Historicizing Disability in Assam: A Study from the Ahom Dynasty

The chapter attempts to study the historical trajectory of an event that led to political chaos and a shift in the Ahom dynasty that ruled Assam from 1228 to 1838. The theory of Divine Kingship of Ahom monarchy was used by vested interest groups to such an extent wherein to eliminate rivalries princes were being maimed. A minor scratch mark on the body was sufficient to deprive a prince of his right to kingship. In the period between the years 1673 to 1681, the Ahom dynasty was marked by political instability when the state killed or mutilated a large number of princes of the royal family. The chapter wishes to study the larger cultural and social impact of such practices as this period has been retold many times through different popular mediums.