Complete List Of Dimasa Kachari Kings And Dynasty Rulers Of Assam (835–1832): History, Timeline & Legacy.
The Dimasa Kachari Kingdom, also known as the Kachari Kingdom, stands as one of the most powerful and ancient dynasties of Northeast India. This kingdom played a pivotal role in shaping the early history, politics, and culture of Assam. The Dimasa Kacharis, believed to be among the earliest indigenous communities of Assam, ruled for nearly a thousand years — from around 835 CE to 1832 CE — spreading their influence from Dimapur to Khaspur
The term “Dimasa” translates to “sons of the great river,” derived from the mighty Brahmaputra (Dilao). According to traditional lore, when the Kachari people migrated from the ancient Kamarupa Kingdom, a portion settled on the northern banks of the Brahmaputra and became known as the Bodos, while those who crossed to the southern side came to be called the Dimasa, the true descendants of the river.
Their early capital was Dimapur, now located in present-day Nagaland, which thrived as a fortified and culturally rich city. Later, the kingdom moved its capital to Maibang, in today’s Dima Hasao district, before finally shifting to Khaspur in the Cachar plains. This migration reflected the changing political and geographical realities of the region over time.
The Dimasa Kachari rulers were known for their strong administrative systems, warrior traditions, and distinctive cultural identity. They developed a structured monarchy under rulers who bore the suffix ‘Narayan’ and were often addressed as Dimasa Swargadeos or Kachari Kings. Their governance integrated traditional tribal institutions with advanced administrative principles, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of polity and society.
During their reign, the Dimasas patronized agriculture, trade, and craftsmanship. They encouraged the construction of tanks, embankments, and temples — remnants of which still survive in the form of Kachari ruins in Dimapur, showcasing remarkable stone monuments and megalithic structures. These remains testify to their artistic excellence and religious synthesis, combining elements of Hinduism and animistic traditions.
In the 18th century, as the influence of Hinduism spread through the region, a divine lineage was attributed to the Dimasa kings, linking them to Hidimba (wife of Bhima from the Mahabharata) and her son Ghatotkacha. This belief system helped to culturally integrate the Kacharis within the broader Indic civilization while retaining their unique ethnic identity.
Despite their strength, the kingdom eventually faced challenges from expanding powers — notably the Ahoms, Tripuris, and later the Burmese. After the Burmese invasions and internal decline, the British annexed the plains of the Dimasa Kachari kingdom in 1832, followed by the hills in 1834, marking the end of nearly a millennium of rule.
The legacy of the Dimasa Kachari kings continues to thrive through their descendants and the living culture of the Dimasa community, which still upholds the traditions, festivals, and folklore of their royal ancestors. Their former territories today include parts of Cachar, Hailakandi, and Dima Hasao districts in Assam.
List of Dimasa Kachari Kings and Dynasty Rulers
| SL No. | King Name | Reign (CE) | Capital |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bicharpatipha | Unknown | Dimapur |
| 2 | Vikramadityapha | Unknown | Dimapur |
| 3 | Mahamanipha | Unknown | Dimapur |
| 4 | Manipha | Unknown | Dimapur |
| 5 | Ladapha | Unknown | Dimapur |
| 6 | Khorapha | Unknown | Dimapur |
| 7 | Khunkhorapha | Unknown | Dimapur |
| 8 | Detsungpha | Unknown | Dimapur |
| 9 | Nirbhay Narayan | 1540–1550 | Maibang |
| 10 | Durlabh Narayan | 1550–1576 | Maibang |
| 11 | Megha Narayana | 1576–1583 | Maibang |
| 12 | Pratap Narayan | 1583–1613 | Maibang |
| 13 | Nar Narayan | 1613–? | Maibang |
| 14 | Bhimdarpa Narayan | ?–1637 | Maibang |
| 15 | Indraballabh Narayan | 1637–? | Maibang |
| 16 | Birdarpa Narayan | ?–1681 | Maibang |
| 17 | Garurdhwaj Narayan | Unknown | Maibang |
| 18 | Makardhwaj | Unknown | Maibang |
| 19 | Udayaditya | Unknown | Maibang |
| 20 | Tamradhwaj Narayan | 1699–1708 | Maibang |
| 21 | Queen Chandraprabha | Unknown | Maibang |
| 22 | Suradarpa | 1730–? | Maibang |
| 23 | Harish Chandra Narayan | Unknown | Maibang |
| 24 | Kiri Chandra Narayan | 1735–1745 | Maibang |
| 25 | Gopi Chandra Narayan | 1745–1757 | Maibang |
| 26 | Harish Chandra II | 1757–1772 | Khaspur |
| 27 | Krishna Chandra Narayan | 1772–1813 | Khaspur |
| 28 | Govind Chandra Narayan Hasnu | 1813–1830 | Khaspur |
Quick Info Table on Dimasa Kachari Kingdom
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Kingdom Name | Dimasa Kachari Kingdom |
| Duration of Rule | Approx. 835 CE – 1832 CE |
| Capital Cities | Dimapur → Maibang → Khaspur |
| Region Covered | Assam, Nagaland, Cachar, Dima Hasao |
| First King | Bicharpatipha |
| Last King | Govind Chandra Narayan Hasnu |
| Dynasty Type | Hereditary Monarchy |
| Language | Dimasa, Assamese, Sanskrit |
| Religion | Traditional Animism, Hinduism (later period) |
| End of Rule | British Annexation (1832–1834) |
FAQs on the Dimasa kingdom
1. Who was the first Dimasa Kachari king?
Bicharpatipha is regarded as the first known Dimasa Kachari ruler who established his capital at Dimapur.
2. Who was the last ruler of the Dimasa Kachari Kingdom?
The last king of the Dimasa Kachari dynasty was Govind Chandra Narayan Hasnu, who ruled until 1830 CE.
3. Where was the first capital of the Kachari kingdom?
Dimapur served as the earliest capital and is today a significant archaeological site in Nagaland.
4. What was the last capital of the Dimasa Kingdom?
Khaspur, located in present-day Cachar, was the final capital before the British annexation.
5. How long did the Dimasa Kachari dynasty rule Assam?
The Dimasa Kacharis ruled for almost 1,000 years, from the 9th century until the early 19th century.
6. What was the main language spoken in the Kachari Kingdom?
The primary languages were Dimasa and Assamese, with Sanskrit used for religious and administrative purposes.
7. Who were the ancestors of the Dimasa people?
The Dimasa trace their ancestry to the mythological Hidimba and Ghatotkacha from the Mahabharata.
8. What led to the fall of the Dimasa Kachari kingdom?
The kingdom declined due to political fragmentation, Burmese invasions, and eventual British expansion in the 1830s.
9. What is the significance of the Kachari ruins in Dimapur?
The Dimapur ruins showcase the advanced art and architecture of the Dimasa Kachari civilization.
10. What regions today were once under the Dimasa Kachari Kingdom?
Their territory once included present-day Dima Hasao, Cachar, Hailakandi, and parts of Nagaland.