Purnananda Burhagohain | |
|---|---|
| Monarchs | Gaurinath Singha Kamaleshwar Singha Chandrakanta Singha |
| Preceded by | Ghanashyam Burhagohain |
| Succeeded by | Ruchinath Burhagohain |
| Personal details | |
| Died | 1817 |
| Children | Ruchinath Burhagohain |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Ahom kingdom |
| Years of service | 1782-1817 |
| Rank | Burhagohain/Prime minister |
Purnananda Burhagohain was theBurhagohain (elder councilman) as well as Prime Minister of theAhom Kingdom from 1782 until his death in 1817. He was appointed as theBurhagohain in April 1782 after the death of his father Rajmantri GhanashyamBurhagohain.[1]
As premier, he advised the king to follow a conciliatory policy towards the Moamariyas, but was overruled by the other nobles. However, at his recommendation, the king permitted the Moamariya's to have their Guru, as the Moamariya had been without one since Ashtabhujdeva and Deka Mahanta Bayan (alias Gagini) were executed by the Ahom government after the reinstallation ofLakshmi Singha in 1770.[2] Accordingly, they made Pitambardeva, a member of the last Mahanta's line, the head of theirSatra in February 1785.
In 1786 a rebellion broke out led by common weaver Harihar Tanti. They took overRangpur. Many failed attempts were made to recapture the city.
Purnananda spent most of his premiership in suppressing rebellions, forging diplomatic ties and fighting over the Barkandazes.
Gaurinath Singha died in August 1795 without male issue. Purnanada installed Kinaram, a minor son of Charing Raja Kadam Dighala Gohain, on the throne. At his accession, Kinaram was given the Hindu nameKamaleshwar Singha and the Ahom name of Suklengpha.
Impressed by theCompany army's discipline and organization during Captain Welsh's expedition, and finding it difficult to recruit soldiers throughkheldars, Purnananda undertook measures to create a regular standing army. He retained Dina and Fakirchand, two Hindustanisepoys. The troops were given a uniform and armed withflint-lock guns, purchased inCalcutta. Later the strength of the army was increased, divided into 18 companies of 100sepoys each, and stationed at bothGuahati andJorhat. Chandra Gohain, related to the Burhagohain, was appointed Captain. With the aid of this force, the Burhagohain quelled the Moamariyas and other forces.[3][4]
In 1803 under the command of Bhadari Barbarua, Burhagohain attackedKachari king Krishna Chandra because he refused to send back some fugitives.[5] Purnananda entered into an agreement withSarbananda Singha, the chief of the Moamariyas of Bengmara (present-dayTinisukia), by which he ceded to the latter territory between theBrahmaputra and theBurhi Dihing and accepted his titleBarsenapati (Great General). This territory was calledMatak rajya or the Matak Kingdom. In return Sarbananda agreed to pay the Ahom government an annual tribute.[6][7]
Purnananda had a rivalry withBadan Chandra Borphukan. In 1817 Badanchandra brought theBurmese into Assam. The Burmese army numbered 16,000 troops and arrived inNamrup in early 1817. On hearing of the enemy's advance, the premier sent 7 companies ofsepoys to stop them. The two parties entered into an encounter at Ghiladhari, where the enemy overcame the resistance. Burhagohain learned that the enemy was accompanied byBadan Chandra Borphukan. This enraged the Burhagohain so much that he collapsed and died.[8] Purnananda was succeeded by his son Ruchinath. Ruchinath lacked his father's qualities. Meanwhile, the invaders continued their advance, defeating the Assamese army. Ruchinath failed to induceChandrakanta Singha to retreat and was left alone with his adherents forGuwahati. Badan Chandra reached the capital. He letChandrakanta Singha remain as the king, but became the de facto ruler with the title of Mantri Phukan. Badan Chandra immediately satisfied his grudge by ruthlessly killing and plundering Purnananda's relatives and supporters.[8]
Accordingly, an agreement was made in 1805 ... The Moamariya chief, in his turn, agreed to pay the Ahom Government an annual tribute, consisting of ivory, muga silk, and such other articles produced in his territory.