Ram Sarangapani
Tue, 09 Aug 2005 07:27:47 -0700
Grand homage to unsung heroes- Villagers organise commemorative event for Battle of Saraighat MAITREYEE BORUAH A plaque bearing an artist's impression of the Battle of Saraighat atSukleswar Ghat in Guwahati. Picture by S.H. PatgiriGuwahati, Aug. 8: On August 14, 1669, over 10,000 Assamese soldierslaid down their lives on a single day during what is known as the mostglorious chapter of the state's history. Three hundred and thirty-sixyears later, over 25,000 people of the city's north bank are poolingall their resources to sing a requiem to the bravehearts. The weeklong memorial starting August 14 will be the firstcommemorative event of the particular day during the Battle ofSaraighat in which legendary Ahom general Lachit Barphukan led histroops to victory over the mighty Mughals. This stands out as one ofthe most significant military achievements in India till date. The battle was fought both on land and on the Brahmaputra and 10,000soldiers were killed at one of the battlefronts at Allaboi hillside,close to the river. The homage to the unsung heroes is part of a grand project unveiled bythe people of four villages — a museum and a memorial at the Allaboihillside. The Allaboi hillside, 21 km from the city, is made up offour villages — Dadariya, Pacharia, Dolibari and Agayathuri — with atotal population of 25,000. Two swords used by Ahom soldiers in the battle were found in the area recently. "Lying neglected for centuries, the Allaboi hillside is a gloriouspage from the history of Assam," said Madhusudan Medhi, a member ofthe organising committee. "We will not only pay our homage to themartyrs, but also start a process of turning the area into a touristspot," he added. The committee has already moved the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) forassistance to develop the spot. "Prime Minister Manmohan Singh being a Rajya Sabha MP from Assam, weare sure that we will get a positive reply," he added. Governor Ajai Singh and chief minister Tarun Gogoi will attend thecommemorative programme on one of the days. The first day's programme will begin with a public rally leading tothe war site where 10,000 earthen lamps will be lit as a mark ofrespect to the slain soldiers. A state-level seminar on Historic Allaboi Hillside War and Requiem forthe Valiant Patriots has also been organised. The seminar will beaddressed by renowned historians, who will "throw more light on theforgotten chapter" of Assam's history. "The village people have taken on a noble work to revive the lostglory of Allaboi hillside," said Anandram Kumar Borbora, a retiredteacher of Gauhati University and an expert on the history of Assam. "Such an event will not only provide us with a peek into the past, butwill also give us a sense of belonging," he added. Medhi said the museum to be constructed near the war site would houseall war-related objects. "The museum will also depict the life andtimes of the people residing in the state at that time." _______________________________________________ Assam mailing list Assam@pikespeak.uccs.edu http://pikespeak.uccs.edu/mailman/listinfo/assam
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