In the heartland of Assam, where the Ahom kings held sway, the practice of maintaining multiple wives in their harem was a well-established tradition. Among these rulers, Supimpha, the thirteenth Ahom king, stood out for his brief yet eventful reign from 1493 CE to 1497 CE. The Nagas, allies of the Ahoms since the time of Supimphaa’s father, Suhenphaa, paid annual tributes as a mark of respect. However, a seemingly innocent incident would alter the course of history.
Ahom King Supimpha Sent His Pregnant Wife Away
It was during one such tribute-paying ceremony that Supimpha’s wife, moved by the majestic presence of a Naga chief, uttered words of admiration in the king’s presence. Enraged by her audacity, Supimpha ordered her immediate exile to the Naga village, the very place from which the chief hailed. Unfortunately, the wife was pregnant at the time. However, she found refuge in the Naga hills. Here, amidst the rugged terrain, she gave birth to a boy named Konsheng. Guided by Naga chiefs, Konsheng grew into a skilled warrior, true to his royal blood.
Return of the Prince to Ahom Court
Following Supimpha’s demise, Suhungmung ascended to the throne. Suhungmung was known for his pragmatic policies and far-sighted vision. Discovering the existence of the royal Ahom prince, Konsheng, Suhungmung recognized his potential. Struck by Konsheng’s highbred appearance and relevant skills, the king brought him to his court and appointed him to the newly created office of Barpatra Gohain.
However, the dynamics of the Ahom court were not without challenges. The existing power structure, represented by the ministers Bor Gohain and Burha Gohain, who wielded authority alongside the king, posed a hurdle to the newly appointed Barpatra Gohain. Refusing to cede any part of their jurisdiction to the newcomer, a conflict emerged. To resolve this, King Suhung strategically allotted to Kancheng territories inhabited by the Borahis, Chutiyas, and the Morans, which were not yet under the control of either minister.
Exploits of the Konsheng Barpatragohain Under Ahom King
Under Ahom King Suhungmung’s leadership and Kancheng’s military prowess, the Ahom army advanced to the banks of the Karatoya River, marking the western boundary of the ancient Kamrup Kingdom. The tale of Konsheng, born from a moment of exile, now unfolded as a vital chapter in the history of the Ahom empire, shaped by love, conflict, and the resilience of a skilled warrior.
