Chaolung Sukapha

Recently, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways led the celebrations of Assam Day and paid rich tributes to Chaolung Sukapha, acknowledging his lasting contribution to the history and cultural identity of Assam.

About Chaolung Sukapha

Chaolung Sukapha was a visionary 13th-century ruler who founded the Ahom Kingdom in Assam. The Ahom dynasty ruled the region for nearly six centuries, shaping its political and cultural landscape. Sukapha is widely regarded as the architect of “Bor Asom” (Greater Assam) due to his role in unifying diverse regions and communities.

It was at Charaideo that Sukapha established his first small principality, which later became the nucleus for the territorial expansion of the Ahom Kingdom.

Administration of Chaolung Sukapha

Chaolung Sukapha organized the kingdom into territorial units called khels or phoids, each administered by an officer responsible for supplying a fixed number of paiks.
Paiks were able-bodied adult males who owed labour and military service to the state.

Every adult male between sixteen and fifty years of age was registered as a paik and served the king for a part of the year in agriculture, construction, or warfare. In return for this service, each paik was allotted land for personal cultivation.

Sukapha also emphasized the use of guerrilla warfare tactics, which were well suited to the rivers, dense jungles, and hilly terrain of Assam.

Why is Chaolung Sukapha Important?

The historical significance of Chaolung Sukapha, especially in contemporary Assam, lies in his successful policy of assimilation of diverse communities and tribes. Instead of following a policy of annihilation, he adopted a strategy of conciliation and peaceful integration.

Sukapha developed amicable relations with tribal communities, particularly the Sutias, Morans, and Kacharis, which helped in building a stable and inclusive kingdom.

Conclusion

Chaolung Sukapha’s legacy endures as that of a state-builder and unifier, whose inclusive governance, efficient administrative system, and adaptive military strategies laid the foundation for a strong and enduring Ahom state in Assam.