Syllabus: GS– I &V: History 

Why in the News?

Assam recently observed Lachit Divas on 24 November, honouring the birth anniversary of Lachit Borphukan, whose strategic brilliance in the Battle of Saraighat (1671) remains one of India’s greatest military victories. 

Lachit Borphukan: A Legacy of Courage, Ethics, and Patriotism

• Lachit Borphukan, the great general of the Ahom Kingdom, is revered for defending Assam against Mughal expansion, particularly through his historic victory in the Battle of Saraighat, a riverine war fought along the Brahmaputra River.
• Born into a disciplined administrative family—his father Momai Tamuli Borbarua served as the first Borbarua—Lachit received training in philosophy, warfare, statecraft, and arts, shaping him into a well-rounded leader.
  

Key Elements of Lachit’s Leadership and Ethics

• Duty above personal ties
  • Lachit punished his own maternal uncle for dereliction of duty during fortification works.
  • This act symbolised unquestionable integrity, reminding modern India that public responsibility must outweigh personal loyalty.
• Riverine military innovation
  • Lachit turned Assam’s geography into a strategic advantage.
  • His tactics—small boats, guerilla manoeuvres, use of river currents—are early examples of indigenous defence innovation, echoing today’s focus on Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• Moral courage during adversity
  • Despite serious illness during the Battle of Saraighat, Lachit insisted on leading from the front, declaring:
    “My country is in danger—how can I rest?”
  • His presence reinvigorated the Assamese army and turned the tide of battle.
• Symbol of Assamese identity with national relevance
  • He unites communities across caste, tribe, language, and religion.
  • His story transcends regionalism and is increasingly recognised as a national legacy.

Contemporary Relevance of Lachit Borphukan

• Ethical leadership in public life
  • His stand against nepotism offers lessons for modern governance.
  • Demonstrates that leadership requires accountability, transparency, and integrity.
• National security and strategic thinking
  • Highlights the importance of local knowledge, preparedness, morale, and psychological resilience in military strategy.
  • Reinforces India’s efforts toward technologically advanced and morally grounded defence forces.
• Cultural and civic education
  • Lachit’s life showcases values such as sacrifice, unity, discipline, duty, and must be integrated into civic curricula.
  • Counters superficial and divisive narratives by offering a deeper ethical framework.
• Preservation of heritage
  • Nationwide celebrations, documentaries, and academic initiatives since 2022 reflect a growing effort to revive India’s unsung heroes.

Government Initiatives to Honour Lachit

• Statewide holiday on 24 November (Lachit Divas).
• Lachit Borphukan Medal awarded annually to the best passing-out cadet at NDA, symbolising courage and excellence.
• 400th Birth Anniversary Celebrations (2022):
  • National seminars, museum exhibitions, and the release of a special book on Lachit’s life and leadership.
• Digitisation of Ahom-era manuscripts and cultural preservation under Government of Assam.

Why Lachit’s Legacy Matters Today

• He represents the ideal fusion of moral and military excellence.
• His leadership is a model for youth, civil servants, and the defence forces alike.
• He inspires India’s journey toward unity, resilience, and national pride.

Exam Hook (UPSC/APSC Prelims)

The Lachit Borphukan Medal is awarded annually to the best cadet at the National Defence Academy.

Key Takeaways (Mains)

Discuss how Lachit Borphukan’s leadership principles—ethical conduct, national duty, and strategic innovation—are relevant for strengthening modern governance and national security in India.