History taught us about the deadliest period for Mughals (invaders); we remember several names, but when it talks about the Battle of Saraighat, a synonym of unbeatability and invincibility cracks our mind is Lachit Borphukan. Lachit Borphukan was a commander and Borphukan of the Ahom Kingdom renowned for defeating the monstrous forces of Mughals under Aurangzeb, commanded by Mirza Raja Ram Singh I. People of the Assam and the whole nation celebrate the valiance of Lachin Borphukan as Lachit Divas on 24th November.
Early Life of Lachit Borphukan:
Lachit Borphukan took birth in Tai Ahom Family and embraced the whole province of Assam. Lachit was born to the first Borbarua and commander-in-chief of Ahom Army Momai Tamuli Borbarua and mother Kunti Moran in Charaideo on 24th November 1622. He was initially named Lachit Deca. He grew up following the ideals of his father and mother, acquired proficiency in the scriptures, humanities, and moral etiquettes and mastered the warfare tactics which structured him into a visionary and proficient leader.
In the struggle to become Borphukan or Commander-in-chief of the Ahom army, Lachit went through several posts with the same determination to serve the Kingdom. Lachit served as Superintendent of the Royal Horses or Ghora Barua, Commander of the Strategy at Simulgargh Fort, superintendent of Royal Household guards or Dolaksharia Barua and scarf bearer or Soladhara Barua in the Ahom Kingdom. Under the Ahom Raja Chakradhwaj Singha, also known as Supangmung, he was regarded as the Borphukan and Commander in chief of the Ahom Kingdom.
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Story behind why Lachit Killed his Uncle:
The times were so cruel for the Kingdom of Assam and their people due to the barbarism of Humongous Mughal forces in Assam. Lachit Borphukan ordered and employed his maternal Uncle as a supervisor for the construction of the earthen wall for the fortification within one night.
While inspecting at the late-night, Lachit found that progress is not that satisfactory. Lachit, while sorting the explanation from his maternal Uncle for the delay in the work, talked rudely and cited the drowsiness issue. Lachit inflamed and beheaded his maternal Uncle for unprofessional behaviour towards the Kingdom or country during harsh times. As stated, the earthen wall’s construction should be completed within the night. Later, it was named “Momai-Kota Gargh.”
It is also believed that Lachit was very close to his Uncle. After beheading him, Lachit said,
“My Uncle was not greater than my motherland.”