Assam GK Topic

What Is The Battle Of Alaboi Or Alaboi War And Who Won It?

The Battle of Alaboi, also known as the Alaboi War, was a significant military conflict fought in 1669 CE between the Ahom Kingdom of Assam and the Mughal Empire. Although often overshadowed by the later Battle of Saraighat (1671 CE), the Battle of Alaboi played a decisive strategic role in halting Mughal expansion into Assam and shaping the final Ahom victory.
What Is The Battle Of Alaboi Or Alaboi War And Who Won It? illustration

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Detailed Notes

Historical Background of the Alaboi War

After the Ahoms, under the leadership of Lachit Borphukan, successfully recaptured Guwahati from the Mughals in 1667, Mughal emperor Aurangzeb responded by appointing Raja Ram Singh I of Amber to lead a massive military expedition into Assam. Ram Singh began his campaign in December 1667 and advanced through Bengal, eventually reaching the Brahmaputra valley.

Despite repeated skirmishes and resistance from the Ahom forces, the Mughal army continued its advance. The two armies finally confronted each other at Alaboi Hills, near present-day Dadara-Pacharia in Kamrup district, on 5 August 1669.

Course of the Battle

The Mughal forces, supported by Rajput cavalry, advanced war equipment, and protective battle formations, positioned themselves on the plains near Alaboi. The Ahom army, though courageous and highly motivated, was compelled to fight in an open battlefield, which placed them at a disadvantage against the Mughal cavalry and weapons.

  • Fierce hand-to-hand combat took place between both sides.

  • Ahom soldiers fought with unmatched bravery to defend their homeland.

  • Approximately 10,000 Ahom warriors laid down their lives during the battle.

  • Mughal forces employed tactical withdrawals and psychological warfare to exhaust the Ahom army.

Result of the Battle of Alaboi

From a military outcome perspective, the Battle of Alaboi is considered a Mughal victory, as the Ahom forces suffered heavy casualties and were forced to withdraw. However, the Mughal army failed to achieve a decisive conquest of Assam.

Why the Battle of Alaboi Was Crucial?

Although the Mughals technically won the battle, the conflict:

  • Stopped the Mughal advance deeper into Ahom territory

  • Exhausted Mughal forces and resources

  • Strengthened Ahom resistance and unity

  • Inspired the Ahom army, leading to their historic naval victory at Saraighat in 1671

The sacrifice at Alaboi became a turning point, proving that Assam could not be conquered easily and setting the stage for the final defeat of the Mughals in the Brahmaputra valley.

Legacy of the Battle of Alaboi

The Battle of Alaboi holds a special place in Assam history as a symbol of sacrifice, resilience, and patriotism. A memorial near Dadara now commemorates the Ahom soldiers who died defending their land. The battle remains an important topic for Assam General Knowledge, competitive exams, and medieval Indian history studies.