SEBA Class 9 Social Science (History) Chapter 4 – Burmese Invasion of Assam Solutions & Summary
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📖 Chapter Overview:
The Burmese invasion of Assam (1817-1826) was a period of severe hardship for the Assamese people. The repeated invasions by the Burmese (Konbaung dynasty) led to mass destruction, political instability, and the eventual intervention of the British through the Treaty of Yandabo.
📌 Key Topics Covered:
- ⭐ Causes of the Burmese Invasion
- ⭐ First and Second Burmese Invasions (1817 & 1819)
- ⭐ Impact of Burmese rule on Assam
- ⭐ Role of the British and the Treaty of Yandabo (1826)
- ⭐ How did the Burmese invasion lead to British control over Assam?
📌 Important Concepts:
- ⭐ Who were the Burmese invaders?
- ⭐ What were the major battles fought during the invasion?
- ⭐ How did the Assamese people suffer under Burmese rule?
- ⭐ What was the role of the Treaty of Yandabo?
- ⭐ How did the British take advantage of the Burmese invasions?
📝 How Ospin Academy Helps:
- ✅ Exam-Oriented Solutions: Fully NCERT-based Class 9 Social Science solutions.
- ✅ MCQs and Extra Questions: Important multiple-choice questions for better revision.
- ✅ Concept Clarity: Explanation with real-life examples.
- ✅ Quick Revision Notes: Key points summarized for last-minute preparation.
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Class 9 Social Science (English Medium) PDF Solutions 2025-26 | SEBA Assam
Download Class 9 Social Science (English Medium) PDF with chapter-wise MCQs, textbook solutions, and extra questions for SEBA Assam 2025-26.
Class 9 Social Science
Chapter – 4 (Ospin Academy)
Burmese Invasion of Assam
HISTORY
Short answer type questions:
1. Which country was by the Burmese in 1784 during the regime of the Burmese king Bodawpaya?
Answer:- Arakan, Arakan, a coastal region to the east of Burma.
2. From when did the enmity between the Burmese and the British began?
Answer:- With the occupation of Arakan in 1784 during the reign of Burmese king Bodawpaya.
3. Name the king of Cachar who fled to Srihatta, unable to tolerate the Burmese oppression.
Answer:- Govind Chandra the king of Cachar who fled to Srihatta, unable to tolerate the Burmese oppression.
4. Purnananda Buragohain died after hearing the news of the defeat of the Ahoms in which battle?
Answer:- Purnananda Buragohain died after hearing the news of the defeat of the ahom Battle of Ghiladhari in 1817.
5. What is ‘Baishali Hukong’?
Answer:- ‘Baishali Hukong’ is one of the writers who followed the Burmese troops which reached to Assam and also penned the records of the preparations of the army of Burma in Assam. This is ‘Baishali Hukong’.
6. What is ‘Baishali Mung-dun-sun-kham’?
Answer:- ‘Baishali Mung-dun-Sun Kham’ was one of the two scribes who accompanied the Burmese army which came to Assam.
7. Who was the Prime Minister of Assam when the Burmese army came with Badanchandra?
Answer:- Purnananda Buragohain was the Prime Minister of Assam when the Burmese army came with Badanchandra.
8. What was the strength of the Burmese army which came to Assam with Badanchandra?
Answer:- 8000 Burmese soldiers.
9. How many additional soldiers did Badanchandra collect on his arrival in Assam?
Answer:- 8000 soldiers belonging to a few tributary Burmese kings also accompanied him.
10. What was the title given by Chandrakanta Singha to Badanchandra on his appointment as the Prime Minister?
Answer:- ‘Mantri Borphukan’.
Answer:- The first Burmese invasion took place in 1817, followed by the second Burmese invasion in 1819 and finally the third Burmese invasion in 1921.
12. When was Badanchandra killed or assassinated.
Answer:- 1818 by a Subedar.
CHOOSE THE CORRECT ANSWER:
1. In 1816/ 1817/ 1819, the Burmese interfered in the internal politics of Assam.
Answer:- 1817.
2. Jagannath Dhekial phukan/ Badanchadra Barphukan/ Chandrakanta Burgohain was the brother of Ruchinath Buragohain.
Ans:- Jagannath Dhekial Phukan.
3. The murder of Badanchandra took place in August, 1816/ 1817/ 1818.
Answer:- 1818.
4. Numali Rajmao was the mother of Chandrakanta Singha/ Purnananda Buragohain/ Brajanath Gohain.
Answer:- Chandrakanta Singha.
5. Yandaboo treaty was concluded on 24th February 1818/ 1826/ 1828.
Answer:- 1826.
LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS:
1. Write in brief about the expansion of the Burmese empire in Manipur and Arakan.
Answer:- Since the days of king Alaungpaya, efforts have been made for the extension of the frontier. In fact, his imperialistic ambitions resulted in the expansion of his territories as far as Manipur and Cachar. He adopted the policy of westward expansion of the country. The occupation of Arakan was followed by repeated attacks on Manipur. By expanding towards the west, the Burmese King wanted to use Assam as their main military base against the English.
The capture of Arakan in 1784 A.D during the tenure of Burmese King Bodawapaya, led to the establishment of the political supremacy of the Burmese in the entire Bay of Bengal region from Mergui Island to Chattagram port. Hard pressed by the atrocities and exploitation of the Burmese, around forty thousand Arakanas took refuse in British territories of Bengal. The Burmese King Bodawpaya fruitlessly put pressure on the British government to send back the refugees. The issue led to tension between the Burmese and the English.
2. Discuss how the despotism of Purnananda Buragohain gave birth to political conspiracies.
Answer:- The Ahom Prime Minister Pumananda Buragohain had established his authority over all matters of administration. This was not liked by many officers, which ultimately led to rebellions.
All of the kings were young during Purnananda’s tenure as Prime Minister. Because the kings were minors, they were denied powers that Purnananda fully exercised.
Purnananda’s rapid rise to power irritated Badanchandra, the Borphukan of Gauhati, and many officers. The marriage of Purnananda’s son Oreshanath to
Badanchandra’s daughter Pijou Gabharu, on the other hand, improved their relationship.
As the Ahom King Chandrakanta grew up, he began to dislike the Buragohain. He struck up friendship with a youth named Satram. Satram was made the Charingia Phukan and was also given a seat near the king. Satram grew so arrogant that he refused to obey anyone. He even thought of assuming all power by getting rid of the Buragohain. But like the earlier conspiracies, this plot was also detected. All conspirators with the exception of Satram were hanged. Although Satram escaped the noose by taking refuge with the king, he was banished to Namrup where he was killed by Naga miscreants.
3. What was the ultimate result of the political conspiracies hatched against Purnananda Buragohain?
Answer:- The ultimate result of the political conspiracies hatched against purnananda buragohain was that it was failed and the king was saved.
The Ahom Kingdom in Assam in 18th century was losing its identity due to loss of lives and property and it was again came into power by the great efforts of the prime minister Purnananda Burhagohain. He gave the position of high post to his relatives.
The governor of Guwahati named Badan Chandra Borphukan was jealous with the rise of Ahom kingdom. He first became friend with him then made his daughter married Purnananda’s son. When the prime minister found that governor was misusing his power, he became dissatisfied with him. Seeing this, the governor planned to murder him with the help of his conspirator in Jorhat. The conspiracy didn’t work and the governor along with his conspirators were arrested.
4. Why did the Burmese invade Assam under the leadership of Badanchandra Barphukan?
Answer:- Badanchandra’s atrocities had become so unbearable that the Buragohain decided to remove him. The Barphukan fled to Bengal after being warned. He requested British military assistance for himself and King Chandrakanta against Pumananda Buragohain. The Governor General, on the other hand, rejected the appeals because he refused to interfere in the internal affairs of the state.
The Burmese invaded Assam under the leadership of Badan Chandra Borphukan because:
(i) Badan Chandra Borphukan with the help of an army of around 8,000 men sent by Badowpaya, along with another 8,000 solders belonging to a few tributary kings of Burma, entered Assam via Patkai. Purnananda Buragohain also sent an army under Daman Gogoi and Hao Bora to stop the advancing invaders. A battle was fought at Ghiladhari in which the Burmese army under Badan Chandra was victorious.
(ii) After the burmese occupied Jorhat and Badan proclaimed himself as the Borphukan. He became all powerful and Chandrakanta was retained as the nominal king.
(iii) The Burmese stayed for a very brief period in the Ahom Kingdom and retained Chandrakanta as king. Apart from offering presents of Gold and silver to the Burmese army, Badan Chandra also presented Hemo Aidew to the king of Burma.
(iv) Badan Chandra, tired of the oppressive and autocratic rule of Purnananda Buragohain, sought the Burmese king was not in favour of immediately talking over Assam, but decided to give military assistance to Badan Purnananda. Badan Chandra led the combined military force.
(v) After the return of the Burmese forces, Badan Chandra had become all powerful. He began to torture the supporters of Purnananda Buragohain, who already dead. There also occurred differences between the Buragohain, who was already dead. There also occurred differences between the Barbarua and Borphukan.
(vi) Badan Barphukan began consultations with the Burmese representatives with the Burmese representative at Calcutta and with the Burmese agent, he went to Amarapura and sought the king’s assistance to end the Buragohain’s tyranny. There were many reasons for the Burmese king to help Badan Chandra. Since the day of king Alaungpaya, efforts have been made for the extension of the frontier.
5. Discuss in brief about the Burmese interference in Assam under the leadership of Badanchandra Barphukan.
Answer:- The Burmese interference in Assam under the leadership of Badan Chandra Borphukan are discussed below:
Badan Barphukan with the help of an army of around 8,000 men sent by Bodawpaya, along with another 8,000 soldiers belonging to a few tributary kings of Burma, entered Assam via Patkai. Purnananda Buragohain also sent an army under Daman Gogoi and Hau Bora to stop the advancing invaders. A battle was fought at Ghiladhari in which the Burmese army under Badan Chandra was victorious. The news of the Ahom defeat saddened the Buragohain so much that he died. He was succeeded by his son Ruchinath, who however lacked the qualities of his father. At such a critical time, the Ahoms lacked an officer who could lead them. It was decided that the advancing Burmese would be offered resistance. The Ahoms raised an army, and in a fresh engagement at Kathalbari, which lies to the east of Dihing, the Ahoms were once again defeated. After the defeat, Ruchinath fled to Gauhati.
The Burmese occupied Jorhat, and Badan proclaimed himself as the Barphukan. He became all powerful and Chandrakanta was retained as the nominal king, Numali
Rajmao, the king-mother made elaborate arrangements in the capital to welcome Badan. Badan was made the Prime Minister with a new designation Mantri Borphukan.
6. Discuss the causes of the Burmese invasion of Assam.
Answer:- The causes of the Burmese invasion of Assam are:
(i) The First Invasion: After his appeal for British aid was rejected, Badanchandra sought the assistance of Burmese King Bodawpaya, who was tired of the oppressive and autocratic rule of Purnananda Buragohain. The Burmese king was not eager to take over Assam right away, but he did agree to provide military assistance to Badan in his fight against Purnananda.
(ii) The Second Invasion: When the Burmese retreated after the 1819 invasion, they left behind an army under General Minimah Tilwa. Though Chandrakanta was king,he was just a puppet who had to silently watch the atrocities the Burmese committed on his people. Thus when Mingimaha returned to Burma, he prepared to build a fort at Jaipur, on the route of Burma and Assam, to prevent Burmese occupation. Meanwhile Bodawpaya was succeeded by his grandson, Bagyidaw, who was very cruel. He learnt of the construction of the fort and sent an army under Mingimaha to once again invade Assam.
(iii) The third Invasion: Badanchandra had risen to power following the return of the Burmese forces. He began torturing Purnananda Buragohain’s supporters, who were already dead. There were also differences between the Barbarua and the Barphukan. It culminated in Badanchandra’s assassination in 1818 by a Subedar named Rup Singh.
The assassination of Badanchandra, the deposition of Chandrakanta Singha from the throne, and the torture inflicted on him mark a critical and unstable period in
Assam’s political history. Taking advantage of the situation, the Burmese king in 1819
A.D. sent a force to Assam led by General Ala Mingi to avenge Badanchandra’s murder and restore Chandrakanta Singha to the throne.
The Burmese invaded Assam three times successively in 1817,1819 and in 1821. These invasions are landmark events in the history of Assam. They had far- reaching consequences, which altered the very face of Assam.
7. What were the results of the Burmese invasion of Assam.
Answer:- The results of the Burmese invasion of Assam were:
(i) The Burmese invasion of Assam paved the way for the downfall of the six hundred years old Ahom rule.
(ii) Though temporarily, the Ahom kings or Swargadeos came under the tutelage of the Burmese king.
(iii) The Ahom kings had become nominal rulers. The required military strength had almost dried up leading to political instability. Further, the internal conflict or discord which had come to mark the accession of a ruler had weakened the Ahom monarchy.
(iv) The Burmese invasion had ruined the economy of the state. Production of goods declined. Traders shut down their business. The invasion also had an adverse effect on the social life of the state. Population came down in the villages as many people out of fear for their lives, left their homes and fled to neighbouring hills and valleys. Some even took refuge in neighbouring countries. Villages were abandoned and cultivation suffered. Many places turned into jungles.
(v) The first Anglo-Burmese War came to an end with the signing of the treaty of Yandaboo. Due to this treaty, the Burmese had to withdraw from Assam. Assam came within the ambit of the British Government.
8. Which rebellion is known as the ‘Panimua rebellion’?
Answer:- Swargadeo Gaurinath Singha died within a year of assuming office. Purnananda kept secret the news of the Swargadeo’s death and very cleverly appointed a minor, Kamaleswar Singha on the Ahom throne. The new young king became a puppet in the hands of the powerful Buragohain. After the death of Kamaleswar Singha in 1810 A.D., Purnananda again installed a minor named Chandrakanta Singha on the Ahom throne. A large section of the people disliked the autocratic functioning of the Buragohain. Conspiracies were hatched to remove him from power. In fact, during the reign of Kamaleswar Singha, a good number of individuals as well as officials organised a rebellion against the Buragohain. It was led by one Panimua, and hence the revolt was also known as Panimua rebellion.
9. Mention two results of the military intervention of the Burmese in Assam in 1817.
Answer:- Two major results of the Burmese intervention in Assam in March 1817 were:
(i) A battle was fought at Galadari, which was won by the Burmese army led by Badanchandra.
(ii) It resulted in the defeat of Purnananda’s forces leading to his death and to an end of his autocracy.
10. When did the first Anglo-Burmese war take place? Where was this war fought?
Answer:- The first Anglo-Burmese war took place during 1824 to 1826 between the forces of Burma and British.
The war fought in Yandaboo.
11. Mention the main provisions of the Yandaboo treaty.
Answer:- The main provisions of the Yandaboo treaty were:
(i) The Burmese king had to pay an amount of Rupees one crore as war indemnity to the English company.
(ii) The British would take over Arakan and Tenasserim.
(iii) The Burmese would not be able to interfere in Assam, Cachar and Jayantia country.
(iv) The Burmese recognized Gambhir Singh as the king of Manipur.
(v) There would be a British resident at Ava. The British too allowed the king of Ava to station an officer at Calcutta.
12. Write about the importance of the treaty of Yandaboo.
Answer:- The Treaty of Yandaboo, signed on February 24, 1826, ended the First Anglo-Burmese War. The importance of the treaty lies in several key points:
1. It forced the Burmese to leave Assam permanently, ending the “Maanar Din” or the “days of the Burmese.”
2. The East India Company took control of Assam, marking the start of British expansion in the region.
3. The treaty marked a major shift in Assam’s history, with the beginning of British colonial rule in the area.
Write Short Notes On:
1. Bodawpaya.
Answer:- Bodawpaya: Bodawpaya was the Burmese king who conquered Arakan in 1784. His region was noted for the territorial expansion and political supremacy of Burma in the region.
He helped Badan Barphukan against Purnananda Buragohain by sending 6,000 Burmese soldiers. During his reign Burmese soldiers started military invasion in Assam and they defeated Purnananda Buragohain in the battle of Ghiladhari. They made Chandrakanta Singha the king of Ahom and returned to Burma. But after few months of their return, Badan Borphukan was murdered by hatching conspiracy and Chandrakanta was dislodged from the throne. Then getting that news bodawpaya again attacked Assam. He was died in the month of May, 1819.
2. Gambhir Singh.
Answer:- Gambhir Singh: Gambhir, the Manipuri King expelled from Manipur by the Burmese. He established a small kingdom in Cachar from his country with the help of Burmese forces.
Gambhir Singh was the prince of Manipur. Marjit Singh, Gambhir Singh and Surajit Singh were brothers. In 1819-23 the Burmese established full political authority over Manipur by expelling three Manipur princes. Then they fled to Cachar. But, they started atrocities against Gobinda Chandra, the king of Cachar. So, Gobinda Chandra took shelter under the Burmese King. Then the Burmese involved in a struggle agaist Gambhir Singh in support of the cause of Gobinda Chandra.
3. Gobind Chandra.
Answer:- Gobind Chandra was the king of Cachar during the nineteenth century. was assassinated by a group of seditious persons with the help of some of his personal attendants on April, 24, 1830 at Haritikar. In absence of natural heirs, his territory lapsed to the british under the terms of an agreement executed in 1826.
During the reign, the three Manipuri brothers Marjit Singh, Gambhir Singh and Surajit Singh fled to Cachar after expulsion from Manipur by Burmese king. But they started atrocities in Cachar and King Gobinda Chandra fled to Sylhet and their he besought military assistance of British. But British denied to help him. Then he soon took shelter under the Burmese king. Then the Burmese involved in a struggle against Gambhir Singh in support of the cause of Gobinda Chandra.
4. Daman Gogoi.
Answer:- Daman Gogoi: Daman Gogoi was the military leader of Purnanand Daman Gogoi was a top ranking officer of Ahom administration. He was a loyalist officer of Purnananda Buragohain. To resist the advance of Ba Borphukan Purnananda
Buragohain sent a force under Daman Gog and Hao Borah. But, the Burmese forces under Badan Borphukan defeated them in the battle of Ghiladhari.
5. Hau Bora.
Answer:- Hao Borah: Hao Borah was a military chief of the royal forces under Purnananda Buragohain of the Ahom kingdom. Hao Borah was a top ranking officer of Ahom administration. He was very loyal to Purnananda Buragohain. So to resist the advance of Burmese soldiers under Badan Borphukan, Purnananda Buragohain ordered Hao Borah to lead a force against them. He was assisted by Daman Gogoi. But they were unable to defeat Badan Chandra and Burmese soldiers in the battle of Ghiladhari.
6. Battle of Ghiladhari.
Answer:- The battle of Ghiladhari started on March 27, 1817. Burmese king Bodapaya sent his troops to conquer Assam under General Bhamo. Purnananda Burhagohain died during this battle due to natural reasons. Outnumbered by the Burmese soldiers, the weak Assamese army surrendered within a week. The battle was fought between the Burmese force led by Badanchandra and the forces of Purnananda, who was then the Prime Minister of the Ahom kingdom.
A fierce battle was fought between Ahom soldiers and Burmese soldiers in a place named Ghiladhari. This battle was known as the ‘Battle of Ghiladhari’. In this battle the force sent by Purnananda was badly defeated by on receipt of the news of defeat of Ahom forces at Ghiladhari, Purnananda died and his son Ruchinath assumed the office of the Buragohain.
8. Purandhar Singha.
Answer:- Purandar Singha (1818–19, 1833–1838) was the last king of the Ahom kingdom in Assam. He was installed as king twice. The first time, he was installed by Ruchinath Burhagohain in 1818 CE, after the latter deposed Chandrakanta Singha from the throne. His first reign ended in 1819 CE, during the second Burmese invasion of Assam, when his forces were defeated and the Burmese reinstalled Chandrakanta Singha on the throne.
He along with Ruchinath Burhagohain continued their efforts to expel Burmese invaders, by seeking help from British and through armed struggle. After First Anglo-Burmese War, the British East India Company took over Assam from the Burmese invaders. Finding it difficult to administer an unfamiliar region and sensing
discontent among the local inhabitants to foreign rule, the British authorities decided to restore Upper Assam to a prince of Ahom Dynasty.
9. Ala Mingi.
Answer:- Ala Mingi a military general of the Burmese king Bodawpaya, under whom the second Burmese invasion of 1819 was fought. Alumingi was a commander of Burmese soldiers. In 1819 Burmese king Bodawpaya sent in a huge force of 10,000 soldiers under Alumingi to invade Assam. Alumingi was also known as Kiamingi. He was guided in his expedition by Momai Baruah, and Assamese expatriate living in Burma. The Burmese invasion under Alumingi was began in January-February and Assam was passed under Burmese authority.
10. Dowaniya.
Answer:- Dowaniya, a term used for the new class of Assamese royals who took advantage of the foreign Burmese invasion. During the period of Burmese invasion, after demise of Burmese king Bodawpaya military expedition took a dangerous turn. Taking advantage of the invasion, some rich and wealthy Assamese people committed excesses on the Assamese people themselves. Historian Gunabhiram Baruah curries ‘Many people of this country committed many excesses in disguise’. They are called Dowaniyas. Their atrocities far cruel those of the real Burmese.
These cruel Dowaniyas, being under the influence of the propensities of violence and greed committed these inhuman torture.
11. Treaty of Yandaboo.
Answer:- The Treaty of Yandaboo was signed on February 24, 1826, between the Burmese king and the British East India Company, bringing an end to the First Anglo-Burmese War. After suffering defeats in four battles, the Burmese were forced to negotiate with the British, leading to the terms of the treaty being established at Yandaboo, a place in Myanmar.
The importance of the Treaty of Yandaboo lies in its significant impact on the history of Assam. The treaty led to the complete expulsion of the Burmese from Assam, thus ending the period known as “Maanar Din” or the “days of the Burmese,” which had been marked by terror and destruction under Burmese rule. The British gained control of Assam and other territories, which laid the foundation for the expansion of the British Empire in the region.
Furthermore, the treaty marked the beginning of the modern era in Assam and the North-East region, as it brought an end to Burmese influence and initiated British colonial rule, setting the stage for future political and economic developments in the region.
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