Himanta inaugurates memorial honouring 1671 Battle of Saraighat

Guwahati: ‘Saraighat Rana Smritisaudh’, a memorial hall honouring the historic Battle of Saraighat of 1671 at Panbazar, was inaugurated by chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday. The CM also laid the foundation stone of the Brahmaputra Riverfront Park Extension.The memorial is part of Guwahati’s urban heritage projects, linking to the area’s cultural and historical legacy.Guwahati Municipal Corporation in a statement stated that the 2.5-acre extension is envisioned to enrich Guwahati’s urban landscape while preserving its historic essence. It features a memorial dedicated to the martyrs of the Battle of Saraighat, a serene pond with a musical fountain, three rain shelters along with a shaded viewing pavilion, a 120-seater riverside restaurant, and a beautifully crafted promenade with riverside decks that invite visitors to experience the charm of the Brahmaputra.

The Battle of Saraighat was a pivotal naval clash in 1671 on the Brahmaputra near modern-day Guwahati. Ahom forces, led by Ahom general Lachit Borphukan, defeated the Mughals, halting the Mughal expansion into Assam.Fought amid prolonged Mughal-Ahom wars, the Mughals sought to capture Guwahati after earlier sieges like Itakhuli in 1667. Despite numerical superiority (30,000 infantry, 18,000 cavalry), Mughals struggled with Ahom guerrilla tactics, small swift boats and river terrain mastery.

Borphukan, despite illness, inspired troops with his resolve, launching a surprise front-rear assault. Mughal admiral Munnawar Khan was killed, leading to heavy losses (4,000 dead) and retreat beyond the Manas River. Ahoms regained Guwahati, securing independence until 1682.The Battle of Saraighat was a pivotal naval clash in 1671 on the Brahmaputra near modern-day Guwahati. Ahom forces, led by Ahom general Lachit Borphukan, defeated the Mughals, halting the Mughal expansion into AssamThe Battle of Saraighat was a pivotal naval clash in 1671 on the Brahmaputra near modern-day Guwahati. Ahom forces, led by Ahom general Lachit Borphukan, defeated the Mughals, halting the Mughal expansion into Assam.