What do you think?
Rate this book
Lachit the Indomitable: The Story of Assam's Greatest Hero
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.
217 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2015
11 people are currently reading
224 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 15, 2017
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.
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.
Detailed Review - http://chevusread.blogspot.in/2017/11...
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.
Detailed Review - http://chevusread.blogspot.in/2017/11...
April 27, 2019
I am glad I read this book. This kind books or history you will hardly find in academic studies or anywhere else. In this book I came to know about Lachit Barpukhan and Ahom dynasty. The book tell us the story about warrior Lachit Barpukhan and I also love the way author portrayed parallel story of Chhatrapati Shivaji. Basically story revolves around when Aurangzeb try to conquer Ahom dynasty.
I specially appreciate those authors who come up with less known figures because it’s very hard to find documents and evidences. There is history beyond Mughal invaders. It’s a must read.
I specially appreciate those authors who come up with less known figures because it’s very hard to find documents and evidences. There is history beyond Mughal invaders. It’s a must read.
September 7, 2020
Really Interesting book on Lachit Barphukan.
March 4, 2018
It gives a brief peak into a largely ignored struggle of Indian history. Although not detailed and not a book for historic studies, it gives a glimpse into the struggle of Assamese people. An attempt at comparative historic description (wrt Ch. Shivaji's Hindivai Swaraj) is made, making the read an interesting one.
February 20, 2021
Being an History enthusiast, I must admit that I am guilty of not knowing much about the Ahom dynasty which withstood the Mughal onslaught and infact had outlived them. Kudos to the young author Aneesh Gokhale for his attempt in bringing to light this- not popular- history of our glorious past.
The author has chosen that period of Alamgir’s reign which is not much discussed about, the period before the discretion of Vishwanath mandir (1669) ,Mathura Keshav mandir (1670) and his infamous Deccan campaign.
The book starts with Aurangzeb issuing his firman to conquer the Assam region, coinciding with internal mutiny brewing among the Ahom royals. Mir Jumla, the Mughal commander, taking full toll of this dissension lay seige to the heart of the Ahom mainland resulting in the Ahom King Jayadhwaj Singha signing a humiliating treaty of Gilijharighat.
The heartbroken Ahom king passes away, but not before appointing his cousin Chakradhwaj Singha as the Swargdeo of Ahoms and handing him the responsibility of regaining the lost Ahom pride. But the task is easier said than done. It needs a patriotic man of sheer grit and determination. The new Swargdeo finds those qualities in one man, the hero of Saraighat – Lachit Barphukan, man with a sole aim of regaining the fallen Assam (Indic) pride.
After four long years of meticulous preparation, coaxing the Mughals into complacency, the Ahom Barphukan manages to snatch back the lost forts from the iron fist of the Mughals.
This act of defiance by Ahoms ,just when the “Deccani rat” was giving sleepless nights enraged the Mughal Badshah. The Emperor assigns Ram Singh, the Raja of Amer, son of Mirza Raje Jai Singh the task of eliminating the land of witchcraft, on the back of a monstrous army.
Will Ram Singh succeed in his conquest ? Or, will this bacon of resistance led by Lachit Barphukan defy the odds and stand tall ?
The book is structured very well with narration beautifully swithching between the Ahoms and Marathas. The scenes involving Shivaji, though the book covers only few incidents, are very captivating. Though I felt the last all important Battle of Saraighat was a bit fast paced, the narration moves soothingly like a screenplay, giving the readers an immersive experience and I must say that the author’s knowledge on the geography of the region have really paid off.
I don’t see this novel as a biography of Lachit Barphukan, I see it as an account of a civilizational revival, as a story of a civilization standing up against the tyrannical juggernaut that had decimated every thing it had encountered before.
My only feedback would be the lack of details about Lachit’s background and his upbringing. Barring that, I rate Brahmaputra a solid 9/10.
The author has chosen that period of Alamgir’s reign which is not much discussed about, the period before the discretion of Vishwanath mandir (1669) ,Mathura Keshav mandir (1670) and his infamous Deccan campaign.
The book starts with Aurangzeb issuing his firman to conquer the Assam region, coinciding with internal mutiny brewing among the Ahom royals. Mir Jumla, the Mughal commander, taking full toll of this dissension lay seige to the heart of the Ahom mainland resulting in the Ahom King Jayadhwaj Singha signing a humiliating treaty of Gilijharighat.
The heartbroken Ahom king passes away, but not before appointing his cousin Chakradhwaj Singha as the Swargdeo of Ahoms and handing him the responsibility of regaining the lost Ahom pride. But the task is easier said than done. It needs a patriotic man of sheer grit and determination. The new Swargdeo finds those qualities in one man, the hero of Saraighat – Lachit Barphukan, man with a sole aim of regaining the fallen Assam (Indic) pride.
After four long years of meticulous preparation, coaxing the Mughals into complacency, the Ahom Barphukan manages to snatch back the lost forts from the iron fist of the Mughals.
This act of defiance by Ahoms ,just when the “Deccani rat” was giving sleepless nights enraged the Mughal Badshah. The Emperor assigns Ram Singh, the Raja of Amer, son of Mirza Raje Jai Singh the task of eliminating the land of witchcraft, on the back of a monstrous army.
Will Ram Singh succeed in his conquest ? Or, will this bacon of resistance led by Lachit Barphukan defy the odds and stand tall ?
The book is structured very well with narration beautifully swithching between the Ahoms and Marathas. The scenes involving Shivaji, though the book covers only few incidents, are very captivating. Though I felt the last all important Battle of Saraighat was a bit fast paced, the narration moves soothingly like a screenplay, giving the readers an immersive experience and I must say that the author’s knowledge on the geography of the region have really paid off.
I don’t see this novel as a biography of Lachit Barphukan, I see it as an account of a civilizational revival, as a story of a civilization standing up against the tyrannical juggernaut that had decimated every thing it had encountered before.
My only feedback would be the lack of details about Lachit’s background and his upbringing. Barring that, I rate Brahmaputra a solid 9/10.
May 16, 2017
One of the best historical fictions I've read, a book with a twist. More of history and very less fiction. Written in a super simple style and riveting. One of the few books that provide a window to the North East of India, specifically to Assam. And it does that very well.
Must read for all history buffs !!
Must read for all history buffs !!
January 13, 2020
This is the historical novel describing the events leading upto the battle of Saraighat in 1671 where the Mughal forces led by Aurangzeb's Rajput General 'Ram Singh' were routed by the Ahom army led by Lachit Barphukan, a contemporary of Shivaji Maharaj.
The book starts with the humiliation of Ahom army at the hands of Mughal Army led by Mir Jumla and Diler Khan in 1662 and their resolve to wrest the prized city of Guwahati back from the Mughals.
The book is unique in the sense that most battles described in it are naval battles in contrast to only the land battles talked about in school history text books in schools.
An interesting read.
The book starts with the humiliation of Ahom army at the hands of Mughal Army led by Mir Jumla and Diler Khan in 1662 and their resolve to wrest the prized city of Guwahati back from the Mughals.
The book is unique in the sense that most battles described in it are naval battles in contrast to only the land battles talked about in school history text books in schools.
An interesting read.
August 1, 2018
While we know much about Shivaji Maharaj, Bajirao s in Indian history but merely we know about the great Ahom victory over mighty mughals and their hero Lachit Barphukan.
The book interweaves History, fiction and nonfiction so dramatically and beautifully that the reader would never get bored.... The war, politics, characters are described amazingly well and above all one should read this to know the heroics of Ahom warriors who fought the mughals to save their motherland....
The book interweaves History, fiction and nonfiction so dramatically and beautifully that the reader would never get bored.... The war, politics, characters are described amazingly well and above all one should read this to know the heroics of Ahom warriors who fought the mughals to save their motherland....
May 25, 2017
It is indeed quite a shame that school history textbooks in mainland India never mention anything about Lachit Barpukhan, or for that matter anything about Ahoms or the history of the North East in general. I learnt about Lachit Barpukhan myself while reading East of the Sun, a travelogue by Siddharth Sarma. Intrigued by the history of Assam, and the story of Lachit, I was on the lookout for a book that would tell me more about this unsung hero of India. During this search, I came across this book; and I must confess that I started reading it only because Aneesh is an alumnus of my school, and having known him briefly, I knew that the book would have been researched well.
The book gives a quick glimpse of the life and times of Lachit Barpukhan, his military strategy and patriotism; and the impact it had on the Ahom dynasty. The book tries to draw parallels with the life and times of Chhatrapati Shivaji; since the two were contemporaries, fighting the same enemy (Aurangzeb), and were driven by the same values of patriotism and swarajya. There may also be some similarity in their military strategy, in the sense that they both resorted to guerilla warfare and used the advantage of local terrain against an enemy unfamiliar with it. While the similarity is mostly limited to that, I felt that the chapters on Shivaji that intermingle with the chapters on the Ahoms, affect the pace of the book. While the book aims to pique the interest of the reader with the parallels drawn to Shivaji; it in fact had the exactly opposite effect for me, it took my interest away from the main storyline; which was otherwise perfectly gripping by itself.
The book although fictionalized, does rely heavily on diligent research using credible scholarly resources. The part that is fictionalized, and may have details that are historically controversial are duly ackowledged at the end of the book.
Overall, it is good read for someone who wants to do some preliminary reading about the history of Assam; but it may not be for someone who wants a more pedagogic account of the same.
The book gives a quick glimpse of the life and times of Lachit Barpukhan, his military strategy and patriotism; and the impact it had on the Ahom dynasty. The book tries to draw parallels with the life and times of Chhatrapati Shivaji; since the two were contemporaries, fighting the same enemy (Aurangzeb), and were driven by the same values of patriotism and swarajya. There may also be some similarity in their military strategy, in the sense that they both resorted to guerilla warfare and used the advantage of local terrain against an enemy unfamiliar with it. While the similarity is mostly limited to that, I felt that the chapters on Shivaji that intermingle with the chapters on the Ahoms, affect the pace of the book. While the book aims to pique the interest of the reader with the parallels drawn to Shivaji; it in fact had the exactly opposite effect for me, it took my interest away from the main storyline; which was otherwise perfectly gripping by itself.
The book although fictionalized, does rely heavily on diligent research using credible scholarly resources. The part that is fictionalized, and may have details that are historically controversial are duly ackowledged at the end of the book.
Overall, it is good read for someone who wants to do some preliminary reading about the history of Assam; but it may not be for someone who wants a more pedagogic account of the same.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2020
A historical novel filled with real history. I didn't have a clue about the Ahom dynasty and their most famous general Lachit (or rather, I had just heard the names but never found an interesting book on the same).
Thank you Aneesh Gokhale for:
(1) Shining the light on a much neglected geography of India.
(2) Making history interesting by taking me into the court rooms of the Mughals and Ahoms, the battlefields and the minds of people like Lachit and Atan.
Discover your identity (national and self) by opening yourself up to feeling the common thread that binds us all.
PS: I still wonder how Man Singh, Jai Singh, Ram Singh and their modern contemporaries never thought of switching sides!
Thank you Aneesh Gokhale for:
(1) Shining the light on a much neglected geography of India.
(2) Making history interesting by taking me into the court rooms of the Mughals and Ahoms, the battlefields and the minds of people like Lachit and Atan.
Discover your identity (national and self) by opening yourself up to feeling the common thread that binds us all.
PS: I still wonder how Man Singh, Jai Singh, Ram Singh and their modern contemporaries never thought of switching sides!
June 17, 2025
Book Review: Lachit the Indomitable, The Story of Assam's Greatest Hero
Author:
Publishers:
Points:9.5/10
“They say the Mughals have built the largest empire in the world. But aren’t they also men of flesh and blood like you and me? We already know that their commanders and warriors are being defeated and pushed back in faraway lands. There is no reason why the Ahoms cannot defeat them too", said Lachit Barphukan, the ahom commander who led the victory of the assamese to over the Mughals in the great battle of Saraighat.
The book starts with the introduction of the land of north east India (mainly Assam), which was unconquerable for invaders for nearly 400 years. But because of the inner conflicts between the Ahoms, the Mughal army conquered Guwahati led by Diler Khan and Mir Jumla. The Ahom king Jayadhwaj Singha died remembering the humiliating treaties he have to conceded. Then, the new Ahom king Swargdeo Chakradhwaj Singh takes the throne and started to prepare for tecapturing Guwahati.
He made a man called Dolakasharia Barua alias Lachit, the barfukan or main commander of his army. Then Lachit started to making an army in a very adverse situation. Then, they captured Guwahati. But that called the wrath of Aurangzeb himself and he sent a huge Mughal army led by Ram Singh and Rashid Khan to Assam. Lachit started to prepare for a great battle that ended with the victory of Ahom army over the Mughals in the battle of Saraighat, a battle entirely fought over the river Bramhaputra.
The narration of the author is great and it feels like you are on a journey with Lachit. You can explore his deep love for his motherland and people. The book takes you to the banks of Brahmaputra where temples like Kamakhya are situated. In many places author took us to the journey of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his brave mavals. This story gives us a lesson that the inner-collision between us gives more power to the enemies. This story can encourage us in our troubled times. It’s a must read for every nationalist Indian. This is a biographical novel based on authentic books and other proves. I think this book pf great valour and bravery would be flowed through generations.
Author:
Publishers:
Points:9.5/10
“They say the Mughals have built the largest empire in the world. But aren’t they also men of flesh and blood like you and me? We already know that their commanders and warriors are being defeated and pushed back in faraway lands. There is no reason why the Ahoms cannot defeat them too", said Lachit Barphukan, the ahom commander who led the victory of the assamese to over the Mughals in the great battle of Saraighat.
The book starts with the introduction of the land of north east India (mainly Assam), which was unconquerable for invaders for nearly 400 years. But because of the inner conflicts between the Ahoms, the Mughal army conquered Guwahati led by Diler Khan and Mir Jumla. The Ahom king Jayadhwaj Singha died remembering the humiliating treaties he have to conceded. Then, the new Ahom king Swargdeo Chakradhwaj Singh takes the throne and started to prepare for tecapturing Guwahati.
He made a man called Dolakasharia Barua alias Lachit, the barfukan or main commander of his army. Then Lachit started to making an army in a very adverse situation. Then, they captured Guwahati. But that called the wrath of Aurangzeb himself and he sent a huge Mughal army led by Ram Singh and Rashid Khan to Assam. Lachit started to prepare for a great battle that ended with the victory of Ahom army over the Mughals in the battle of Saraighat, a battle entirely fought over the river Bramhaputra.
The narration of the author is great and it feels like you are on a journey with Lachit. You can explore his deep love for his motherland and people. The book takes you to the banks of Brahmaputra where temples like Kamakhya are situated. In many places author took us to the journey of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his brave mavals. This story gives us a lesson that the inner-collision between us gives more power to the enemies. This story can encourage us in our troubled times. It’s a must read for every nationalist Indian. This is a biographical novel based on authentic books and other proves. I think this book pf great valour and bravery would be flowed through generations.
July 2, 2024
Good read about a lesser-known past of Assam - https://www.anuradhagoyal.com/brahmap...
January 23, 2020
Riveting story very poorly written with wrong usage of words, typos, repetitions and irrelevant insertions of Shivaji stories.
June 17, 2022
The book explores the lesser-known story of Lachit Barphukan, the Assamese commander who took on the Mughals. Aneesh explores the story of the Ahom dynasty and how they plan to retake Guwahati from the Mughals. The story is told in a wonderful manner and it goes back in time to bring to light one of the lesser-known stories of our history. The plot is engaging and fast paced. The book focuses on the story of Lachit, and rather than make it a larger-than-life story of a war. I liked how the author has kept the human aspect of the person on the forefront showing both the strengths and weakness of the characters. Another interesting aspect is that he brings to light the fact that Lachit was a contemporary of Shivaji Maharaj and that while living on opposite sides of the Indian subcontinent, both were fighting a common enemy. However, there are things that need to be relooked into the book, especially the proofreading as there are some grammar issues and spelling errors that need to be corrected. Secondly, I felt that the plot is not quite smooth and there are gaps that reduce the overall reading experience. When there is a change of scene inside the chapter, there are no clear markers to denote the same and thus the reader has to go back and reread to get the grasp of the change.
Coming to the characters, I liked the way Aneesh structures his characters and develops them over the course of the story. The idea to keep a focus on all the primary characters was interesting and while the book is about Lachit, he develops all the other characters as well so as to not keep the narrative one sided. The character descriptions are detailed and Aneesh keeps the minute details so as to help the reader visualize the characters while reading.
Coming to the characters, I liked the way Aneesh structures his characters and develops them over the course of the story. The idea to keep a focus on all the primary characters was interesting and while the book is about Lachit, he develops all the other characters as well so as to not keep the narrative one sided. The character descriptions are detailed and Aneesh keeps the minute details so as to help the reader visualize the characters while reading.
May 31, 2022
SYNOPSIS
Lost in a battle to the Mughals, the Ahom king, Chakradhwaj Singha makes Lachit the Barphukan (senapati) of the army. Lachit helps recapture Guwahati through his bravery and leadership.
#bookhoarderreview
A few years back, I had heard the story of Lachit Barphukan's valour and leadership in a storytelling event and when I saw this book, I knew I had to read it.
Lachit is an example of a lesser known hero (atleast in regions other than Assam) who is neither mentioned in the history books we read nor do we find his name amongst any of the list of great leaders.
This book narrates the rise of this unsung hero who was not only brave & determined but a great leader. His leadership helped the Ahom defend bravely in the famous battle of Saraighat.
The book is very well researched and captivates the essence of the Ahom culture beautifully. If you love to read about the forgotten heroes from our history, this one's a great read !!
Lost in a battle to the Mughals, the Ahom king, Chakradhwaj Singha makes Lachit the Barphukan (senapati) of the army. Lachit helps recapture Guwahati through his bravery and leadership.
#bookhoarderreview
A few years back, I had heard the story of Lachit Barphukan's valour and leadership in a storytelling event and when I saw this book, I knew I had to read it.
Lachit is an example of a lesser known hero (atleast in regions other than Assam) who is neither mentioned in the history books we read nor do we find his name amongst any of the list of great leaders.
This book narrates the rise of this unsung hero who was not only brave & determined but a great leader. His leadership helped the Ahom defend bravely in the famous battle of Saraighat.
The book is very well researched and captivates the essence of the Ahom culture beautifully. If you love to read about the forgotten heroes from our history, this one's a great read !!
September 27, 2020
A must read for every Indian to know the heroics of Lachit Barphukan. Lachit - an Ahom General who fought and drove out Aurangzeb's Mughal army from Assam. I felt the narration was not so captivating. Lachit's childhood, family life and how he rose to be an Ahom General - these details are completely missing.
Read
July 18, 2022Lachit the Indomitable: The Story of Assam's Greatest Hero
AUTHOR: Aneesh Gokhale
MRP: Rs. 599/-
Published by : Bloomsbury India
Genre: History/Narrative Nonfiction
I have to appreciate the publisher, Bloomsbury India here, for their recent acquisitions of books of smaller scale of this genre and making theme available to a wider audience. Books such as this one, Lachit: The Indomitable by Mr. Aneesh Gokhale and the series of books written by Ms. Saiswaroopa Iyer just being a few that come to my immediate mind. We have learnt very little about the heroes of our past. The likes of Lachit Barphukan and others.
We have learnt about several things in our history textbooks. From the beginning of civilization, to the Indian Independence, our history books cover these topics from some contexts. “Some” being the keyword. The textbooks shed go in great depth about the Mughal Empire and the hardships of Gandhi & Co. Leaders such as Shivaji Maharaj and Samrat Prithviraj get a line or two and great leaders of other different states such the northeast don’t even get that. This explains the neglect that the north-eastern face (up to a point that even I myself and many others like me could not name all of these sates till a couple of months ago) is very deep-rooted . This has to change. We can just blame our history textbooks for it or we can grab the chance now and start learning about our history.
The author has done extreme justice to the character portrait of Lachit Barphukan and writes about his life in intimate detail. Lachit is known by some as the Shivaji Maharaj of the Northeast and I agree with the foreward by the Late Achyut Gokhale ji, that Shivaji is the Lachit of Maharashtra! (No disrespect intended either to Shivaji Maharaj or Lachit Ji).
The book is structured very well with narration beautifully swithching between the Ahoms and Marathas. The scenes involving Shivaji, though the book covers only few incidents, are very captivating. Though I felt the last all important Battle of Saraighat was a bit fast paced, the narration moves soothingly like a screenplay, giving the readers an immersive experience and I must say that the author’s knowledge on the geography of the region have really paid off. The book could be a little more detailed, like we could perhaps read about Lachit as a child and a teenager, but that perhaps is wishing for too much. Im of the oipion that even if you are not a history enthusiast, and just want to read a a goof thrilling book, this one might be for you.
Affilate link for the book: https://amzn.to/3Oe0gHW
AUTHOR: Aneesh Gokhale
MRP: Rs. 599/-
Published by : Bloomsbury India
Genre: History/Narrative Nonfiction
I have to appreciate the publisher, Bloomsbury India here, for their recent acquisitions of books of smaller scale of this genre and making theme available to a wider audience. Books such as this one, Lachit: The Indomitable by Mr. Aneesh Gokhale and the series of books written by Ms. Saiswaroopa Iyer just being a few that come to my immediate mind. We have learnt very little about the heroes of our past. The likes of Lachit Barphukan and others.
We have learnt about several things in our history textbooks. From the beginning of civilization, to the Indian Independence, our history books cover these topics from some contexts. “Some” being the keyword. The textbooks shed go in great depth about the Mughal Empire and the hardships of Gandhi & Co. Leaders such as Shivaji Maharaj and Samrat Prithviraj get a line or two and great leaders of other different states such the northeast don’t even get that. This explains the neglect that the north-eastern face (up to a point that even I myself and many others like me could not name all of these sates till a couple of months ago) is very deep-rooted . This has to change. We can just blame our history textbooks for it or we can grab the chance now and start learning about our history.
The author has done extreme justice to the character portrait of Lachit Barphukan and writes about his life in intimate detail. Lachit is known by some as the Shivaji Maharaj of the Northeast and I agree with the foreward by the Late Achyut Gokhale ji, that Shivaji is the Lachit of Maharashtra! (No disrespect intended either to Shivaji Maharaj or Lachit Ji).
The book is structured very well with narration beautifully swithching between the Ahoms and Marathas. The scenes involving Shivaji, though the book covers only few incidents, are very captivating. Though I felt the last all important Battle of Saraighat was a bit fast paced, the narration moves soothingly like a screenplay, giving the readers an immersive experience and I must say that the author’s knowledge on the geography of the region have really paid off. The book could be a little more detailed, like we could perhaps read about Lachit as a child and a teenager, but that perhaps is wishing for too much. Im of the oipion that even if you are not a history enthusiast, and just want to read a a goof thrilling book, this one might be for you.
Affilate link for the book: https://amzn.to/3Oe0gHW
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews