Dipak Kurmi
(The writer can be reached at dipakkurmiglpltd@gmail.com.)
The story of Chilarai, the remarkable general of the Koch Kingdom, embodies bravery, intellect, and a profound sense of duty toward uniting and protecting a diverse and culturally rich region. While Lachit Borphukan’s name has gained national prominence as a celebrated military hero from Assam, Chilarai remains an underappreciated figure in Indian history. Despite his extraordinary contributions to mediaeval India’s political, cultural, and military landscape, Chilarai’s legacy has largely faded into obscurity. His life and accomplishments offer invaluable leadership, unity, and cultural preservation lessons.
Chilarai, also known as Shukladhwaja, served as the commander-in-chief under his brother, King Naranarayan, who ruled the Koch Kingdom during the 16th century. His military prowess earned him the moniker “Kite King,” symbolising his ability to swoop down swiftly and decisively on his enemies. According to historian Arnold Toynbee, Chilarai ranks among the world’s three greatest military generals, alongside Chhatrapati Shivaji and Napoleon Bonaparte. His campaigns unified vast territories across eastern India, extending the Koch Kingdom’s boundaries from modern-day Bangladesh to Assam, including parts of Bhutan, Manipur, and Meghalaya. Under his leadership, the Koch Kingdom not only emerged as a military powerhouse but also as a centre of culture and learning.
One of Chilarai’s most significant military feats was the subjugation of the Ahom Kingdom in 1561. His forces laid siege to Gargaon, forcing King Sukhampha to retreat to the Naga Hills. This victory solidified the Koch Kingdom’s dominance in the region and underscored Chilarai’s strategic genius. Yet, his approach to governance was not limited to conquest; he sought to establish stability and cultural unity across the territories he subdued. Regions like Karatoya, Mymensingh, and Guwahati, among others, came under Koch control, either directly or as vassal states. By incorporating diverse communities into the kingdom, Chilarai played a crucial role in shaping the cultural identity of the region, later known as Kamrupa-Kamata.
Chilarai’s legacy, however, extends beyond his military conquests. His profound respect for Assamese culture and his pivotal role in preserving it make him a figure of immense historical importance. One of the most compelling chapters of his life is his association with Srimanta Sankardev, the revered saint and social reformer who propagated Neo-Vaishnavism in Assam. During his time, Sankardev faced relentless persecution from the Ahom rulers and Brahminical priests, who falsely accused him of heresy. King Suklenmung of the Ahom Kingdom ordered the execution of Sankardev’s son-in-law, Hari Jowai, forcing Sankardev to flee Majuli.
When Sankardev sought refuge in the Koch Kingdom, it was Chilarai who recognized the saint’s spiritual greatness and took it upon himself to protect him. At a time when his brother Naranarayan, a devout Shakti worshipper, was swayed by fabricated stories against Sankardev, Chilarai intervened to ensure the saint’s safety. He provided shelter to Sankardev in his palace and later facilitated his audience with Naranarayan, during which Sankardev sang the hymn Madhu Damara Dhara. This event marked a turning point, as Naranarayan became a patron of Sankardev, ushering in a golden age for Assamese culture.
Under the patronage of the Koch rulers, Sankardev composed many of his literary and artistic masterpieces, including the Kirtan Ghosa, Bhakti Ratnakar, and the Vrindavan Vastra. Chilarai’s support allowed Sankardev’s Neo-Vaishnavite movement to flourish, promoting a monotheistic and inclusive form of worship that stood in contrast to rigid Brahmanical traditions. The establishment of xatras (monastic institutions) during this period laid the foundation for Assamese cultural and spiritual identity, a legacy that endures to this day.
Chilarai’s contributions were not limited to military and cultural spheres. He also played a pivotal role in infrastructural development, constructing forts and roads that facilitated the administration of the vast Koch Kingdom. The Gohain Kamal Ali, a 650-km-long road built during his time, remains a testament to his vision for connectivity and governance. Though much of this infrastructure has disappeared, remnants of forts like those in Narayanpur and Chilapata Forest stand as silent witnesses to his legacy.
Despite his immense contributions, Chilarai’s later years were marked by tragedy. After he died in 1571 AD, internal divisions within the Koch Kingdom began to surface. His son Raghudev rebelled against Naranarayan, leading to the partition of the kingdom. The eastern territories fell under Raghudev, while Naranarayan’s son Lakshminarayan ruled the western part. This division weakened the once-mighty Koch Kingdom, making it vulnerable to external invasions. By the end of the
16th century, the kingdom had lost much of its former glory, culminating in its eventual annexation by the Mughal Empire.
Chilarai’s contributions to Assamese culture and the Koch Kingdom’s legacy are unparalleled. However, the neglect of historical sites associated with him and the lack of widespread recognition for his achievements is disheartening. Monuments like the temples of Boro Mahadeo and Choto Mahadeo, the Bheladanga Satra, and the gold-plated chariot he donated for the Doul Jatra lie in a state of disrepair. The assimilation of Koch Bihar into West Bengal in 1950 further severed the cultural and historical ties of the region with Assam.
Efforts must be made to preserve Chilarai’s legacy and honour his contributions to Indian history. By commemorating his life through research, restoration of historical sites, and educational initiatives, we can ensure that future generations recognize his role as a unifier, protector, and patron of Assamese culture. Chilarai was not just a military genius; he was a visionary leader whose legacy continues to inspire and resonate with the ideals of unity, resilience, and cultural preservation.