BookReview - Brahmaputra - The Story of Lachit Barphukan

When I read some mediocre book published by big publishing houses. I would like to suggest them book like the Brahmaputra and would want to tell them to give chance to books like this which are great in content and importance hidden due to lack of promotion. Those who didn't get my statement, I would like to say "Go for this book". Wonderful piece of work on the less known hero of India "Lachit Barphukan". A historical fiction that can make you a fan of wartime historical fictions.

Book blurb

The year is 1661, and Aurangzeb has sent two of his best warriors – Mir Jumla and Diler Khan to conquer Assam. The Mughal empire already spreads from Kabul to Bengal on the border of Assam .The distant land, being ruled by the Ahom dynasty, is in disarray at the time. Mir Jumla swiftly sweeps across the hilly banks of the Brahmaputra, and annexes more than half the kingdom to the Mughal empire, including the prized city of Guwahati. Their villages and cities stand destroyed, their temples and places of burial are defiled and the Ahom princess is forcefully taken to the Mughal harem. The Ahom king, Chakradhwaj Singha, resolves to remove the stain of this insult to his land and people by waging war against the Mughals. He reposes his faith in a newly appointed commander – Lachit Barphukan. A long drawn campaign begins to oust the invaders from Assam….. This is the heroic tale of the Assamese and their leader Lachit Barphukan, who inspired his men to face the Mughal empire,. A story of the basic human desire for freedom, and the people’s struggle to achieve it. A tale of valour and sacrifice. At the same time, far away in the Deccan, the Marathas are also fighting for swarajya from the Mughals. Thus, linking the far flung lands with a common love of freedom and swarajya and the will to fight for it.

During Aurangzeb era, Mughal army was able to penetrate impregnable Ahom dynasty shacking its history of 500 years of freedom. The king Chakradhwaj Singha of Ahom dynasty didn't lose hope. Slowly and steadily he built up an army with able general Lachit and minister Atan Buragohain. With cunningness and bravery, they were able to get back Guwahati from the Mughal's hand once again. But Lachit knew that was not an end but the beginning of a long war against Mughal. Aurangzeb sent Raja of Ajmer Ram Singh to get back Assam in Mughal's hand. Apart from this book also covers fractions of Shivaji's rebel against Mughals. But that covers less than 20% of the book.

We have studied a lot about Gandhi, Nehru, and Sardar. We have heard about Shivaji and some other great freedom fighters from central, western and northern India. But we are completely unaware of heroism of east, especially north-east states. The author has brought out one such fearsome hero with a struggle of Ahom dynasty. War strategies, tactics, and bravado of those people were wonderfully portrayed. Though written solely around war book can easily create a liking for another genre as well. Apart from war scenes, the author was able to capture characters and ongoing politics between various kings, tribes, mansabdars etc. I would like to apologize Aneesh for delaying this great read. It deserves another screening with the publishing house. I think if properly promoted and supported this book can reach a good number.

Talking about ratings

1. Cover - 3.5/5
2. Title - 3.5/5
3. Content - 4.5/5
4. Concept - 4/5
5. Characters - 4.5/5
6. Overall - 4.25/5

Book can be found at Amazon

Review from other readers can be found at GoodReads