'India Isn't Just The Story Of Aurangzeb, Babar, Jahangir Or Humayun...': Assam CM's Appeal To Historians

While Assam CM Himanta Sarma appealed to historians to portray India in a new light, PM Modi criticised the way Indian history was written and taught even after independence.

New Delhi: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday urged historians to portray India in a new light to fulfill the nation's dream to be "Vishwa Guru".

"Humble request to historians - India is not just the story of Aurangzeb, Babar, Jahangir, or Humayun. India is of Lachit Barphukan, Chhatrapati Shivaji, Guru Gobind Singh, Durgadas Rathore. We should make an effort to see in a new light. It'll fulfill our dream to be Vishwa Guru," the Chief Minister said at the 400th birth anniversary celebration of Lachit Barphukan, as quoted by news agency ANI.

Crediting the Prime Minister, he remarked, "PM Modi always inspires us to bring our history, unsung heroes to light. This is our humble effort to bring the proud saga of Lachit Barphukan before the country. But just the efforts of govt are not enough, there should be efforts from people and historians too."

Even After Independence, History Written As A Conspiracy In Colonial Era Was Taught: PM Modi

At the event in Delhi, PM Narendra Modi also criticised the way Indian history was written and taught even after India attained independence, saying: "For centuries, it was attempted to tell us we're people who always get looted, beaten and lose. India's history is not just about colonialism, it's a history of warriors. India's history is about displaying valour against oppressors, about victory, sacrifice and great tradition."

"Unfortunately, even after independence, we were taught the same history that was created under a conspiracy during the colonial era. After independence, it was needed to change the agenda of those who colonised us but it wasn't done," he said, as quoted by ANI.

"In every corner of the country, the bravehearts of Maa Bharati faced the oppressors and sacrificed their lives. This history was deliberately hidden. Is the valour of Lachit Barphukan not important? Are the sacrifices of thousands of people in Assam against Mughals not important?" he added at the event celebrating the 400th birth anniversary of Barphukan.

In an official statement about the event, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) mentioned that Lachit Barphukan (November 24, 1622-April 25, 1672) was the famous General of the Royal Army of Assam's Ahom Kingdom who defeated the Mughals and successfully halted their ever-expanding ambitions under Aurangzeb.

Barphukan inspired the Assamese soldiers in the Battle of Saraighat fought in 1671, and delivered a crushing and humiliating defeat on the Mughals, the statement added.

It also highlighted the Prime Minister's endeavour to honour unsung heroes of India in the recent past.