The Assam government has directed its Education Department to begin revising high school history textbooks, a move announced by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma that questions established historical narratives related to the 1671 Battle of Saraighat. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 10th Mising Youth Festival in Kareng Chapori, Sarma stated that the textbooks currently credit Ahom-era warrior Bagh Hazarika with fighting alongside the legendary Ahom general Lachit Borphukan against Mughal invaders—a claim he contested. Without elaborating extensively on the reasons behind the revision, the Chief Minister made it clear that the official version of history taught to students would be changed.
Challenging the Role of Bagh Hazarika in Assam’s History
Sarma specifically highlighted that there was no Bagh Hazarika present at the Battle of Saraighat fighting with Lachit Borphukan, instead crediting the Mising leader Miri Handique as the one who led resistance against the Mughals in Kamrup. This statement challenges the long-accepted historical account that identifies Ismail Siddique, popularly known as Bagh Hazarika, as a courageous 17th-century Ahom warrior of Assamese Muslim origin who played a key role in the battle. According to popular narratives, Siddique hailed from Dhekerigaon village near Garhgaon in the present-day Sivasagar district and was known for his valor in defending Assam against Mughal advances. Sarma’s remarks suggest a reevaluation of these narratives and a focus on recognizing the contributions of indigenous tribal leaders like Miri Handique.
Government’s Move to Rewrite History and Educational Implications
Reiterating the government’s stance, Sarma announced that the history taught in Assam’s high schools will be rewritten to reflect this revised perspective and that Education Minister Ranoj Pegu had already been informed about this decision. The move to revise textbooks comes amid growing debates about how history should be presented in educational curricula, especially in regions with diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds like Assam. While the Assam government aims to highlight indigenous contributions, the revision raises important questions about the accuracy and inclusiveness of historical narratives, as well as the broader impact on students’ understanding of their past.
Historians Caution Against Selective Alteration of History
Noted historian Romila Thapar recently weighed in on similar debates during the Kerala Literature Festival (KLF) 2026, cautioning against the removal or selective rewriting of historical periods in school textbooks. Thapar emphasized that history should be taught as a continuous and evolving process that reflects the complex interactions of peoples and cultures over time. She argued that fragmenting history by omitting dynasties or periods—such as the Mughal era—distorts students’ comprehension of societal development and cultural exchange. According to Thapar, eliminating entire eras disrupts intellectual understanding and leads to a fragmented view of the past. Her warnings highlight the challenges Assam faces in balancing the recognition of local heroes with the need for a comprehensive and nuanced portrayal of its history.
