Papon Sings For 400th Birth Anniversary of Ahom General Lachit Borphukan

NEW DELHI, (IANS) – Folk-fusion singer Papon, who is best known for his tracks ‘Moh Moh Ke Dhaage’ and ‘Kaun Mera and Kyon’, was excited about performing in celebration of the 400th birth anniversary of Ahom General Lachit Borphukan.

Lachit Divas is celebrated as a tribute to Lachit Borphukan, who was a great army commander of the Ahom kingdom. He is known for his leadership in the 1671 ‘Battle of Saraighat’ that led to the victory of the Ahom army over Mughal forces, led by Raja Ramsingh-I.

Papon was born in Guwahati to notable Assamese folk singers Khagen Mahanta and Archana Mahanta. When he began his venture into music, his father told him to always make honest music that connects with the hearts of his listeners.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on November 23 said that had the Mughals defeated the Ahoms in the battle of Saraighat in 1671, the entire Southeast Asia would have been very different.

He said that the saga of courage, patriotism and sacrifice displayed by Lachit Barphukan – the great Ahom army general – is undoubtedly one of the most glorious chapters of Indian history.

“It was Lachit’s leadership and generalship in the battle of Saraighat in 1671 that ensured the continuation of Ahom rule, which in turn led to the preservation of indigenous Assamese identity and culture,” he stated. It is, therefore, important that Lachit Barphukan is accorded his due place in history in the manner other great warriors and monarchs of the ancient and medieval periods have been honored.

Sarma lauded the Ahom rule for providing political stability and unity to Assam for the first time.

“Despite such a glorious saga, the Ahom rule and generalship of commanders such as Lachit Barphukan have not been discussed, written, or researched upon by prominent historians,” he commented.