Explore the rich history of the Ahom Kingdom, a significant power in northeastern India, from its establishment to its eventual decline. This comprehensive article delves into the kingdom's formation, notable rulers, key battles, strategic expansions, and cultural contributions. Learn about the Ahom kings’ military strategies, administrative achievements, and their interactions with neighboring states. Discover the legacy of the Ahom Dynasty and its impact on the region's history and culture.

 Ahom Kingdom

Ahom Kingdom

Sukapha

The Ahoms are members of the Shan branch of the great 'Tai' or 'Thai' family of Southeast Asia. Sukapha left his homeland 'Maulong' in about 1215 AD to seek his fortune,  coming with eight nobles and 9000 men, women, and children. He had 300 horses, 2 elephants, and as weapons swords, spears, bows, and arrows, besides ten special swords called 'hengdans'.  For thirteen years he wandered about the hilly country of the Patkai. Sukapha moved towards the Patkai via the Hukong Valley, and he reduced to submission the local tribes found along the road. He crossed the Daikham hill and proceeding further, crossed the river Khamjang in rafts and stopped near Nong Yang Lake. The Wanch, Nocte, and Tangsa Nagas who inhabited that region resisted his advance but Sukapha brought all of them under his control by a policy of blood and repine. After this Sukapha moved towards Daikaorang (a collection of nine hills) and conquered the Nagas living in that area. At last, he reached Namruk (Namrup) and subsequently Tipam, where he had established his first headquarters.  He reached the Brahmaputra valley in 1228 and had been moving from place to place and in 1253 he permanently established his kingdom at Charaideo (Now in Sivasagar).

There were two tribes, in the Brahmaputra Valley at the time of Sukapha’s arrival the Maran and the Barahis. They are living with 4000 fighting men only, whom Sukapha won over to his side by a policy of peace and conciliation. Sukapha appointed two great officers of the state known as the 'Borgohain' and 'Buragohain', who exercised powers second only to those of the king himself. Year-long when he reached the Brahmaputra valley in 1228, he ordered his chroniclers to keep a record of all events and this was the glorious starting of the history-writing in Assam. It is a precious contribution to Indian historiography

Actually, Sukapha and his followers came not as raiding conquerors but as the heads of agricultural folk in search of land. He did not occupy the lands of local people, rather he opened up new areas for settlement and paddy fields. Thus, he continued and lived amongst the local people, learned their language, honored their religious rites, married their daughters, and led the simple life of common people, himself cultivating the land. Sukapha accepted the local people to his social fold, placed them on an equal footing with his own men, and treated them as his
friends.

The local people did not consider Sukapha a king exacting heavy tribute from them or one living aloof from them. On the contrary, they considered Sukapha and his men, their friends, who however were more skilled as cultivators, knew astrological calculations, had some knowledge of the density of water, distinguished themselves by possessing war horses, and therefore, were superior to them. Therefore, the local tribesmen or people did not mind becoming their servitors, supplying, them with elephants, firewood, vegetables, honey, etc. The conquest of the Tai-Shans changed the political history of north-eastern India. It was the beginning of a process leading to the establishment of non-Aryan hegemony and the end of the long-drawn-out period of struggle against Aryan domination. After a long struggle, Sukapha died in 1268 and he was succeeded by his son Suteupha (1268-1281).  

Suteupha extended the western boundary of the Ahom kingdom to the river Namdang. He was succeeded by - Subinpha (1281-1293), Sukhangpha (1293-1332 ), Sukhrangpha (1332-1364) and Sutupha (1364-1376). Sutupha was made friendly relation with the Chutiya king, but later on, he was killed by the conspiracy of the Chutiya king. After a few years of the minister’s rule, Taukhamti (1380-1389) ascended the throne. After his death 2nd time ministers ruled over the kingdom due to a lack of qualified Ahom king.    

Later on, Taukhamti’s son Sudangpha ascended the throne (1397- 1407). He was called Bamuni Knowar due to being brought up in a Brahmin family. After Sudangpha, Sujangpha (1407-1422), Suphafpha (1422-1439), Susenpha (1488-1493) and Supimpha (1493-1497) respectively became the king of Ahom kingdom. In between the reign of Subinpha (1281-1293) to Supimpha (1493-1497) covering a long period of more than two hundred years, no extension of Ahom kingdom was made by them.

Suhungmung: (1497-1539)

Suhungmung (1497-1539) was the son of Supimpha another powerful king of Ahom kingdom. Another popular name of the king was Dihingia Raja, as he shifted his capital to Bakata on the bank of the Dihing River. He assumed the Hindu title Swarganarayan. He also adopted the Saka era in place of the Ahom system of calculation by cycles of 60 years. A new Minsier’s post was created by Suhungmung in the year 1504, was Barpatra Gohain, whose position was equal to those of of the Borgohain and Burahgohain. In 1523, the Chutiya Kingdom was annexed with the Ahom kingdom and an officer called Sadiya Khowa Goahin was appointed to administer it. In 1536, the Kacharis, in a bid to regain their independence, revolted against the Ahom, who took the offensive immediately. Their king Detchung was caught and beheaded and the whole of the Dhansiri valley along with the Kachari possessions up to the Kalang River were annexed to the Ahom kingdom. The administration of this was placed under a new officer called Marangikhowa Gohain. In 1532, Turbak Khan invaded Assam. Suhungmung reign was one of the most eventful in Assam history. Actually, he was the real builder of the greater Ahom kingdom. He converted the small kingdom into a big and powerful one extending as Kajalimukh in the present Nagaon District.

Suklengmung (1539-53):

Suklenmung killed his father Suhungmung and became the next king. He was popularly called the Garhgayan Raja, as he made Garhgaon his capital. Suklenmung did not like the idea of having both Chom-Cheng (Chomdeo) and Lakshmi Narayan representing two different faiths in the palace. He, therefore, installed the deities of Chom-Cheng in a separate temple outside the place but within the place campus. This indicates the growing preponderance of Hinduism in the Ahom Court.

Sukampha (1553-1603): 

He was the son of Suklengmung and was called Khora Raja, as he while hunting before the accession to the throne, had one of his feet hurt. During his reign, Ahom soldiers sustained defeat at the hands of the Koches in 
the battles fought at the mouths of the Dikhou and Handia rivers in 1562.

Susenpha or Pratap Singha (1603-1641): 

After the death of Sukampha in 1603, his successor Susenpha alias Pratap Singha was one of the greatest Ahom kings. His other name was Buddhi Swargonarayan and Burha Raja or old king. In his long reign, he had to fight with the Kacharis in 1606, and the Mughals in 1615 once and Pratap Singha who proved his statesmanship and intelligence in dealing with the Kacharis and Jayantias, was in a position to strengthen both these kingdoms to fight the Mughals with whom he had to wage a protracted war.

Pratap Singha died in the year 1641 after reigning 38 years. He was one of the best kings of the Ahom dynasty. He was capable, energetic, and ambitious. Although a great part of his reign was distracted by wars with the Kacharis and Mughal invaders. He was also still able to devote much attention to the internal organization of his kingdom. He constructed the Siva temple at Biswanath and Dergaon. He replaced the Ahom Katakis (Messenger) with the Brahmanas, who thus got access to conduct diplomatic relations with the Western countries, particularly with Koch Behar and Bengal. The first incumbent of the post ‘Barbaruah’ was Mumai Tamuli. and it  was created in the reign of Pratap Singha. After the battle of Hajo, the king felt the need to create two offices to look into the affairs of his kingdom, West Kaliabar, with scrupulous care.  He was, therefore, made the first Barphukan of conquered territories west of Kaliabor, with headquarters at Kajali.  

After Pratap Singha, his successors were Surampha ( 1641-16430), and Sutinpha (1644-1648). Sutinpha was called ‘Naria Raja’ due to his ill health and due to his shoulder’s bend, he was called ‘Kuja or Kekora Raja’  Sutamalai, son of Sutinpha by assuming the Hindu name Jayadvhaj Singha ascended the throne in 1648. In a battle with Mughals, he fled away so, he was called ‘Bhagania Raja’.  After Jayadvhaj Singha, Supungmung or Chakradvhaj Singha (1663-1669)ascended the throne. He recovered Guwahati and Pandu from Mughal. Lachit Barphukan, son of Momaai Tamuli Barphukan helped him in this respect.  

Chakradhvaj Singha died in 1969 and he was succeeded by his brother, who assumed the Hindu name Udayaditya Singha and the Ahom name Sunytpha (1669-1673). The Great Battle of Saraighat (1671)took place during his reign.   1670-1681 was a dark and dangerous period for Assam. Udayaditya Singha the successor of Chakradvhaj Singha was killed by Debera Hazarika, and his brother Suklangpha alias Ramdvhaj Singha (1673-1675) ascended the throne. One ambitious and selfish officer namely Laluksola Barphakun made Sulikpha or Ratnadvhaj Singha (1679-1681) the king. He was very young, so he was called ‘Lara Raja’. That time Laluksola Barphukan was all in all in the kingdom.   

Gadadhar Singha (1681-1696)

 The founder of the famous Tungkhungia dynasty Gadapani or Godadhar Singha, the son of Gobar, ascended the throne in 1681.  He assumed the Hindu name Gadadhar Singha  and the Ahom name Supatpha. After the throne, he set his mind on recovering Guwahati from the Mughals and lost no time to send a large army for the purpose. The Assamese army captured Kajali in the very first assault and secured a triumphant naval victory on the mouth of the river Barnadi. The Mughals then retreated to Itakhuli, near Sukleswar in Guwahati, where a series of battles between the Ahom and the Mughals were fought (1682).  The Ahom soldiers pursued the Mughals as far as the Manas. Itakhuli Battle was the last Ahom and Mughal war. Henceforth the Manas was the boundary accepted by both Ahom and the Mughals.

Gadadhar Singha never forgot those who had stood by him in his days of wanderings in disguise, pursued by enemies. Nor did he forgive the inhospitable Vaishnavas. Under his orders, many Gossains were sent to Namrup and put to death there. When he ascended the throne, the kingship was losing its prestige, he raised it to its proper position and dignity. He built the temple of Umananda near Guwahati. He made Dhodar Ali, the Aka Ali and so many roads and stone bridges. He was the first king of the entire north east to introduce the system of surveying the land. Gadadhar Singha died in February 1696 A.D.

Rudra  Singha (1696-1714):

After Godadhar Singha’s death, his elder son Lai (Sukhrangpha) ascended the throne with the Hindu name Rudra Singha. He was the most illustrious of the Ahom kings and his reign witnessed the zenith of Ahom power and glory. The new king at once began to reverse his father’s policy with the Vaishnava Gossain. Those of them who were Brahmins were allowed to resume their old position and avocations. The Gossains set up their headquarters in Majuli.. He is considered as the greatest of all the Ahom kings. The most memorable events of his reign were the submissions of the Kacharis and Jayantiyas.  He was adventurous in the military and also was a great administrator. He not only extended his large kingdom but is also said to have received the submission of all the hill tribes. Rudhra Singha introduced five new khels: Kakati, Kotoky, Bairagi, Khound, and Dholai for better administration of the kingdom,.

There were many poets and scholars in his court the most notable of them was Kabiraj Chakravorty, who composed the famous drama ‘Sankha-Chuda-Badh’ and had also translated the ‘Abhijyana Sakuntalam’ and the Brahma-Vaivatra Purano’ into Assamese.

The Kareng-ghar, a seven-storied palatial building at Rangpur, the remains of which still exist there was built during his reign. He had also built Jaisagar Tank and a temple called Jaydoul to commemorate his mother’s name. He constructed two bridges mainly on the Namdang and Diman rivers. He completed the survey of Sivasagar commenced in his father’s reign and that of Nagaon continued. The construction of roads completed by him was Kharikatiya Raod, Durbariyam Road, and Meteka Road. He also built Ranghar for sports. He died in 1714 in Guwahati.

Before death, he directed his five sons to become the king one after another consecutively. In 1714 his elder son Sutnapha by assuming the Hindu name Shiva Shingha ascended the throne and became the disciple of Krishnaramm Bhattacharya of Shakta religion and settled this Bengali Gossain in Nilachal Hill making him the priest of Kamakhya temple. He was a religious person and always obeyed the direction of Brahman and Astologer for this made his wife Queen Phuleswari ‘Bar Raja’ and handed the same power to her. She was an orthodox Shakta disciple and wanted to make it a state religion and humiliated the Moamariya Mahantas. This attempt of Phuleswari was the root cause of the Maomariya Revolt. Queen Phuleswari died in 1731. Maharani Phuleswari (1715-1717) made Gaurisagar Tank. After her death, Siva Singha married his sister-in-law Draupadi and assumed her name Ambika and made her ‘Bar Raja’. During the time of Maharani Ambika, the Siva Daul (Tallest in Assam) was built. Ambika made the Sivsagar Tank. 

In 1738 Maharani Ambika died and Siva Singha married the daughter of Solal
Gohain, Anadari and assumed her name Sarbeswari, and made her ‘Bar-Raja’. Dhai Ali was constructed during the reign of Siva Singha (1714-1744). Sukumar
Barkaith’s ‘Hastibidyarnab’ was written in his period. 

After the death of Siva Singha, Pramatta Singha (1744-1751) the second son of Rudra Singha became the king. He rebuilt the wooden Rang-ghar of Rudhra Singha with bricks and stone. He built the Sukreswar and Rudreswar temples of Guwahati and Barduwar of Garhgaon.

After Pramatta Singha Rudra Singha’s fourth son Surampha ascended the throne by assuming the Hindu name Rajeswar Singha (1751-1769). He made a good relationship with Manipur’s king Jayasing.  He sent a group of army under Harnath Phukan to help the Manipuri king against the Maan invasion. ‘Latakata Ran’ was so called that Ahom soldiers moved forward in the dense forest of Manipur by cutting trees.  At the end part of Rajeswar Singha’s reign, Kirtichandra Baruah became more powerful and he misused his power and also burnt the ‘Chakarifeti Buranji’ or other Buranji written by Numali Bargohain. Rajeswar Singha built the Kareng-ghar of Garhgaon, Basistasram temple, Nabagraha temple, Manikeswar temple,  Chitrachal Temple, Hargauri Dewalaya, Talataal Ghar of Rangpur etc.    

Lakshmi Singha the youngest son of Rudra Singha ascended the throne (1769-1780). He invited a new ‘Shakto Gohain’ from Bengal which was called ‘Na-Gohain’.In 1769 Moamariya Mahanta conquered Rangpur and Ramakanta became the king Ahom kingdom which lasted for one year due to a lack of unity.            

 Lakshmi Singha’s son Gaurinath Singha ascended the throne (1780-1795) and as his father, he started to kill the Moamariya Mahanta. In 1782 Moamariyas started rebellion and conquered Garhgaon in 1786 and Swargodeu Gaurinath Singha fled to Guwahati. There was an imbroglio and law and order situation in the state and being helpless he sought help from the British. In 1792 Governor General Lord Cornwallis sent Captain Wales with a group of soldiers and controlled the movement. Thereafter Gaurinath Singha shifted his capital from Rangpur to Jorhat (1794).

After the death of Gaurinath Singha  Kinaram ascended the throne by assuming the name Kamaleswar Singha (1795-1810). In his reign, Hardutta and his brother Birdutta declared Kamrup as independent. The army of Hardutta was known as ‘Dumdumia’ or ‘Dandua’, so, this rebellion was called ‘Danduadroha’.

After Kamaleswar,  Chandrakanta Singha (1811-1818) became the king and during his reign, Badanchandra Barphukan became more cruel and the first time Maan attacked Assam.

In 1818 with the help of Ruchinath Bargohain, Purandhar Singha by force ascended the throne.  During his reign, Maans attacked Assam second time (1819). After Purandhar Singha, Chandrakanta Singha again ascended the throne, and in 1920 when Maan returned Chandrakanta rejected their dominion. On hearing this news, Maan third time (1821) attacked and conquered the Ahom kingdom and made Jagendra Singha King.

Maan in the name of ruling, looted and tortured the people from 1819 to 1824. They destroyed the villages, looted and massacred beyond description. On the request of Ahom, the British declared war against Maan in 1824. In this battle, the British won and on 24th February 1826 they made a treaty which is called ‘The Yandaboo Treaty,. Since then Assam become a part of British territory. Thus, the glorious 600 years of Ahom rule has ended. 0 0 0

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Ahom Kingdom: FAQs

1. Who was Sukapha, and what was his role in the establishment of the Ahom Kingdom?

Sukapha was the founder of the Ahom Kingdom, originally from the Shan branch of the Tai family. Around 1215 AD, he left his homeland, Maulong, with a group of 9,000 people. He navigated the Patkai hills, subdued local tribes, and eventually established his kingdom in the Brahmaputra Valley. Sukapha’s policies of peace, conciliation, and agricultural development significantly shaped the early Ahom Kingdom.

2. What were Sukapha’s major achievements during his rule?

Sukapha is known for founding the Ahom Kingdom and establishing its initial administrative and military frameworks. He defeated local tribes and expanded his territory, including the annexation of regions such as the Chutiya Kingdom and parts of Kachari territory. His efforts in integrating local tribes and establishing the kingdom's administrative structure laid the groundwork for future rulers.

3. Who succeeded Sukapha, and what were their contributions?

Sukapha was succeeded by his son, Suteupha, who extended the kingdom's boundaries. His successors included Subinpha, Sukhangpha, Sukhrangpha, and Sutupha, who each contributed to the kingdom’s development. Notable among them was Sukhangpha, who reinforced the kingdom’s defenses and administration.

4. What was the significance of Suhungmung’s reign?

Suhungmung, also known as Dihingia Raja, reigned from 1497 to 1539 and is credited with significantly expanding the Ahom Kingdom. He annexed the Chutiya Kingdom, defeated the Kacharis, and defended against invasions. His reign saw the consolidation of Ahom power and territorial expansion, marking a period of significant growth and influence.

5. What were the major achievements of Rudra Singha’s rule?

Rudra Singha (1696-1714) is considered one of the greatest Ahom kings. His reign was marked by military successes, including the submission of the Kacharis and Jayantiyas. He is also known for his administrative reforms, construction of significant structures like the Kareng-ghar and Jaisagar Tank, and fostering cultural advancements with notable poets and scholars in his court.

6. How did the Ahom Kingdom end?

The decline of the Ahom Kingdom began with internal strife and external pressures. The kingdom faced rebellions, including the Moamariya Revolt, and conflicts with the Maan. By 1821, the Maan conquered the Ahom Kingdom. The British intervened, and the Yandaboo Treaty of 1826 resulted in Assam becoming part of British India, ending over 600 years of Ahom rule.

7. What was the impact of the Ahom Kingdom on the region’s history?

The Ahom Kingdom played a crucial role in shaping the history of northeastern India. It established a non-Aryan hegemony in the region, contributed to the cultural and administrative development of Assam, and influenced regional politics through its military and diplomatic strategies. The kingdom’s legacy includes advancements in administration, culture, and architecture.

Cronological order of Ahom King:

(1) Sukapha (1228 - 1268 A.D.)

(2) Suteupha (1268 - 1281 A.D.)

(3) Subinpha (1281 - 1293 A.D.)

(4) Sukhangpha (1293 - 1332 A.D.)

(5) Sukhranpha (1332-1364 A.D.)

(6) Sutupha (1364 - 1376 A.D.)

(7) Sudangpha (1397 - 1422 A.D.)

(8) Sujangpha (1407- 1439 A.D.)

(9) Suphakpha (1422 - 1439 A.D.)

(10) Susenpha ( 1439 - 1488 A.D.)

(11) Suhhenpha ( 1488- 1493 A.D.)

(12) Supimpha (1493 - 1497 A.D.)

(13) Suhungmung or Dihingia Raja (1497 - 1539 A.D.)

(14) Suklengmung (1539 - 1552 A.D.)

(15) Sukhampha (1552 - 1603 A.D.)

(16) Susenpha (1603 - 1641 A.D.)

(17) Surampha or Bhagaa Raaja (1641 - 1644)  

(18) Sutyinpha or Nariya Raja (1644 - 1648 A.D.)

(19) Sutamala or Joydhvaj Singha (1688 - 1663 A.D.)

(20) Chakradvhaj Singha (1663 - 1669 A.D.)

(21) Udadittya Singha (1669-1673 A.D.)

(22) Ramdvhaj Singha ( 1673 - 1675 A.D.)

(23) Suhung (1675)

(24) Gobar (1675)

(25) Sujinpha (1675 to 1677)

(26) Sudaipha (1677 - 1679 A.D.)

(27)  Sulikfa or Lara Raja (1679 - 1681 A.D.)

(28) Godadhar Singha (1681 - 1696A.D)

(29) Rudra Singha (1696 - 1714 A.D)

(30) Siva Singha (1714 - 1744 A.D)

(31) Paramatta Singha (1744 -1751 A.D)

(32) Rajeswar Singha (1751 - 1769 A.D

(33) Lakshmi Singha ( 1769 - 1780 A.D)

(34) Gaurinath Singha ( 1780 - 1794 A.D)

(35) Kamaleswar Singha ( 1795 - 1810 A.D)

(36) Chandra Kanta Singha ( 1810 - 1818 A.D)

(37) Purandar Singha ( 1818 - 1819A.D), ( 1833-1838 A.D). 000

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