Unit 5: Decline, Fall, and the Colonial Transition

Table of Contents

1. Captain Welsh’s Mission (1792-94)

Following the chaos of the Moamaria rebellion, King Gaurinath Singha sought help from the British East India Company. Lord Cornwallis sent Captain Thomas Welsh to restore order.

Objectives and Impact:

Exam Tip: Captain Welsh's mission is significant because it was the first formal military and political contact between the British and the Ahom state.

2. Purnananda Buragohain vs. Badan Chandra Barphukan

The final collapse of the Ahom kingdom was accelerated by intense rivalry between two powerful ministers.

The Conflict:

Historical Impact: This internal feud directly led to the Burmese invasions, turning a domestic dispute into a national catastrophe.

3. The Burmese Invasions of Assam (1817-1826)

The Burmese invaded Assam three times, leading to a period of unprecedented horror known as 'Manor Din' (The Days of the Burmese).

The Three Invasions:

  1. First Invasion (1817): Reinstated Badan Chandra as Barphukan and Chandra Kanta Singha as a puppet king.
  2. Second Invasion (1819): The Burmese placed Purandar Singha on the throne but soon took direct control.
  3. Third Invasion (1821): Led by General Mingimaha Bandula, this established complete Burmese military rule over Assam.

The Reign of Terror:

The Burmese rule was marked by extreme cruelty, massacres, and the destruction of the social and economic fabric of Assam. This eventually forced the British to intervene to protect their own frontiers in Bengal.

4. The Treaty of Yandabo (1826)

The first Anglo-Burmese War ended with the defeat of the Burmese. The Treaty of Yandabo was signed on February 24, 1826, marking the end of the Ahom era and the beginning of British rule.

Significant Provisions:

Provision Description
Cession of Territory Burma renounced all claims over Assam, Cachar, and Jaintia.
Indemnity The Burmese government had to pay one crore rupees to the British.
Political A British Resident was to be stationed at the court of Ava.
"The Treaty of Yandabo did not technically hand over Assam to the British; however, since the Ahom monarchy had collapsed, the British East India Company assumed administrative control."

5. Exam Corner

Key Date: February 24, 1826. This is the most important date in modern Assam history as it marks the formal colonial transition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the Ahom kingdom fall after 600 years?
A: A combination of the Moamaria civil war, internal ministerial rivalries, the collapse of the Paik system, and the superior military might of the Burmese and British.

Q: Who invited the Burmese to Assam?
A: Badan Chandra Barphukan, in an attempt to overthrow Purnananda Buragohain.

Summary Mnemonic:

W-B-Y: Welsh Mission (first contact), Burmese Invasions (destruction), Yandabo Treaty (colonial rule).