March 4, 2024
Late Assamese poet Binanda Chandra Barua, in his poem 'Rangoli Burhir Daan', narrates the tales of the red heroes of Assam, known as Rangamua Bir. The poem's second part is reportedly lost.
In 1816, Ahom chief Badan Chandra Borphukan sought help from Burmese King Bodawpaya to defeat his political rival Purnanada Burhagohain. In January 1817, the Burmese king dispatched an expedition led by General Bhamo, along with Badan Chandra Borphukan, to invade Assam.
The poet explains in the poem that the arrival of the Burmese army, which is known for its violence, had left the Jamuguri Chapori in tears and roars. The golden Assam has been devastated by them.
Attack a wealthy man's home, bind them with ropes, and then burn his corpse on fire. Prayer rooms, known as namghars, were set ablaze.
Even on a public road, meeting a Burmese man was risky for a stunning lady. Brahmans were built to haul about a lot of wine, pig, and meat. Everything that belonged to the Gosains was taken from them.
In 1789, the Ahom Chief Gogoi led the Assamese army against the Burmese forces in the Phulpanisiga war, despite their limited numbers.
The poem also depicts a grandmother urging her grandson to fight against the invading army, symbolizing the indomitable spirit of the Assamese people. Saying 'I have kept the armor, wear it and fight' despite the limited Assamese army.