Suhenphaa: Difference between revisions

The ''Tangsu Nagas'', who were defeated during the reign of Suhenphaa’s father [[Susenphaa]], again raised their banner against the royal authority. They began to raids villages in the plains of [[Brahmaputra]] and took common Assamese people as prisoner. To counter this acts of atrocities by Tangsu Nagas, Suhenphaa dispatched Taokangbanrek [[Borgohain]] with a contingent of Ahom soldiers. The Tangsu Nagas attacked the Ahom forces and completely destroyed it. The commander of the army, Taokangbanrek [[Borgohain]] was captured and later beheaded by the Nagas. His head was taken by the Tangsu Nagas to their native villages as prize of battle. Suhenphaa immediately ordered fresh recruitment of soldiers and after gathering a huge army, he dispatched the newly appointed Nangraang [[Borgohain]] against the Tangsu Nagas. After fierce battle, Nangraang [[Borgohain]] scored complete victory against the Tangsu Nagas, and they were forced to submit to the Ahoms. The Tangsu Nagas also agreed to pay an annual tribute to the Ahom king. Nangraang [[Borgohain]] brought several Naga prisoners as a symbol of his victory and after obtaining permission from Suhenphaa, settled them in different parts of the [[Ahom kingdom]].<ref>{{harv|Barbaruah|1981|p=42}}</ref><ref>{{harv|Barua|2008|p=58}}</ref><ref>{{harv|Gait|1926|p=85}}</ref>

Suhenphaa desired to expand his kingdom towards downstream of [[Brahmaputra]] river. The [[Kachari kingdom|Kacharis]] who, at that time, held a large portion of [[Upper Assam]], obstructed the expansion of [[Ahom kingdom]] into their territory. Suhenphaa decided to use force, and ordered one Ahom officer Chelaoseng Neog to construct a fortification at Tongsu within Kachari territory. The fortification was constructed without any opposition from Kacharis. Encouraged by this success, he dispatched Khunlung [[Burhagohain]] with an army to march further inwards into Kachari territory. The Kacharis fiercely resisted the advance of Khunlung [[Burhagohain]] and were successful in defeating the Ahom army. One Ahom commander Jiyeumung Neog and 150 soldiers lost their lives. The Kacharis chased Ahoms to the banks of Dikhou river. The commander of Ahom army, Khunlung [[Burhagohain]] managed to escape by swimming across the Dikhou river, leaving his elephants and other valuables.<ref>{{harv|Barbaruah|1981|p=42}}</ref> After consultations with the nobles, Suhenphaa sued for peace with the Kachari king. A princess was sent to the Kachari king with two elephants and twelve female slaves as her dowry.<ref>{{harv|Gait|1926|p=308}}</ref> Some chronicles stated that the result of the battle was indecisive, and when peace was made, the Kacharis ceded some territory to Ahom.<ref>{{harv|Barua|2008|p=58}}</ref><ref>{{harv|Gait|1926|p=85}}</ref>

Suhenphaa’s reign showed the continuation of the policy of expansion of [[Ahom kingdom]]. His conflict with the Kacharis proves the fact that the Ahoms wanted to expand their territory, in expense of their neighbouring kingdoms. Though Suhenphaa suffered defeat in the hands of Kacharis, the conflict which he started will be continued by his grandson [[Suhungmung]], who will conduct successful military operations against the [[Kachari kingdom|Kacharis]] and the [[Chutiya kingdom|Chutiyas]] extending the boundaries of [[Ahom kingdom]]. He also seem to be very strict administrator, owing to which persons found guilty of criminal activities cannot escape punishment, but unfortunately this very quality of him made enemies among some influential people of the court, who then plotted his assassination.