Lachit Borphukan (1622-1672), Biography, Battles, Statue, Death

Lachit Borphukan was a legendary general of the Ahom Kingdom (in present-day Assam) in the 17th century, best remembered for his daring leadership in the Battle of Saraighat (1671), where he defeated a strong Mughal naval force. His life has become a powerful symbol of courage, patriotism, and Assam’s resistance to external invasion. Over time, his legacy has been celebrated widely in Assam, and his memory continues to inspire.

Lachit Borphukan

Lachit Borphukan (born 24 November 1622, died 25 April 1672) was a top military commander of the Ahom Kingdom, holding the high rank of Borphukan (viceroy of western Assam) and commander-in-chief of the Ahom army. He is especially famous for leading the Ahom forces to victory at the Battle of Saraighat in 1671, which successfully resisted Mughal expansion into Assam.

Lachit Borphukan Biography

Lachit was born into an influential Ahom family. His father was Momai Tamuli Borbarua, an important official in the Ahom court, and his mother was Nang Lacheng Aaideu. He was trained in both statecraft and military matters from a young age, developing a strong sense of loyalty to the Ahom king and kingdom.

He rose through the ranks over time: he held roles such as Ghora Barua and Dolakasharia Barua, which involved command over horses and the royal guard. His rise culminated in his appointment as Borphukan, a position with military, administrative, and judicial duties, particularly over western Assam (region around Kaliabor). 

‹ ›

Lachit Borphukan Military Career

Lachit’s military career was defined by the ongoing conflict between the Ahom Kingdom and the Mughal Empire. He participated in earlier skirmishes and battles, including confrontations at Dikhaumukh against Mir Jumla’s forces.

Over time, the Mughal threat grew stronger, and the Ahom rulers recognized the need for a capable military leader. Under King Chakradhwaj Singha, Lachit was appointed commander-in-chief to lead operations against Mughal encroachments.

Lachit Borphukan Battles

In August 1667, Lachit established his base in Kaliabor and launched a campaign to retake Guwahati, which had been under Mughal control. After several battles, he successfully recaptured Guwahati (Itakhuli) in November 1667.However, not all early battles were successful.

The Battle of Alaboi (1669)

In 1669, there was the Battle of Alaboi, fought in the Alaboi Hills near Guwahati. According to historical sources, the Ahom army suffered heavy losses, as many as 10,000 Ahom soldiers died. This defeat was painful, but Lachit used the experience to refine his strategies.

The Battle of Saraighat (1671)

The Battle of Saraighat, fought in March 1671, is Lachit Borphukan’s most celebrated military achievement. The Mughals, led by Ram Singh I of Jaipur and acting under orders from Emperor Aurangzeb, launched a massive assault by river on the Ahom territories.  He devised excellent riverine warfare tactics. He used guerrilla warfare, smaller, fast-moving boats, and made intelligent use of the Brahmaputra’s narrow channels to neutralize the Mughal numerical and artillery advantages. According to some accounts, he even built an earthen embankment overnight to direct Mughal forces where he wanted them.

At a critical moment, despite being gravely ill, Lachit arrived on a war boat to rally his demoralized troops. His presence reignited their morale, and the Ahom forces launched a fierce counterattack. His bold leadership brought a decisive victory, the Mughals were forced to retreat beyond the Manas River. This win not only saved the Ahom kingdom from Mughal domination but also secured Assam’s political independence for many years.

Lachit Borphukan’s Death

Lachit Borphukan died on 25 April 1672, only about a year after his greatest victory. He passed away in Kaliabor, and his body was buried in a maidam (Ahom-style burial mound) at Holongapar, Jorhat in Assam. Over the centuries, his memory has grown into a symbol of Assamese pride and resistance. In modern Assam, his birthday (24 November) is celebrated as Lachit Divas. The National Defence Academy (NDA) in India honors him by awarding the Lachit Barphukan Gold Medal to its best graduating cadet each year. 

There is also a 125-foot bronze Lachit Borphukan Statue in Jorhat, unveiled to commemorate his valor. A memorial park near Guwahati, the Saraighat War Memorial Park, keeps his legacy alive.

Lachit Borphukan Statue

The Lachit Borphukan Statue, also called the “Statue of Valour,” is a 125-foot bronze monument unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 9 March 2024 at Hollongapar (Teok) in Jorhat district, Assam. The statue itself stands 84 feet tall and is placed on a 41-foot pedestal.  It was sculpted by renowned artist Ram Vanji Sutar, who also created the Statue of Unity. The memorial complex includes not just the monument but also a museum and auditorium, making it a major heritage and tourist site.

Lachit Borphukan in Contemporary World

Lachit’s life is more than a military story. He is deeply woven into the cultural and political identity of Assam. For many, he represents the spirit of Assamese autonomy and resistance against outside rule.

Some historical debate surrounds the way his legacy has been used. While many celebrate him as a unifying, secular hero, others argue that modern political narratives sometimes try to cast him in increasingly communal or religious terms, which distorts the more complex historical reality. Still, his story remains central in Assam’s public memory. His tomb (maidam) at Holongapar is a pilgrimage site, and the annual celebrations reinforce his heroic status. 

Lachit Borphukan Significance

The significance of Lachit Borphukan’s Life can be studied as:

• Military brilliance: He masterfully combined guerrilla tactics, riverine strategy, and terrain knowledge to defeat a stronger force.
• Strategic leadership: He showed extraordinary discipline, motivating his soldiers even when seriously ill.
• Patriotic sacrifice: Lachit famously executed his own uncle (who was in charge of river fortifications) for negligence, declaring, “My uncle is not greater than my country.”
• Symbol of Assamese autonomy: He has become a powerful icon for Assam’s historical resistance to external domination.
• Cultural hero: Through memorials, annual observances, and awards, his legacy continues to inspire generations.

Lachit Borphukan Legacy

Lachit Borphukan remains one of the greatest heroes in the history of Assam and India. His life combined administrative skill, a deep sense of duty, and unmatched military courage. By leading the Ahom army to victory in the Battle of Saraighat, he not only defended his kingdom but also created a lasting legacy of resistance, patriotism, and strategic genius. Today, he stands as a timeless symbol of Assam’s valor and the power of leadership rooted in commitment to one’s land.

Lachit Borphukan UPSC

This year on 24th November, it will mark the 403rd birth anniversary of Lachit Borphukan. Recently, Lachit Borphukan is in the news because the Indian Army has recently established the Lachit Borphukan Military Station at Bamunigaon in Dhubri district, Assam, as part of a major strategic reinforcement of India’s eastern frontier. This move comes amid shifting regional dynamics, security concerns linked to changes in Bangladesh, and China’s expanding activities near the Siliguri Corridor. The new station, along with forward bases at Kishanganj and Chopra, is intended to boost surveillance, operational readiness, and coordination with the BSF in this sensitive region. The station has been named in honour of Lachit Borphukan to reflect his legacy of defence and leadership.

• Indian Army establishes the Lachit Borphukan Military Station in Dhubri, Assam.
• Part of three new garrisons near the vulnerable Siliguri Corridor.
• Enhances surveillance, readiness, and coordination with the BSF along the India-Bangladesh border.
• Lt. Gen. R. C. Tiwari reviewed progress and laid the foundation stone of the station.
• Naming honours Lachit Borphukan’s historic leadership in protecting Assam.