Give a brief account of resistance offered by Ahom State against the Mughal rule.

Early Conflicts & Initial Mughal Attempts (1615-1639)

The first significant Mughal incursion occurred in 1615 under Captain Ikhtiyar, during Jahangir’s reign. This initial attempt was a disastrous failure for the Mughals, highlighting the Ahom’s effective guerilla tactics and knowledge of the terrain. The Ahoms utilized a ‘paik’ system – a form of military conscription – providing a large and readily available fighting force. Subsequent campaigns in 1621-22 and 1625-26 also ended in Mughal defeats. These early setbacks were largely due to logistical difficulties faced by the Mughals in operating within the dense jungles and riverine environment of Assam.

The Reign of Shah Jahan & Intensified Conflict (1639-1663)

Shah Jahan, determined to assert Mughal authority, launched a series of more determined campaigns. In 1639, Allah Yar Khan led a substantial force, capturing Garhgaon, the Ahom capital. However, this victory proved short-lived. Bagrachang, the Ahom general, skillfully employed scorched-earth tactics and ambushes, forcing the Mughals to retreat. The most decisive battle occurred in 1662 at Saraighat, under the command of Lachit Borphukan.

The Battle of Saraighat (1662)

Lachit Borphukan, a renowned Ahom commander, brilliantly defended the Brahmaputra River against a much larger Mughal fleet led by Mir Jumla II. He utilized a combination of riverine defenses – strategically placed bamboo barricades and swift boats – and guerilla warfare to inflict a crushing defeat on the Mughals. This victory is considered a pivotal moment in Ahom history, effectively halting Mughal expansion into Assam. The Ahoms also skillfully exploited the monsoon season, which hampered Mughal naval operations.

Treaty of Ghilighat & Subsequent Relations (1663-1700)

Following the defeat at Saraighat and Mir Jumla’s death, the Mughals and Ahoms negotiated a treaty at Ghilighat in 1663. This treaty established a clear boundary between the two empires – the Barnadi River. The Ahoms retained control over most of Assam, while the Mughals gained a small strip of land west of the Barnadi. For the next few decades, relations were generally peaceful, though occasional skirmishes occurred. Aurangzeb, preoccupied with other conflicts, largely refrained from large-scale invasions of Assam. The Ahoms even paid a nominal tribute to the Mughals, maintaining a facade of submission while effectively remaining independent.

Later Conflicts & Ahom Resilience

Despite the treaty, tensions persisted. In the late 17th and early 18th centuries, further conflicts arose, often triggered by disputes over tribute or border territories. However, the Ahoms consistently demonstrated their ability to defend their kingdom, utilizing their military strengths and exploiting Mughal weaknesses. The Ahom’s success lay in their adaptability, their strong military organization, and their intimate knowledge of the Assamese terrain.