Assam history on a global platform
For the first time in its broadcast history, two internationally acclaimed television networks, the National Geographic Channel and Fox History Channel are telecasting a documentary on the mighty Ahoms of Assam.
IT WAS way back in the 13th century that a Mong Mao or Shan prince Chao-Lung Su-Ka-Pha began his arduous journey westward with around 1000 odd followers and entered greater Assam in this part of Northeastern India. He was believed to have crossed the Patkai Hills and reached the Brahmaputra Valley in 1228. He moved from place to place, looking for a suitable habitat to settle down. The invasion was characterised not by bloodshed but by goodwill. Instead of fighting bloody wars with the ethnic Morans and Borahis, Su-ka-pha decided to befriend them instead. His followers, much depleted from the original number, married into the Borahi and the Moran ethnic groups.
The Borahis, a Tibeto-Burman ethnic group, were subsumed into the Ahom fold, though the Moran maintained their independent ethnicity. Sui-ka-pha finally established his capital at Charaideo, near present-day Sivasagar in 1253, and began the task of forming a state. The Ahoms, considered as the architect of modern Assam, brought the dispersed tribal groups and regions under one roof and reigned for more than 600 years.
As such, the Ahoms have a rich and multi-faceted cultural and social legacy. The long and checkered history from that incredible journey from China through Myanmar to the imperial kingdom that they established has inspired many historians and researchers for ages. Though the history of the great Ahoms is a matter of pride for Assam, this astonishing civilisation is yet to cast its hues on international audience.
Produced by Siddharth Kak of ‘Surabhi’ fame, the series has been directed by Ravi Dhawla. However, the direction of this particular episode on the mighty Ahoms has been ably negotiated by Bidyut Kotoky. The role of the legendary Su-Ka-Pha has been played by Brajen Kumar Handique of Golaghat district in Eastern Assam. Though the series has been made in both English and Hindi, the music uses authentic Tai-Ahom dialect. The project incorporates in itself extensive research on the part of its makers. Indeed… a must watch!
As such, the Ahoms have a rich and multi-faceted cultural and social legacy. The long and checkered history from that incredible journey from China through Myanmar to the imperial kingdom that they established has inspired many historians and researchers for ages. Though the history of the great Ahoms is a matter of pride for Assam, this astonishing civilisation is yet to cast its hues on international audience.
Now for the first time, in its broadcast history, two internationally acclaimed television networks, the National Geographic Channel and Fox History Channel is telecasting a series on the mighty Ahoms of Assam. It is indeed a matter of great pride for Assam that the two television networks are telecasting a one-hour documentary titled ‘The Mighty Ahoms’ on Friday (September 3, 2010) at 7pm with repeat telecast on Sunday (September 5, 2010) at 10 am. This episode is part of their series ‘Colours of India’. The Energy and Research Institute (TERI) and the Surabhi Foundation, have come together to launch 'Colours of India', a series depicting the rich heritage of India. The project is part of the corporate social responsibility initiative of the Oil and Natural Gas Commission (ONGC). The series is conceptualised to inspire the viewers, particularly the youth, to celebrate India's rich heritage. The documentaries aim at disseminating knowledge on environment, protection of monuments and our rich cultural roots. The series has four stories that bring together different aspects of India; from the forts of Jaisalmer to the sacred forests of North-east and from the homes of 'Tai Ahom' kings to a city that was, as myths go, carved out of stone - Warangal.
Produced by Siddharth Kak of ‘Surabhi’ fame, the series has been directed by Ravi Dhawla. However, the direction of this particular episode on the mighty Ahoms has been ably negotiated by Bidyut Kotoky. The role of the legendary Su-Ka-Pha has been played by Brajen Kumar Handique of Golaghat district in Eastern Assam. Though the series has been made in both English and Hindi, the music uses authentic Tai-Ahom dialect. The project incorporates in itself extensive research on the part of its makers. Indeed… a must watch!
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.In the Indian subcontinent there is no parallel to Ahoms as representative of native culture in the middle ages. Ahoms hegemony for 600 years in north east is precisely because they integrated social atoms in to structure of well textured lattice. They did not allow brahamanical hierarchical system to pervade in to the Assamese society lest they would have met the same fate as the current Bangladesh where strict castistm during the short 50 years reign of Senas had paved the way for Islam to found suitable and firm ground. The genius of Su- Ka Pha ensured that Assamese society is well knit integrated society with flavors of indegenous as well as Thai culture blossoming in symbiosis.At the same time It is the foresight and dauntless of later Ahoms that successfully thwarted all direct and sinister attempts by Mughals to overpower Assamese empire. Ajan pir was one such quack who spied for Mughals in the garb of sufi but timely executed by Ahoms.Long live the traditions of Ahoms!
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Siddharth Kak approach toward the Ahom community , - The Mighty Ahom. has created a lot confusing among Ahom community . Initial presences of him made the people was very welcoming .But at present one can easily sense a difference .About his views towards the Ahom Kingdom and community .and His explanation is that his film is meant in praise of Assam that might be right for few, but word Mighty Ahom has made differences. Simply the movies much remind of masala movies and it shame to share with Mr BIdyut not having a single clue about Ahom, community and the way he is expressing views of others about Shu kha pha and mixing up with Osama bin laden is unbearable and un forgivable
.Go assam! Am so happy to see us on a global platform! Congrats to the makers of the documentary for taking it to this level. Keep it up!
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