Sukapha’s visionary journey to build the Ahom Empire in Assam

Dipak Kurmi

(The writer can be reached at dipaknewslive@gmail.com)

The founder of the Ahom Kingdom, Su-Ka-Pha, stands as a beacon of courage and enlightenment in the Brahmaputra Valley of Assam. His reign was marked by exemplary administration, influencing not only the Ahom Empire but also smaller realms in the region, then known as Kamrup. Su-Ka-Pha’s governance set the standard for excellence, fostering unity among indigenous people through conciliatory measures. Embracing inclusivity, he championed inter-caste marriages, forging strong bonds with tribal communities and paving the way for a prosperous era in Assam history.

In the early thirteenth century, a cluster of small states emerged in Upper Burma and Western Yunnan, predominantly inhabited by the Shan people. At the forefront of this movement was Sukapha, a leader among the Shans, who played a pivotal role in establishing the foundation of the Ahom kingdom in Assam. The name Sukapha, signifying ‘a tiger from heaven,’ encapsulates the significance and strength attributed to this visionary leader.

The details of Sukapha’s lineage, his native land, and the circumstances leading to his departure from his homeland remain veiled in mystery. Discrepancies in the Chronicles of Ahom add to the ambiguity surrounding these aspects, leaving the narrative of Sukapha’s origins open to interpretation and speculation.

In the Deodhai Assam Buranji, it is asserted that Sukapha, purportedly the son of Pameupung, the king of Mungjamungji, had Langramap as his mother, daughter of Thaokhenmung. Another account in the same Buranji, drawing on earlier texts, suggests Bakal-Khamdeng as Sukapha’s father. Born and raised in his maternal uncle’s residence in Maolung, or Maulung, Sukapha was nurtured as the heir apparent, given Tyaotyanglau, the king of Maulung, had no offspring. However, with the birth of Tyaotyanglau’s son, Sukhranpha, Sukapha, seeing no prospect of ascending the throne, departed for Mungjamungji, his father’s realm, initiating his journey to upper Assam.

According to the Ahom Buranji, the succession in Munlin saw Santaipha, Khumkhum and Santaiphun as rulers. Santaiphun, with three sons and a daughter, divided his kingdom among the sons. Pameoplun, one of them, expanded his rule to Munphagun. Sanlantantaipha, a formidable warrior from Mungkha-Mungja, migrated to Munphagun, striking fear in neighboring Rajas. Pameoplun forged a treaty, offering his sister in marriage. From this union, Sanlantantaipha and his sister had a son, Sukapha. Childless Pameoplun saw Sukapha as his heir until his wife gave birth to another son, Sukanpha. With no prospect of succession, Sukapha journeyed westward, conquering Nagas and hilltribes, eventually establishing a kingdom in the plains of upper Assam.

The King of Maulung, Pameupung, was mentioned by Kasinath as being childless. Upon his demise, Tyaoaimkhamneng of Mungkhumungjao succeeded him, assuming the name Sukhanpha. In Mungmit Kupking country, Phutyangkhang reigned with three sons. The eldest, Sujatpha, became the king of Taip, while the second son, Sukhampha, ruled Taipong. Sukapha, the youngest, inherited his father’s kingdom. A conflict arose between Sukhanpha, the king of Maulung, and the king of Junlung country. Sukhampha sought aid from Sukapha, who declined. Subsequently, Sukhanpha invaded Sukapha’s territory, prompting Sukapha’s escape to Mungkang country. From there, Sukapha initiated his conquest of upper Assam.

The records from the Buranjis affirm that Sukapha, born a prince in Maulung in upper Burma, emerged as the leader of the Shan community, laying the foundation of the Ahom kingdom in Assam. This fact is not only supported by the unanimous testimony of the Buranjis, but also echoes through universal and well-preserved tradition. While there is some uncertainty about the specific state of his origin, the Buranjis’ assertion of Maulung appears credible. The Ahoms, originally hailing from the ancient kingdom of Pong, are unquestionably authentic Shans, evident in their physical characteristics, tribal language, and written script. Their migration across the Patkai finds parallels with other Shan tribes like the Khamtis, Phakials, and Aitonias, who traversed the same route from their ancestral homeland.

The date of Sukapha’s birth and the timing of his venture to Assam, much like his ancestry, original homeland, and the motive for leaving, remain enveloped in mystery.

The accounts surrounding Sukapha’s birth and the timeline of his Assam invasion present diverse perspectives. According to the Deodhai Assam Buranji, Sukapha was born in 1211 and entered Assam in 1228. Haliram proposes an alternative birth year of 1195, with the invasion occurring in 1246. Kasinath and Gunabhiram omit Sukapha’s birth date, but align on the invasion year, noting it as 1228. Unfortunately, the lack of means to verify these early dates in the Buranjis has hindered scientific and comprehensive studies on the matter.

In the year 1215, Sukapha embarked on his journey from Maulung, accompanied by eight nobles, nine thousand infantry, three thousand cavalry, and two elephants. Over the course of thirteen years, he traversed the hilly terrain of the Patkai, engaging in occasional raids on Naga villages. By 1228, he reached Khamjang, situated at the northeastern border of upper Assam. Notably, Sukapha followed a land route from China to India through Yunnan, Upper Burma, and Assam during his expedition.

In the year 1215, Sukapha crossed the Khamjang River on rafts, reaching Nongnyang Lake. Despite initial resistance from some Nagas, he emerged victorious, instilling widespread terror and prompting submission from neighboring Nagas. Leaving a noble in charge of the conquered territory, Sukapha advanced through Dangkaorang, Khamhangpung, and Namrup. Bridging the Sessa River, he ascended the Dihing but retraced his steps due to unsuitability, reaching Tipam in 1230. Facing floods, he moved downstream, reaching Abhoypur in 1234 and staying until 1238. Progressing down the Tilao in 1241, he settled in the Habung Country, cultivating while facing inundation. Continuing downstream on the Brahmaputra, he arrived at the Dikhau’s mouth, ascended the river to Silpani, and stayed until 1243. Appointing Mungring-mungching as Governor in 1243, Sukapha moved to Simaluguri, later leaving for Timan. After six years, he reached Timak in 1249, settling at Munglinamao in 1250. In 1251, Sukapha, with followers, established a settlement at Charaideo, constructing a town. Charaideo was chosen for its strategic elevation and proximity to a small hill, marking the beginning of Sukapha’s royal city and palace.

Sukapha initiated a series of campaigns against neighbouring regions, including the Chutias, Morans, Borahis, Nagas, Kacharis, and the formidable kingdom of Kamrup. Having conquered the Chutias, Kacharis, and Kamata, Sukapha permitted them to maintain their existing status, provided they paid tribute. The Borahi king Badancha and Moran king Thakumtha acknowledged Ahom supremacy, regularly supplying various jungle products: elephants, dye, honey, and mats. Sukapha, displaying wisdom, employed conciliatory measures, treating these rulers as equals, and fostering unity through intermarriage, thereby forging a cohesive nation.

The sweep of Sukapha’s conquest encompassed the entirety of upper Assam, extending from the southwest of the Chutias to the east of the Kacharis, reaching the Patkai Range at the upper Burma border. Establishing his capital, Charaideo, in the modern Sivasagar district, Sukapha also claimed dominion over regions from upper Burma to the eastern border of upper Assam, appointing his nobles as rulers. Strengthening ties with rulers in his ancestral home, he extended gestures of goodwill, sending presents of gold and silver.

Sukapha, in his approach towards the indigenous peoples of Assam, implemented facilitative measures, respecting their sentiments and culture. His demeanor was marked by reasonableness, especially towards those who acknowledged his supremacy. In contrast to the typical invaders of India, Sukapha was not a raider; his military career shunned pillage and loot. His intentions were not centered on plundering, but on establishing rules. This expedition revealed Sukapha as a courageous nation-builder, strategically placing his nobles to administer each conquered country on his journey to Assam.

The flexibility of Sukapha’s approach allowed him to exhibit both cruelty and kindness as the situation demanded. When facing the hostile Nagas of the Patkai, Sukapha adopted a stern and uncompromising stance, instilling such fear that they never dared to rebel again, not even during his lifetime. It is noteworthy that Sukapha, in his governance, assimilated with all the conquered people, viewing the newly founded regime as his own land.

The Ahom Kingdom, aiming for strength and permanence, saw Sukapha initiating conciliatory measures with neighboring kings, contingent on the payment of tribute. To foster crucial relations for the foundation, growth, and prosperity of the newly established regime, he strategically appointed Katakis in vassal kingdoms. Sukapha designated two influential chiefs, Buragohain and Borgohain, as his key assistants, wielding significant power in all state affairs, second only to the king.

The architect of Assam’s enduring strength, Sukapha, was a courageous and enterprising prince who laid the foundation for a formidable kingdom. His exceptional leadership qualities gave rise to the Ahom Dynasty in India. Employing conciliatory measures, Sukapha aimed to unite all indigenous people, treating them as equals and promoting intermarriage between the Ahoms and other tribes – a testament to his broad-minded nature. As a great emperor and leader, he established a sturdy foundation for his successors, who governed Assam for about six centuries. Sukapha’s liberal attitude, transcending caste and creed, played a pivotal role in forging a unified Assamese race. Beyond his time, Sukapha’s influence endures, shaping not only historical narratives, but also contemporary administration in the region, where his deeds and ideology continue to be acknowledged and followed.