PM Modi Unveils 125-Foot Lachit Borphukan Statue in Assam
Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a 125-foot bronze statue of Ahom general Lachit Borphukan in Jorhat, Assam, marking one of the tallest statues in the Northeast. Borphukan is celebrated for his victory over the Mughal army at the Battle of Saraighat in 1671 on the Brahmaputra river. The PM also inaugurated multiple development projects in the state and accused the Congress of historically ignoring Northeast India's development needs.
Key Facts & Details
7 points- 1125-foot bronze statue of Lachit Borphukan unveiled in Jorhat, Assam
- 2Borphukan defeated Mughal forces at the Battle of Saraighat (1671)
- 3PM launched multiple development projects during the Assam visit
Deep Dive
- +The Battle of Saraighat (1671) was fought on the Brahmaputra river near Guwahati
- +Lachit Borphukan Day is observed on November 24 every year
- +The Indian government instituted the Lachit Borphukan Gold Medal at NDA in 1999
- +Assam Assembly elections are scheduled in 2026
Exam Focus
Likely MCQ: In which battle did Lachit Borphukan defeat the Mughal army? → Answer: Battle of Saraighat (1671)
Related Topics
Exam Relevance & Angle
Important for History and General Awareness: Medieval Indian History, Ahom dynasty, and significant battles.
Target Exams
Background & Context
Lachit Borphukan (1622–1672) was a commander (Borphukan) of the Ahom Kingdom in present-day Assam. He is best known for leading Ahom forces to victory at the Battle of Saraighat in 1671, which halted the Mughal expansion into Assam under Ram Singh I of Amber, sent by Emperor Aurangzeb.
The Ahom dynasty ruled Assam for nearly 600 years (1228–1826) and successfully resisted Mughal invasion multiple times. The Battle of Saraighat was a naval battle fought on the Brahmaputra river near Guwahati and is considered one of the greatest examples of military strategy in Indian history.
The Indian government recognizes Borphukan's legacy through the Lachit Borphukan Gold Medal, awarded annually to the best cadet at the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla. Lachit Divas is observed on November 24 each year.
Related GK Concepts
Must KnowTest Yourself
1 / 3The Battle of Saraighat (1671) was fought on which river?
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