The Moamoria Rebellion was the most significant internal uprising against the Ahom monarchy, lasting over three decades. It was not merely a political revolt but a socio-religious and class-based movement led by Vaishnavite peasants, which shook the very foundation of the Ahom administrative and military structure.
Origins and Social-Religious Causes
The rebellion began in 1769 during the reign of Lakshmi Singha.
Root causes included:
Religious persecution of the Moamorias, followers of a liberal Vaishnavite sect.
The Ahom elite, aligned with Brahmanical orthodoxy, viewed the Moamorias as socially subversive.
Growing resentment among lower castes and tribal peasants due to oppressive systems and lack of recognition.
🔑 The rebellion stemmed from deep-seated religious discrimination, caste exploitation, and neglect of reform.
Role of Moamara Sattra and Mahantas
The Moamara Sattra was the spiritual centre of the reformist Vaishnavite sect.
Its Mahantas (spiritual leaders) challenged royal interference in religious affairs.
The Ahom kings tried to suppress the sattra, imprisoning or punishing Mahantas, which triggered widespread rebellion.
The sattra offered:
Ideological motivation
Leadership training
A network to mobilize commoners
🔑 The sattra was the religious nucleus of the uprising, acting as both a spiritual and political force.
Impact of Paik System and Social Inequality
The Paik system, which required compulsory labour and military service, became increasingly exploitative:
Excessive demands on lower-class peasants.
Exemption of nobles and religious elites from service.
The Moamorias, mostly non-Ahom tribes and lower castes, bore the brunt of this system.
Accumulated resentment led to a mass revolt of oppressed classes.
🔑 The rebellion was also a class war, exposing the economic and social injustices in the Ahom regime.
Phases of the Revolt
🔸 Phase I – During Lakshmi Singha’s Reign (1769–1780)
The initial rebellion started in 1769.
Rebels captured Rangpur, the capital.
King Lakshmi Singha was imprisoned, though later released.
Ahom authority was temporarily overthrown in some regions.
🔸 Phase II – During Gaurinath Singha’s Reign (1780–1794)
The rebellion resurfaced with greater force.
Ahom counterattacks failed to suppress rebels completely.
Widespread anarchy, looting, and famine spread across the kingdom.
The royal court appealed to the British for help.
🔑 The two phases reflect the persistent and organised nature of the Moamoria uprising.
Key Rebel Leaders and Supporters
Ragha Moran – One of the chief military leaders; mobilised tribal warriors.
Deka Mahanta – Religious and ideological head of the Moamoria faction.
Nahar Khora – A bold insurgent who led various assaults on Ahom positions.
These leaders represented:
Grassroots organisation
Fusion of religion and politics
Leadership from outside the elite class
🔑 Leadership came from marginalised communities, making the rebellion deeply people-centric.
Role of Women and Popular Resistance
Women actively:
Supported the rebellion through logistics and communication.
Took up arms in many instances.
Suffered brutal repression from royal troops.
The rebellion had mass support from:
Peasants, artisans, and non-Ahom tribes like Morans and Mataks.
🔑 The rebellion showcased mass mobilisation cutting across gender and caste boundaries.
British Involvement – Captain Welsh Expedition (1792)
At the request of King Gaurinath Singha, the British East India Company sent Captain Thomas Welsh with a small force in 1792.
Objectives:
Suppress Moamoria rebels
Restore Ahom authority
Captain Welsh temporarily:
Regained control of Rangpur
Expelled the rebels
Re-established royal rule
However, the British withdrew in 1794, leaving the conflict unresolved.
🔑 British intervention marked the beginning of external involvement in Assam’s internal affairs.
Commercial Treaty of 1793
Signed between the Ahom kingdom and the British after the Welsh expedition.
Key features:
Gave the British trading rights in Assam.
Allowed establishment of British agents in key towns.
It signified:
Rising British influence in Assam’s economy and politics.
Gradual loss of Ahom economic sovereignty.
🔑 The treaty opened the doors to British commercial penetration into Assam.
Consequences – Depopulation, Rise of British Influence
The rebellion had devastating effects:
Massive loss of life and destruction of villages.
Agricultural collapse, leading to famine.
Depopulation in Upper Assam.
Weakening of Ahom central authority, making them dependent on British aid.
Paved the way for:
Burmese invasions in the early 19th century.
Final collapse of the Ahom dynasty and British annexation (1826).
🔑 The Moamoria rebellion crippled the Ahom kingdom, clearing the path for colonial rule in Assam.