Ahom Administrative Offices and Key Officials – MCQs
Administrative Offices and Key Officials of the Ahom Kingdom: Gohains, Phukans, Barbarua and Rajkhowas – MCQs
Introduction
The Ahom administrative system developed into a sophisticated structure of kingship, ministerial offices, regional governorships and organised manpower. At the apex stood the Ahom king, commonly known in Assamese historical usage as the Swargadeo. The king was supported by powerful ministers and officials who administered different political, military, territorial and civil functions.
The most important ministerial offices were the three Great Gohains:
- Burhagohain
- Borgohain
- Barpatra Gohain
Together with the Barbarua and Borphukan, these offices formed an important part of the higher political structure of the Ahom kingdom. Government of Assam describes the Great Gohains, Barbarua and Borphukan as major offices and notes that the Ahom political system deliberately avoided concentrating excessive authority in a single office.
Other important offices included:
- Sadiya-khowa Gohain
- Morongi-khowa Gohain
- Phukan
- Rajkhowa
- Barua
- Hazarika
- Saikia
- Bora
These offices illustrate the combination of central authority, regional administration, military organisation and manpower management within the Ahom state.
Important Ahom Administrative Offices at a Glance
| Office | Broad Function / Significance |
|---|---|
| Swargadeo | Ahom king and head of state |
| Burhagohain | One of the two original Great Gohains; senior minister |
| Borgohain | One of the original Great Gohains; senior minister |
| Barpatra Gohain | Third Great Gohain; office created in 1527 |
| Barbarua | Senior high-ranking civil and administrative official |
| Borphukan | Major western regional civil-military authority |
| Sadiya-khowa Gohain | Governor of the Sadiya region |
| Morongi-khowa Gohain | Governor/administrator of the Doyang-Dhansiri/Morangi area |
| Phukan | Important administrative and military official |
| Rajkhowa | Regional/local administrative authority |
| Barua | Officer associated with departments or khels |
| Hazarika | Officer associated with about 1,000 paiks |
| Saikia | Officer associated with about 100 paiks |
| Bora | Officer associated with about 20 paiks |
The precise duties of some offices changed over time and according to political and territorial circumstances. Therefore, examination questions should distinguish the broad institutional role of an office from later or specialised functions.
MCQs: Administrative Offices and Key Officials
1. Who was the head of the Ahom state?
A. Burhagohain
B. Borphukan
C. Swargadeo
D. Barbarua
Correct Answer: C. Swargadeo
Explanation:
The Swargadeo was the Ahom king and the head of the state. The king occupied the highest position in the political hierarchy, while major ministers and officials assisted in administration, military affairs and territorial governance. Government of Assam specifically describes the Swargadeo as the head of the Ahom state.
2. Which group constituted the three Great Gohains of the Ahom administration?
A. Burhagohain, Borgohain and Barpatra Gohain
B. Barbarua, Borphukan and Rajkhowa
C. Hazarika, Saikia and Bora
D. Phukan, Barua and Rajkhowa
Correct Answer: A. Burhagohain, Borgohain and Barpatra Gohain
Explanation:
The three Great Gohains were Burhagohain, Borgohain and Barpatra Gohain. They were senior members of the Ahom political establishment and collectively formed the important ministerial core of the kingdom. Government of Assam identifies them as the Great Gohains or Patra Mantris.
3. Which two Great Gohain offices existed from the time of Sukaphaa?
A. Barbarua and Borphukan
B. Burhagohain and Borgohain
C. Barpatra Gohain and Borphukan
D. Rajkhowa and Phukan
Correct Answer: B. Burhagohain and Borgohain
Explanation:
The offices of Burhagohain and Borgohain are traditionally associated with the early Ahom administrative structure and existed from the time of Siu-Ka-Pha (Sukaphaa). The third Great Gohain office, Barpatra Gohain, was created later.
4. When was the office of Barpatra Gohain created?
A. 1228
B. 1497
C. 1527
D. 1671
Correct Answer: C. 1527
Explanation:
The office of Barpatra Gohain was created in 1527 during the reign of Suhungmung, also known as Dihingia Raja, who ruled from 1497 to 1539. This development expanded the group of senior Gohain ministers from two to three.
5. Suhungmung is also popularly known by which name?
A. Dihingia Raja
B. Bamuni Konwar
C. Gadadhar Singha
D. Rudra Singha
Correct Answer: A. Dihingia Raja
Explanation:
Suhungmung, who ruled from 1497 to 1539, is widely known as Dihingia Raja. His reign was a major period of Ahom territorial expansion and administrative development. Government of Assam material also connects his reign with the creation of the Barpatra Gohain office in 1527.
6. Which of the following was NOT one of the three Great Gohains?
A. Burhagohain
B. Borgohain
C. Barpatra Gohain
D. Borphukan
Correct Answer: D. Borphukan
Explanation:
The three Great Gohains were Burhagohain, Borgohain and Barpatra Gohain. The Borphukan was a separate high-ranking office, particularly associated with the western part of the Ahom kingdom and with important civil and military responsibilities.
7. What was one important feature of the Ahom political structure concerning senior offices?
A. All authority was concentrated in the Barbarua
B. All authority was concentrated in the Borphukan
C. Authority was distributed among several important offices
D. Ministers had no administrative responsibilities
Correct Answer: C. Authority was distributed among several important offices
Explanation:
The Ahom political system deliberately distributed authority among the king, Great Gohains, Barbarua, Borphukan and other officials. Government of Assam notes that the political structure took care not to concentrate too much power in one office. This distribution of responsibilities was an important feature of Ahom governance.
8. Which office was particularly associated with the western part of the Ahom kingdom?
A. Borphukan
B. Sadiya-khowa Gohain
C. Morongi-khowa Gohain
D. Hazarika
Correct Answer: A. Borphukan
Explanation:
The Borphukan was a major western regional authority of the Ahom kingdom. Historical descriptions associate the office particularly with Gauhati/Kamrup and western administration, combining important civil and military responsibilities. IGNCA material describes the Barphukan as the viceroy of Gauhati under the Ahom government.
9. Which Ahom official was associated with the administration of Sadiya?
A. Borphukan
B. Sadiya-khowa Gohain
C. Barbarua
D. Rajkhowa
Correct Answer: B. Sadiya-khowa Gohain
Explanation:
The Sadiya-khowa Gohain was the Ahom official associated with the administration of the Sadiya region. Government of Assam identifies this office as a local governorship within the wider Ahom administrative structure.
10. The Morongi-khowa Gohain was associated particularly with which region?
A. Doyang-Dhansiri region
B. Lower Bengal
C. Western Rajasthan
D. Barak Valley only
Correct Answer: A. Doyang-Dhansiri region
Explanation:
The Morongi-khowa Gohain was an important administrative office associated with the Doyang-Dhansiri/Morangi region. Government of Assam’s Golaghat historical account explains that after Ahom expansion into the area, a Morongi-khowa Gohain was appointed and people from different parts of the kingdom were settled there.
11. What was an important purpose of appointing a Morongi-khowa Gohain in the Doyang-Dhansiri area?
A. To supervise administration and settlement
B. To conduct overseas trade
C. To administer Bengal
D. To manage the royal cemetery at Charaideo
Correct Answer: A. To supervise administration and settlement
Explanation:
The appointment of the Morongi-khowa Gohain was connected with administration of the newly incorporated Doyang-Dhansiri region. Government of Assam records that people from different parts of the Ahom kingdom were settled in the area under this official. The settlement strategy also helped integrate the acquired territory into the Ahom state.
12. Which office was primarily associated with civil and revenue supervision at a high level?
A. Barbarua
B. Bora
C. Saikia
D. Paik
Correct Answer: A. Barbarua
Explanation:
The Barbarua was a high-ranking Ahom official associated broadly with civil and administrative responsibilities, including revenue-related supervision. An IGNCA glossary describes the Barbarua as an Ahom officer of rank with control and supervision ordinarily over civil and revenue affairs.
13. Which of the following correctly describes the Borphukan?
A. A royal priest
B. A high-ranking western regional civil-military official
C. A village cultivator
D. A royal burial officer
Correct Answer: B. A high-ranking western regional civil-military official
Explanation:
The Borphukan/Barphukan was an important high-ranking official associated with western Ahom territories, especially the Guwahati-Kamrup region. The office combined significant civil and military responsibilities. Historical material also shows the Borphukan supervising regional administration and strategic military arrangements.
14. Which official was traditionally associated with approximately 1,000 paiks?
A. Bora
B. Saikia
C. Hazarika
D. Barua
Correct Answer: C. Hazarika
Explanation:
The Hazarika was associated with approximately 1,000 paiks in the commonly cited numerical hierarchy. The corresponding sequence is Bora – 20, Saikia – 100 and Hazarika – 1,000. Government of Assam specifically provides this numerical association.
15. Which official was associated with approximately 100 paiks?
A. Saikia
B. Bora
C. Hazarika
D. Borphukan
Correct Answer: A. Saikia
Explanation:
A Saikia was traditionally associated with approximately 100 paiks. This was part of the graded manpower organisation of the Ahom state. The numerical hierarchy helped the administration organise and mobilise state manpower.
16. A Bora was traditionally associated with approximately:
A. 10 paiks
B. 20 paiks
C. 100 paiks
D. 1,000 paiks
Correct Answer: B. 20 paiks
Explanation:
A Bora was traditionally associated with approximately 20 paiks. The IGNCA glossary describes the Borah as a supervisor over twenty paiks, while Government of Assam material also gives the same numerical relationship.
17. Which sequence is correctly matched?
A. Bora – 20; Saikia – 100; Hazarika – 1,000
B. Bora – 100; Saikia – 1,000; Hazarika – 20
C. Bora – 1,000; Saikia – 20; Hazarika – 100
D. Bora – 50; Saikia – 200; Hazarika – 500
Correct Answer: A. Bora – 20; Saikia – 100; Hazarika – 1,000
Explanation:
This is an important factual sequence for Assam History examinations:
Bora → 20 paiks
Saikia → 100 paiks
Hazarika → 1,000 paiks
These officials were part of the wider manpower organisation connected with the Paik System.
18. Which office is best described as an officer associated with the supervision of a department or khel?
A. Barua
B. Swargadeo
C. Burhagohain
D. Borphukan
Correct Answer: A. Barua
Explanation:
The title Barua was used for officials of rank who could have responsibility for a department or khel. The IGNCA glossary describes a Barua as an officer of rank having superintendence over a department or a khel. The exact functions of individual Baruas could vary according to their assignment.
19. Which of the following pairs is correctly matched?
A. Sadiya-khowa Gohain — Sadiya region
B. Borphukan — Charaideo royal necropolis
C. Hazarika — Royal priest
D. Bora — Head of state
Correct Answer: A. Sadiya-khowa Gohain — Sadiya region
Explanation:
The Sadiya-khowa Gohain was associated with the administration of Sadiya. The Borphukan was a regional civil-military authority, Hazarika was connected with the Paik organisation, and the Swargadeo—not the Bora—was the head of the state.
20. Which office belonged to the highest ministerial group of the Ahom state?
A. Burhagohain
B. Saikia
C. Bora
D. Barua
Correct Answer: A. Burhagohain
Explanation:
The Burhagohain was one of the three Great Gohains and therefore belonged to the highest ministerial level of the Ahom administration. The other two Great Gohains were Borgohain and Barpatra Gohain. The Bora, Saikia and Barua belonged to different administrative levels and had different functions.
21. Which statement about Burhagohain and Borgohain is correct?
A. Both offices originated only in the British period
B. Both offices existed from the time of Sukaphaa
C. Both were exclusively village-level offices
D. Both were titles for Paik soldiers
Correct Answer: B. Both offices existed from the time of Sukaphaa
Explanation:
Government of Assam historical material states that the offices of Burhagohain and Borgohain existed from the time of Siu-Ka-Pha (Sukaphaa). Their presence reflects the importance of ministerial institutions in the early Ahom state.
22. Which development occurred during the reign of Suhungmung?
A. Creation of the Barpatra Gohain office
B. Abolition of all Gohain offices
C. Introduction of British district administration
D. Establishment of the colonial Legislative Council
Correct Answer: A. Creation of the Barpatra Gohain office
Explanation:
The office of Barpatra Gohain was created in 1527 during the reign of Suhungmung (1497–1539). This became the third Great Gohain office alongside Burhagohain and Borgohain.
23. Which statement best describes the relationship between the Great Gohains and the Ahom king?
A. They were independent foreign rulers
B. They were senior ministers who exercised considerable political influence
C. They were only religious priests
D. They were subordinate village tax collectors
Correct Answer: B. They were senior ministers who exercised considerable political influence
Explanation:
The Great Gohains were senior political figures within the Ahom state. Although the Swargadeo remained the head of the kingdom, the three Great Gohains possessed considerable influence and administrative responsibilities. The Ahom system therefore combined royal authority with powerful ministerial institutions.
24. Which office is particularly associated with the western administration of the Ahom kingdom and the defence of the Guwahati region?
A. Borphukan
B. Sadiya-khowa Gohain
C. Morongi-khowa Gohain
D. Saikia
Correct Answer: A. Borphukan
Explanation:
The Borphukan was particularly important in the western territories, especially the Guwahati-Kamrup region. Historical accounts show the office combining civil administration with military responsibilities and strategic defence. During conflicts with the Mughals, the office became especially significant in organising western defence.
25. Which statement best characterises the Ahom system of administrative offices?
A. It consisted of only the king and village chiefs
B. It combined central ministers, regional governors and specialised officials
C. It depended exclusively on Mughal administrative institutions
D. It had no distinction between military and civil responsibilities
Correct Answer: B. It combined central ministers, regional governors and specialised officials
Explanation:
The Ahom administrative system was multi-layered. At the top was the Swargadeo, supported by the Great Gohains and other senior officials such as the Barbarua and Borphukan. Regional offices such as Sadiya-khowa and Morongi-khowa Gohain administered particular territories, while Phukans, Rajkhowas, Baruas and Paik-related officials performed specialised functions. This structure allowed the Ahom state to govern an expanding and diverse territory.
Important Administrative Hierarchy for Revision
A simplified examination-oriented framework is:
Swargadeo
↓
Three Great Gohains / Patra Mantris
- Burhagohain
- Borgohain
- Barpatra Gohain
↓
Other major high-ranking offices
- Barbarua
- Borphukan
↓
Regional / specialised officials
- Sadiya-khowa Gohain
- Morongi-khowa Gohain
- Other Gohains
- Phukans
- Rajkhowas
- Baruas
↓
Paik-related officials
- Hazarika
- Saikia
- Bora
This is a simplified study framework, not a rigid modern departmental hierarchy. Individual offices could have different responsibilities according to period and assignment.
Great Gohains: Key Facts
Burhagohain
The Burhagohain was one of the senior ministers of the Ahom kingdom and is traditionally regarded as the chief among the Great Gohains.
Borgohain
The Borgohain was another major ministerial office. The office, like the Burhagohain, existed from the early period of Ahom rule.
Barpatra Gohain
The Barpatra Gohain became the third Great Gohain. Government of Assam records that the office was created in 1527 during the reign of Suhungmung.
Barbarua and Borphukan
The Barbarua and Borphukan were among the most important high-ranking officials outside the group of Great Gohains.
The Barbarua had broad civil and administrative responsibilities, while the Borphukan was especially important in western Assam. An IGNCA historical glossary identifies the Barbarua with civil and revenue supervision and the Barphukan with the viceroyal administration of Gauhati under the Ahom government.
This distinction is particularly important in examinations:
Barbarua → senior civil/administrative responsibilities
Borphukan → western regional civil-military authority
Regional Administration: Sadiya-khowa and Morongi-khowa Gohain
The Ahom state did not administer all conquered territories in exactly the same manner.
Sadiya-khowa Gohain
The Sadiya-khowa Gohain administered the Sadiya region. The office illustrates how the Ahom state placed regional territories under specialised governors.
Morongi-khowa Gohain
The Morongi-khowa Gohain was associated with the Doyang-Dhansiri region. Government of Assam’s historical account of Golaghat notes that the Ahom king appointed this official after the incorporation of the area and that people from different parts of the kingdom were settled there.
This demonstrates that Ahom administration involved not only military conquest but also territorial integration, population settlement and administrative reorganisation.
Ahom Officials and the Paik System
The administrative offices cannot be studied separately from the Paik System.
Adult male subjects were liable for state service, and the state organised this manpower through various levels. Government of Assam identifies the approximate relationships:
- Bora → 20 paiks
- Saikia → 100 paiks
- Hazarika → 1,000 paiks
The Paik System provided manpower for:
- Military service
- Agriculture
- Construction
- Irrigation
- Public works
- Other state requirements
Thus, the administrative offices and the Paik System worked together to provide the Ahom state with an organised manpower structure.
Administrative Organisation and State Integration
The Ahom administrative system was particularly important as the kingdom expanded.
When new territories were incorporated, the state could:
- Establish regional offices.
- Appoint governors or other officials.
- Resettle people from established parts of the kingdom.
- Organise local populations into state institutions.
- Mobilise manpower through the Paik System.
- Integrate the territory into the wider administrative network.
The Doyang-Dhansiri example is particularly useful. Government of Assam records that people from different parts of the Ahom kingdom were settled there under the Morongi-khowa Gohain, creating a mixed settlement pattern intended to reduce the possibility of rebellion in the newly acquired area.
Historical Sources for Studying Ahom Administration
The study of Ahom administrative offices depends on several categories of evidence.
1. Buranjis
Buranjis are historical chronicles associated particularly with the Ahom period. The Directorate of Historical and Antiquarian Studies publishes and preserves several important Buranjis, including:
- Deodhai Assam Buranji
- Assam Buranji
- Kamrupar Buranji
- Tungkhungia Buranji
- Assam Buranji Sara
The official DHAS publication list confirms these works and their editions.
2. Ahom and Tai Manuscripts
The Directorate of Historical and Antiquarian Studies’ Ahom Studies programme preserves more than 240 manuscripts in Ahom and other Tai languages. These materials are important for reconstructing the history and culture of the Ahom period.
3. Archaeological Evidence
Archaeological remains provide material evidence for Ahom administration, elite institutions, religious activities and public works.
For example, Assam’s Directorate of Archaeology records the Barpatra Gohain Dol Pukhuri Archaeological Site and notes its association with the Barpatra Gohain family during the reign of Rudra Singha.
Such archaeological evidence complements textual sources.
Important Chronology
| Date / Period | Administrative Development |
|---|---|
| 1228 | Sukaphaa begins Ahom rule in the Brahmaputra Valley |
| Early Ahom period | Burhagohain and Borgohain offices established |
| 1497–1539 | Reign of Suhungmung / Dihingia Raja |
| 1527 | Barpatra Gohain office created |
| 16th century onward | Expansion of regional and specialised administrative institutions |
| Later Ahom period | Increasingly complex network of Gohains, Phukans, Rajkhowas, Baruas and Paik officials |
Common Examination Traps
Trap 1: Barpatra Gohain existed from Sukaphaa’s time
Incorrect. Burhagohain and Borgohain are associated with the early period; the Barpatra Gohain office was created in 1527.
Trap 2: Borphukan was one of the three Great Gohains
Incorrect. The three Great Gohains were Burhagohain, Borgohain and Barpatra Gohain.
Trap 3: Barbarua and Borphukan had identical functions
Incorrect. They were separate offices with distinct responsibilities.
Trap 4: Sadiya-khowa Gohain administered western Assam
Incorrect. The office was associated with Sadiya.
Trap 5: Hazarika, Saikia and Bora were the Great Gohains
Incorrect. They were officials associated with the organisation of paiks.
Trap 6: The Ahom king had no ministerial council
Incorrect. The Great Gohains and other senior officials formed an important part of the political and administrative structure.
Targeting Exams
This lesson is especially useful for:
Assam State-Level Exams
- APSC Combined Competitive Examination
- Assam Direct Recruitment Examination (ADRE)
- Assam Police recruitment examinations
- Assam Grade III and Grade IV examinations
- Assam Secretariat recruitment examinations
- Assam TET and Special TET
National-Level Exams
- UPSC Civil Services Examination
- SSC examinations
- Railway Recruitment examinations
- CAPF examinations
Teaching Examinations
- CTET
- Assam TET
- Other state-level teacher recruitment examinations involving History and General Studies
Other Competitive Exams
- Assam History and Culture examinations
- University entrance examinations
- General Knowledge and General Studies examinations
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who was the head of the Ahom administration?
The Swargadeo, or Ahom king, was the head of the state.
2. Who were the three Great Gohains?
They were Burhagohain, Borgohain and Barpatra Gohain.
3. Which two Gohain offices existed from the time of Sukaphaa?
The offices of Burhagohain and Borgohain existed from the early Ahom period.
4. When was the Barpatra Gohain office created?
It was created in 1527, during the reign of Suhungmung/Dihingia Raja.
5. What was the role of the Barbarua?
The Barbarua was a senior official associated broadly with civil and administrative, including revenue-related, responsibilities.
6. What was the role of the Borphukan?
The Borphukan was a major western regional authority with important civil and military responsibilities, especially around the Guwahati-Kamrup region.
7. Who administered the Sadiya region?
The Sadiya-khowa Gohain was associated with its administration.
8. Who was the Morongi-khowa Gohain?
The Morongi-khowa Gohain was an important regional official associated with the Doyang-Dhansiri/Morangi area.
9. What are the numerical associations of Bora, Saikia and Hazarika?
The commonly cited sequence is Bora – 20, Saikia – 100 and Hazarika – 1,000 paiks.
10. Which sources are important for studying Ahom administration?
Buranjis, Ahom and Tai manuscripts, archaeological evidence and modern historical scholarship are important sources. DHAS preserves and publishes several important Buranjis and Ahom/Tai materials.
Key Takeaways
- Swargadeo = Ahom king and head of state.
- Burhagohain, Borgohain and Barpatra Gohain = three Great Gohains.
- Burhagohain and Borgohain belonged to the early Ahom ministerial structure.
- Barpatra Gohain office was created in 1527.
- Suhungmung/Dihingia Raja ruled from 1497–1539.
- Barbarua = important senior civil/administrative official.
- Borphukan = major western regional civil-military authority.
- Sadiya-khowa Gohain = associated with Sadiya administration.
- Morongi-khowa Gohain = associated with the Doyang-Dhansiri/Morangi region.
- Bora → 20 paiks
- Saikia → 100 paiks
- Hazarika → 1,000 paiks
- Ahom administration deliberately distributed authority among several important offices.
- Buranjis, manuscripts and archaeological remains are important sources for reconstructing Ahom administrative history.
Quick Revision Formula
Swargadeo → Great Gohains → Barbarua/Borphukan → Regional Gohains/Phukans/Rajkhowas/Baruas → Paik Officials
Great Gohains = Burhagohain + Borgohain + Barpatra Gohain
Paik hierarchy = Bora 20 → Saikia 100 → Hazarika 1,000