Bagh Hazarika

Who is Bagh Hazarika?

Bagh Hazarika, also known as Ismail Siddique, is a 17th-century figure from Assam, known for his valor. He was born at Dhekerigaon village near Garhgaon. Once a tiger had entered his village and Ismail Siddique, who was literally unarmed, killed the tiger. The news of this valour reached the Ahom king Chakradhwaj Singha and he called the young man to his court to display his strength. The king was impressed by the show of strength, the king appointed him a Hazarika, an Ahom office in charge of 1000 paiks. This event marks the beginning of the legend of the brave Bagh Hazarika that culminated in his acts of bravery during Battle of Saraighat.

In this first conflict, the Mughal forces were well entrenched on the hills of the north bank of the Brahmaputra river with a chain of huge cannons. Bagh Hazarika suggested a plan on how to disable the Mughal guns to the Ahom General Lachit Borphukan, the royal minister Atan Burhagohain and other generals. Impressed by the plan, they entrusted Bagh Hazarika with command to lead the operation.

That night an advance party led by Bagh Hazarika along with a few soldiers crossed the Brahmaputra by boat and landed on the northern bank of the river and laid in wait for the right moment. While the Mughal soldiers were busy saying their Fajr or dawn prayers, Bagh Hazarika and his soldiers climbed the high embankments and poured water into the Mughal cannons, rendering them useless.