Borborua

Borboruah (Ahom language: Phu-Ke-Lung) was one of the five patra mantris (councillors) in the Ahom kingdom, a position created by the Ahom king Prataap Singha^[1] in 1621.^[2] The position included both executive and judicial powers, with jurisdiction of the Ahom kingdom east of Kaliabor river and those regions not governed by the three great Gohains (Burhagohain, Borgohain and the Borpatrogohain), and the princely estates (Meldangiya raja).^[2] The region to the west of Kaliabor was governed by the Borphukan.

Council

The Borbarua had a council (Chora) of Phukans reporting to him, called Choruwa Phukans. Each Phukan was responsible for receiving the royal revenue (in cash, kind, and services) from the subjects (paiks) and was also responsible for maintaining the guilds of specific professions (khels).^[3] The council was in Garhgaon earlier but moved to the Jorhat when the capital moved following the Moamoria rebellion.

Naobaicha Phukan: The commander of the Ahom navy, he led a thousand strong sailors with their boats. He had about a five-thousand strong militia, and received the service of 30 personal paiks.
Bhitarual Phukan: This phukan was responsible for the protection of the royal palace (raj kareng) with a six-thousand strong militia and he received the services of 30 personal paiks.
Na Phukan: This phukan guarded the nine gates of the capital with a five-thousand strong militia and received the service of 30 personal paiks.
Ujania Dihingiya Phukan: This Phukan was responsible for the Dihing territory; and there was a corresponding office in the Borphukan's council, called Namania Dihingiya Phukan. These phukans commanded four thousand paiks and received the service of 30 personal paiks.
Garhgaiyan Deka Phukan: The Deka Phukan commanded a 6000-strong group of select paiks and helped the Borbarua in his judicial work.
Garhgaiyan Neog Phukan: The Neog Phukan commanded a 6000-strong group of ordinary paiks (soldiers) and their commanders (Neogs). He helped the Borbarua in judicial work and received the services of 30 personal paiks.

To the above six choruwa phukans Rudra Singha added three additional phukans.^[4]

Nyaysodha Phukan: This phukan was responsible for disposing cases sent to him in the absence of the Borbarua.
Chang-rung Phukan: The Changrung Phukan was responsible for public works (constructing buildings, temples, ramparts).
Chiring Phukan: This phukan was responsible for religious rites and state ceremonies.

List of Borboruahs

Momai Tamuli Borbarua
Tangasu Borboruah
Sengdhara Borboruah
...
Bengkhowa Borboruah
Pelan Borboruah (Ghora Konwar Bhitarual Phukan )
Lesham Debera Borboruah
Lanching Shaikan Kirkiria Borboruah (Rangachila Duarah)
Mecha Borboruah (Rangachila Duarah)
Chakrapani Borboruah
...
Dihingia Alun Borboruah
Hridaynarayan Borbaruah
Surath Singha Barbarua
Bokotial Rupchandra Borboruah
Kirti Chandra Gendhela Borboruah
Bhadrasen Borboruah (Bokotial family)
Edabaria Handikoi Borboruah
Namtial Bhagati Handikoi Borboruah
Bokotial Jaynath Borboruah
Baskatia Lahon Borboruah
Srinath Duara Borbaruah (Rangachila Duarah)

Notes

^ Nitul Kumar Gogoi. Continuity and Change Among the Ahom. Concept Publishing Company, 1 January 2006. pg. 9
^ ^a ^b (Sarkar 1992:20)
^ (Sarkar 1992:20–21)
^ (Sarkar 1992:21)

References

Sarkar, J. N. (1992), "Ahom Administration", in Barpujari, H. K. (ed.), The Comprehensive History of Assam, vol. III, Guwahati: Assam Publication Board, pp. 1–86

[1] Nitul Kumar Gogoi. Continuity and Change Among the Ahom. Concept Publishing Company, 1 January 2006. pg. 9

[sarkar20-2] (Sarkar 1992:20)

[3] (Sarkar 1992:20–21)

[4] (Sarkar 1992:21)

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