The Battle of Saraighat was a historic and decisive naval conflict fought between the Ahom kingdom and the Mughal Empire on the Brahmaputra River near Guwahati. It stands as a symbol of Assamese pride, strategic brilliance, and resistance against imperial expansion.
Background of Ahom–Mughal Conflicts
The Mughals had long aimed to bring Assam under imperial control, especially after the invasion of Mir Jumla (1662–63).
Although the Treaty of Ghiladharighat (1663) ended that invasion, it did not bring lasting peace.
The Mughals, under Aurangzeb, sent a large expeditionary force led by Raja Ram Singh of Amber in 1669 to subjugate the Ahoms.
The Ahoms, under King Chakradhwaj Singha, refused to surrender and chose to resist with all force.
🔑 This battle was part of the larger Mughal imperial ambition and the Ahom determination to retain independence.
Strategic Importance of Guwahati and Saraighat
Guwahati served as the western gateway to the Brahmaputra Valley and was crucial for controlling upper Assam.
Saraighat, located near Guwahati, was a narrow stretch of the Brahmaputra, ideal for controlling river movements.
For the Mughals, capturing Guwahati would open a route into the heartland of the Ahom kingdom.
For the Ahoms, defending Saraighat meant safeguarding their sovereignty and cultural identity.
🔑 The location was vital due to its topography, making naval warfare decisive in the outcome.
Mughal Commander Raja Ram Singh and Ahom Commander Lachit Borphukan
Raja Ram Singh, a Rajput noble, was appointed by Aurangzeb to lead a massive army and fleet to conquer Assam.
The Ahom general was Lachit Borphukan, known for:
His military acumen
Deep understanding of local geography
Unyielding patriotism
Lachit was assisted by commanders like Atan Burhagohain, who provided strategic counsel.
🔑 The battle became a clash of imperial might vs. indigenous resilience, led by two powerful leaders.
Key Events of the Battle
The conflict involved several months of skirmishes and negotiations before culminating in the naval engagement at Saraighat in March 1671.
Despite being outnumbered, the Ahoms:
Fortified riverbanks.
Used floating platforms and small, fast boats.
Engaged in harassment tactics to weaken the Mughals.
The final battle was fought when Lachit, though severely ill, came to the battlefield and inspired his troops with the cry:
“Desh bakile kiya morom, maikiya” (If the country is lost, what use is life?)
🔑 The turning point came from Lachit’s personal bravery and the high morale of the Ahom soldiers.
Naval Tactics and Guerrilla Warfare
The Ahoms, skilled in riverine warfare, used:
Small boats (bacharis) to launch rapid attacks.
Camouflaged flotillas and hidden river passages.
Guerrilla raids at night to demoralise the Mughal army.
The Mughals struggled with:
Navigating unfamiliar waters.
Lack of local support.
Difficulty in supplying their massive force.
🔑 The Ahoms’ mastery of terrain and naval tactics turned the river into a natural defence line.
Role of Lachit Borphukan’s Leadership
Lachit Borphukan displayed unwavering commitment to Assam’s freedom.
Refused to compromise or retreat in the face of odds.
His leadership was marked by:
Strategic insight
Personal courage
Ability to inspire unity among different sections of the army.
Even on his deathbed, he ordered a final counterattack that turned the tide of the war.
🔑 Lachit became a folk hero, symbolising the patriotism and sacrifice of the Assamese people.
Outcome and Aftermath
The Ahoms secured a complete victory.
The Mughals were forced to retreat, and Guwahati remained under Ahom control.
The battle marked the end of major Mughal attempts to conquer Assam.
The victory boosted national morale, cultural pride, and ensured political autonomy for over a century.
🔑 The Battle of Saraighat is considered one of the greatest military victories in Indian regional history.
Later Ahom–Mughal Encounters (Itakhuli, 1682)
The final confrontation occurred at the Battle of Itakhuli in 1682 under King Gadadhar Singha.
The Ahoms launched an offensive to expel the remaining Mughal forces from Assam.
Itakhuli Fort (Guwahati) was captured, and the Mughals never returned.
This marked the complete and final victory of the Ahoms over the Mughal Empire.
🔑 The victory at Itakhuli confirmed Assam’s enduring independence and the decline of Mughal influence in the Northeast.