Himangshu Ranjan Bhuyan
(himangshur1989@gmail.com)
The early 19th century was a difficult time for Assam.
The Ahom kingdom, which had ruled the region for nearly six hundred years, was weakening. Internal conflicts and power struggles made the administration unstable. This weakness attracted foreign powers, and among them were the Burmese. The Burmese invasions of Assam took place between 1817 and 1826. These invasions caused great destruction and suffering. The people of Assam had to fight hard to protect their land, but they could not resist the powerful Burmese forces. The years of Burmese rule were filled with terror, and the people lived in constant fear. However, their struggle did not end in defeat. Assam’s resistance continued, and finally, with the help of the British, the Burmese were expelled. This period changed the history of Assam forever and had long-lasting effects on its society and governance.
The Burmese invasion did not happen suddenly. Several factors led to this event. One of the main reasons was the internal conflict within the Ahom kingdom. The nobles were divided, and there were frequent fights for power. The kingdom lacked strong leadership, and corruption weakened its military strength. This made it easy for outside forces to interfere. Badan Chandra Borphukan, a powerful noble, wanted to gain control over the kingdom. To achieve this, he sought the help of the Burmese. The Burmese king, Bodawpaya, saw this as an opportunity to expand his empire. He sent his army to Assam in 1817. This marked the beginning of Burmese involvement in the region.
The first Burmese invasion of Assam in 1817 was a major turning point. The Burmese army entered Assam with well-trained soldiers. The Ahom forces, already weak due to internal conflicts, could not resist them. The battle at Ghiladhari was one of the key battles of this invasion. Although the Assamese fought bravely, they were defeated. The Burmese then took control of the Ahom capital, Jorhat. They placed Chandrakanta Singha on the throne but kept him under their influence. The Burmese stayed in Assam, interfering in its administration and weakening the Ahom rulers further.
In 1819, the Burmese launched a second invasion. This time, they were even more ruthless. They removed Chandrakanta Singha when he tried to resist their control. Instead of keeping an Ahom ruler, they placed their own governor in charge of Assam. This marked the beginning of direct Burmese rule in the region. The period that followed was one of the darkest in Assam’s history. The people of Assam suffered greatly under Burmese rule. The invaders looted villages, killed innocent people, and enslaved many. Thousands of people fled their homes and took shelter in the hills and forests to escape the cruelty of the Burmese. This time of suffering is still remembered as the “Manor Din” or “Days of Darkness”.
Despite this oppression, the people of Assam did not stop resisting. Several local leaders and nobles tried to organise rebellions. However, the Burmese forces were too strong, and they crushed every revolt with severe punishment. Chandrakanta Singha also attempted to regain control, but he failed and had to flee to British-controlled Bengal. The Assamese people realised that they needed external help to drive the Burmese out. Many leaders, including Chandrakanta Singha, approached the British for assistance.
Meanwhile, the British were also concerned about the growing power of the Burmese. They had already established control over large parts of India and did not want the Burmese to expand westward. This led to conflicts between the British and the Burmese, resulting in the First Anglo-Burmese War in 1824. Assam became one of the main battlegrounds of this war. The Assamese people saw this as an opportunity to free their land from Burmese rule. They joined forces with the British against the invaders.
The war was long and difficult. The British, with the support of Assamese forces, fought several battles against the Burmese. Slowly, the Burmese were pushed back. By 1825, they were in full retreat. Finally, in 1826, the Treaty of Yandabo was signed. According to this treaty, the Burmese had to give up their claims over Assam and leave the region. The people of Assam were finally free from Burmese rule.
However, this freedom came with a new challenge. The Ahom kingdom was now too weak to govern independently. The British took control of Assam and made it a part of their empire. This ended the immediate suffering of the people, but it also marked the beginning of British colonial rule. Over time, British rule brought many changes to Assam’s administration, economy, and society. While some of these changes were beneficial, they also led to new struggles. The Assamese people, who had fought against the Burmese, now had to adjust to a new foreign power.
The Burmese invasions had a deep impact on Assam. The wars and occupation caused large-scale destruction. Many villages were burnt, and thousands of people were displaced. The economy collapsed, and trade was disrupted. The Ahom monarchy, which had been the centre of power for centuries, never fully recovered. Many nobles lost their influence, and a new system of governance emerged under the British. The invasions also left a deep emotional and psychological impact on the people. The terror of the “Days of Darkness” remained in their memories for generations.
Despite all the suffering, the spirit of resistance among the Assamese people remained strong. Their struggle against the Burmese became an important part of their history. Even under British rule, the people continued to fight for their rights. The memory of the Burmese invasions served as a reminder of the need for unity and strong leadership.
Today, the Burmese invasions are remembered as a tragic but important part of Assam’s history. They teach us valuable lessons about the dangers of internal conflicts and the importance of standing together against foreign aggression. The people of Assam showed great courage and determination during this difficult time. Their struggle for freedom was not just about defeating an enemy; it was about preserving their identity and heritage.
Although Assam eventually came under British rule, the spirit of independence that emerged during this period continued to inspire future generations. The people of Assam endured immense hardships, yet they never gave up their desire for freedom. Their resistance against the Burmese, and later against the British, became a symbol of their strength. The story of Assam’s struggle is not just about wars and battles—it is about the resilience of a people who refused to be defeated.