Saraighat

Saraighat refers primarily to two distinct entities in the context of Assam, India:

1. The Battle of Saraighat (1671): This was a naval battle fought in 1671 between the Mughal Empire (led by the Kachwaha Rajput Raja Ram Singh I) and the Ahom Kingdom (led by the Ahom general Lachit Borphukan) on the Brahmaputra River near Guwahati. The Ahom forces, despite being numerically inferior and facing a technologically superior enemy, decisively defeated the Mughals through a combination of guerilla tactics, naval strategy, exploiting the terrain, and strong leadership from Lachit Borphukan. This victory halted the Mughal expansion into Assam for a considerable period. The Battle of Saraighat is considered a pivotal moment in Assam's history, symbolizing resistance against foreign rule.

2. Saraighat Bridge: There are multiple bridges named Saraighat Bridge spanning the Brahmaputra River near Guwahati, connecting the north and south banks. The first Saraighat Bridge, a road-cum-rail bridge, was inaugurated in 1962. It played a crucial role in connecting the northeastern states to the rest of India. Subsequently, a second road bridge (Saraighat Rail-cum-Road Bridge), built parallel to the original, was inaugurated in 2017 to ease traffic congestion. These bridges are vital for transportation and communication infrastructure in the region.