Prime Minister congratulated on Assam Day or Sukapha Day

2 December is celebrated as Assam Day. On 2 December 1228, Chaolung Sukapha came to Assam after crossing the Patkai Hills from Dehong Dai and Jingpo Prefecture of China.

• 2 December is celebrated as Assam Day, PM Modi wrote, “Greetings to my sisters and brothers of Assam on Assam Day. This occasion is to celebrate the journey and leadership of Swargadev Chaolung Sukapha.”
• The Assam state government celebrated Assam Day (Sukapha Day) in Nazira of Sivasagar district with great festivities. This event was jointly organized by the Department of Cultural Affairs and the Tai Ahom Development Council.
• This celebration included traditional Ahom rituals, cultural performances, and exhibitions showcasing the contribution of the Ahom dynasty.

History of Assam Day

• On 2 December 1228, Chaolung Sukapha came to Assam after crossing the Patkai Hills from Dehong Dai and Jingpo Prefecture of China. Swargadev Chaolung Sukapha was a prince of the Tai kingdom of Mong Mao near today’s Ruili in Yunnan, China.
• After not receiving his rightful claim to the throne, he left for 13 years and came to Assam on 02 December 1228. This day honours Sukapha as the founder of the Ahom Kingdom, whose ‘Bor Asom’ legacy lasted for almost six centuries till 1826.
• Ahom rulers shaped Assam's identity and protected the region, and they foiled many Mughal invasions. He was a Tai prince of the Su (Tiger) clan of the Mao-Shan sub-tribe, originally from Mong Mao of today’s Dehong Dai and Jingpo region.
• His administration set early benchmarks for good governance, political stability, and long-term state formation. The Ahom people suppressed the old political system of the Bhuiyans (landlords) and built a new state.
• Ahom society was divided into clans or khels. One khel often controlled several villages. Sukapha is remembered as the architect of the Assamese identity, known for his inclusive leadership that brought different communities together.

Special contributions

• Establishment of the Ahom Empire: Declaring Che-Rai-Doi as the capital in 1253 CE.
• Region: Entire Brahmaputra Valley
• Duration: More than 600 years.
• The British took control of the state in 1826 for some time. But in 1836 they fully captured the entire state and it remained enslaved till 1947.
• Under the leadership of 39 kings, the Tai people created a united nation under the Assamese name with one language (Assamese).