Page 27 - NIS - English, 01-15 January 2023
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Development and Legacy Cover Story
400 YEARS OF TRADITION
LACHIT BARPHUKAN WAS THE
SYMBOL OF A SELF-RELIANT ARMY
INDIA'S IMMORTAL WARRIOR
LACHIT BARPHUKAN
Lachit Barphukan was a famous general
of the royal army of the Ahom Kingdom of
Assam who successfully contained the ever-
growing ambitions of the Mughals under
Aurangzeb by defeating them. In January
1662, Aurangzeb's Subedar Mir Jumla
invaded the Brahmaputra valley and captured
lower Assam. The ministers of the empire
made a truce at Ghiljhari Ghat but the tyranny
Indian history is full of brave warriors having of the Mughals continued to increase. Lachit
a history of victory. Indian history is also Barphukan inspired the Assamese troops in
reminiscent of a brave historical saga against the Battle of Saraighat in 1671 and forced
the oppressors. One such great warrior was the Mughals to accept a humiliating defeat.
the Ahom commander Lachit Barphukan who The heroic fight of Lachit Barphukan and his
defeated the huge army of the Mughals on army is one of the most inspiring military
the strength of limited resources, bravery, achievements of resistance in the history of
patriotism, and fighting skills. our country.
s the nation celebrated the 400th birth heritage leaving behind the mindset of slavery."
anniversary of Lachit Barphukan on 24th Today India is moving forward breaking the
ANovember, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shackles of colonialism and celebrating its
addressed the closing ceremony of the year- heritage and remembering its heroes with pride.
long celebrations to commemorate his birth Prime Minister Modi said, “The life of Veer Lachit
anniversary. Whenever India faced a turbulent or Barphukan inspires us to face the many current
challenging time, a 'Vibhuti' is born to counter it. challenges facing the country. The life of Veer
Whenever heroic stories are remembered in Assam, Lachit inspires us to give top priority to the interest
the battle of Saraighat, whose hero was Lachit of the country and not to personal interests."
Barphukan, is bound to be discussed. Speaking at India has always valued its wealth and cultural
the 400th birth anniversary celebrations of Lachit heritage. We have always protected our spiritual
Barphukan at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, Prime and cultural principles. This is what makes us an
Minister Narendra Modi said, “We have got the amazing civilization. In order to make the bravery
privilege of celebrating the 400th birth anniversary saga of Lachit Barphukan accessible to more and
of Veer Lachit at a time when the country is more people, the Assam government announced
celebrating the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. Today to build a museum dedicated to him a few
the country is filled with a sense of pride in its days back.
New India Samachar January 1-15, 2023 25
