Ahom Valour Makes Its Way Into NCERT Textbooks In Step Towards Honouring Assam's Legacy
In a significant step towards inclusive historical representation, the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has finally included a notable mention of the Ahom dynasty in its Class 8 history textbook, under the chapter 'Tribes, Nomads and Settled Communities'.
For a region often underrepresented in mainstream narratives, the inclusion is being seen as a long-overdue recognition of Assam's resilient past and the extraordinary legacy of the Ahoms—a dynasty that ruled for over six centuries and stood as a formidable bulwark against the Mughal Empire.
The Ahoms, who migrated in the 13th century from Mong Mao (in present-day Myanmar) to the Brahmaputra Valley, laid the foundations of one of the most enduring and effective dynasties in Indian history. Their arrival marks not just the beginning of a new political order in Assam, but also the rise of a regional power that maintained sovereignty for more than 600 years—a feat unmatched by most dynasties in India.
For decades, school textbooks in India have predominantly focused on empires like the Mughals, Mauryas, or Guptas, leaving little room for the nuanced histories of the north-eastern states. The Ahoms—despite their decisive resistance against 17 Mughal invasions—have remained largely in the margins of national historical discourse. The inclusion of even a single page in the NCERT textbook is thus being hailed as a symbolic but crucial correction in this skewed narrative.
No discussion of Ahom valour is complete without mentioning Lachit Borphukan, the legendary general whose strategic brilliance in the Battle of Saraighat (1671) led to the defeat of the Mughals on the banks of the Brahmaputra. Borphukan's resistance is not just a regional story—it is a national one, echoing the same spirit of defiance and courage exemplified by figures like Shivaji Maharaj or Maharana Pratap.
'We have been continuously pressing that the country should know and read about the glorious history of the Ahom dynasty and the valour," said Dr Prabin Hazarika, head of the department of history at Sibsagar Girls' College. 'These are rulers who thwarted the Mughal invasion as many as 17 times. As we read about Guru Nanak and Maharana Pratap, our saints and heroes like Lachit Borphukan and Srimanta Shankardev should also be known nationwide and beyond."
The sentiment has been echoed at the highest levels of the state government. In November 2022, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma wrote to the chief ministers of all Indian states, requesting them to include the story of Lachit Borphukan in their school curricula. 'Like you teach about your regional heroes," he urged, 'Assam's hero should also be introduced to students across the country."
The Ahom kingdom was not merely a military powerhouse—it was a civilisational force. The dynasty introduced advanced agricultural practices, built impressive architecture such as the Rang Ghar and Talatal Ghar, and developed an efficient bureaucratic structure. Their integration of various tribes and communities helped create the foundations of a pluralistic Assamese identity. Over time, they adopted the Assamese language and promoted a distinct culture that thrived for generations.
Despite numerous invasions, the Ahoms maintained their independence until the early 19th century—long after many other Indian kingdoms had fallen. Their resilience remains one of the greatest untold stories in Indian history.
While the inclusion in the NCERT curriculum is a landmark development, many scholars argue that this should be a beginning—not the end. The story of the Ahoms, and of Lachit Borphukan in particular, deserves more than a single page in a single textbook. It merits comprehensive inclusion at various levels of education, from school to university syllabi, and incorporation in national historical consciousness through popular media, documentaries, and literature.
As India embraces the diversity of its cultural and historical landscape, it becomes essential to acknowledge and celebrate contributions from all its regions. The valour of the Ahoms is not just Assam's pride—it is India's.
The Ahoms' appearance in NCERT textbooks may be brief, but it is a watershed moment. It represents a growing recognition that Indian history is not a monolith—it is a mosaic. For millions of students across the country, this small yet significant inclusion will open a window into the world of a dynasty that defined resistance, governance, and cultural richness for over 600 years.
As Dr Hazarika rightly notes, the time has come for the nation to remember its heroes from all corners. The story of the Ahoms is not a footnote—it is a full chapter waiting to be told. And now, finally, that chapter has begun.
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NCERT director Professor Dinesh Prasad Saklani mentioned, 'All the historical facts and evidence mentioned in the Class 8 Social Science textbook published by NCERT are based on historical sources and texts like Baburnama, Banaras Gazetteer, Maasir-e-Alamgiri written by Saqi Muttid Khan and translated by Sir Jadunath Sarkar, the book 'The History and Culture of the Indian People' written by RC Majumdar etc. The facts mentioned in the textbook are supported by authentic historical sources. These facts clarify the complexity of the social, religious and political aspects of Indian history.
'The rulers of the Mughal Empire, especially Aurangzeb, have been described in detail in 'Muntakhab-al-Lubab', written by his contemporary historian Khafi Khan. The NCERT Class 8 Social Science textbook has presented these facts in a balanced and concise manner so that students not only know the facts but also understand their impact in depth."
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First Published:
July 17, 2025, 16:13 IST
News education-career Ahom Valour Makes Its Way Into NCERT Textbooks In Step Towards Honouring Assam's Legacy
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