PM Modi unveils bronze statue of Ahom general in Assam: Who was Lachit Borphukan?

Lachit Borphukan was a legendary army commander of the Ahom kingdom (1228-1826), known for his leadership in the 1671 'Battle of Saraighat'

Bir Lachit Borphukan statue in Jorhat PM Modi

Veteran sculptor Ram Vanji Sutar, a Padma Bhushan awardee, built the statue, who also crafted the Statue of Unity in Gujarat. (PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a 125-foot bronze statue of Ahom general Lachit Borphukan at his burial site in eastern Assam’s Jorhat district on Saturday. It was unveiled at the Lachit Barphukan Maidam Development Project at Hollongapar, an area spread over 16.5 acres, which is being developed as a tourist spot. The total project cost will be Rs 214 crore, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.

Who was Lachit Borphukan?

Lachit Borphukan was a legendary army commander of the Ahom kingdom (1228-1826), known for his leadership in the 1671 ‘Battle of Saraighat’. He defeated the Mughal forces, led by Raja Ramsingh-I, in this battle, and thwarted a drawn-out attempt by them to take back Assam.

He was buried at the ‘maidam’ — burial grounds for Ahom royals and nobles — at Hollongapar, after passing away a year after the battle at the age of 49 due to illness.

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Who built the sculpture?

Veteran sculptor Ram Vanji Sutar, a Padma Bhushan awardee, built the statue. He had earlier crafted the Statue of Unity in Gujarat.

The State of Valour depicting Lachit Borphukan was built at his studio in Ghaziabad in UP and transported in parts from UP to Assam over the last few months and re-assembled at the site.

What are the other developing projects at Lachit Barphukan Maidam Development Project?

A gallery showcasing the history of the Ahom dynasty’s 600 years of rule is being built, while another gallery is being set up for the contemporary history of Assam. An auditorium with a capacity of 500 people is also being built.

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