Piyali Phukan : first Martyr of Assam's freedom struggle | Author: Muhammad Talha Amin Baruah

Piyali Phukan : first Martyr of Assam's freedom struggle

by Muhammad Talha Amin Baruah

Piyoli Phukan was a brave freedom fighter from Assam who played a crucial role in the region’s struggle against British colonial rule. Known for his courage and leadership, he remains a symbol of resilience and patriotism for many generations. This article dives into his life, sacrifices, and lasting legacy in Indian history.

Piyali Phukan holds the distinction of being the first martyr from Assam to sacrifice his life in India’s historic struggle for independence. The initial resistance against British colonial rule in Assam was spearheaded by Gomdhar Konwar, who led an armed uprising. Although defeated in the Battle of Taratali, Gomdhar sought refuge in Tirupahar for safety. However, the British authorities, using deceitful tactics, promised to crown him king but instead imprisoned him in Rangpur jail. Witnessing Gomdhar’s plight, Piyali Barphukan (popularly known as Piyali Phukan), a son of Badan Chandra Borphukan and a descendant of Rongachila, courageously stepped forward to take the reins of the rebellion. In 1830, with Numali Gohain of the Dilihial Buragohain family and other prominent figures of the old regime including Piyali Phukan, a large-scale plan was meticulously prepared to launch a massive armed assault aimed at expelling the British from Assam and restoring local sovereignty.

Piyali Phukan was a leader marked by extraordinary courage, unwavering patriotism, deep devotion to duty and diplomatic skill. His leadership style was inspiring—he never issued direct orders, yet everyone understood their roles and willingly fulfilled their responsibilities. His cause united people across diverse tribes and communities such as the Kachari, Miching, Khamti, Chingpho, Chutiya, Matak, and Goria, all rallying to support him in the struggle. Moreover, soldiers loyal to Gomdhar Konwar, who had taken refuge In the Naga hills after their defeat, returned to join Piyali’s cause.

Intelligence played a pivotal role in this rebellion. Piyali had spies within British ranks, including Ajala Konwar, a cook for the British officers, and Gadadhar Konwar, who regularly fed vital information about enemy movements. But problem sturck when Harnath Paniphukan connected with the hill tribes to coordinate support for the freedom struggle, but he was captured by British soldiers. The secret of the rebellion was exposed. This event alerted the rebels that the time for open conflict has arrived. Fields in Rongachila were cultivated to ensure supplies, and a weapon manufacturing facility was established in Tirupahar, where troops trained rigorously for battle. The Goriya people (Assamese Muslims) under the leadership of Badarat Ali (the same man who once did an agitation against the British tea plantation at Garhgaon) also provided food to the rebels.

Piyali’s strategic vision also included uniting various tribes like the Nagas and Tai-Khamtis. The rebellion was strategically planned to commence in January 1829. Piyali was accompanied by key figures including Dhananjay Gohain, Rupchand Konwar, Numali Gohain, and Lahori Aideo (Numali Gohain’s daughter, can be known as the first Woman freedom fighter in the history of India).

As planned, the battle commenced on the evening of March 25, 1830. Piyali Phukan, and Jiuram Dulia Barua, leading their troops, launched a coordinated attack on the British armory depot. From two strategic positions, they set fire and unleashed a barrage of arrows, aiming to cripple the British military resources and assert their resistance with fierce determination.

The battle raged on for an extended period, resulting in the deaths of many British soldiers. However, as British reinforcements arrived in greater numbers, Piyali Phukan’s troops were compelled to retreat across the Dikhow River to seek safety. Boats had been strategically positioned for their escape, but tragically, a traitor severed the ropes securing the vessels, leaving the Rebel forces ‘stranded’. Taking advantage of this, the British forces open fired. In the ensuing chaos, numerous Tai-Khamtis and young Naga warriors lost their lives. In response to the British offensive, Piyali Phukan’s forces launched a daring retaliatory attack on the British army camps situated at Nazira and Dikhowmukh. Demonstrating remarkable courage and tactical skill, they targeted the enemy’s encampments, resulting in the loss of many British soldier’s lives.

Piyoli Phukan decided to attack the Britishers at Rangpur. Badarat Ali showed Piyoli the way to Rangpur. But the timely intelligence from secret agents, the British at Rangpur were alerted and prepared well in advance. When Piyali Phukan’s forces launched their attack, it was fiercely resisted and ultimately repelled by the British troops. Piyali Phukan was captured and taken prisoner. Following the disaster at Rangpur, several leaders like Numali Gohain, Lahari Aideo, Chikan Dhekial Phukan, Moina Khargharia Phukan, Sundar Gohain, and others, were martyred at various locations. In the aftermath, Piyali Phukan and Jiuram Dulia Barua were captured, tried for treason by David Scott, the Commissioner of Assam, and they were ultimately convicted. The court sentenced both men to death by hanging. In August 1830, Piyali Phukan and Jiuram Dulia Barua were executed by hanging at Sivsagar, marking an end to their valiant struggle against British colonial rule. Their sacrifice remains a powerful symbol of Assam’s early resistance in the fight for India’s freedom. By the time Gomdhar Konwar was released from prison and came back to Assam, to his horror, he had no ally who could help him fight the Britishers again. The death of Piyali was the most distressing thing for him to hear. For Gomdhar, the dream of Independence and re-establishment of Ahom kingdom was shattered.

Piyali Phukan’s brave resistance, though ultimately suppressed, ignited the spirit of freedom and unity among Assam’s diverse communities. His sacrifice sowed the seeds for future struggles against colonial rule, making him a lasting symbol of courage and patriotism in Assam’s history. Yet a question remains, India’s first martyr was Mangal Pandey or Piyali Phukan? Sadly, even the Buranjis (Ahom records) known to us do not mention Piyoli Phukan’s heroism. We were unable to locate his name in the Buranjis.

References :

1. Assam District Gazetteers : Sibsagar district (1967). Government of Assam, Shillong : Assam. Pg. 69

2. Sahitya Sagar (2023) by Runu Baruah. Anuraadha Prakashan, New Delhi. Pg. 20-24

3. Lachit Borphukan and Bagh Hazarika (2025) by Dr. Devbrata Sarma. Ekalabya Prakashan, Jorhat. Pg. 93

4. Gamadhar Konwar (2024) by Nibha Rani Roy. Publication board of Assam, Guwahati. 23-24