Documentary ‘The Battle of Kamrup’ wins Best Documentary Award at the 113th Bengal International Short Film Festival.

About the Documentary

• Directed by Padmapani Bora (Indian Revenue Service officer).
• Depicts the 13th-century battle (1206 AD) between Maharaja Prithu (Kamarupa kingdom) and Bakhtiyar Khilji (Turkic invader)
• The documentary focuses on Assam’s resistance against external invasions.

Historical Background

• Bakhtiyar Khilji who was known for destruction of Nalanda and Vikramshila universities, attempted to expand towards Tibet via Kamarupa (Assam)
• Maharaja Prithu, a ruler of the Khen dynasty, understood that a frontal battle against Khilji’s massive army was not the answer. Instead, he deployed one of history’s smartest defensive strategies by:

• He united local tribal warriors from the Bodo, Koch Rajbongshi, and Keot communities into a unified fighting force.
• He implemented a Scorched Earth Policy — deliberately destroying local food supplies, crops, and resources along Khilji’s route, starving the invading army.
• Khilji’s forces were lured and trapped near a tributary of the Brahmaputra, where they were decimated.
• Of the massive invading army, only a few hundred soldiers managed to escape. Khilji himself returned broken and died shortly after.

Key Takeaways

• Assam played a critical role in resisting invasions.
• Documentary cinema helps popularise lesser-known history.
• Strategic use of terrain and resources was key to victory.

Exam Hook (Prelims-Oriented MCQ)

Consider the following statements:

1. Bakhtiyar Khilji attempted to invade Tibet through Assam.
2. Maharaja Prithu used a scorched earth strategy against Khilji.
3. Nalanda University was destroyed by the Mughal Empire.

Which of the statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

One-line wrap: ‘Battle of Kamrup’ revives Assam’s historic resistance, showcasing how strategy and unity defeated a powerful invasion.

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