Emulate Lachit: Governor

By our Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, Nov 23:  Assam Governor PB Acharya, in his message to the people on Lachit Divas, has said that Lachit Borphukan was a great commander and Borphukan in the Ahom kingdom known for his leadership in the 1671 Battle of Saraighat that thwarted a drawn-out attempt by Mughal forces under the command of Ramsingha to take back Kamrup.

The Governor further said that Lachit Borphukan was the son of Momai Tamuli Borbarua, the first Borbarua (Governor of Upper Assam and Commander-in-Chief of the Ahom army) under Pratap Singha. Lachit Borphukan was educated in humanities, scriptures and military skills. He was given position of the Soladhara Barua (scarf-bearer) of the Ahom Swargadeo, a position equivalent to a private secretaryship, which was regarded as the first step in career of an ambitious diplomat and politician. Other offices held by Lachit, before his appointment as Borphukan, included Superintendent of the Stable of Royal Horses (Ghora Barua), Commander of the strategic Simalugarh Fort and Superintendent of the Royal Household Guards or (Dolakasaria Barua) to the Ahom king Chakradhwaj Singha.

The Governor added that King Chakradhwaj Singha selected Lachit Borphukan to lead the army in the campaign against the Mughals who held Guwahati. The King presented Lachit with a gold-hafted sword (Hengdang) and the customary parapherlia of distinction. Lachit raised the army and preparations were completed by summer of 1667. Lachit, despite suffering from high fever, recovered Guwahati from the Mughals and successfully defended it against the Mughal forces during the Battle of Saraighat.

The Governor has appealed to the people to always revere the great hero of Assam and to remember his great feats. He has also appealed to the people to emulate the qualities of his head and heart and to imbibe his courageous ture and his patriotism to the Motherland.