Inscriptions and Ahom-Mughal Conflict in Medieval Assam
By Swapna Kakati
Summary
This study examines inscriptions from the northern bank of the upper Brahmaputra Valley in Assam, focusing on the Ahom-Mughal conflict during the 15th–18th centuries. Key inscriptions like the Chakraswar Rock Inscription, Bhomoraguri Rock Inscription, Chamadhara Pillar Inscription, and Biswanath Pillar Inscription provide critical insights into political battles, administrative structures, and socio-religious dynamics of the period. The Ahom-Mughal conflict began in 1616 with the Battle of Samadhara and lasted until 1682, ending with the expulsion of Mughal forces and the expansion of the Ahom kingdom to the Manas River. The study highlights the architectural and sculptural activities of the era, alongside political and cultural histories. Inscriptions are classified by material—rock and stone—and analyzed for their historical and contextual significance. The Chakraswar Rock Inscription, for instance, details the burning of a Mughal camp in 1532–33 CE, while the Bhomoraguri Rock Inscription records Swargadeo Pratap Singha’s victory in 1615–16 CE. These sources underscore the strategic importance of the region and the role of inscriptions in reconstructing medieval Assam’s history. The research also notes the need for further study due to limited availability and the necessity of corroborating inscriptions with other historical evidence.
Conclusion
This study highlights the critical role of inscriptions in reconstructing the Ahom-Mughal conflict (15th–17th centuries) in medieval Assam, emphasizing their value as primary sources for political, social, and cultural history. By analyzing key inscriptions like the Chakraswar Rock Inscription and Bhomoraguri Rock Inscription, the research underscores the strategic significance of the Brahmaputra Valley, detailing military campaigns, administrative efforts, and socio-religious dynamics. The findings reveal how these inscriptions, often overlooked in regional perspectives, offer insights into territorial expansion, military leadership, and the eventual expulsion of Mughal forces. The study also bridges gaps in existing scholarship by systematically examining epigraphic evidence, advocating for further research to deepen understanding of Assam’s medieval past and its broader implications for Northeast Indian history.