Ahom kingdom's culture and politics from "summary" of Assam's history and its graphics by Guptajit Pathak
The Ahom kingdom was renowned for its distinctive culture and political system. This powerful kingdom left an indelible mark on the history of Assam and the nation as a whole. From its social and political developments to its achievements in literature and the arts, it has much to teach us about the lasting legacy of a great civilization.- The Ahom kingdom, based in the present-day state of Assam, had a rich culture and complex politics that evolved over hundreds of years.
- In addition to Brahmanical traditions, Buddhism too had its place in the kingdom's culture.
- Consequently, Assam during this period enjoyed a multicultural atmosphere where many different beliefs coexisted peacefully together.
- Several rituals and ceremonies were also used in order to maintain law and order in the kingdom.
- Additionally, there were also regulations regarding rights and duties of different clans.
- The highly structured society under kings of the dynasty featured a number of different divisions and hierarchies.
- Artisans, farmers, traders and other members of the common people made up a large portion of the society.
- Uppermost in the hierarchy were the ruling class, mainly composed of the descendants of the founders of the royal family.
- They enjoyed privileges such as exemption from paying taxes and military service, and owned valuable estates throughout the kingdom.
- In keeping with their Hindu origin, the people followed customs like yoga, Vedic texts, music and dance, all of which were used as a form of worship.
- These took precedence when it came to matters such as marriage negotiations, taxation, and transfer of property.
- One of these was the Great D Frequent festivals were held to celebrate victory in wars or important dates in the calendar.
- Below them were aristocrats called Burhagohains who commanded an army of loyal retainers to fill in almost feudal roles.
- They could own land but were obligated to pay revenue into the royal treasury.
- It encouraged the exchange of ideas and gradually assimilated innovations from surrounding cultures.
- These included ambassadors, judges, warriors, priests, spies, and generals who fought in times of war.
