Ahom Kingdom Administrative System: Key Roles and Responsibilities Explained

The Ahom Kingdom had a well-structured administrative system, with distinct posts and titles for governance, military, judiciary, and palace duties. Below is a detailed overview of some important roles and their responsibilities:

Administrative Roles

• Swargadeo (King): Supreme ruler with absolute authority, consulted ministers for governance.
• Burhagohain: Prime Minister and chief counselor, governed territories not under direct royal control.
• Borgohain: Second to the Burhagohain, assisted in policy-making and governance.
• Patra Mantris: High-ranking ministers involved in diplomacy and administration.
• Rajkhowa: Governors of frontier provinces, represented the king in their regions.

Military Roles

• Borphukan: Commander-in-Chief of the army, managed military operations and defended the kingdom.
• Hazarika: Commanded 1,000 soldiers, middle-level officer.
• Saikia: Commanded 100 soldiers, responsible for smaller military units.
• Bora: Commanded 20 soldiers, led smaller groups in the army.

Judicial Roles

• Deka-Changrung Phukan: Local judge or magistrate for smaller disputes.
• Bar Phukan: Senior judicial officer for major cases and disputes.

Palace Roles

• Ghatial: Gatekeeper of the royal palace, ensured its security.
• Laimekuri: Royal food taster, safeguarded the king from poisoning.
• Changrung Phukan: Royal secretary, documented official edicts and treaties.

Economic and Social Roles

• Barua: Administrators for specific regions or resources, e.g., Hatibarua (elephants), Khaundabarua (weapons storage).
• Sadia Khowa Gohain: Governor of the eastern frontier, managed trade and tribal relations.
• Khel System Officials: Managed socio-economic units called "Khels." Examples: Khel-Phukan, Khel-Saikia.

Religious and Cultural Roles

• Deodhai: Priests responsible for Ahom rituals and ceremonies.
• Bailung: Chief priest or spiritual leader, consulted on royal decisions.