The Moamoria Rebellion, spanning from 1769 to 1796, was a major uprising against the Ahom rulers in Assam. This rebellion had profound impacts on the Ahom dynasty, leading to its decline and ultimately contributing to the region's transition to British control.

Causes of the Moamoria Rebellion

 Several factors led to the Moamoria Rebellion, which ultimately challenged the authority of the Ahom rulers:

1. Repression of Vaishnavas: Under the rule of Gadadhar Singha, the Vaishnavas, particularly followers of the Moamaria Sattra, faced harsh repression, fueling discontent among the Moamorias and other low-caste communities.
2. Policy of Division: Rudra Singha’s policy of dividing the region, especially through the Synod of Garhgaon, created internal discord and resentment among various groups.
3. Atrocities by Bor Raja Phuleswari: The atrocities and insults perpetrated by Bor Raja Phuleswari further inflamed the grievances of the Moamorias and other marginalized groups.
4. Arrogance of Kirtichandra Barbarua: The overbearing attitude and arrogance of Kirtichandra Barbarua, a high-ranking official, exacerbated tensions and contributed to the uprising.
5. Oppressive Policies by Ahom Monarchs: The general suppression and oppressive policies by the Ahom monarchs created a climate of fear and resentment, setting the stage for rebellion.

Key Phases of the Moamoria Rebellion

1. The First Moamoria Rebellion (1769-1770):

- The Moamorias, led by Ragha, initially achieved significant victories. They defeated the royalist forces at several locations and captured the Ahom capital, Garhgaon.

- The Moamorias, with Ragha as their leader, imprisoned King Lakshmi Singha and executed Kirtichandra Barbarua. Ragha was installed as a puppet ruler. However, due to their inexperience, the Moamoria control was short-lived.

- Ragha was killed by a rival faction, the Huchori party, and Ramakanta, who had briefly escaped, was soon captured and killed.

- Following the initial rebellion, King Lakshmi Singha ordered a general massacre of the Marans, a key group within the Moamorias. His successor, Gaurinath Singha, continued the oppressive policies.

- During Gaurinath Singha’s coronation, the Moamorias set fire to the coronation hall and attempted to burn down the cities. Gaurinath Singha responded with indiscriminate killings of Moamorias.

2. The Second Moamoria Rebellion (1782):

- The Moamorias launched another major attack on the Ahom capital. This phase saw increased support from other tribes in Assam, further destabilizing the region.

- Faced with mounting pressure, Gaurinath Singha appealed to Lord Cornwallis, the British Governor-General, for military assistance. The British responded by sending 360 sepoys under Captain Welsh to suppress the rebellion.

- The rebellion was eventually quelled, and Gaurinath Singha was reinstated on the throne with British support.

3. The Third Moamoria Rebellion (1796):

- The Moamorias, under Sarbananda Singha, renewed their rebellion and formed alliances with other groups, including the Singphos and Khamtis.

- The Moamorias captured Bengmara and engaged in negotiations with Purnananda Buragohain. An agreement was reached, resulting in the creation of the Matak Kingdom.

- This final phase of rebellion highlighted the declining power of the Ahom monarchy and the rising influence of popular forces in the region.

The Moamoria Rebellion had a lasting impact on the Ahom dynasty and the broader region:

- The rebellion severely weakened the Ahom monarchy, undermining its authority and effectiveness. The repeated uprisings and internal conflicts drained the kingdom's resources and destabilized its governance.

- The involvement of the British East India Company marked a significant shift in regional power dynamics. British support played a crucial role in suppressing the rebellion and stabilizing the region under Ahom rule, leading to greater British influence.

- The weakened state of the Ahom kingdom eventually made it vulnerable to the Burmese invasion and subsequent British annexation in 1826, following the Treaty of Yandabo.

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