Charing Raja
Traditionally heir apparent to the Ahom throne
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The Charing Raja, formerly the Garhgaoyan Raja,[1] was a title traditionally given to the heir apparent to the Ahom throne. The position was established by King Sukhrangpha, and the Charing Raja administered the region of Charing. The Charing Raja was usually the first in the line of succession, followed by the Tipam Raja and Namrup Raja.
| Charing Raja | |
|---|---|
| |
| Member of | Ahom dynasty |
| Appointer | Ahom King |
| Term length | At the discretion of sovereign or until accession as sovereign |
| Formation | 14th century |
| First holder | Chao Pulai |
| Abolished | 1826 |
History and role
Background
King Sukhrangpha (r.1332–1364) established the position of the Charing Raja. Early into his reign, he faced a threat from his youngest half-brother Chao Pulai (or Tai Sulai). Chao Pulai conspired to oust his elder brother as King. However, the plot was discovered and Chao Pulai, as the son of Kamata princess Bhajani, fled to Kamata kingdom. However, King Sukhrangpha already received intelligence that his regime was unpopular among certain sections of Kingdom, and he was doubtful over the loyalty of his troops.[2] In order to avoid confrontation, he then reconciled with Chao Pulai.[3]
Sukhrangpha subsequently appointed Chao Pulai as the Charing Raja. The reasoning behind the appointment was to let the prince gain experience of administration, before eventually ascending the throne.[2]
Responsibilities and Ahom administration
The Charing Raja administered the region of Charing, which was located near Joypur. The principal duty of the Charing Raja was to govern the localities assigned to him and administer justice.[4]
Below the Charing Raja, the Tipam Raja was the next in the line of succession followed by the Namrup Raja. The princes and the nearest relatives of the King were appointed as Governors in these areas, and so were given the title of Raja.[5]
Under the Ahom system, the mel was where a state dinner was given by kings to their ministers and principal officers where important political affairs were discussed. Mels also meant estates granted to sons and relatives of the monarch, and it was introduced as a type of financial support for members of the royal family; this gave rise to three hereditary estates at Charing, Tipam, and Namrup. Mels were also granted to other relations, which led to the other princely rankings of Sarumelia Raja and Majumelia Raja.[6]
The Charing Phukan managed the affairs of the Charing Raja.[7]
Selected events
Gadadhar Singha refusal
Prince Gadapani refused to take the position of Charing Raja, instead intending to depose the Lora Raja and become King himself. He eventually acceded to the throne as King Gadadhar Singha.[8]
Brajanath as Charing Raja
Due to the young age of his son Purandar Singha, Brajanath appointed himself Charing Raja and acted as the de facto ruler of the Ahom Kingdom until his death in March 1818. Brajanath had previously intended to become King himself, but his mutilation prevented him from doing so.[9]
Partial list
| Name | Charing Raja under (regnal dates) | Relation to Monarch | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chao Pulai | Sukhrangpha
r.(1332–1364) |
Half-brother | [2] |
| Suleng Deoraja | Suhungmung
r.(1497–1539) |
Son | [10] |
| Chakradhwaj Singha | Sutamla
r.(1648–1663) |
Cousin | [11] |
| Name unknown | Ramdhwaj Singha
r.(1672–1674) |
Younger brother | [12] |
| Jambor Gohain | Gadadhar Singha
r.(1681–1696) |
Younger brother | [13] |
| Pramatta Singha | Siva Singha
r.(1714–1744) |
Younger brother | [14] |
| Madhab Gohain | Pramatta Singha
r.(1744–1751) |
Son | [15] |
| Charu Singha | Rajeswar Singha
r.(1751–1769) |
Son | [16] |
| Gaurinath Singha | Lakshmi Singha
r.(1769–1780) |
Son | [17] |
| Kadamdighala Gohain | Gaurinath Singha
r.(1780–1794) |
Distant cousin | [18] |
| Kamaleswar Singha
r.(1795–1811) |
Father | ||
| Chandrakanta Singha | Brother | [19] | |
| Brajanath Gohain | Purandar Singha
r.(1818–1819) |
Father | [9] |
| Mantan | Jogeswar Singha
r.(1821–1822) |
Younger brother | |
| Kameswar Singha | Purandar Singha
r.(1833–1838) |
Son | |
| Kandarpeswar Singha | None (monarchy abolished) | ||