The Chutiyas were one of the strongest kingdoms in the upper Brahmaputra valley, emerging after the fall of the Pala dynasty. Their kingdom stretched from the Sisi River in the west to Brahmakunda in the east, with the Burhi Dihing River in the south and hills in the north marking its boundaries.
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The Founding of the Chutiya Kingdom
Birpal, the leader of 60 Chutiya families, founded the Chutiya kingdom. He claimed to be a descendant of Bhismak, a legendary king. Birpal’s son, Gaurinarayan, later known as Ratnadhvajpal, became one of the kingdom’s greatest rulers.
Ratnadhvajpal: A Great Leader
Ratnadhvajpal expanded the kingdom by defeating nearby hill chiefs. He moved the capital to Ratanpur, near the Brahmaputra River. As a skilled administrator, he built forts along the hills to protect the kingdom and also constructed tanks and temples, showing his support for art and culture.
To strengthen ties with the Kamata kingdom, Ratnadhvajpal requested the Kamata king’s daughter in marriage for his son, Vijaydhvajpal. When the proposal was rejected, Ratnadhvajpal launched an invasion. The Kamata king, fearing the Chutiya army’s strength, made peace and agreed to the marriage.
Ratnadhvajpal also maintained good relations with Gauda. However, a tragedy occurred when one of his sons, studying in Gauda, passed away. The prince’s body was brought back to the Kundil River area and cremated at a place that became known as Sadiya. Sadiya later became the permanent capital of the Chutiyas
The Fall of the Chutiyas
The last strong ruler of the Chutiyas was Dhirnarayan (also called Dharmadhvajpal). After his death, his young son Sadhaknarayan could not rule, and the throne went to his son-in-law Nitipal. Nitipal, a commoner by birth, had married the Chutiya princess Sadhani by winning an archery contest.
Unfortunately, during Nitipal’s reign, the Chutiya kingdom was defeated and annexed by the Ahom king Suhungmung in 1523 AD, bringing an end to their powerful rule.
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