Ahom Kingdom (1228 - 1826) - Major Rulers & Life Under Ahoms - UPSC Notes

The Ahom Kingdom was a historical kingdom that ruled over the Brahmaputra Valley in present-day Assam, India. Established in the 13th century, it lasted for nearly 600 years until the 19th century. The Ahom rulers were of Tai-Ahom ethnic origin. They created a powerful kingdom known for its military strength and administrative efficiency. 

This topic of “Ahom Kingdom 1228 – 1826” is important from the perspective of the UPSC IAS Examination, which falls under General Studies Paper 1 (Mains) and General Studies Paper 1 (Preliminary) and particularly in the History section of the UPSC Exam. In this article, we shall discuss ‘Ahom Kingdom’ and learn about its historical background, notable kings, administration, economy, religion & more! 

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History of the Ahom Empire

The Ahom Empire was a powerful kingdom in India's northeastern region. It was mainly in present-day Assam, from the 13th to the 19th century. The Ahoms originally migrated from Southeast Asia and settled in the Brahmaputra Valley. They established their rule by defeating local rulers and creating a strong kingdom. The Ahoms were skilled in warfare and administration. They built impressive monuments and temples. The empire's economy relied on agriculture and trade. The Ahoms were known for their unique irrigation system and successful cultivation of rice. The empire faced challenges from the Mughals and other invaders. However, it managed to maintain its independence for a long time. In the 19th century, the British gradually took control of the region.

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The Ahom dynasty governed over Assam for nearly 600 years. The sixth century was magnificent because Assam saw many wars in which the Ahoms combated fearlessly and were always victorious. This period was also crucial from the architectural point of view as many buildings, temples, roads, etc, were also constructed. The Ahom kingdom was established by Sukapha, prince of Mong Mao, who had reached Assam after crossing the Patkai mountains. After ruling over Assam for nearly 600 years, the Ahoms ceased to rule with the Burmese invasion. Later on, the dynasty was annexed by the British East India Company after the Treaty of Yandabo on 24th February 1826. Chaolung Sukaphaa successfully integrated various communities and tribes. He formed friendly relationships with Assam's tribal communities, particularly the Sutais, Morans, and Kacharis.

• Chaolung Sukaphaa is generally acknowledged as the architect of ‘Bor Asom,’ or ‘Greater Assam,’ for consolidating power, culture, and religion in the region.
• He was able to bring together a diverse group of people in such a politically sensitive region that bordered South Asia and South-East Asia.

The following are notable Ahom Kingdom Kings:

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Administration of Ahoms

The Ahom kingdom was headed by a king called "Swargadeo," who had to be the offspring of the first king, Sukaphaa. Succession was typically by primogeniture, but sometimes, the great Gohains (Dangarias) could select another offspring of Sukaphaa from a separate line or even displace a crowned one. In extent, the Ahom kingdom's length was about 500 miles (800 km), with an average breadth of 60 miles (96 km). The Ahom kings built their capital on the south bank (Dakinkul) because it had more unavailable forts and secure central locations. The Ahom kingdom was a well-organized and efficient state. The Dangarias, governors, vassals, and paik officials all played an important role in the administration of the kingdom. 

Dangarias

The Dangarias were the three highest officials in the Ahom kingdom. 

• Buragohain was the prime minister and commander-in-chief of the army. 
• Borgohain was the minister of finance and justice. 
• Phukan was the minister of foreign affairs and trade.

Governors

The Ahom kingdom was divided into many provinces, each of which was governed by a governor. The governors were appointed by the king and were responsible for:

• collecting taxes, 
• maintaining law and order, and 
• defending their provinces from attack.

Vassals

The Ahom kingdom also had many vassals, who were rulers of smaller kingdoms that were allied to the Ahoms. The vassals paid tribute to the Ahoms. They also provided military help when needed.

Paik officials

The Paik system was the backbone of the Ahom military. Every able-bodied male in the kingdom was a paik. They were required to serve in the army for a certain number of days each year. The paiks were organized into units called gots, and each got was commanded by a paik official.

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The Ahom kingdom was founded on the Paik system, a corvee labor that was neither feudal nor Asiatic. Jayadhwaj Singha presented the first coins in the 17th century, though the secret service system under the Paik system continued. In the 17th century, when the Ahom kingdom extended to include former Koch and Mughal sites, it came into touch with their revenue strategies and adjusted consequently. Trade was carried on usually through barter, and money circulation was fixed. According to Shihabududdin Tailash, money in the kingdom consisted of rupees, cowries, and gold coins.

• The Paik system, a type of corvee labour neither feudal nor Asian, served as the foundation of the Ahom kingdom’s economy.
• The Ahoms introduced wet rice farming to upper Assam, a mostly marshy and sparsely populated region.
• The Ahoms established the first state structures using advanced techniques for rice cultivation and land reclamation through embankments, dykes, and irrigation systems.
• Despite the continued use of the Paik personal service system, the first coins were introduced by Suklenmung in the 16th century.

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Life under the Ahom Kingdom

Life under the Ahom Kingdom, founded by the Tai-Ahom people in Assam, was distinguished by their cultural practices and the regional traditions of the Brahmaputra Valley. The kingdom's power was managed through the Paik system, which obligated non-disabled males to deliver assistance to the state, including military responsibilities and public works. Their economy was mainly agricultural, with rice cultivation central to their civilization and day-to-day life. The Ahom kings also embraced and adjusted components of the revenue strategies they underwent during their growth into Mughal territories. It was established in 1228 in Assam’s Brahmaputra Valley. It is renowned for having a diverse ethnic population and for having successfully fought the Mughal Empire at one point to maintain its independence for 600 years.

Art of Ahom Kingdom

• Assam’s Ahom dynasty promoted art and theatre, and poets and scholars were given land grants.
• During Ahom’s reign, all positive traditions and culture were assimilated into Assamese culture, laying the groundwork for national cultural integration.
• The two most notable architectural structures in the Ahom Kingdom of Assam are Talatal Ghar and Karen Ghar of Rangpur Palaces.
• An amphitheater was built by Ahom King Rudra Singh, where Bihu performances are held annually during the Rongali Bihu (around April 14th).

Architecture of Ahom Kingdom

The architecture of the Ahom Kingdom is listed below.

• The architecture of the Ahom Kingdom reflects a unique blend of indigenous and Hindu-Buddhist influences.
• Ahom architecture predominantly consisted of brick and mortar structures.
• One of the most notable architectural achievements of the Ahom Kingdom is the Kamakhya Temple complex in Guwahati.
• The temples were constructed in a distinctive style characterized by cylindrical and octagonal domes.
• The Ahom kings built impressive palaces known as "Ranghar" and "Kareng Ghar" for administrative and ceremonial purposes.
• The Ranghar served as an amphitheater for cultural events, while the Kareng Ghar served as the royal court and administrative center.
• The architecture also incorporated ornate carvings and decorative elements on walls, pillars, and ceilings.
• The kingdom's architecture showcased the skilled craftsmanship of the Ahom artisans, with intricate designs and motifs.
• Structures such as gateways, forts, and tanks were built to fortify and beautify the kingdom's towns and cities.
• The Ahom architectural style has had a lasting influence on Assamese architecture, with several structures and temples still standing as reminders of their rich heritage.

Literature of the Ahom Kingdom

• Buranjis is a type of historical chronicle and manuscript associated with the Ahom kingdom that was initially written in Ahom and later in Assamese.
• The Buranjis are a rare example of historical literature in India.
• There were two different kinds of Buranjis: official Buranjis, which date back to the reign of the first Ahom king Sukaphaa, and family Buranjis, which date back to the sixteenth century.
• The information in the Buranjis about the Ahom-Mughal conflicts agrees with that in Mughal chronicles such as Alamgirnamah, Baharistan, Fathiyyah, and Padshahnama, and they also provide additional information that these Mughal chronicles do not.

Culture and Occupation of Ahom Kingdom

• When Ahoms first arrived in Assam, they were amazed by the incredibly fertile lands of the Brahmaputra valley, which were enriched each year by the mighty river’s repeated floods.
• Thus, Agriculture became the primary source of income for the Ahom Kingdom.
• Since there were so many rice crops, the season took on cultural significance for them.
• Even today, the Assamese celebrate the Bihu festival with bora rice, a rice variety.
• The Ahom people and culture are a fusion of the original Tai and their culture and the local Tibeto-Burman people and cultures, which have permeated Assam even today.

The Religion of the Ahom Kingdom

• The Ahom people who came to Assam included two priestly clans, later joined by a third, who brought their religion, rituals, practices, and scriptures.
• The religion of the Ahom Kingdom is primarily based on the worship of Deities known as Phi and Dam (Ancestor Spirit).
• Its similarities to other Tai folk religions include ancestor worship and the animistic notion of khwan.
• Although Ahom’s religion is based on ritual-oriented ancestor worship that requires animal sacrifice (Ban-Phi), at least one Buddhism-influenced ritual prohibited sacrifice (Phuralung).

Judicial Systems of the Ahom Kingdom

• Although, the Ahom Kingdom administration did not have a separate department for the administration of justice.
• There was no separation of powers, so the executive, judicial, and legislative powers were all vested in the same person.
• The Ahom king’s court was the apex of the Ahom judicial system. It served as the supreme and highest court of appeals in the Ahom Kingdom region.
• In the absence of the Ahom king, the Nyaya Sodha Phukan handled the administration.
• The court had jurisdiction over original and appeals cases under the Nyaya Sodha Phukan.

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Military of Ahom Kingdom

The Ahom military unit consisted of infantry, cavalry, elephantry, artillery, espionage, and navy. The land was given to military pains (militia) for their service. The paiks were managed under a got (group of four paiks) and further under a khel (department). The navy was the most essential and effective unit of the Ahom forces. The main warships were known as bacharis. This formation was similar to Bengali kosahs, and each could carry 70 to 80 men. They were robust and influential, and by the end of the period, many were armed with guns. The Fathiya-i-ibriya mentions 32,000 ships belonging to the king of Assam at the time of Mir Jumla's attack on Assam. These were mostly made of Chambal wood and were thus light, fast, and challenging to sink. The Naobaicha Phukan and Naosaliya Phukan led the navy.

• The military of the Ahom Kingdom was well-organized and played a crucial role in the kingdom's defense and expansion.
• The Ahom military consisted of various components: infantry, cavalry, artillery, and a navy.
• The infantry was the army's backbone, comprising foot soldiers armed with bows, arrows, swords, spears, and shields.
• The cavalry consisted of horse-mounted soldiers who provided mobility and rapid response in warfare.
• Artillery units included cannons and guns acquired from trading with European powers.
• The Ahom navy, the Marang Gompa, played a significant role in riverine warfare, utilizing war boats and ships.
• The Ahom military employed strategic defensive tactics, including constructing fortified ramparts and moats around important towns and cities.

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Ahom Kingdom and their Conquests

The bases of the Ahom Kingdom were laid when the first Ahom king, Chaolung Sukaphaa, came from Mong Mao, a kingdom discovered on the easternmost reach of the Indian subcontinent. The Ahom Kingdom was also known as the late medieval kingdom, established in 1228 in Assam's Brahmaputra Valley. It is famous for having mixed ethnic people and for having successfully resisted the Mughal Empire at one point to preserve its independence for 600 years. Suhangmang (1497-1539 AD), son of Supimpha, ascended to the Ahom throne in 1497 at Charguya with great ceremony and extravagance.

• He founded his capital at Bokota on the banks of the Dihing and was also known as Dihingiya Raja.
• His reign was remembered for making significant changes to the map of Ahom territory.

Conquest of the Chutia Kingdom

• The Chutia Kingdom was a late-medieval state that grew up around Sadiya in the modern-day state of Assam and the surrounding regions of Arunachal Pradesh.
• Suhungmung had to deal with an Aitonia Naga revolt during his early reign, but they were eventually neutralised and agreed to pay tribute in axes, gongs, and timber.
• In 1513, the Chutia, led by Dhir Narayan, invaded the Ahom but were defeated at Dikhowmukh by the Ahoms.
• Finally, the Chutia kingdom fell to the Ahom Kingdom in 1523-1524 after a series of conflicts, and the Chutia state was absorbed into the Ahom state.
• However, the capital area was ruled by Chutia rulers, the professional classes were given important positions in the Ahom administration, and the land was resettled for wet rice cultivation.

Conquest of the Kachari Kingdom

• The Kachari Kingdom (the Dimasa Kingdom) was a late medieval and early modern kingdom ruled by Dimasa kings in Assam, Northeast India.
• When the Ahoms of Assam arrived in the Brahmaputra valley in the early 13th century, they settled along the trade route between the Chutiya and Dimasa Kingdoms.
• The first conflict with the Ahom Kingdom occurred in 1490, and the Ahoms were defeated.
• Further, the Kacharis defeated the Ahoms in a battle in 1526 but lost a second battle against them that same year.
• The Kachari king Khunkhara attempted to drive the Ahoms out of Marangi, but they were defeated in battle in 1531.
• The Ahom King Suhungmung dispatched an expedition to punish the Kachari king. The Kacharis were defeated, and Detsung, a prince, was appointed their ruler.
•  However, in 1536, the Ahoms attacked and sacked the Kachari capital.

Expansion of the Ahoms to the West

• The first Muslim invasion of the Ahom Kingdom took place in 1527, but it was defeated and pushed back to the Burai River, where a fort was built.
• A few years later, in Temani, on the western frontier, Ahoms and Muhammadans fought once more.
• The Muhammedan Commander ran away after his army was destroyed. Following that, the Ahoms established garrisons at Sala and Singiri.
• However, the Muslims attacked again, this time led by Turbak, but the commander of Singiri, Barpatragohain, defeated the Muslim force in 1532.
• Finally, the Ahoms were grateful when Muhammedan commanders Bengal and Taju were assassinated in March 1533, resulting in a naval victory near Duimunisila.
• The Khamjang, Tablung, and Namsang Nagas then revolted against the Ahoms in 1535 and 1536, respectively.
• They were all eventually brought under control. Suhungmung dispatched an army against the Kacharis, led by Detsung after they renewed their hostility toward the Ahoms.
• Suhungmung was a visionary king who instilled new ideas in his heirs. Because of his abilities, he could expand the boundaries of Ahom on all sides.

Conflict between Ahom and the Koch Dynasty

• The Koch dynasty ruled parts of the eastern Indian subcontinent, including present-day Assam and Bengal, from 1515 to 1949.
• The Koch-Ahom conflicts lasted from 1543 to 1568 and referred to the rivalry between the Koch and Ahom kingdoms to control the Brahmaputra Valley.
• The conflict started when Nara Narayana consolidated his control over the western region and rose to power. It ended when Chilarai’s campaign against Sulaiman Karrani was unsuccessful.
• This was tried to be followed by an alliance, which quickly turned into a bloody conflict between the Ahoms and the Mughals.

Conflict between the Ahom and Mughal

• The period between the first Mughal attack on the Ahom kingdom in the Battle of Samdhara in 1616 and the final Battle of Itakhuli in 1682 is called the Ahom-Mughal conflict.
• The intervening years saw the fortunes of both powers fluctuate and the end of Koch Hajo’s rule.
• The Ahom-Mughal conflict ended with Ahom influence extending to the Manas River, which remained the Ahom kingdom’s western boundary until the arrival of the British in 1826.
• Even after 17 attacks, the Ahoms refused to let the Mughals conquer their lands.

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Decline of the Ahom Kingdom

The decline of the Ahom Kingdom started with the rule of Gaurinath Singha(1780-95). When he was attacked and Rangpur was taken over, Gaurinath Singhaalongand and his entire family sailed to Nagaon and Gauhati. Gaurinath Singh sought help from the East India Company through Raush, a salt merchant, and Mr. Dauglas, Commissioner of Koch Bihar, for materials and troops. The Governor General, Lord Cornwallis, responded by sending Captain Thomas Welsh with a troop of trained and armed sepoys. Initially, feudatory lords submitted to the suzerainty of the Ahoms, but later on, they started going against the Ahoms. It can be accelerated to the defects of their administration.

• The powerful Ahom Kingdom of Assam ruled the North East for 600 years, during which time it successfully integrated into the culture.
• Internal conflicts, a more excellent orientation toward one faith, and intolerance toward others, combined with external invasion and weak leadership, led to the demise of the Ahom Kingdom.
• Some of the major causes of the Ahom dynasty’s downfall are as follows:
  • Moamoria rebellion 1769 to 1805
  • Internal conflict within the Ahom Kingdom
  • Economic crises due to ineffective leaders of Ahom Kingdom
  • Burmese invasion
• Between 1817 and 1826, the Burmese invaded Assam thrice, weakening the Ahom Kingdom’s economy.

Thus, infighting among clans was started, and Burmese King Bodoupaya invaded and robbed the state’s treasury.

Treaty of Yandabo, 1826, and the East India Company expanded its influence over Assam and the British under the guise of collaborating with the Ahoms to defeat the Burmese, and the letter annexed Assam into a British East India colony.

Conclusion

The Ahom Kingdom of the North East ruled for nearly 600 years before being wiped out by the East India Company. The Ahom community still exists in Assam, and the History of the Ahom Kingdom is proud to discuss their illustrious past and contributions to the region.

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