Bir Chilarai: The Legendary Commander Of The Koch Dynasty

Born in 1510, Shukladhwaj, better known as Bir Chilarai, was a legendary general of the Koch dynasty in Assam. He was the younger brother of King Nara Narayan of the Kamata kingdom and served as the commander-in-chief of the royal army. His unmatched swiftness on the battlefield earned him the name "Chilarai," meaning "Kite Prince," for his movement resembled that of a kite in the sky.

Early Life and Education : Shukladhwaj was the third son of Maharaja Viswa Simha, the founder of the Koch dynasty, and his mother Padmavati hailed from the kingdom of Gaur. He was born on a full moon day and had a fair complexion, which influenced his birth name. He, along with his brother Malla Dev (later King Nara Narayan), received formal education in Varanasi, studying Sanskrit, literature, law, astrology, and grammar.

Military Brilliance and Conquests : Bir Chilarai was a military genius who played an instrumental role in expanding the Koch empire across Northeast India. As the commander-in-chief, he led successful campaigns against the Ahom kingdom, capturing its capital Garhgaon in 1563. He also subdued the Kacharis of Dimapur, the rulers of Manipur, the Jaintias, Tripura, and Sylhet. His swift and decisive victories brought several regions under Koch control, boosting the power and prestige of the kingdom.

One of his most significant military feats was during the invasion of the Ahom kingdom, where he commanded both land and naval forces, forcing the Ahom king to retreat. His campaigns led to unprecedented expansion of the Koch territory.

Alliance with Srimanta Sankardeva : Chilarai was a great patron of Vaishnavism and offered protection and support to Srimanta Sankardeva, the revered saint and reformer. He even married his niece into Sankardeva's family, ensuring the movement's continued propagation.

Conflict with the Bengal Sultanate ; In 1568, the Koch kingdom attempted to capture Gaur (present-day West Bengal) from the Afghan ruler Soleman Karnani. However, Chilarai was captured by the Afghan general Kalapahar. This setback led to the temporary decline of Koch power and destruction of temples including Kamakhya. Later, Chilarai and Nara Narayan rebuilt Kamakhya and continued their patronage of the Bhakti movement.

Final Campaign and Death In 1577, during a second campaign to Gaur in alliance with Mughal emperor Akbar, Chilarai captured Ghoraghat and defeated King Gourpasha. Unfortunately, he contracted smallpox during the campaign and died on the banks of the Ganga. His death marked the end of an era of extraordinary military leadership in Assam.

Legacy and Recognition : After his death, Nara Narayan divided the kingdom between Koch Bihar and Koch Hajo, the latter being ruled by Chilarai's son Raghudev. Despite his immense contributions to Indian history, Bir Chilarai remains an unsung hero.

In recognition of his valor, the Government of Assam declared his birth anniversary as "Bir Chilarai Divas" in 2005. The state also confers the "Bir Chilarai Award" to individuals showcasing exceptional bravery.

Bir Chilarai's unmatched military acumen, his support for spiritual leaders like Sankardeva, and his role in unifying various Northeast Indian territories continue to inspire generations. He remains a timeless symbol of Assamese courage and resilience.