Forgotten kingdoms of Northeast India

The northeastern region of India, often overlooked in mainstream historical narratives, is a land rich with ancient traditions, warrior tribes, and powerful kingdoms. While much attention is given to empires like the Mauryas, Guptas, and Mughals in Indian history, Northeast India has its own set of forgotten kingdoms that once shaped trade, culture, and politics in the region. These kingdoms, nestled among hills, valleys, and rivers, not only defended their territories from external invasions but also maintained vibrant cultures and unique governance systems. Their stories, though lesser-known, form a vital part of India’s diverse historical fabric.

Among the most significant yet often underrepresented powers in Indian history is the Ahom Kingdom, which ruled the Brahmaputra Valley of Assam for nearly 600 years (1228–1826 CE). The Ahoms were Tai people who migrated from present-day Myanmar and gradually established control over the region. They developed a sophisticated administrative system and successfully resisted multiple invasions, including those by the Mughals.

The Ahoms are best known for their military strategies, including guerrilla warfare and the clever use of riverine geography. One of their greatest military achievements was the defeat of the Mughal army at the Battle of Saraighat in 1671 under the leadership of Lachit Borphukan. The kingdom also left behind architectural and cultural legacies such as the Rang Ghar (a royal sports pavilion), and they promoted the Assamese language and literature, which thrive to this day.

Another important but often overlooked kingdom was Manipur, ruled by the Meitei dynasty for centuries. The kingdom maintained its independence for much of its history, forming a buffer state between the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Its unique location helped foster a rich synthesis of Indian and Southeast Asian influences, reflected in its classical dance forms, script (Meitei Mayek), and martial traditions.

The kingdom’s martial prowess was evident in the traditional combat sport of Thang-Ta, a blend of armed and unarmed fighting techniques. In addition, Manipur was notable for early adoption of Hinduism, especially Vaishnavism, during the 18th century under King Pamheiba (Garib Niwaj). Despite British annexation in 1891, the cultural identity and historical pride of Manipur remain deeply rooted in its royal past.

The Tripuri or Twipra Kingdom, centered in present-day Tripura, has a documented history going back over 2,000 years. Founded by the Tripuri people, who are of Tibeto-Burmese origin, the kingdom gradually absorbed Hindu cultural elements while preserving indigenous traditions. It was ruled by the Manikya dynasty, which claimed descent from the Lunar dynasty of Hindu mythology and governed until Tripura’s merger with India in 1949.

Tripura maintained diplomatic and cultural ties with Bengal and other regions, blending tribal and Hindu cultures. The kingdom was notable for its patronage of the arts, especially sculpture and temple architecture. The Tripura Sundari Temple, built in the 16th century, remains an important pilgrimage site. Despite its long reign, the kingdom’s rich history has largely remained underrepresented in national discourse.

The Kachari Kingdom, which ruled parts of present-day Assam and Nagaland, is another forgotten polity of Northeast India. The Kacharis were of Bodo origin and established a flourishing kingdom that lasted from around the 13th to the 18th century. Their capital was in Dimapur, which today stands as a major city in Nagaland.

One of the most remarkable legacies of the Kachari dynasty is the megalithic ruins of Dimapur, which include rows of mushroom-shaped stone pillars and other ancient structures. These remnants suggest a highly evolved culture with its own religious practices and political institutions. The Kachari rulers also built fortified towns and maintained trade routes through the hills, indicating their strategic importance in regional commerce.

In the hills of present-day Meghalaya, the Jaintia and Khasi kingdoms developed unique political systems based on matrilineal inheritance and democratic clan councils. The Jaintia Kingdom, with its capital at Nartiang, maintained a structured monarchy and controlled trade routes between Assam and Bangladesh. The Khasis, on the other hand, followed a more decentralized form of governance through village-level chiefs and councils.

These kingdoms thrived on agriculture and trade, and had deep-rooted religious practices tied to nature. Their resistance against British colonization, particularly through leaders like Tirot Sing, reflects their fierce independence and commitment to self-rule. Despite their historical significance, these societies are rarely included in broader Indian historical narratives.

The forgotten kingdoms of Northeast India reflect a rich tapestry of history, governance, and culture that challenges the traditional narratives of Indian history, which are often centered around the Indo-Gangetic plains. These kingdoms preserved unique identities, repelled invaders, and nurtured arts and traditions that continue to influence the region.

Recognizing and studying these forgotten polities not only does justice to the diverse history of the subcontinent but also strengthens the cultural pride and historical awareness of communities in the Northeast. As India continues to explore its past, the stories of these kingdoms deserve a rightful place in history books, public memory, and academic discourse.