Burmese Invasions in Assam (1817-1826): Impact and Historical Significance
During the early 19th century, Assam faced a series of Burmese invasions (1817-1826) that led to political turmoil, changing rulers, and eventually, British intervention through the Treaty of Yandaboo.
In the early 19th century, Assam experienced significant upheaval due to a series of Burmese invasions driven by the expansionist ambitions of the Burmese Empire.
1. First Burmese Invasion (1817)
- Purnananda Buragohain sought to apprehend Badan Chandra Borphukan and first requested assistance from the British.
- Failing to secure British support, Buragohain turned to the Burmese for help.
- Eager to extend their influence westward, the Burmese sent a military force to assist Badan Chandra Borphukan.
- Purnananda Buragohain died upon receiving news of the Burmese intervention.
- Chandrakanta Singha continued as the nominal ruler, but Badan Chandra Borphukan emerged as the de-facto ruler with Burmese support.
- The Burmese returned to their territory after imposing a substantial indemnity.
2. Second Burmese Invasion (1819)
- Badan Chandra Borphukan’s death, resulting from court intrigues, led to further instability.
- Ruchinath, Purnananda’s son, deposed and mutilated Chandrakanta Singha.
- Purandar Singha was installed as the new ruler.
- Chandrakanta Singha appealed to the Burmese once again for support.
- The Burmese intervened a second time, leading to Chandrakanta’s reinstatement on the throne.
- Purandar Singha fled to Gauhati, and Chandrakanta resumed his rule with renewed Burmese backing.
3. Third Burmese Invasion (1821)
- Concerned about Burmese intentions, Chandrakanta Singha began constructing a fort at Jaipur to prepare for potential conflict.
- Burmese King Bagyidaw, offended by the fortification, sent royal gifts to Chandrakanta but also had Patalang, the fort’s supervisor, killed.
- Fearful of Burmese retaliation, Chandrakanta fled to Gauhati.
- The Burmese installed Jogeswar Singha as a puppet ruler and began exercising indirect control over Assam.
The Aftermath of the Burmese Invasions: Treaty of Yandaboo and British Control
The Burmese invasions of Assam during the early 19th century were characterized by a series of military interventions and political upheavals. The repeated attempts by the Burmese to assert dominance were met with resistance and strategic fortifications by local rulers. The ongoing conflict drew the attention of the British, who recognized the threat posed by Burmese expansion. Their intervention in the First Anglo-Burmese War ultimately led to the defeat of the Burmese and the signing of the Treaty of Yandaboo in 1826. This treaty marked the end of Burmese dominance in Assam and the transfer of control to the British, reshaping the region’s political boundaries and setting the stage for British colonial rule.
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