Lachit Barphukan’s Statue: Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, recently visited the factory of renowned sculptor Ram Vanji Sutar in Ghaziabad’s Industrial Area Site 4 to review the progress of the world’s largest statue, dedicated to the legendary warrior Bir Lachit Borphukan. The colossal 150-foot bronze statue is set to be installed in Jorhat, Assam, by January 15, next year. The chief minister praised the sculptor for his remarkable effort in crafting the statue, which is meant to commemorate the valiant defeat of the Mughals by the Ahom leader.
“Bir Lachit Borphukan was chosen to command the army in the fight against the Mughals by King Supangmung, also known as Chakradhwaj Singha, the king of Guwahati. The Mughals were defeated by him. The statue will be put up in war memorial ‘Alaboi Ranakshetra’ in Jorhat’s Hollongapar by January next year,” said the chief minister.
The statue will serve as a powerful reminder of the courage and resilience displayed by Bir Lachit Borphukan and his 10,000 troops martyred at Alaboi, Kamrup. Veteran sculptor Ram Vanji Sutar, who has crafted iconic monuments across the country, including the Statue of Unity in Gujarat, has been entrusted with this momentous task. The war memorial’s expansive 25-acre campus will also feature a 100-foot ‘Hengdang,’ adding to the tribute to the revered warrior’s legacy.
Sharing a 3D model of the memorial, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma wrote on Twitter, “Hon’ble President Shri Ram Nath Kovind ji laid the foundation of a 150-foot bronze statue of Bir Lachit Barphukan, a war museum among other facilities to be built at his memorial in an area extended by over 16.5 acres at Hollongapar, Jorhat.”
World’s tallest Lachit Bir Phukan’s statue to debut in January 2024
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced that the world’s tallest statue of Bir Lachit Barphukan is set to be completed by January 2024. The statue is being constructed in Hollongapar, located in the Jorhat district, and will also feature a museum dedicated to the history of the Ahom dynasty.
Covering an area of 50 bighas, land has been acquired from the public for this iconic project, with 12 percent of the work already completed. The decision to build a 125-foot bronze statue of Lachit Barphukan was made by the Assam government in 2022, on the occasion of the legendary general’s 400th birth anniversary.
The estimated cost of the statue is Rs 120 crore, symbolizing Assam’s grand tribute to the valiant General, whose heroic efforts saved the state from Mughal conquest. Additionally, the government has released a documentary shedding light on the life and achievements of Lachit Barphukan.
In November 2022, Chief Minister Sarma appealed to the people of Assam to illuminate their homes with earthen lamps on Lachit Diwas, which falls on November 24. During a press conference held at Assam House, Sarma emphasized the significance of lighting these lamps to commemorate the 400th birth anniversary of the revered warrior.
About Bir Lachit Barphukan
Bir Lachit Phukan was a legendary military commander and an emblem of bravery in Assam’s history. Born in 1620 in Guwahati, Assam, he hailed from the Ahom dynasty and served as the commander-in-chief of the Ahom army during the reign of King Chakradhwaj Singha. Lachit Phukan is celebrated for his indomitable courage and leadership during the historic Battle of Saraighat in 1671 against the mighty Mughal Empire.
During the Battle of Saraighat, the Mughal forces, led by Ramsingh I, aimed to conquer Assam and expand their empire further east. However, they were met with fierce resistance from Lachit Phukan and his army. Despite facing a much larger and heavily equipped Mughal force, Lachit Phukan displayed exceptional military acumen and strategic brilliance. His determination and unwavering loyalty to his homeland were evident when he urged his soldiers not to give up their motherland to the invaders.
Under Lachit Phukan’s command, the Ahom army fiercely defended the mighty Brahmaputra River, using innovative tactics and guerrilla warfare to outsmart the Mughals. In a remarkable display of courage and valor, they inflicted heavy losses on the Mughals, ultimately forcing them to retreat, securing a resounding victory for Assam.
Bir Lachit Phukan’s heroics in the Battle of Saraighat have earned him an immortal place in the annals of Indian history. He is revered as a symbol of resilience, patriotism, and determination. His legacy continues to inspire generations, and every year, on the occasion of “Lachit Divas,” Assam pays tribute to this legendary warrior, celebrating his contribution to the region’s freedom and cultural heritage.
