Lachit Borphukan : Bronze Statue Unveiled
The Prime Minister of India unveiled a 125-foot bronze statue of Ahom general Lachit Borphukan at his burial site in eastern Assam’s Jorhat district.
- Lachit Borphukan was a legendary army commander of the Ahom kingdom (1228-1826). He was known for his leadership in the 1671 ‘Battle of Saraighat’.
- He defeated the Mughal forces, led by Raja Ramsingh-I, in this battle, and thwarted a drawn-out attempt by them to take back Assam.
- He was chosen as one of the five Borphukans of the Ahom kingdom by king Charadhwaj Singha and given administrative, judicial, and military responsibilities.
- Borphukan preferred guerrilla tactics which provided an edge to his smaller, but fast moving and capable forces.
- He was buried at the ‘maidam’ burial grounds for Ahom royals and nobles at Hollongapar, after passing away a year after the battle at the age of 49 due to illness.
