Lachit Borphukan
Date: 26 March 2021 Tags: MiscellaneousIssue
The role of Lachit Borphukan in defeating Mughals has been frequently mentioned during the election campaign in Assam.
Background
Lachit Borphukan was hailed as a freedom fighter by PM Modi during a function in Assam, which was criticised by the opposition.
Details
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Lachit Borphukan was a general in the Ahom army in the 17th century, who fought against the mighty Mughals during the battle of Saraighat.
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Lachit Borphukan has the similar stature as Shivaji for Marathas as he was considered the united face of Assamese identity, who fought against foreigners.
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The Tai-Ahom ethnic community today resides in Upper Assam and they represent Assamese sub-nationalism.
Significance
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Lachit Borphukan has been considered a brave ‘Hindu’, who fought against the ‘Muslim’ Mughal invaders.
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This version has been able to create a Hindu and pan-India identity for the Ahom general.