About the Kachari (Dimasa) Kingdom — Rulers of the Barak and the Hills
The Kachari (Dimasa) kingdom was one of the major indigenous states of the Brahmaputra valley, and like the Chutiyas it looked to the Mahabharata for its origins — the Dimasa Kacharis claimed descent from Hidimba. Their early capital was Dimapur, which lies in present-day Nagaland. From there the kingdom controlled parts of the Barak valley (present-day Cachar) along with tracts in Nagaon and the surrounding hill country, which is why it is remembered as both a valley and a hill power.
The Kacharis clashed repeatedly with the Ahoms and with the Koch kingdom. The decisive reverse came in 1536, when the Ahom king Suhungmung defeated them and their king Khunkhara was killed. After this defeat the capital was shifted from Dimapur to Maibang, in present-day Dima Hasao district. Later it moved again, this time to Khaspur, near present-day Silchar.
The later Kachari kings adopted Hindu royal titles and names. Under Krishnachandra (who ruled roughly c. 1774-1813) the palace at Khaspur was built, and he is remembered as a patron of the arts. The last independent king was Govindachandra. In 1832 Cachar passed under British rule, bringing the Kachari kingdom to an end as an independent state.
The Kachari kingdom matters because it represents the long political presence of the Dimasa people in Assam, and because its struggles with the Ahoms and the Kochs shaped the medieval map of the region. The story also traces a clear path: from Dimapur in the hills to Maibang after the Ahom attack, and finally to Khaspur in the Barak valley before the British takeover.
Main Facts about the Kachari (Dimasa) Kingdom (Quick Revision Bullets)
- People: the Dimasa Kacharis, an indigenous kingdom of the Brahmaputra valley.
- Origin claim: descent from Hidimba of the Mahabharata.
- Early capital: Dimapur, in present-day Nagaland.
- Territory: parts of the Barak valley (present-day Cachar), Nagaon and the hills.
- Main rivals: the Ahoms and the Koch kingdom.
- Defeat: 1536, by the Ahom king Suhungmung; their king Khunkhara was killed.
- Capital after 1536: Maibang, in present-day Dima Hasao district.
- Last capital: Khaspur, near present-day Silchar.
- Palace builder: Krishnachandra, who ruled roughly c. 1774-1813 and was a patron of arts.
- Last independent king: Govindachandra.
- British rule: Cachar came under the British in 1832.
Why the Kachari (Dimasa) Kingdom Matters for Assam Competitive Exams
The Kacharis are one of the three great non-Ahom powers of medieval Assam (with the Chutiyas and Kochs), so questions frequently ask about their capital, their clashes with the Ahoms, and their eventual absorption. The key facts — Dimapur, the 1536 defeat, Maibang, Khaspur, Krishnachandra, Govindachandra and 1832 — are tested in matching and sequence form. The topic also illustrates how a hill-based kingdom moved into the valley and then into the colonial order.
How to Prepare the Kachari Kingdom for Assam Exams
- Track the capitals. Dimapur → Maibang (after 1536) → Khaspur.
- Fix the Ahom clash. 1536, Suhungmung, king Khunkhara killed.
- Remember the later kings. Krishnachandra built the Khaspur palace; Govindachandra was the last independent king.
- Note the end. Cachar came under British rule in 1832.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the early capital of the Kachari kingdom?
Dimapur, which is located in present-day Nagaland.
Who defeated the Kacharis in 1536?
The Ahom king Suhungmung defeated them, and their king Khunkhara was killed.
Where was the Kachari capital shifted after 1536?
It was shifted to Maibang, in present-day Dima Hasao district, and later to Khaspur near Silchar.
Who built the palace at Khaspur?
Krishnachandra, who ruled roughly c. 1774-1813 and was known as a patron of the arts.
When did the Kachari kingdom end as an independent state?
In 1832, when Cachar came under British rule; Govindachandra was the last independent king.