Unit 3: 17th Century Conflict and Ahom-Mughal Wars

1. Pratap Singha and His Administrative Reforms

Pratap Singha (reign: 1603–1641 CE), also known as Susengpha or Buddhi Swarganarayan, was one of the most prominent Ahom kings. His reign marked the beginning of a long struggle against the Mughal Empire.

Key Administrative Changes:

• Creation of New Offices: He created the posts of Barphukan (Viceroy of Lower Assam) and Barbarua (Chief Secretary/Chief Justice) to handle the growing complexities of the state.
• Diplomatic Skill: He earned the title Buddhi Swarganarayan due to his political intelligence in handling neighboring tribes and the Mughals.

2. Reorganization of the Paik System

Under the guidance of Momai Tamuli Barbarua, Pratap Singha revolutionized the military and economic structure of Assam through the Paik System.

Structure of the Paik System:

• Definition: Every able-bodied adult male (aged 15–50) was a Paik. They were required to provide compulsory service to the state.
• The Got: Four Paiks formed a 'Got'. At any given time, one Paik from the Got served the state while the others looked after the family fields.
• Hierarchy:
  • Bora: Head of 20 Paiks
  • Saikia: Head of 100 Paiks
  • Hazarika: Head of 1000 Paiks

3. The Ahom-Mughal Conflict: Causes

The 17th century was defined by a series of wars between the Ahoms and the Mughals. The primary causes included:

• Territorial Ambition: The Mughals wanted to expand their empire to the eastern frontier for trade and resources.
• Boundary Disputes: Continuous friction over the border between Ahom-controlled areas and Mughal-occupied Koch Hajo.
• Asylum to Fugitives: The Ahoms often provided shelter to enemies of the Mughals (like the princes of Koch Bihar).
• Trade and Resources: Assam was rich in elephants, agarwood, and gold-dust, which the Mughals highly coveted.

4. The Treaty of Asurar Ali (1639)

After a series of battles, both sides signed the Treaty of Asurar Ali in 1639 during the reign of Pratap Singha.

Terms of the Treaty:

5. Mir Jumla's Invasion (1662-63)

The treaty was broken during the reign of Jayadhwaj Singha. In 1662, the Mughal Governor of Bengal, Mir Jumla, launched a massive invasion of Assam.

The Outcome:

• Fall of Garhgaon: Mir Jumla captured the Ahom capital, Garhgaon. Jayadhwaj Singha fled to the hills (Namrup), earning him the name Bhagania Raja.
• The Treaty of Ghilajharighat (1663): A humiliating treaty for the Ahoms.
  • Ahoms had to pay a huge war indemnity (3 lakh rupees and 90 elephants).
  • A large portion of the kingdom (from Guwahati to the Barnadi) was ceded to the Mughals.
  • The King's daughter was sent to the Mughal harem.