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Lachit BorphukanLachit Borphukan was a great general from Assam, India. In around 1669 He lead the Assamese army against an huge invading Mughal army lead by Ram Singh who was determined to retain Mughal victory on Assam by Mir Jumla in 1662. He is remembered for his victory in the Battle of Saraighat, a momentous occasion in Assam's history. Brief Life Lachit Borphukan was the son of Momai Tamuli Borbarua who, starting from humble beginnings, had risen to the Governor of upper Assam as also Commander-in-Chief of the Ahom army. Thus Lachit Barphukan had the benefit of the upbringing the children of mobility of his times. His father arranged for his education in Humanities, Scriptures and Military skills as he grew up he was given positions of responsibilities. He was appointed appointed Superintendent of the Royal Horse, Commander of the strategic Simulgarh Fort and Superintendent of the Royal Household guards by the Ahom king. Later Lachit was appointed the commander in chief of the Ahom army constructed to drive out the imperialist Mughals. He actively participated in building the army, and later lead it in the Battle of Saraighat into a decisive victory against the Mughals. He died immediately after the victory due to illness. A Role Model for Exemplary Leadership, Courage & Patriotism There are a number of incidents displaying Lachit's great patriotism and sincerity to duty & the nation is noteworthy. "My uncle is not greater than my country" During the preparations for the Battle of Saraighat he ordered a earthen wall to be constructed within one night and employed his maternal uncle as the supervisor. Late night when Lachit came for inspection, he found that work was not progressing satisfactorily. When asked for an explanation, uncle tried to cite tiredness, to which Lachit became so furious in this negligence of duty that he beheaded his uncle on the spot, saying "My uncle is not greater than my country". The barrier was completed within that night. This episode is still cited in Assam as the ultimate example of Lachit's sincerity and patriotism. Failed Attempt by Ram Singh to Prove Lachit Traitor When Ram Singh, the Mughal commander in chief once resorted to spreading misunderstanding in the Ahom camp when he failed to make any advance against the Assamese army during the first phase of the Battle of Saraighat. An arrow carrying a letter by Ram Singh telling that Lachit have been paid rupees one lakh & he should evacuate Guwahati was driven into the Ahom camp, which eventually reached the Ahom king, Chakradhwaj Singha. Although the king started to doubt Lachit's sincerity & patriotism, his prime minister made him understand that this is just a trick against Lachit. The Last Display of Superhuman Courage During the last stage of the Battle of Saraighat, when the Mughals attacked by the river in Saraighat, at the sight of the massive Mughal fleet, the Assamese soldiers began to loose their will to fight. Some elements commenced retreat. Lachit was seriously ill & was observing this development from his sickbed. He had himself carried on a lotto a boat and with seven boats advanced headlong against the Mughal fleet. He said "If you (the soldiers) want to flee, flee. The king has given me a task here and I will do it well. Let the Mughals take me away. You report to the king that his general fought well following his orders". This had an electrifying effect on his soldiers. They rallied behind him and a desperate battle ensured on the Brahmaputra. The Ahoms in their small boats cut circles round the bigger but less maneuverable Mughal boats. The river got littered with clashing boats and drowning soldiers. In this furious engagement, Lachit Barphukan managed to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. The Mughals were decisively defeated and they retreated from Guwahati. Thus ended the battle of Saraighat in a glorious Ahom victory, despite all odds and giving Lachit very deservedly legendary fame in Assam. In his hour of triumph, like Nelson at Trafalgar, Lachit Barphukan died of the illness that he had been suffering from. Postscript The Mughal Commander-in-Chief acknowledging his defeat had a special word of praise for the Ahom solder and the Ahom Commander-in-chief. About Lachit Barphukan he wrote, "Glory to the country. One single individual leads all the forces. Even I Ram Singh, being personally on the spot, has not been able to find any loophole and an opportunity." External Links:
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