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Turbak's invasion of Assam
Part of Islamic invasions of Assam
Date 1532–1533 Location Assam, India Result Ahom victory
Belligerents
Ahom Kingdom Kachari Kingdom	Bengal Sultanate
Commanders and leaders
Suhungmung Suklen (WIA) Senglung	Turbak † Hussain Khan  Taju † Sangul †
Strength
Large 700 ships	1,100 cavalry 1,000 infantry 36 elephants many guns and canons
Casualties and losses
8 commanders	2500 men 20 ships 28 elephants 850 horses many cannons and matchlocks
Turbak and Hussain Khan's heads were buried on Charaideo Hill.

The Turbak's invasion of Assam, also known as Gauda–Ahom War or sometimes called the Turko-Afghan invasion of Assam, occurred between 1532 and 1533 was a big military engagement between the Ahom Kingdom and Bengal Sultanate. Turbak, a general from Gauda, led a Muslim army to invade the Ahom Kingdom. At first, Turbak made some headway, but the Ahom forces eventually struck back and defeated him, killing him in battle.

The Ahoms chased the retreating troops all the way to where the Karatoya River meets the Brahmaputra River. This victory was a substantial deal for the Ahoms, forcing the ruler of Gauda to give in, offering up land and even arranging marriage alliances. Visva Singha, a Koch ruler, was also recognized as a subordinate leader under Ahom rule and was expected to send regular tribute to the Ahoms.

As per scholars, Turbak's invasion brought firearms to Assam but there are records from the Ahoms that suggest Ahoms has been using them even before this, even when they conquered the Chutiyas. The Ahoms also built a road from Gauhati to the Karatoya River during this campaign and even made allies with other kingdoms, including Vikram Sen of Orissa. King Suhungmung put up a bold stone pillar with a warning on it and even had a tank built at Puri with the consent from the ruler of Orissa, likely to send a message to Bengal's rulers.

Background

The first significant Muhammadan invasion, recorded in Ahom history, occurred in 1527 under the leadership of the great Vazir. The Ahoms pursued the invaders with determination, capturing forty horses and a considerable number of cannons. Suhungmung then moved to Sala, took control of Duimunisila, built a fort at the mouth of the Burai River, and stationed troops at Phultiari. Additional expeditions were launched up the Kallang and Bharali rivers, resulting in the capture of slaves and other loot. A strong guard was left behind at Narayanpur to secure the area.

After the successful resolution of the Kachari struggles, the Ahoms faced renewed Muhammadan hostilities. The first of these came from a Muslim commander, Luipat (or Luput), who advanced up the Brahmaputra with fifty vessels. The resulting battle at Temeni ended in a victory for the Ahoms, with the Muslim commander fleeing on horseback. Following this victory, the Ahoms rebuilt their forts at Kangaripara and Sala on the river Bharali.

Afterward, garrisons were stationed at Sala, Singiri, and along the Bharali. Singiri, under the command of Barpatra Gohain. The Muhammadans renewed their advance up the Brahmaputra, leading to another engagement at Temeni. Kangaripara, under the command of Senglung Barpatrugohain, was later attacked by a new Muslim general, Bit Malik (also referred to as Mit Manik). Once again, the Ahoms defeated the Muslims, with their general being killed in battle.

The Ahoms captured fifty horses, as well as numerous cannons and guns. The pursuit of the retreating enemy continued as far as Khagarijan (modern-day Nowgong). In recognition of their service, Suhungmung rewarded the Ahom soldiers after the battle. By early 1532, a new fort had been constructed at Temeni under the supervision of Senglung. Barpatra Gohain was subsequently honored by Suhungmung with a beautiful girl and a ceremonial tribute known as the Rikkhvan Ceremony.

Invasion

Battle of Singri

In 1532, a Bengali Muslim commander named Turbak invaded Ahom territory with a force comprising 1,000 cavalry, 30 elephants, and numerous guns and cannons. He set up camp near the fort at Singiri. Ahom forces, under Suklen, crossed the Brahmaputra and attacked the Muslim encampment, despite warnings from astrologers. However, the battle ended in disaster for the Ahoms, who suffered heavy losses, with eight commanders killed. Suklen barely escaped with a serious wound. The Muslim forces stopped advancing for the rainy season at Koilabar.

Further preparations

The Ahoms retreated to Sala after their initial setbacks, where they regrouped with reinforcements and appointed Senglung as the new Commander-in-Chief. Meanwhile, the Muslim forces advanced and set up camp at Kaliabar. Recognizing that the previous defeat was largely due to their weak naval capabilities, King Suhungmung ordered the preparation of a stronger navy. By June, the Ahoms had assembled 700 ships, and the Kachari army joined forces with them to strengthen their position.

Battle of Duimunisila

In October, the Muslims advanced to Ghiladhari, and by November, Suklenmung had recovered from his injuries and took command of the Ahom forces at Sala. The Muslim forces launched an attack, setting fire to houses outside the fort, but were caught off guard and routed in a surprise counterattack by the Ahoms. However, in subsequent confrontations, the Muslims deployed cavalry and artillery, creating confusion among the Ahom ranks. The elephants leading the Ahom forces failed to hold the enemy, leading to significant losses and the retreat of the Ahom army.

Despite the Muslims maintaining their cautious advance in the following months, the tide of the conflict shifted in March 1533, When they were attacked again, but this time they successfully defended the fort by pouring boiling water over the enemy. Despite this, the Muslims managed to gain some ground in subsequent encounters. By March 1533, however, the Ahoms turned the tide in their favor. In a naval battle at Duimunisila, they inflicted significant losses on the Muslim forces, The Muslim commanders, Taju and Sangal, were killed, The invading forces lost 2,500 men, 20 ships, and several large cannons, marking a turning point in the war in favor of the Ahoms.

Battle of Bharali

During this time, Husain Khan, another Muslim general, arrived to reinforce Turbak's forces with six elephants, 100 cavalry, and 1,000 infantry troops. Reinforced by Hussain Khan, Turbak took position near the Dikrai River, across from the Ahom camp. However, the Ahoms were now better prepared and managed to defeat the Muslims in several engagements. The final confrontation occurred near the Bharali River, where Turbak was killed by a spear, and the Muslims were thrown into disarray. The Ahoms pursued the retreating forces all the way to the Karatoya River, where they achieved a complete victory.

The Ahoms captured valuable spoils of war, including 28 elephants, 850 horses, many cannons, and matchlocks. The Ahom king then sent an envoy to the Sultan of Gauda, who, in submission, sent a princess to the Ahom court. Hussain Khan was captured and executed. To commemorate the victory, the Ahoms built a temple and excavated a tank near the Karatoya River. The heads of Turbak and Hussain Khan were buried on Charaideo Hill, in accordance with local custom.

Outcome

This victory marked an important turning point for the Ahoms. They began to adopt firearms and artillery, learning how to manufacture cannons and make gunpowder, likely with the help of Muslim prisoners. Over time, the Ahoms became proficient in these new technologies, which would play a critical role in future conflicts, including the famous invasion by Mir Jumla in the 1660s.

The victory over Turbak was not just a military success but also a moment of strategic importance. The Ahoms had proven themselves capable of defending their territory against a powerful enemy. This victory helped cement their position as a dominant force in the region and strengthened their relations with neighboring powers, like the Koch rulers. Afterward, the Ahoms focused on expanding their territory and consolidating power within Assam, using the lessons learned from their battle against Turbak to strengthen their defenses.

Aftermath

During the campaign, Ahom troops made a road connecting Gauhati to the Karatoya River. King Suhungmung also built alliances, sending messengers to Vikram Sen, the King of Orissa, and forming friendly ties. With Orissa's king's permission, Suhungmung dug a tank at Puri, probably to strengthen his position against Bengal's Muslim rulers. The Ahoms put up a stone pillar with a bold warning inscribed:

Anyone who takes this country without a battle will send their ancestors to hell, get beaten with a broom by a Hari, and wear a woman’s mekhala.

Interestingly, Muslim records don't mention these events, leading to debates. Gait thought the invasions were by local Muslim chiefs or freelancers, not the Bengal Sultan. But the recent studies tend to conclude that big military resources involved, like cannons, suggest otherwise. According to Acharya the aggressor was the Bengal Sultan, and their defeats were deliberately left out by Muslim chroniclers.

Suhungmung captured Namdang from the Chutiyas and set up a town there, later moving his capital to Bakata near the Dihing River. He relocated many Ahoms, including 300 Gharphaliya families with their chiefs, from Garhgaon to Sadiya and the Dihing region. Skilled workers like blacksmiths, Brahmins, and artisans were also brought to the capital.

After defeating Turbak's forces, Muhammadan prisoners were settled in different areas. At first, they were given jobs like farming or cutting elephant grass, but since they weren't good at that, they switched to working in brass. Their descendants, the Morias, still carry on this trade.

A cattle epidemic in 1534 caused major losses, and during his reign, the Hindu Saka era replaced the Jovian Cycle, showing Brahmins' growing influence. Vaishnavism also spread thanks to Sankar Deva’s teachings. Despite his success, Suhungmung faced betrayal in which Suklen conspired with a Kachari servant, Ratiman, who assassinated the king while he slept.

Suhungmung was a daring and capable ruler. Under his leadership, the Ahoms expanded their lands, defeating the Chutiyas, breaking Kachari power, driving back Muslim invasions, and handling Naga raids. In 1535, several Naga villages like Malan and Pangkha revolted, followed by the Jakhang Nagas. Suhungmung sent his generals, who crushed the rebellion. The Khamjangia Nagas surrendered, offering 100 methons as a sign of submission, and peace was restored in the region.

Legacy

The use of firearms in Assam is often linked to Turbak's invasion in 1532, but Assamese chronicles suggest they existed even earlier, dating back to the Ahom conquest of the Chutiyas. This development places the introduction of firearms in Assam significantly before Turbak's time. Relations between the Koches and the Ahoms began around 1533, when Koch chief Visva Singha submitted to the Ahom army, pledging to pay annual tribute.

A contrasting view, however, is presented by historian Amanatulla Ahmed, who suggests that the Ahom army launched a sudden attack on Koch territory, forcing Visva Singha to capitulate. One Ahom chronicle records that Visva Singha initially planned to intercept the returning Ahom army from Gauda. However, his advisors, anticipating the devastating consequences of a confrontation with the superior Ahom forces, dissuaded him. Ultimately, Visva Singha submitted peacefully, solidifying the relationship between the Koches and the Ahoms.

The westward expansion of the Ahoms in the early 16th century likely facilitated this interaction, even though their territories were not directly adjacent. After Visva Singha’s submission, Ahom general Chao-sheng-lung Tan-Khan, with the approval of King Suhungmung (1497–1539), acknowledged the alliance. As part of this agreement, the Gauda ruler, defeated by the Ahoms, offered two princesses and five parganas west of the Sankosh River as dowry, cementing relations between the Koches and the Ahoms.

See also

• Ahom–Mughal wars
• Mir Jumla's invasion of Assam
• Suklenmung
• Battle of Bharali

References

1. ^ Nag 2023, p. 295.
2. ^ Acharyya 1966, p. 96–97.
3. ^ Nath 2019, p. 20.
4. ^ Acharyya 1966, p. 94.
5. ^ Acharyya 1966, p. 95.
6. Basu 1970, p. 24–25.
7. ^ Basu 1970, p. 25.
8. ^ Shakespear 2014, p. 31–32. sfn error: no target: CITEREFShakespear2014 (help)
9. ^ Acharyya 1966, p. 96.
10. ^ Basu 1970, p. 26.
11. ^ Acharyya 1966, p. 97.
12. Basu 1970, p. 27.
13. Nag 2023, p. 449.
14. ^ Nag 2023, p. 296.

Bibliography

• Nath, Pratyay (2019). Climate of Conquest: War, Environment, and Empire in Mughal North India. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-949555-9.
• Shakespear, Leslie (26 April 2012). History of Upper Assam, Upper Burmah and North-Eastern Frontier. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-1-108-04607-7.
• Nag, Sajal (17 July 2023). The Mughals and the North-East: Encounter and Assimilation in Medieval India. Taylor & Francis. ISBN 978-1-000-90525-0.
• Basu, Nirmal Kumar (1970). Assam in the Ahom Age, 1228-1826: Being Politico-economic and Socio-cultural Studies. Sanskrit Pustak Bhandar.
• Acharyya, Nagendra Nath (1966). The History of Medieval Assam, from the Thirteenth to the Seventeenth Century: A Critical and Comprehensive History of Assam During the First Four Centuries of Ahom Rule, Based on Original Assamese Sources, Available Both in India and England. Dutta Baruah.

• History of Assam
• Wars involving medieval India
• Lists of wars by former country involved
• Military history of India
• 1500s conflicts
• 1532 in Asia
• 1533 in Asia
• 16th-century conflicts
• Conflicts by century
• 16th-century military history
• Conflicts in India
• 17th century in Asia
• 17th century in India
• 1532 in India
• History of Bengal
• Ahom kingdom
• 1533 in India
• Bengal Sultanate
• Wars involving India