The Moamoria Rebellion, also known as Moamoria Bidroh, was a major uprising in Assam that took place between 1769 and 1805 against the powerful Ahom monarchy. It was led by the Moamorias, followers of the Moamara Sattra — a liberal Vaishnavite sect that opposed the dominance and exploitation by the Ahom aristocracy.
Timeline:
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Started: 1769
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Ended: 1805
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Duration: Over three decades of intermittent revolt
Key Causes of the Moamoria Rebellion:
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Religious Discrimination: Moamorias were suppressed by the Ahom kings due to their non-Brahmanical Vaishnavite beliefs.
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Social Inequality: Caste-based oppression and forced labor (Paik system) under Ahom rule.
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Political Resentment: Centralized authority of the Ahom kings and corruption among nobles.
Major Outcomes:
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Severely weakened the Ahom Kingdom.
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Massive loss of life and resources.
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Created political instability, making it easier for Burmese invasions and later British annexation of Assam.
The rebellion was not a one-time event but a series of armed revolts, marked by brutal conflicts between the Moamorias and the Ahom state. At one point, the rebels even took control of parts of Upper Assam and established their own rule for a few years.
Conclusion:
The Moamoria Rebellion (1769–1805) was one of the most significant internal revolts in the history of Assam. It challenged the centuries-old Ahom rule and laid the groundwork for the eventual decline of the dynasty. The rebellion is remembered as a fight for social justice, religious freedom, and equitable governance.
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