Daimalu

Jwhwlao Dwimalu is a legendary Bodo-Dimasa hero and an army general of the ancient golden period of the 8th century undivided Kachari kingdom. Jwhwlao means “brave” or “warrior” in Bodo. He was a legendary Dimasa hero named Veer Demalik Kemprai (also known as Sengyah Dehmalu) by the Dimasa people during the 13th-century golden period of the Dimasa kingdom. A statue of Jwhwlao Dwimalu carrying his bow and arrows can be seen pointing to the sky near the National Highway 27 in Kharigaon, Kokrajhar district. The road from Kharigaon to the southern end of Kokrajhar town is also named after him.

Statue of Jwhwlao Dwimalu at Kokrajhar

History

Sengyah Dehmalik was born on 15 August 1215 AD (Saturday) in the capital Dimapur during the reign of Raja Makardhwaj Narayan Thaosen of the Hidimba Kingdom. His father's name was Dechangdao Kemprai and his mother's name was Rhibangdi Thaosen (from his father's side clan). An earthquake occurred at the time of his birth, which surprised the king, prompting him to visit the newborn.

His parents were devotees of Brai Shivarai. Orphaned early, Dehmalik was raised by his grandmother until the age of seven. Later, he served in the kitchen of Sengyah Rangadao and Dehgadao Daolaguphu, two state commanders.

As a child, he was known for his extraordinary strength—once killing two tigers without weapons. He gained the title "Sengyah" (Veer) for his bravery.

Dehmalik led a disciplined, yogic life and remained a devotee of Brai Shivarai. One night, Lord Shivarai appeared in his dream offering five boons through five fingers. Instead of choosing one, Dehmalik grabbed the whole hand. Displeased, Lord Shiva cursed that although Dehmalik would be invincible in open battle, he would die helplessly, betrayed.

Many structures including palaces, temples, and gates were constructed in Dimapur during his time. These were later destroyed during the Ahom invasion in 1536 AD. Relics were also found in Kachomaripathar along the Doiyang River in modern-day Golaghat district.

Rangadao and Dehgadao were the strongest warriors of the kingdom, and physical prowess was the key to leadership. Visiting wrestlers from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, who were sadhus en route to Parshuram Kund, challenged and defeated both Rangadao and Dehgadao. Dehmalik then stepped into the arena and defeated the sadhus, regaining the kingdom's honor. The sadhus taught him secret yogic techniques that further enhanced his strength.

He married Khaihamdi Bodosa, and had two sons—Deham Kemprai and Maiham Kemprai—both of whom died young due to royal punishment.

King Makardhwaj, seeking to expand his rule, ordered neighboring rulers to submit or face Dehmalik in war. Most submitted, fearing Dehmalik’s reputation.

With a force of 10,000 and elephants to navigate terrain, Dehmalik launched an eastern campaign through Naga Hills to Manipur. Manipuri resistance failed, and the prince sought a truce. As a mark of conquest (1250 AD), conditions were imposed, such as:

• No house front wider than 12 cubits.
• No betel nut plantations on Manipuri soil.

The Manipuri annals mention a conquest by “Mayang” (outsider), identified as Dehmalik.

He marched further to Burma, defeating the Burmese despite their superior numbers. His unique armor (a padded cotton tunic), rhino-hide shield, and extreme agility allowed him to leap 18 feet in any direction. His phantom-like speed led the Burmese to make peace, accepting the following conditions:

1. Burmese males would wear lungis instead of loin-ties.
2. Women must style their hair atop their heads.
3. Bamboo poles must be fixed upside down.

The king of Burma gifted Dehmalik a white elephant and two diamonds. He returned to Dimapur in 1251 AD. The cultural dance Bai-maijai was performed to celebrate his return and continues to this day.

However, jealous courtiers and the prince conspired against him. A first attempt using a rogue elephant failed. Ultimately, they convinced Dehmalik’s stepmother to betray him. Knowing his weakness, they poured molten lead into his ears and body while he slept, killing him.

Before dying on 9 January 1255 AD (Saturday), he cursed the Dimasa people, saying no hero would rise again among them, and Dimapur would be haunted by ghosts. Within 300 years, the Dimasa Kingdom fell.

Life

Demalik Kemprai was born in present-day Dimapur on 11 August 1201 AD during Raja Makardhwaj Narayan Thaosen’s reign. His father was Dechangdao Kemprai and mother Rhibangdi Thaosen. He married Khaimaidi Bodosa in 1224 AD and had two sons: Deham Kemprai (b. 1225) and Maiham Kemprai (b. 1228). He died in 1231 AD.

Veer Dehmalu Kemprai's ashes

His holy ashes are preserved by the Kemprai clan in Cachar district for over 792 years. Rituals are occasionally performed by descendants seeking his blessings.

The Myth and the Curses (Bodo)

According to Bodo legend, Dwimalu was betrayed by his clan and cursed them. During King Iragdao’s reign, he conquered Burma and brought back white elephants. In a dream, God offered him power through one of five fingers. Out of greed, Dwimalu grabbed all five. Though he gained great power, he was cursed to be betrayed.

Jealous colleagues turned the king against him. Though imprisoned, no one could kill him. His stepmother revealed his secret weakness. Molten lead was poured into his ears, killing him. Before dying, he cursed the Bodo people with misfortune. To this day, some Bodos pray at his statue in Kharigaon to lift the curse.