An Alternative History Of India, Starring An Ahom General

Assam CM explains why Lachit Barphukan’s 400th birth anniversary is a pivotal moment

- Himanta Biswa Sarma

I vividly remember how in 1982 I was in Class 7 and read a chapter on Mahavir Lachit Barphukan as part of my history syllabus. With every re-reading of that chapter, the visualisation of his military heroism became clearer and more impactful. But as I grew older and explored advanced history books, a glaring gap became noticeable.

Amidst voluminous chapters glorifying the Mughal empire minimal prominence was given to Lachit Barphukan, one of India’s bravest generals who successfully stopped the northeastern expansion of the ruthless Mughal army.

• A closer perusal of history books back then showed a distinct pattern.

• References to Assam extended to not more than 200 years ago,

• Giving a flawed impression to students that Assam and the Northeast emerged only after the British took control of India.

• The intellectuals who chose to narrate history in such a manner acted as extensions of an ecosystem that treated India’s Northeast, her people and her culture as a distant frontier outpost. 

But now, as Aatmanirbhar Bharat proudly celebrates the 400th birth anniversary of Lachit Barphukan, his heroic exploits are becoming known to all.