Singarigharutha ceremony
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Singarigharutha was the traditional
coronation A coronation is the act of placement or bestowal of a coronation crown, crown upon a monarch's head. The term also generally refers not only to the physical crowning but to the whole ceremony wherein the act of crowning occurs, along with the ...
ceremony of the
king King is the title given to a male monarch in a variety of contexts. The female equivalent is queen, which title is also given to the consort of a king. *In the context of prehistory, antiquity and contemporary indigenous peoples, the tit ...
of the Ahom kingdom, a medieval kingdom in
Assam Assam (; ) is a state in northeastern India, south of the eastern Himalayas along the Brahmaputra and Barak River valleys. Assam covers an area of . The state is bordered by Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh to the north; Nagaland and Manipur ...
. During the period of Ahom supremacy in Assam, the Singarigharutha ceremony had important constitutional significance. It was believed that even though an Ahom prince became king, he could not attain the status of full-fledged monarch until his Singarigharutha ceremony was completely performed. Therefore, each Ahom ruler after their accession to the throne tried to organize the ceremony as soon as possible. But it was not as easy since the ceremony was very expensive and there were records when some of the
Ahom Ahom may refer to: *Ahom people, an ethnic community in Assam * Ahom language, a language associated with the Ahom people *Ahom religion, an ethnic folk religion of Tai-Ahom people *Ahom alphabet, a script used to write the Ahom language * Ahom kin ...
kings had to postpone it owing to emergency situations or due to financial crisis of the state.


Origin

The ''Singarigharutha'' ceremony was first observed by the Ahom King Sudangphaa, popularly known as ''Bamuni Konwar''. Sudangphaa came to throne in 1397 CE. He transferred his capital from
Charaideo Charaideo or Che-Rai-Doi (Literally: ''the shining city on the hills'' in Ahom language) is a town in Charaideo district, Assam, India and was also the first capital of the Ahom kingdom established by the first Ahom king Chao Lung Siu-Ka-Pha ...
to Charguwa. In the new capital, Sudangphaa organized the Kheun rwan mai kaw, a Tai-Ahom ceremony of coronation and claimed the mandate of Heaven to rule the Ahom Kingdom as a descendant of Lengdon or
Indra Indra (; Sanskrit: इन्द्र) is the king of the devas (god-like deities) and Svarga (heaven) in Hindu mythology. He is associated with the sky, lightning, weather, thunder, storms, rains, river flows, and war.  volumes/ref> I ...
, the Lord of Heaven and Earth. From that time onward, the
Ahom Ahom may refer to: *Ahom people, an ethnic community in Assam * Ahom language, a language associated with the Ahom people *Ahom religion, an ethnic folk religion of Tai-Ahom people *Ahom alphabet, a script used to write the Ahom language * Ahom kin ...
kings performed the Singarigharutha ceremony as the main event of their coronations. The ritual was termed ''Singarigharutha'' because the wood of ''singari'' tree were used to construct the main platform on which the King sat during the procedure. Most of the Ahom rulers preferred to perform the Singarigharutha ceremony in
Charaideo Charaideo or Che-Rai-Doi (Literally: ''the shining city on the hills'' in Ahom language) is a town in Charaideo district, Assam, India and was also the first capital of the Ahom kingdom established by the first Ahom king Chao Lung Siu-Ka-Pha ...
, which was considered very sacred by the Tai-Ahom community of
Assam Assam (; ) is a state in northeastern India, south of the eastern Himalayas along the Brahmaputra and Barak River valleys. Assam covers an area of . The state is bordered by Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh to the north; Nagaland and Manipur ...
, since the reign of the Ahom King Sudangphaa.


Procedures

To perform the ceremony, the king, at first, consulted the Tai-Ahom priests and astrologers: the ''Deodhai'' and ''Bailungs''. An auspicious day was fixed. On the day of ceremony, the king, wearing the ''Somdeo'', or image of his tutelary deity, and carrying in his hand the ''Hengdan'' or ancestral sword, proceeded on a male elephant, followed by his chief queen in a female elephant, to
Charaideo Charaideo or Che-Rai-Doi (Literally: ''the shining city on the hills'' in Ahom language) is a town in Charaideo district, Assam, India and was also the first capital of the Ahom kingdom established by the first Ahom king Chao Lung Siu-Ka-Pha ...
, where he planted a pipal tree (ficus religiosa). The royal couple next entered the ''Patghar'', where the presiding priest poured a libation of water over them. Some Ahom chronicles stated that two people of common origin were selected and placed under the bamboo platform. When consecrated water was poured over the royal couple, it fell on the people below. The two who were under the bamboo platform were presented with gifts of gold and silver coins. Then they were exiled far from the capital, sometime even exiled from the kingdom, as it was believed that all the evil or ill omens of the new king and queen will leave with them. Such people were called ''Neusa-Jua'' which literally means the one who takes away the evils or ill omens. In olden days descendants of ''Neusa-Jua'' people were found in
Goalpara district Goalpara district is an administrative district of the Indian state of Assam. History It was a princely state ruled by the Koch kings and the then ruler of the undivided kingdom. Today the erstwhile Goalpara district is divided into Kokrajha ...
. Afterward the royal couple took their seats in the ''Solongghar'', on a bamboo platform, under which were placed a man and a specimen of every procurable animal. Consecrated water was poured over the royal couple and fell on the animals below. Then, having been bathed, they entered the ''Singarighar'' and took their seats on a throne. The leading nobles came up and offered their presents and homage. New money was coined, and gratuities were given to the principal officers of the state and to religious mendicants. The presents to the officers consisted of gold earrings, gold bangles and gold embroidered cloths. ''Deodhai-Bailungs'' were offered gold earrings, embroidered cloths, girdles, and long clocks, and silver, gold, cowries and cloths to the children and the people at large. On that day, prisoners convicted with minor crimes were released. The king and his chief queen stayed in the ''Singarighar'' for one full day and night. In the evening, there was a feast which the king attended with his council of minister and noble. There was a custom that when the king sat on the royal throne engraved with dragons, with the image of ''Somdeo'' hanging down in his neck, the four principal ministers (
Burhagohain Buragohain ( Ahom language: ''Chao Phrung Mung'') was the first of the two original counsellors in the Ahom kingdom. He was selected by the Ahom king from members of the Ahom nobility (''Satgharia Ahom''),who vowed not to fight for the position o ...
,
Borgohain Borgohain (Ahom language: ''Chao Thao Lung'') was the second of the two original counselors in the Ahom kingdom. He was selected by the Ahom king from members of the Ahom nobility (''Satgharia Ahom''), who vowed not to fight for the position of Ah ...
,
Borpatrogohain Borpatragohain was the third of the three great ''Gohains'' (counsellors) in the Ahom kingdom. This position was created by Suhungmung Dihingia Raja in the year 1527 when Koncheng was made the first Borpatrogohain. The designation was borrowed fro ...
and
Borbarua Borboruah ( Ahom language: ''Phu-Ke-Lung'') was one of the five (councillors) in the Ahom kingdom, a position created by the Ahom king Prataap Singha in 1621. The position included both executive and judicial powers, with jurisdiction of the A ...
) held the four pillars or supports of the throne, signifying their importance and their support to the king. The image of ''Somdeo'' was considered very sacred to the Tai-Ahom royalty and it was very rarely exposed to common masses. During the Singarigharutha ceremony, ''Somdeo'' was shown to the Ahom nobles, to which they use to kneel down nine times. When the king came down from the nin-step dragon-engraved throne, the ministers and nobles use to salute the king seven times. After this the king was required to perform sacrifices to the gods. Before the reign of Swargadeo
Rudra Singha Sukhrungphaa (reigned 1696–1714), or Swargadeo Rudra Singha, was a Tungkhungia ahom king and 30th king of the Ahom kingdom under whom the kingdom reached its zenith of power and glory, he is considered as the most illustrious of the Ah ...
it had been the custom for the new king, before entering the ''Singarighar'', to kill a man with his ancestral sword or ''Hengdan'', but the monarch caused a buffalo to be substituted. The example was followed by his successors. When a king was consecrated he attained the status of a full-fledged monarch. The festivities and amusements continued for seven days. On the eighth day, the image of ''Somdeo'' was returned to its shrine in the manner in which it was first brought and the king returned to the capital, with his family and nobles. During the next 30 days the tributary rulers and state officials who had not been present at the installation were expected to come in and do homage and tender their presents to the new king.


Historical significance of the ceremony

The ''Kheun rwan mai kaw'' ceremony occupied an important place in the history of Ahom Kingdom. Records existed that the Ahom kings and nobles held special respect and importance to this ceremony. In some religious rites, the rank of the kings who had performed the ''Kheun rwan mai kaw'' ceremony and the kings who had not were different. One event that occurred during the reign of Swargadeo
Chandrakanta Singha Sudingphaa (1811–1818, 1819–1821) also, Chandrakanta Singha, was a Tungkhungia king of the Ahom dynasty, who ruled at the climactic of the Ahom kingdom. His reign witnessed the invasion of Burmese on Assam and its subsequent occupation by ...
in early 19th century, clearly showed the significance of the ''Kheun rwan mai kaw'' ceremony. During Ahom rule in
Assam Assam (; ) is a state in northeastern India, south of the eastern Himalayas along the Brahmaputra and Barak River valleys. Assam covers an area of . The state is bordered by Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh to the north; Nagaland and Manipur ...
, the ''Shraddha'' or the death anniversary of the previous kings were observed annually according to Tai-Ahom traditional rituals. A tribute of rice beer and other items were offered on decorated plates to the former kings of Ahom kingdom.
Chandrakanta Singha Sudingphaa (1811–1818, 1819–1821) also, Chandrakanta Singha, was a Tungkhungia king of the Ahom dynasty, who ruled at the climactic of the Ahom kingdom. His reign witnessed the invasion of Burmese on Assam and its subsequent occupation by ...
visited one of these rituals to offer his respect to the previous Ahom kings. He noticed that one plate was placed separately from others during the religious ceremony. When he enquired about this to the Prime Minister Purnananda
Burhagohain Buragohain ( Ahom language: ''Chao Phrung Mung'') was the first of the two original counsellors in the Ahom kingdom. He was selected by the Ahom king from members of the Ahom nobility (''Satgharia Ahom''),who vowed not to fight for the position o ...
, the premier replied that that plate was offered to Swargadeo
Kamaleswar Singha Suklingphaa (ruled 1795–1811), or Kamaleswar Singha, was a king of the Ahom kingdom. He came to power when he was a toddler, and died in his teens during a small pox epidemic. The ''de facto'' ruler during his reign was Purnanada Burhagoha ...
and the reason of placing it in separate rank was because
Kamaleswar Singha Suklingphaa (ruled 1795–1811), or Kamaleswar Singha, was a king of the Ahom kingdom. He came to power when he was a toddler, and died in his teens during a small pox epidemic. The ''de facto'' ruler during his reign was Purnanada Burhagoha ...
could not perform the Singarigharutha ceremony during his reign due to financial constraints:
Kamaleswar Singha Suklingphaa (ruled 1795–1811), or Kamaleswar Singha, was a king of the Ahom kingdom. He came to power when he was a toddler, and died in his teens during a small pox epidemic. The ''de facto'' ruler during his reign was Purnanada Burhagoha ...
could not be placed in the same rank with the kings who had performed the ceremony. Purnananda
Burhagohain Buragohain ( Ahom language: ''Chao Phrung Mung'') was the first of the two original counsellors in the Ahom kingdom. He was selected by the Ahom king from members of the Ahom nobility (''Satgharia Ahom''),who vowed not to fight for the position o ...
also explained that owing to financial constraint the Singarigharutha ceremony of
Chandrakanta Singha Sudingphaa (1811–1818, 1819–1821) also, Chandrakanta Singha, was a Tungkhungia king of the Ahom dynasty, who ruled at the climactic of the Ahom kingdom. His reign witnessed the invasion of Burmese on Assam and its subsequent occupation by ...
could not be performed at his accession.
Chandrakanta Singha Sudingphaa (1811–1818, 1819–1821) also, Chandrakanta Singha, was a Tungkhungia king of the Ahom dynasty, who ruled at the climactic of the Ahom kingdom. His reign witnessed the invasion of Burmese on Assam and its subsequent occupation by ...
became anxious and began to put pressure on the premier to perform his Singarigharutha ceremony, which later became a cause of conflict between the king and the prime minister. Ambassadors from neighbouring kingdoms of
Cachar Cachar district is an administrative district in the state of Assam in India. After independence the undivided Cachar district was split into four districts in Assam: Dima Hasao district (formerly North Cachar Hills), Cachar district alongside ...
and Jaintia and representatives of neighbouring hill tribes visited this occasion to pay their respect to the Ahom monarch. Sometime the ambassadors were granted special privilege to witness the main events of the ceremony along with the festivals and amusements associated with it, as a sign of strengthening the friendly relations with neighbouring kingdoms and tribes.Bhuyan Dr. S.K. Tunkhungia Buranji or A History of Assam (1681-1826) 1968 page 47-48


Conclusion

The ''Kheun rwan mai kaw'' ceremony signifies the fact that even though the Ahom rulers of
Assam Assam (; ) is a state in northeastern India, south of the eastern Himalayas along the Brahmaputra and Barak River valleys. Assam covers an area of . The state is bordered by Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh to the north; Nagaland and Manipur ...
adopted Hinduism, the significance of the Tai-Ahom religious customs and practices were at large during the Ahom period. The Tai-Ahom priests and astrologers, the ''Deodhais'' and the ''Bailungs'', occupied important position in the Royal court of Ahom kingdom till the starting of 18th century and even till the end for some time. It was because of their efforts and influence on the royal court, kings and nobles continued to pay their respect to the ancient customs and religious ceremonies of the Tai-Ahom community during the period of Ahom supremacy in
Assam Assam (; ) is a state in northeastern India, south of the eastern Himalayas along the Brahmaputra and Barak River valleys. Assam covers an area of . The state is bordered by Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh to the north; Nagaland and Manipur ...
.


See also

* Ahom dynasty * Ahom kingdom *
Assam Assam (; ) is a state in northeastern India, south of the eastern Himalayas along the Brahmaputra and Barak River valleys. Assam covers an area of . The state is bordered by Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh to the north; Nagaland and Manipur ...
*
Chandrakanta Singha Sudingphaa (1811–1818, 1819–1821) also, Chandrakanta Singha, was a Tungkhungia king of the Ahom dynasty, who ruled at the climactic of the Ahom kingdom. His reign witnessed the invasion of Burmese on Assam and its subsequent occupation by ...
*
Charaideo Charaideo or Che-Rai-Doi (Literally: ''the shining city on the hills'' in Ahom language) is a town in Charaideo district, Assam, India and was also the first capital of the Ahom kingdom established by the first Ahom king Chao Lung Siu-Ka-Pha ...
*
Kamaleswar Singha Suklingphaa (ruled 1795–1811), or Kamaleswar Singha, was a king of the Ahom kingdom. He came to power when he was a toddler, and died in his teens during a small pox epidemic. The ''de facto'' ruler during his reign was Purnanada Burhagoha ...
*
Sibsagar district Sivasagar district (Pron: or ), formerly known as ''Sibsagar'', is one of the 34 districts of Assam state in Northeast India. Sivasagar city is the administrative headquarters of this district. This historic place is also known for its rich bio ...


Notes


References

* {{cite thesis , last=Gogoi , first=Shrutashwinee, date=2011 , title=Tai ahom religion a philosophical study , type=PhD , url=http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/handle/10603/116167 , access-date=January 31, 2019 *Bhuyan Dr. S.K. Tunkhungia Buranji or A History of Assam (1681-1826), second edition 1968, Department of Historical and Antiquarian Studies in Assam, Guwahati *Barbaruah Hiteswar Ahomar-Din or A History of Assam under the Ahoms, first edition 1981, Publication Board of Assam Guwahati *Gait E.A., A History of Assam second edition 1926 Thacker, Spink & Co Calcutta Ahom kingdom Culture of Assam
Assam Assam (; ) is a state in northeastern India, south of the eastern Himalayas along the Brahmaputra and Barak River valleys. Assam covers an area of . The state is bordered by Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh to the north; Nagaland and Manipur ...