Lachit Borphukan was an army general from Assam, India. He is remembered for his extraordinary victory against the Mughal army of Aurangzeb headed by Ram Singh in the Battle of Saraighat in 1669. His father Momai Tamuli Borbarua had a humble background but evolved as the first Borbarua (Governor of upper Assam and Commander-in-Chief of the Ahom army) under Prataap Singha. Lachit Borphukan received training in humanities, scriptures and military skills.
Before being appointed as the Supreme Commander of the army, he held various posts of eminence such as Superintendent of the Royal Horses or Ghora Barua, Commander of the strategic Simulgarh Fort and Superintendent of the Royal Household Guards or Dolakasharia Barua assisting the Ahom king. The King Chakradhwaj Singha appointed Lachit as the commander in chief of the Ahom army.
Lachit efficiently disposed his responsibilities and transformed it into strong and powerful army by the summer of 1667. In the Battle of Saraighat he headed the Ahom army which was victorious against the Mughal army. When the Mughal army attacked in Saraighat, while looking at the huge Mughal fleet, the Assamese army lost their determination and will. Even though Lachit was very seriously ill he told his army to retreat if they wanted to and made it clear that he wouldn't do so. This gave a huge moral boost to the Assamese army. He died immediately after the victory due to illness.
16 km from Jorhat at the Lachit Maidam, the last remains of Lachit are preserved. It was built in 1672 by Swargadeo Udayaditya Singha at Hoolungapara. Every year 24th November is celebrated as Lachit Divas in the state of Assam to pay tribute to general Lachit Borphukan.
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