Barphukan's style of warfare was a masterclass in:
- Guerrilla
Tactics: Striking the enemy's weaknesses (the navy) rather than their
strengths.
- Intelligence:
Weaving an accurate spy network to track Mughal movements.
- Resourcefulness:
Defeating a modern-armed superpower using bamboo forts and agile boats.
- Public
Participation: This was not just a soldier's war, but a war fought by
every citizen of Assam.
Conclusion
The victory at Saraighat was a victory for India’s identity.
If Lachit had not stopped the Mughals there, the cultural and political map of
Northeast India would be different today.
Sadly, this great hero passed away shortly after the victory
due to his failing health. Today, the best cadet at the National Defence
Academy (NDA) is honored with the 'Lachit Barphukan Gold Medal.' He
will forever be remembered as the "Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj of the
East."
Poem: Brave Lachit Barphukan
On the waves of Brahmaputra, he wrote history, He turned the
Mughal pride into mere dust and mystery. Be it uncle or kin, he chose the
nation’s rite, For his country's sake, he led the bloody fight.
Despite his burning fever, he roared upon the field, "I
shall never surrender," was the only vow he’d yield. A sea of guerrilla
tactics, strategy, and might, At Saraighat, he became the enemy's darkest
night.
We bow to you, O Hero, the soul of Assam’s land, Lachit,
your name is eternal, India’s glory grand!
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