How the Ahoms Defeated the Mughals: A Saga of Resistance and Victory
The Ahom Dynasty of Assam is renowned for its military resilience, particularly in its successful defense against the mighty Mughal Empire. While the Mughals extended their rule across most of the Indian subcontinent, Assam remained unconquered, thanks to the strategic brilliance and determination of the Ahom rulers and generals. The most significant moments in this long conflict were the Battle of Saraighat (1671) and the Battle of Itakhuli (1682), both of which resulted in decisive Ahom victories that ensured the Mughals never established lasting control over Assam.
Early Conflicts: The Mughal-Ahom Struggle
The Mughal expansion into Assam began in the early 17th century. Emperor Jahangir and later Shah Jahan sought to incorporate the northeastern region into their empire, as it was a crucial trade route and a fertile land. The Ahoms, however, fiercely resisted Mughal incursions. The conflict escalated in the 1660s during Aurangzeb’s reign when he sent his trusted general Raja Ram Singh I to capture Assam.
The Battle of Saraighat (1671): A Turning Point
The Battle of Saraighat is the most celebrated encounter between the Ahoms and the Mughals. It took place on the Brahmaputra River in 1671, where the Ahoms, under the leadership of Lachit Borphukan, delivered a stunning naval defeat to the Mughal forces.
Why the Battle Happened
After an earlier setback at the Battle of Alaboi (1669)—where the Mughals used deceit to massacre thousands of Ahom soldiers—Aurangzeb ordered another large-scale invasion. Raja Ram Singh I led an expedition with a formidable Mughal force, intending to permanently subjugate Assam.
How the Ahoms Won
Despite being numerically inferior, the Ahoms used superior strategy, guerrilla tactics, and naval warfare to turn the tide. Lachit Borphukan, aware of the terrain and riverine advantages, launched a series of surprise attacks. The Ahom navy, consisting of agile warboats, cut off Mughal supply lines and ambushed their fleets. The battle ended in a decisive victory for the Ahoms, forcing the Mughals into a humiliating retreat.
The Final Expulsion: The Battle of Itakhuli (1682)
Although defeated at Saraighat, the Mughals retained some control over parts of Assam. However, in 1682, Ahom King Gadadhar Singha launched a powerful campaign to drive them out completely. Under the command of Atan Burhagohain, the Ahom forces attacked the Mughal stronghold of Itakhuli (modern-day Guwahati). The Mughals, weakened by continuous resistance and logistical difficulties, were decisively defeated.
With this victory, the Ahoms expelled the Mughals permanently from Assam, reclaiming all lost territories and ensuring Assamese sovereignty for over a century.
Previous Conflicts and Setbacks
Before these major victories, the Ahoms had faced several earlier conflicts with the Mughals:
- Battle of Alaboi (1669): This was one of the few setbacks for the Ahoms. The Mughals used deceptive tactics, drawing the Ahom forces into an open battlefield, where they suffered heavy casualties.
- Earlier Skirmishes (1615–1669): The Mughals had occupied parts of Assam at various points, but the Ahoms consistently launched counterattacks and regained lost territories through resilience and strategic warfare.
Legacy of the Ahom Resistance
The Ahom victories over the Mughals hold a significant place in Indian history:
- Lachit Borphukan’s heroism is commemorated every year on November 24th as Lachit Divas.
- The Ahom military strategies, particularly in naval warfare, are considered some of the most effective resistance tactics against the Mughal Empire.
- Assam remained independent from Mughal rule, showcasing the strength and resilience of the Ahoms.
Through strategic brilliance, courage, and deep knowledge of their homeland, the Ahoms achieved what few others could—defeating the mightiest empire of the time and preserving their freedom.
