Turbak's invasion of Assam

Invasion

Battle of Singri

In 1532, a Turco-Afghan commander named Turbak invaded Ahom territory with 1,000 cavalry, 30 elephants, and plenty of guns and cannons. He set up his camp near the fort at Singiri. He set up camp near the fort at Singiri. Suklen, Ahom forces crossed the Brahmaputra, and then, against warnings by the astrologers, they attacked the Muslim camp, and the result of the battle proved disastrous to the Ahoms: eight of its commanders, including Phrasengmung, were killed. Suklen narrowly escaped with a grievous wound. The Muslims held back the advance for the rainy season at Koilabar.

Further preparations

The Ahoms withdrew to Sala, where they rallied with fresh troops and elected Senglung as the new commander-in-chief. The Muslim forces continued their march and camped at Kaliabar. Understanding that the previous defeat was because of their weak naval power, King Suhungmung ordered the preparation of a more powerful navy. By June, the Ahoms had prepared 700 ships, and the Kachari army joined them to strengthen their position.

The participation of Ahom women is also notable. Mula Gabharu was a key leader in the Assamese resistance to the invasion of Assam by Turbak in 1532. She is referred to by historians as a symbol of sacrifice and courage in the resistance against the invading forces. Mula Gabharu was married to Phrasengmung Borgohain, an Ahom army commander and nobleman. She lost a loved one when her husband was killed in battle. Upon hearing the news of his death, she decided to lead the enemy soldiers into battle despite the danger, putting the dignity of the Ahom kingdom above her life.

Battle of Duimunisila

In October, the Muslims moved forward to Ghiladhari, and by November, Suklenmung had recovered from his wounds and led the Ahom forces at Sala. The Muslim forces launched an attack and set fire to houses outside the fort, but were surprised and routed in a counterattack by the Ahoms. Though the Muslims continued their cautious advance in the following months, the tide of the conflict turned 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 succeeded in gaining some ground in the subsequent encounters. However, by March 1533, the Ahoms were able to reverse the tide in their favour. In a naval battle at Duimunsilla, they inflicted heavy 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

Husain Khan, another Muslim general, arrived to reinforce Turbak's forces with six elephants, 100 cavalry, and 1,000 infantry troops. Reinforced by Husain 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. Mula Gabharu showed immense courage on the battlefield, killing several enemy soldiers. She was, however, later struck by a bullet from Turbak, killing her instantly. The five women who accompanied her to the battlefield also died. The women's sacrifice galvanized the Ahom forces, which fought with renewed passion.

The final confrontation occurred near the Bharali River. Eventually, the Ahom general Kan-Seng Barpatra Gohain managed to drive Turbak out, and Turbak was killed by a spear, presenting his severed head to the Ahom king. The Muslims were thrown into disarray. The Ahoms pursued the retreating forces to the river Karatoya, at which they won a complete victory. Ahom forces managed to capture rich spoils of war in the form of 28 elephants, 850 horses, many cannons, and matchlocks. Hussain Khan was captured and executed. To celebrate the victory, they constructed a temple and dug a tank next to the Karatoya River. According to local custom, they buried heads of Turbak and Hussain Khan at Charaideo Hill.

Outcome

With the victory of these battles, Ahoms now started to implement firearms and artillery for their battle use. The guns and ammunition start to be made there; they acquire the cannon production and powder formulation, perhaps with the help of Muslim captured prisoners in this phase of development. Over time, they improve their technology on firearms; they will face most of their serious battles, some of which include the celebrated invasion by Mir Jumla in the 1660s. It was a battle that had military significance, as well as one of strategic value. The Ahoms proved able to defend their land against such a mighty power. It not only solidified their position but also brought greater relations with powers neighbouring them and with the Koch rulers. After this, the Ahoms began to expand their territory and consolidate power within Assam, learning from the battle against Turbak to strengthen their defences.

Aftermath

During the campaign, Ahom forces constructed a road connecting Gauhati to the Karatoya River. The Ahoms erected a stone pillar with an audacious 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 do not mention these events, leading to debates. Gait thought the invasions were by local Muslim chiefs or freelancers, not the Bengal Sultan. According to Acharya, the aggressor was the Bengal Sultan, and their defeats were deliberately left out by Muslim chroniclers.

Suhungmung captured Namdang from the Chutias and established a town there. He later shifted his capital to Bakata, near the Dihing River. He transplanted many Ahoms from Garhgaon, such as 300 Gharphaliya families with their chiefs, to Sadiya and the Dihing region. Skilled artisans like blacksmiths, Brahmins, and artisans were brought to the capital.

After defeating the forces of Turbak, Muslim prisoners were settled in different areas. Initially, they were given some jobs such as cultivating or cutting elephant grass. Since they were not good at the same, they changed their job to working in brass. Their descendants continue doing this trade, called Morias.

The major loss in his reign came through a cattle epidemic in 1534, while the Jovian cycle was replaced by the Hindu Saka era. His reign witnessed Vaishnavism spreading as a result of the teachings by Sankar Deva. The success, however, proved a cause of betrayal for Suhungmung when Suklen conspired with a Kachari servant named Ratiman, who assassinated the king when he was sleeping.

Suhungmung was a bold and effective ruler. Within his regime, the Ahoms annexed lands by beating back the Chutiyas, breaking Kachari power, repulsing Muslim incursions and conquering Naga raiders. In 1535, several Naga villages, including Malan and Pangkha, rebelled and soon included the Jakhang Nagas. Suhungmung dispatched his generals, who successfully crushed the uprising. The Khamjangia Nagas surrendered, presenting 100 methons to him as a token of their surrender, and peace returned to the region.

Legacy

The practice of gunnery in Assam is typically attributed to Turbak's invasion in the year 1532, but Assamese histories trace their existence dating back to the Ahom conquest of the Chutiyas. This would place the establishment of gunnery in Assam many years before Turbak. The Koches and the Ahoms, formally, came into mutual contact around the year 1533 when Koch chieftain Visva Singha submitted to the Ahom forces, vowing to pay annual tribute.

According to legend, Mula Gabharu caused the death of her husband, as she was unable to prepare a Kabas Kapor (amulet cloth) in time due to her menstrual cycle—a ritual considered necessary for gaining protection while in battle. Seeking revenge, she rallied a group of five other women from the Ahom kingdom to accompany her to the battle. Their presence and courage are said to have energised the Ahom soldiers, giving them a new motivation to fight the invaders.

Mula Gabharu's legacy remains a source of inspiration for Assamese, particularly as a symbol of patriotism, sacrifice, and resilience. Historians debate the exact timeline of these events, with some sources pointing to Phrasengmung being killed during the fifth Muslim invasion in 1527, and Turbak's invasion in 1532. Irrespective of the exact timeline, Mula Gabharu remains a revered figure in Assam's history.

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 succumbed peacefully and henceforth sealed a relationship between the Koches and the Ahoms.

Westward expansion of the Ahoms would be another viable factor during the early 16th century, despite the fact that their dominions were not in direct communication. Following submission by Visva Singha, after consultation with King Suhungmung (1497–1539), Ahom general Chao-sheng-lung Tan-Khan recognized the alliance. In this treaty, the Gauda ruler, who was defeated by the Ahoms, presented the Ahoms with two princesses and five parganas on the west side of the Sankosh River as dowry. This maintained an alliance between the Koches and the Ahoms.