The important treaties of medieval Assam during played a pivotal role in shaping the region, influencing its political landscape, territorial boundaries, and diplomatic relations. Assam, particularly under the Ahom kingdom, witnessed several conflicts with external forces like the Mughals and the Koch dynasty, leading to significant peace agreements.
Among these, the Treaty of Majuli (1563), Treaty of Asurar Ali (1639), and Treaty of Ghilajharighat (1663) stand out as landmark events that defined Assam’s resistance, resilience, and strategic negotiations. These treaties not only impacted Assam’s governance but also set the stage for future military engagements and regional power shifts. For aspirants preparing for APSC CCE 2024-25 and other Assam government exams, understanding these treaties of medieval Assam is crucial for gaining insights into the region’s medieval history and its legacy of warfare and diplomacy.
Important treaties of Medieval Assam History
1. Treaty of Majuli
2. Treaty of Asurar Ali
3. Treaty of Ghilajharighat
Treaty of Majuli
The Treaty of Majuli (1563) was settled between the Koch king Nara Narayan and the Ahom king Sukhaamphaa. The treaty followed a successful campaign against the Ahom kingdom led by Chilarai, the general of the Koch forces and the brother of the king, which resulted in the fall of Garhgaon, the Ahom capital. The fall of the capital resulted in the Ahom kings flight, as well as treason by high Ahom officials including the kings own brother.
The Ahom king sued for peace via his emissary, Aikhek Burhagohain. During the peace negotiations Nara Narayan was camped at Majuli. The terms that were finally settled on were:
- The Ahom king would accept Koch overlordship.
- The land on the North bank of the Brahmaputra to the west of Subansiri River were to be ceded to the Koch
- Five sons of Ahom nobles were to be handed over as hostage.
- Hand over the elephant Khamring and the horse Paksirai
- The Ahoms were to pay a war indemnity—60 elephants, 60 pieces of clothes, 60 maidens, 300 men, a red royal standard along with gold and silver.
- Furthermore, the Koch king stationed three Koch officers as rajkhowas — UjirBamun, Tapasvi Laskar and Malamulya Laskar—as well as a garrison at Narayanpur to administer the newly acquired region.
Treaty of Asurar Ali
Ahom King – Susenghphaa (Pratap Singha)
The Treaty of Asurar Ali (early February 1639) was signed between the Mughal faujdar Allah Yar Khan and the Ahom general Momai Tamuli
Borbarua. The treaty came at the end of a period of Mughal efforts to drive into the Ahom kingdom that began in 1615, and followed a
decisive Ahom victory over the Mughals at Duimunisila in November 1638.
According to the treaty, the boundary between the Mughals and Ahoms was fixed on the Barnadi River in the northern bank (utarkul) of
the Brahmaputra River and the Asurar Ali (Ali is causeway in Assamese) in the southern bank (dakhinkul), believed to be the Rajgarh Road in Guwahati, the causeway or the high Garh was in existence till late 60’s.
The Ahom king recognized the supremacy of the Mughals in Kamrup, and the Mughal fauzdar agreed not to interfere in the Ahom kingdom. Trade and commerce between the two regions was permitted with the Ahom kingdom represented by Kanu Sharma and Sanatan, and the Mughal represented by Sheikh Meda.
Treaty of Ghilajharighat
Ahom King – Jayadhwaj Singha
The Treaty of Ghilajharighat, Tipam, was signed between the Ahoms and the Mughal forces led by Mir Jumla on January 23, 1663. The treaty
brought Mir Jumla’s occupation of the Ahom capital, Garhgaon, to an end.
The conditions of the treaty were as follows:
- Jayadhwaj Singha sent off Romoni Gabhoru where she was married to Muhammmad Azam Shah, the son of Aurangzeb in 1668. She was named later as Rahmat Banu Begum.
- Twenty thousand tolas of gold, six times this quantity of silver and forty elephants to be made over at once.
- Three hundred thousand tolas of silver and ninety elephants to be supplied within twelve months.
- Six sons of the chief nobles to be made over as hostages pending compliance with the last mentioned condition.
- Twenty elephants to be supplied annually.
- The country west of the Bhareli river on the north bank of the Brahmaputra and of the Kalang River on the south to be ceded to the Emperor of Delhi.
- All prisoners and the family of the Baduli Phukan to be given up.
Conclusion
These three treaties of medieval Assam highlight the region’s dynamic history of warfare, diplomacy, and strategic alliances. While some treaties, like the Treaty of Majuli, marked temporary subjugation, others, like the Treaty of Asurar Ali, demonstrated the Ahom kingdom’s ability to negotiate favorable terms after decisive victories. The Treaty of Ghilajharighat, though imposing harsh conditions, underscored the strategic importance of Assam in the Mughal expansion plans. These historical agreements not only shaped the geopolitical landscape of Assam but also provide valuable lessons in resilience and statecraft. For APSC CCE and other competitive exams, a thorough understanding of these treaties is vital for mastering Assam’s medieval history.
Read: ST status recommended for six Assam communities
Download CSAP IAS Academy App:
