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{{Short description|Patra Mantri in Ahom Kingdom}} | |||
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2017}} | {{Use dmy dates|date=October 2017}} | ||
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2017}} | {{Use Indian English|date=October 2017}} | ||
{{more citations needed|date=November 2014}} | {{more citations needed|date=November 2014}} | ||
'''Borphukan''' ([[Ahom language]]: ''Phu-Kan-Lung'') was one of the five {{ | '''Borphukan''' ([[Ahom language]]: ''Phu-Kan-Lung'') was one of the five {{Transliteration|as|[[Ahom kingdom#Swargadeo and Patra Mantris|patra mantris]]}} (councillors) in the [[Ahom kingdom]], a position that was created by the [[Ahom Dynasty|Ahom king]] [[Prataap Singha]]. The position included both executive and judicial powers, with jurisdiction of the Ahom kingdom west of [[Kaliabor]] River. The headquarters of Borphukan was based in Kaliabor and after the [[Battle of Itakhuli]] in 1681 in [[Itakhuli]] in [[Guwahati]]. This position was particularly important and powerful because of its distance from the Ahom capital, giving it a semblance of independence. The region to the east of Kaliabor was governed by the ''[[Borbarua]]''. Lachit Deka later became Borphukan or the ruler of [[Lower Assam]] according to the fifth chronicles of the Satsori Asom [[Buranji]]. | ||
Originally the jurisdiction of this office was the region between the [[Brahmaputra | Originally the jurisdiction of this office was the region between the [[Brahmaputra River]] and its branch [[Kolong River|Kolong]] with the headquarters at Kajali and Kaliabor. After the Ahom consolidated its power following the [[Battle of Itakhuli]] in 1681 region from the [[Manas River]] in the west to Kaliabor in the east became its domain with the headquarters at Guwahati. The Phukans subordinate to the Borphukan helped him in the military administration of this vast territory: the ''Dihingiya'' and the ''Chetiya'' Phukans south of the Brahmaputra and ''Pani'', ''Deka'', and (as required) ''Chetiya'' Phukans in the north bank.<ref>{{harvcol|Sarkar|1992|p=21}}</ref> The ''Bujarbarua'' assisted the Borphukan in the civil administration of [[Kamrup region]], and the ''[[kayastha]]s'' in the Borphukan's domain were placed under the ''Borkayastha Barua''.{{sfn|Sarkar|1992|p=23}} | ||
[[File:Darbar Mandir inscription of king Siva Singha.jpg|thumb|[[Darbar House Stone Inscription|Borphukan's court Stone Inscription]] at Jaya Duar, constructed during the reign of Tarun Duara Borphukan in 1738 AD ]] | |||
The Borphukan was also responsible for maintaining diplomatic relationships with the ruling houses in [[Bengal]] and [[Bhutan]],<ref>{{harvcol|Sarkar|1992|p=22}}</ref> and according to protocol any ambassador from these regions had to first report to him. He also had jurisdiction over the dependent kings of [[Darrang]], [[Beltola]], [[Rani, Kamrup|Rani]], Luki, and Dimarua besides the ''Duaria rajas'' of the south—Panbari, Barduar, Chhaygaon, Pantan, [[Boko, Assam|Boko]], Bangaon, Vagai, Bholagaon and Mairapur.<ref>{{harvcol|Sarkar|1992|p=23}}</ref> | |||
The Borphukan's residence was situated in the present [[Fancy Bazaar]] area of [[Guwahati]]. The Borphukan's council was similar to the council-hall (''Bor-Chora'') at the capital and consisted of six Phukans collectively called the ''Guwahatiya'' or ''Dopdariya Phukan''.{{sfn|Baruah|1993|pp=200–201}} The Borphukan Bor-Chora or the Durbar Hall was situated near the present Sonaram High School and site occupied by the [[Bharalumukh]] Thana. Two finely chiseled and inscribed rectangular blocks of stone have been found in the premises of the Kamrupa Anusandhan Samiti, currently the Assam State Museum. The texts engraved with borders of which are ornamented by creepers. These inscribed stones were posted at the southern and northern entrances to the council hall. We learn from the inscriptions that the two gates were known respectively as Bijay-Duar and Jay-Duar were constructed in 1660 Saka (1738) by Tarun Duara Borphukan under the orders of King [[Siva Singha]].{{citation needed|date=August 2022}} The Borphukan was assisted in administration by the Majindar Baruah (equivalent to a private secretary) whose residence was at the current Deputy Commissioner's residence. | |||
The Borphukan's residence was situated in the present Fancy Bazaar area of [[Guwahati]]. The Borphukan's council was similar to the council-hall (''Bor-Chora'') at the capital and consisted of six Phukans collectively called the ''Guwahatiya'' or ''Dopdariya Phukan''.{{sfn|Baruah|1993|pp=200–201}} | |||
==Council== | ==Council== | ||
The Borphukan's council (''Dopdar'') had a number of ''Phukans'', in a manner equivalent to the Borbarua's council (Bor-chora), and the ''Phukans'' at the Borphukan's council were called ''Dopdariya Phukans''. Each Phukan was responsible for receiving the royal revenue (in cash, kind, and services) from the subjects (''paiks'') and was also responsible for maintaining the guilds of specific professions (''khels'').<ref>{{harvcol|Sarkar|1992|pp=21–25}}</ref> The ''Dopdar'', was situated about 300 yards west of the Bharalu stream. | The Borphukan's council (''Dopdar'') had a number of ''Phukans'', in a manner equivalent to the Borbarua's council (Bor-chora), and the ''Phukans'' at the Borphukan's council were called ''Dopdariya Phukans''. Each Phukan was responsible for receiving the royal revenue (in cash, kind, and services) from the subjects (''paiks'') and was also responsible for maintaining the guilds of specific professions (''khels'').<ref>{{harvcol|Sarkar|1992|pp=21–25}}</ref> The ''Dopdar'', the Borphukan's council house, was situated about 300 yards west of the Bharalu stream. | ||
; ''Pani Phukan'': The commander of the Ahom navy in Lower Assam, he was subordinate to the ''Naoboicha Phukan'' in the Borbarua's council. He had his seat at the ''Pani chokey'' as Ashwakranta and led a six-thousand strong militia, and received the service of 30 personal paiks. | ; ''Pani Phukan'': The commander of the Ahom navy in Lower Assam, he was subordinate to the ''Naoboicha Phukan'' in the Borbarua's council. He had his seat at the ''Pani chokey'' as Ashwakranta and led a six-thousand strong militia, and received the service of 30 personal paiks. | ||
; ''Bhatiyal Dihingiya Phukan'': This ''Phukan'' was responsible for the Dihing territory; and there was a corresponding office in the Borbarua's council, called ''Ujaniya Dihingiya Phukan''. These ''phukans'' commanded four thousand ''paiks'' and received the service of 30 personal paiks. | ; ''Bhatiyal Dihingiya Phukan'': This ''Phukan'' was responsible for the Dihing territory; and there was a corresponding office in the Borbarua's council, called ''Ujaniya Dihingiya Phukan''. These ''phukans'' commanded four thousand ''paiks'' and received the service of 30 personal paiks. | ||
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==List of Borphukans== | ==List of Borphukans== | ||
* Langi Panisiya Borphukan ( | * Langi Panisiya Borphukan (Rangachila Duarah) | ||
* Lan Mung Shen | * Lan Mung Shen Borphukan | ||
* Chiring Piksai Borphukan | * Chiring Piksai Borphukan | ||
* Domai Deka Borphukan | * Domai Deka Borphukan | ||
* Langi Borphukan | * Langi Borphukan | ||
* Piksai Borphukan | * Piksai Borphukan | ||
* Chengmun Borphukan ( | * Chengmun Borphukan (Ujoniyal Raja-Sahur) | ||
* Ghargayan Raja Sahur [[Baduli Borphukan]] (Lan Phima Luk kha Khun) | |||
* Pelan Borphukan (Ghora Konwar) | * Pelan Borphukan (Ghora Konwar) | ||
* [[Lachit Borphukan]] (Lakhurakhun clan) | * [[Lachit Borphukan]] (Lan Phima Lakhurakhun clan) | ||
* [[Laluksola Borphukan]] (Lakhurakhun clan) | * [[Laluksola Borphukan]] (Lan Phima Lakhurakhun clan) | ||
* [[Bhardhora Borphukan]] (Lan Phima Lakhurakhun clan) | |||
* Bandar Borphukan (Lanmakharu clan) | * Bandar Borphukan (Lanmakharu clan) | ||
* | * Niranjan Borphukan Handikoi | ||
* Lahon Borphukan | * Vijaya Borphukan of (Tarun Duara Borphukan family) | ||
* | * Debera Borphuakn of (Pani Dihingia family) | ||
* Gadadhara Deka Duara, son of Vijaya | |||
* Dashratha alias Bahikowa Borphukan, son of Deka Duara | |||
* Lahon Borphukan | |||
* Kashi Dihingia Borphukan | |||
* Harnath Duara Borphukan (Rangachila Duarah) | |||
* [[Gogoi]] Borphukan | * [[Gogoi]] Borphukan | ||
* Medhi Borphukan | * Medhi Borphukan | ||
* Sivanath Borphukan | * Sivanath Borphukan | ||
* Burha Chetia Borphukan | * Burha Chetia Borphukan | ||
* Ghinai | * Ghinai [[Badan Chandra Borphukan]] (Rangachila Duarah) | ||
* | * General Kolia Bhomora Borphukan | ||
* | * Ghinai Badanchandra Borphukan (Rangachila Duarah) | ||
* Dihingia Ghanashayam Borphukan | * Dihingia Ghanashayam Borphukan | ||
* Janmi ( | * Janmi Borphukan (Rangachila Duarah) | ||
* | * Numoli Borphukan (Rangachila Duarah) | ||
* Lambodar | * [[Piyoli Phukan]] Borphukan | ||
* Lambodar Borphukan (Lanmakharu clan) | |||
==Notes== | ==Notes== | ||
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==Further reading== | ==Further reading== | ||
*{{Cite book| surname=Gogoi | given=Padmeshwar | title=The Tai and the Tai kingdoms | publisher=Gauhati University, Guwahati | year=1968}} | *{{Cite book| surname=Gogoi | given=Padmeshwar | title=The Tai and the Tai kingdoms | publisher=Gauhati University, Guwahati | year=1968 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rIduAAAAMAAJ }} | ||
[[Category:Ahom kingdom]] | [[Category:Ahom kingdom]] | ||
[[Category:Assamese-language surnames]] | [[Category:Assamese-language surnames]] | ||
[[Category:History of Guwahati]] | [[Category:History of Guwahati]] | ||
Latest revision as of 01:30, 25 January 2026
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (November 2014) |
Borphukan (Ahom language: Phu-Kan-Lung) was one of the five patra mantris (councillors) in the Ahom kingdom, a position that was created by the Ahom king Prataap Singha. The position included both executive and judicial powers, with jurisdiction of the Ahom kingdom west of Kaliabor River. The headquarters of Borphukan was based in Kaliabor and after the Battle of Itakhuli in 1681 in Itakhuli in Guwahati. This position was particularly important and powerful because of its distance from the Ahom capital, giving it a semblance of independence. The region to the east of Kaliabor was governed by the Borbarua. Lachit Deka later became Borphukan or the ruler of Lower Assam according to the fifth chronicles of the Satsori Asom Buranji.
Originally the jurisdiction of this office was the region between the Brahmaputra River and its branch Kolong with the headquarters at Kajali and Kaliabor. After the Ahom consolidated its power following the Battle of Itakhuli in 1681 region from the Manas River in the west to Kaliabor in the east became its domain with the headquarters at Guwahati. The Phukans subordinate to the Borphukan helped him in the military administration of this vast territory: the Dihingiya and the Chetiya Phukans south of the Brahmaputra and Pani, Deka, and (as required) Chetiya Phukans in the north bank.[1] The Bujarbarua assisted the Borphukan in the civil administration of Kamrup region, and the kayasthas in the Borphukan's domain were placed under the Borkayastha Barua.[2]
The Borphukan was also responsible for maintaining diplomatic relationships with the ruling houses in Bengal and Bhutan,[3] and according to protocol any ambassador from these regions had to first report to him. He also had jurisdiction over the dependent kings of Darrang, Beltola, Rani, Luki, and Dimarua besides the Duaria rajas of the south—Panbari, Barduar, Chhaygaon, Pantan, Boko, Bangaon, Vagai, Bholagaon and Mairapur.[4]
The Borphukan's residence was situated in the present Fancy Bazaar area of Guwahati. The Borphukan's council was similar to the council-hall (Bor-Chora) at the capital and consisted of six Phukans collectively called the Guwahatiya or Dopdariya Phukan.[5] The Borphukan Bor-Chora or the Durbar Hall was situated near the present Sonaram High School and site occupied by the Bharalumukh Thana. Two finely chiseled and inscribed rectangular blocks of stone have been found in the premises of the Kamrupa Anusandhan Samiti, currently the Assam State Museum. The texts engraved with borders of which are ornamented by creepers. These inscribed stones were posted at the southern and northern entrances to the council hall. We learn from the inscriptions that the two gates were known respectively as Bijay-Duar and Jay-Duar were constructed in 1660 Saka (1738) by Tarun Duara Borphukan under the orders of King Siva Singha.[citation needed] The Borphukan was assisted in administration by the Majindar Baruah (equivalent to a private secretary) whose residence was at the current Deputy Commissioner's residence.
Council[edit | edit source]
The Borphukan's council (Dopdar) had a number of Phukans, in a manner equivalent to the Borbarua's council (Bor-chora), and the Phukans at the Borphukan's council were called Dopdariya Phukans. Each Phukan was responsible for receiving the royal revenue (in cash, kind, and services) from the subjects (paiks) and was also responsible for maintaining the guilds of specific professions (khels).[6] The Dopdar, the Borphukan's council house, was situated about 300 yards west of the Bharalu stream.
- Pani Phukan
- The commander of the Ahom navy in Lower Assam, he was subordinate to the Naoboicha Phukan in the Borbarua's council. He had his seat at the Pani chokey as Ashwakranta and led a six-thousand strong militia, and received the service of 30 personal paiks.
- Bhatiyal Dihingiya Phukan
- This Phukan was responsible for the Dihing territory; and there was a corresponding office in the Borbarua's council, called Ujaniya Dihingiya Phukan. These phukans commanded four thousand paiks and received the service of 30 personal paiks.
- Dopdaria Deka Phukan
- The Deka Phukan commanded a 6000-strong group of select paiks and helped the Borbarua in his judicial work.
- Dopdaria Neog Phukan
- The Neog Phukan commanded a 6000-strong group of ordinary paiks (soldiers) and their commanders (Neogs). He helped the Borbarua in judicial work, managed the messengers (katakis) and received the services of 30 personal paiks.
- Chetia Phukans (2)
- There were two Chetia Phukans under the Borphukan: one stationed at Kaliabor (Kaliaboriya Chetia Phukan) and the other at the Dopdar (Guwahatiya Chetia Phukan) and each was responsible for professional guilds (khel) associated with arwans and litters.
List of Borphukans[edit | edit source]
- Langi Panisiya Borphukan (Rangachila Duarah)
- Lan Mung Shen Borphukan
- Chiring Piksai Borphukan
- Domai Deka Borphukan
- Langi Borphukan
- Piksai Borphukan
- Chengmun Borphukan (Ujoniyal Raja-Sahur)
- Ghargayan Raja Sahur Baduli Borphukan (Lan Phima Luk kha Khun)
- Pelan Borphukan (Ghora Konwar)
- Lachit Borphukan (Lan Phima Lakhurakhun clan)
- Laluksola Borphukan (Lan Phima Lakhurakhun clan)
- Bhardhora Borphukan (Lan Phima Lakhurakhun clan)
- Bandar Borphukan (Lanmakharu clan)
- Niranjan Borphukan Handikoi
- Vijaya Borphukan of (Tarun Duara Borphukan family)
- Debera Borphuakn of (Pani Dihingia family)
- Gadadhara Deka Duara, son of Vijaya
- Dashratha alias Bahikowa Borphukan, son of Deka Duara
- Lahon Borphukan
- Kashi Dihingia Borphukan
- Harnath Duara Borphukan (Rangachila Duarah)
- Gogoi Borphukan
- Medhi Borphukan
- Sivanath Borphukan
- Burha Chetia Borphukan
- Ghinai Badan Chandra Borphukan (Rangachila Duarah)
- General Kolia Bhomora Borphukan
- Ghinai Badanchandra Borphukan (Rangachila Duarah)
- Dihingia Ghanashayam Borphukan
- Janmi Borphukan (Rangachila Duarah)
- Numoli Borphukan (Rangachila Duarah)
- Piyoli Phukan Borphukan
- Lambodar Borphukan (Lanmakharu clan)
Notes[edit | edit source]
- ↑ (Sarkar 1992:21)
- ↑ Sarkar 1992, p. 23.
- ↑ (Sarkar 1992:22)
- ↑ (Sarkar 1992:23)
- ↑ Baruah 1993, pp. 200–201.
- ↑ (Sarkar 1992:21–25)
References[edit | edit source]
- Baruah, Swarna Lata (1993). Last Days of Ahom Monarchy: A History of Assam from 1769 to 1826. Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers Pvt. Limited. ISBN 978-81-215-0462-1.
- Sarkar, J. N. (1992), "Ahom Administration", in Barpujari, H. K. (ed.), The Comprehensive History of Assam, vol. III, Guwahati: Assam Publication Board, pp. 1–86
Further reading[edit | edit source]
- Gogoi, Padmeshwar (1968). The Tai and the Tai kingdoms. Gauhati University, Guwahati.