The Assam Cabinet’s recent decision to name a flyover in Guwahati after Maharaja Prithu, a 13th-century ruler credited with resisting Turko-Afghan incursions, has sparked renewed public interest in a largely forgotten chapter of Indian history. The move is not just about infrastructure naming—it reflects a larger attempt to weave Prithu into Assam’s cultural memory alongside icons like Lachit Borphukan, the celebrated 17th-century Ahom general.
The Historical Backdrop
Prithu is believed to have ruled Kamrup in the early 13th century, during a time of political fragmentation in Assam. His significance arises from accounts of his resistance against Bakhtiyar Khilji, the infamous Turko-Afghan general who destroyed Nalanda University and attempted to extend his campaign into eastern India around 1206 CE.
While Khilji’s Bengal victories are well documented, his defeat in Assam remains a less clear episode. The Persian chronicle Tabaqat-i-Nasiri and inscriptions from North Guwahati mention a ruler called “Bartu” or “Prithu” who successfully checked Khilji’s advance. However, Assamese records from this period are sparse, leaving historians to rely heavily on external texts and oral traditions.
Evidence and Controversy
The historical evidence for Prithu comes primarily from:
- A rock inscription near Guwahati,
- References in Persian chronicles, and
- Oral traditions that link him to forts and battle sites.
Yet, doubts remain. The Persian term “rae” used for Prithu may suggest he was a local chieftain rather than a sovereign monarch. Some scholars argue his victory was more of a regional skirmish than a decisive geopolitical event. The lack of indigenous written records makes it difficult to establish his precise status or the scale of his resistance.
Renewed Scholarship
In recent years, historians such as Raktim Patar have attempted to elevate Prithu’s profile, presenting him as a heroic defender of Assam and Indian civilisation. The narrative is being amplified by cultural organisations, seminars, and educational campaigns, aiming to position Prithu as an Assamese equivalent of Lachit Borphukan. This reflects a broader movement in India to reclaim regional heroes from relative obscurity and integrate them into the national imagination.
Why Prithu Matters Today
The recognition of Maharaja Prithu goes beyond historical curiosity. It symbolizes:
- Assam’s role as a frontier resisting early Islamic incursions,
- An effort to assert regional identity within the larger canvas of Indian history,
- The challenges of reconstructing medieval history where evidence is fragmentary and contested.
By naming a prominent flyover after him, the Assam government has turned Prithu into more than just a historical figure—he is now a cultural symbol of resistance and pride, reminding us that even obscure rulers played a role in shaping India’s civilisational story.