ABSTRACT
The Ahom royal chronicles called the Buranji are a rich source of history of Assam. The Ahom Kingdom, after AD 1228, spread rapidly, thanks to their advanced weaponry and superior war techniques. They consolidated themselves with forts and ramparts, bridges and extensive roads, land reclamation and flood control, followed by extensive wet rice cultivation. However, what draws attention most was their amazing system of labour mobilization and unique administrative system called the Paik system. Political unity of the kingdom was cemented through social cohesion and adoption of the language and assimilation of the religion and social customs of the conquered populace. A strong navy and expertise in river warfare coupled with the effective use of guerrilla techniques was their hallmark. For instance, when the Mughals attacked, which they often did, the Ahoms retreated and when the enemy retreated they advanced, attacked and reclaimed the lost territory. This strategy repeated itself umpteen number of times until the British arrived and the Treaty of Yandaboo (1826) changed everything forever.
