The Ahom dynasty, after ruling Assam for nearly 600 years (1228–1826 CE), gradually declined due to a combination of internal rebellions, administrative breakdown, economic crises, and external invasions. This ultimately led to the end of indigenous rule in Assam and the beginning of British colonial dominance.
Moamoria Rebellion and Internal Conflicts
The Moamoria Rebellion (1769–1805) was a mass uprising against the Ahom monarchy, primarily led by the Moamorias—a Vaishnavite sect opposed to Brahmanical dominance and royal oppression.
Causes:
Religious persecution of the Moamorias by the Ahom state.
Paik system exploitation, which burdened the lower classes.
Land and social inequality, marginalising tribal and lower-caste groups.
Consequences:
Repeated attacks on the Ahom capital.
Destruction of royal infrastructure, temples, and records.
Weakened central authority and heavy casualties on both sides.
Triggered further rebellions and internal divisions in the kingdom.
🔑 The Moamoria uprising shattered the administrative base and revealed the cracks in Ahom political control.
Economic Decline and Weak Leadership
Post-rebellion Assam faced:
Collapsed agriculture and trade.
Depopulation due to war, famine, and forced labour.
Declining revenue because of the broken Paik system.
The later Swargadeos lacked:
Administrative efficiency
Military competence
Popular support
Court politics was marked by:
Factionalism, corruption, and noble conspiracies.
Frequent changes in high office (e.g., Borbarua, Barphukan), weakening governance.
🔑 This phase reflects a state in disarray, unable to recover from social unrest and leadership failure.
Burmese Invasions (1817–1826)
Taking advantage of Ahom weakness, the Burmese (Konbaung dynasty) invaded Assam:
First in 1817, and repeatedly until 1826.
Assisted some disgruntled Assamese nobles seeking power.
Consequences of the invasion:
Burmese forces plundered towns, massacred civilians, and destroyed temples and records.
Thousands of Assamese were killed or enslaved.
The Burmese occupation led to a massive humanitarian crisis.
Ahom power was effectively dismantled, and Assam was left defenceless and leaderless.
🔑 The Burmese invasion turned Assam into a zone of devastation, setting the stage for British intervention.
Treaty of Yandabo (1826) and British Annexation
The Treaty of Yandabo, signed on 24 February 1826, between the British East India Company and the King of Burma, marked:
The end of the First Anglo-Burmese War.
The ceding of Assam (along with other territories) to the British.
Key implications:
Ahom rule officially ended.
British colonial administration began, first in Upper Assam, then across the region.
The last Ahom king, Purandar Singha, was briefly reinstated (1833–1838) as a puppet ruler, but later deposed.
🔑 The Treaty of Yandabo represents the formal collapse of the Ahom dynasty and the beginning of British rule in Assam.