Ahom Kings: Key Details and Reigns

A Comprehensive Overview of the Rulers of the Ahom Kingdom

Early Kings (1228-1497)

The foundation of the Ahom kingdom was laid by Sukapha, who migrated from Mong Mao, beginning a lineage of powerful rulers who shaped Assam's history. This section details the early kings and their contributions.

Sukapha (1228-1268)

  • Significance: Founder of the Ahom Kingdom in Assam. Migrated from Mong Mao (present-day Yunnan, China) to establish the Ahom kingdom in the Brahmaputra Valley.
  • Key Achievements: Laid the foundation for a strong and enduring kingdom, introduced the Ahom administrative system, and initiated assimilation with the local population.

Suteupha (1268-1281)

  • Significance: Sukapha's son and successor. Continued the consolidation of the Ahom kingdom.

Subinpha (1281-1293)

  • Significance: Continued administrative and territorial expansion.

Sukhangpha (1293-1332)

  • Significance: Reign included the Ahom kingdom's first major conflict with the Kamata kingdom, ending in a truce and marriage alliance.

Sukhrangpha (1332-1364)

  • Significance: Continued consolidation efforts.

Sutupha (1364-1376)

  • Significance: Faced internal challenges and continued Ahom expansion.
  • Interregnum (1376-1380): A period of instability without a reigning monarch, likely due to internal conflicts.

Tyao Khamti (1380-1389)

  • Significance: Re-established the monarchy after the interregnum.
  • Interregnum (1389-1397): Another period of political vacuum.

Sudangpha (1397-1407)

  • Significance: Known as "Bamuni Konwar" (Brahmin Prince) due to his Brahmin upbringing. His reign marked increasing Hindu influence on the Ahom court.

Sujangpha (1407-1422)

  • Significance: Continued policies of consolidation and cultural exchange.

Suphakpha (1422-1439)

  • Significance: Maintained kingdom stability; specific events are less documented.

Susenpha (1439-1488)

  • Significance: Had a relatively long and stable reign, contributing to the continued growth of the Ahom kingdom.

Suhenpha (1488-1493)

  • Significance: Comparatively short reign.

Supimpha (1493-1497)

  • Significance: Short reign marked the transition to the next phase of Ahom history.

Later Kings (1497-1826)

The later period of the Ahom Kingdom saw its peak in power and influence, marked by significant administrative reforms, cultural assimilation, and fierce resistance against Mughal invasions. These rulers played a pivotal role in shaping the kingdom's destiny, leading up to its eventual end as a tributary state.

Dihingia Raja (Suhungmung) (1497-1539)

  • Significance: One of the most important Ahom kings. Moved capital to Bakata (hence "Dihingia Raja"). First Ahom king to adopt a Hindu title, "Swarganarayana."
  • Key Achievements: Significantly expanded the kingdom, suppressed Naga revolts, established new administrative offices (like Borpatrogohain), and transformed the Ahom kingdom into a multi-ethnic polity. His reign included the first major clashes with the Bengal Sultanate. He was assassinated.

Gargayan Raja (Suklenmung) (1539-1552)

  • Significance: Established capital at Garhgaon (hence "Garhgaiya Roja").
  • Key Events: Reign saw the capture and execution of Sankaradeva's son-in-law Hari, leading to Sankaradeva's departure. Also intervened against Burmese aggression.

Khora Raja (Sukhaamphaa) (1552-1603)

  • Significance: Ruled for 51 years, the longest in Ahom history. Called "Khora Roja" (Lame King) due to an elephant fall injury.
  • Key Events: Ekasarana Dharma (neo-Vaishnavite movement) flourished under Madhavdev. Faced conflicts with the Koch kingdom, including an invasion by Koch general Chilarai.

Pratap Singha (Susenghphaa) (1603-1641)

  • Significance: Very powerful and influential king, nicknamed "Burha Raja" (Old King).
  • Key Achievements: Expanded the Ahom kingdom westward, initiated significant Ahom-Mughal conflicts, and carried out major administrative reorganizations. Strengthened the Ahom military.

Bhaga Raja (Suramphaa) (1641-1644)

  • Significance: Known as "Bhoga Roja" due to his morally lacking disposition.
  • Key Events: His scandalous life led to his deposition and poisoning by Ahom nobles.

Naria Raja (Sutingphaa) (1644-1648)

  • Significance: Known as "Noriya Roja" (Sickly King) or "Kekura Roja" (Bent King) due to his physical condition.
  • Key Events: Faced palace intrigues; eventually deposed and killed by his son Sutamla.

Jayadhwaj Singha (1648-1663)

  • Significance: Reign included the devastating invasion by Mir Jumla, leading to the Treaty of Ghilajharighat, a major setback for the Ahom kingdom.
  • Key Events: Died in despair after the Mughal invasion, urging his successor to reclaim lost honor.

Chakradhwaj Singha (Supangmung) (1663-1670)

  • Significance: Known for his fierce pride and determination to reclaim Ahom prestige.
  • Key Achievements: Appointed Lachit Borphukan as commander-in-chief, prepared extensively, and successfully recaptured Guwahati from the Mughals. Celebrated for his resolve against foreign domination.

Udayaditya Singha (1670-1672)

  • Significance: Short reign following Chakradhwaj Singha. Kingdom was still recovering and facing internal pressures.

Ramadhwaj Singha (1672-1674)

  • Significance: Reign marked by continued political instability after the wars with the Mughals.

Gobar Raja (1674-1675)

  • Significance: Ruled for a very short period (approx. three weeks) during intense ministerial power struggles.
  • Key Events: Figurehead king installed by Debera Borbarua. His short reign witnessed the fall of Debera Borbarua and the rise of Atan Burhagohain. First king from the Tungkhungia line.

Arjun Dihingia Raja (Sujinphaa) (1675-1677)

  • Significance: Also known as Arjun Konwar. Installed by Atan Burhagohain.
  • Key Events: Faced further political turmoil; eventually deposed and blinded.

Parvatia Raja (Sudoiphaa) (1677-1679)

  • Significance: Also known as Tej Singha. Belonged to the Parvatia line.
  • Key Events: His reign saw the end of Atan Burhagohain's ministerial dictatorship and the rise of Laluksola Borphukan.

Ratnadhwaj Singha (1679-1681)

  • Significance: Reign continued the period of political instability and rapid succession of kings.

Gadadhar Singha (Supatphaa) (1681-1696)

  • Significance: Established the strong rule of the Tungkhungia royal house, which continued until the end of the Ahom kingdom.
  • Key Achievements: Retook Guwahati from the Mughals in 1682, ended ministerial supremacy, and consolidated royal power.

Rudra Singha (Sukhrungphaa) (1696-1714)

  • Significance: Considered one of the greatest Ahom kings.
  • Key Achievements: Strengthened the army, reformed administration, promoted Sanskrit learning and Hindu culture, and initiated diplomatic relations with other Indian states. Planned a major invasion of Bengal but died before execution.

Siva Singha (Sukrutphaa) (1714-1744)

  • Significance: Known for his strong devotion to Hinduism, particularly Vaishnavism.
  • Key Events: Reign saw increasing influence of priestly classes and religious innovations. Transferred much power to his chief queen, Phuleswari, and later other queens, due to prophecies of his downfall.

Parmatta Singha (Sunenphaa) (1744-1751)

  • Significance: Succeeded his elder brother Siva Singha. Peaceful and prosperous reign.
  • Key Achievements: Constructed numerous buildings and temples, including the famous Rang Ghar (amphitheater).

Rajeswar Singha (1751-1769)

  • Significance: Another powerful Ahom king.
  • Key Achievements: Successfully suppressed the first Moamoria rebellion. Initiated extensive public works, including temples and roads. His reign saw renewed contact with other kingdoms and efforts to strengthen the Ahom state.

Laxmi Singha (1769-1780)

  • Significance: Faced continued challenges from the Moamoria rebels.
  • Key Events: His reign was largely consumed by attempts to put down the widespread Moamoria rebellion, which severely weakened the kingdom.

Gaurinath Singha (1780-1795)

  • Significance: His reign marked the peak of the Moamoria rebellion, leading to significant territorial loss and decline of Ahom power.
  • Key Events: Faced extreme internal strife and calls for British intervention to quell the rebellion, which was devastating to the Ahom kingdom.

Kamaleshwar Singha (1795-1811)

  • Significance: Attempted to restore order and royal authority after the Moamoria rebellion, with British assistance.
  • Key Events: With the help of Captain Welsh's expedition sent by the British, he managed to regain some control over the kingdom, though it remained weakened.

Chandrakanta Singha (1811-1818)

  • Significance: His reign saw the beginning of Burmese invasions of Assam.
  • Key Events: Ousted by the Burmese. His appeal for help led to the First Anglo-Burmese War.

Purandar Singha (1818-1819)

  • Significance: Brief reign amidst Burmese incursions.
  • Key Events: Placed on the throne by the Burmese, but his rule was short-lived as the Burmese continued to exert control.

Chandrakanta Singha (1819-1821) - Second Reign

  • Significance: Reinstated by the Burmese, effectively ruling as a puppet.
  • Key Events: Second Burmese invasion further solidified their control over Assam, leading to the end of Ahom independence.

Jogeshwar, Purandhar Singha (1821-1826) - (Tributary to Burmese king)

  • Significance: These were puppet rulers under Burmese suzerainty, marking the final phase of Ahom nominal rule before British annexation.
  • Key Events: The Burmese occupation of Assam led to the First Anglo-Burmese War (1824-1826), culminating in the Treaty of Yandaboo, which formally ended Ahom rule and transferred Assam to British control.