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Borphukan: The 'Shivaji' of Assam

PuneItes commemorate Lachit Divas on Sunday with a lecture by historian Ninad Bedekar

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Assam has given us great singers such as Bhupen Hazarika  and Zubin Garg. There is another equally interesting, but lesser known fact. That it also gave a patriotic and brave leader called Lachit Borphukan.

In Assam, Lachit is popularly known as the ‘Shivaji of Assam’, who had fought the Mughals in the 16th century with equal patriotism and valour. As records state, he defeated them in the famous battle of Saraighat in the waters of Bramhaputra on November 24, 1671. In an aim to create awareness about this brave man, Lachit Borphukan Shourya Gaurav Samiti, Pune organised a lecture by historian Ninad Bedekar. Sadly, Lachit’s great work has gone unnoticed and has no mention in Indian textbooks.

Dr Samiron Phukan pointed out, “We should be proud that people like Lachit have made a difference in our country. Though Maharashtra and Assam are at two opposite end, they are bound by a common history, heritage and spirit. -- Shivaji and Lachit! Bedekar’s connection with Lachit came about in 1982 when he was posted in Calcutta. “At a press conference held for dealers I threw a question if anyone knows Mr SK who wrote an article on Shivaji from Assam.

Surprisingly, his son was present and came up to me. That day marked my introduction to Lachit. The common factor between Assam and Maharashtra is that both had leaders who believed that it was necessary for them to protect their land.”

Bedekar went on to add that geography dictates strategy and Shivaji made geographical charts that helped troops even later. Similarly, Dr Phokun stated that how Dr APJ Adul Kalam once mentioned that, ‘Lachit’s strategic warfare is what even the future can use.’

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