Quotes of Lachit Borphukan and the Battle of Saraighat

Lessons that history forgot to document of the patriotism and heroic leadership of one of India's bravest and undefeatable warriors, a general, a leader per excellence, commander-in-chief Lachit Barphukan, a contemporary of Shivaji Maharaj, who defeated the advancing mighty Mughal emperor.

The Ahoms had defeated the Mughals not once or twice but 17 times; but their name hardly travelled beyond the boundaries of Assam. Hence history is incomplete without the story of Lachit Borphukan in the first few pages.

Let's recall some of the most inspiring brave quotations Ahom General Lachit spelt during the war with the Mughals and what the Mughals said about the Ahom army.

 "My uncle is not greater than my country."-On Lachit's execution of his uncle for not completing war preparation work on time.

 "I would like to say that we are prepared to fight as long as there remains a drop of blood in our veins."

 "What are the enemies? They are after all ordinary mortals. Shall we not find similar men in our own country? Your majesty should only confer the dust of your feet, and the man equal to the occasion will be readily found."- Referring to Mughals

 "It's a tragedy that my country is facing this dire catastrophe during my Phukanship. How will my king be saved? How will my people be saved? And how will my posterity be saved?"

 "When my countrymen are suffering from invasion, and when my army is fighting and sacrificing its life, how can I think about resting my body due to a mere illness? How can I think about going home to my wife and children when my entire country is in trouble?"

 "Tell your men I am going to die on this spot, and I never think of abandoning my charge. I have brought a slice of earth on the top of Chila Hill which will provide sufficient accommodation for my remains. If I survive I shall go after all the people have left this place."

 "It must be remembered the lions alone fight at night, while others fight during the daytime whether on land or in water." – In context to Mughals accusing Ahoms of fighting at night.

 "The poppy seeds if pounded down will become a thin paste. Our army is as numerous and indissoluble as the sands in the tube despatched herewith." - When the Mughals threatened the Ahom army saying "The Barphukan should evacuate Gauhati. Our army is as numerous as the poppy seeds in this bag."

 "He has come over a long distance undergoing fatigue in his journey, and the provisions may be inadequate for his purpose. Our Majesty the Heavenly King has nothing unavailable to him. If the Rajput Raja falls short of materials, let him ask me, and I shall try to oblige him." – When Ram Singha told that Mughal Emperor is willing to give war materials to Ahoms.

 "Tell Raja Ram Singha that we want to know why he has come to our country. Besides, war is not the only method of settling issues. We have four avenues mentioned in the political scriptures-conciliation, gifts, dissension and open ruptures. One proves to be a knowing man if he can tune his measures to the exigency of the situation."

 "They are sailing down the river, overpowered and disgraced, though they fought for one full year. I do not want to tarnish the fair name of my king and my ministers by plundering the fugitive soldiers."- Lachit after defeating the Mughals at Saraighat and the detachment wanted to fall upon the retreating enemy.

 "Glory to the king! Glory to the counsellors! Glory to the commanders! Glory to the country! One single individual leads all the forces! Even I, Ram Singha, being personally on the spot, have not been able to find any loophole and opportunity!"

 "The Barphukan is not a hero of an ordinary calibre; the fortifications are complex and intricate, and I could not, therefore, obtain any loophole for the attack." - On April 5, 1671 AD after a year of fighting the Mughals commenced their retreat. Ram Singha before leaving prayed at the temple of Hayagriva-Madhava at Hazo and told the Brahmans officiating the temple.

 "Every Assamese soldier is expert in rowing boats, in shooting arrows, in digging trenches, and in wielding guns and cannon. I have not seen such specimens of versatility in any other part of India." -Mughal army led by Ram Singha on Ahom army.

 "One who comes to fight against Assam should be thrashed on the cheek by scavengers with their broomsticks." - Mughal army led by Ram Singha on Ahom army.

 "I have not refrained from fighting, but it has proved useless. As there are no fields, fights by spears, shields and guns are an impossible affair. The Assamese have erected an impenetrable wall of defence on both banks. There is the possibility of one naval fight only." - During the war phase Emperor Aurangzeb sent a message – "I have sent Ram Singha to fight with Assam, and not to make friends with the people there." Ram Singha on the bravery and preparedness of the Ahom army.

 "Please explain why a Kshatriya like myself has not been able to attain any success. What are the peculiar features of Ahom strategy and wherein lies their invincibility? Who are their commanders and what are their names?"

 "Well, Firoz Khan, tell my friend the Raja of Amber, that he cites the authority of the treaty between Allah Yar Khan and my father Momai-Tamuli Barbarua, yet Gauhati and Kamarupa do not belong to the Mughals."

 "Thanks to the Churamani Daivajna, you have brought within your control the science of warfare."

 "Our sovereign the Swarga-Maharaja is the lord of the East, and the Padshah is the lord of the West. If they decide then we can surrender our territory, and you can also surrender Bengal. If we enter into any terms ourselves, our respective masters may refuse to ratify them."

 "At times I feel tempted to go and see the fun. I have been responsible for the slaughter of so many mogul soldiers that I will not be surprised if they capture me alive, and I may also exasperate the Barphukan for carrying on liaison with the enemy."

Mita Nath

(mitanathbora7@gmail.com)