Origin

The Dimasa Kingdom’s origins are shrouded in a mix of tradition, legend, and historical accounts. According to tradition, they were initially based in Kamarupa, with their kings belonging to a lineage known as Ha-tsung-tsa or Ha-cheng-sa, a name first recorded on a coin dating back to 1520. However, political upheaval forced some of them to migrate, and during their journey across the Brahmaputra River, some were swept away, leading to the name “Dimasa,” meaning “Son-of-the-big-river.”

Evidence suggests a close connection between Dimasa traditions and those of the Chutiya kingdom, indicating initial unity followed by divergence. Linguistic studies also support this, indicating similarities between the Dimasa language and the Moran language, which was spoken in eastern Assam until the early 20th century. This suggests that the Dimasa kingdom may have had a presence in eastern Assam even before the arrival of the Ahoms. Legend plays a significant role in Dimasa history, with tales of extraordinary figures such as Hachengsa, also known as Hasengcha, who was raised by tigers in a forest near Dimapur. According to legend, Hachengsa became a king after replacing the existing ruler following divine oracles, suggesting the emergence of a strong military leader capable of consolidating power. The Hasengcha Sengfang clan emerged from him, with Dimasa kings tracing their lineage back to him until the 19th century. While various traditions and legends exist regarding the early history of the Dimasa kingdom, the most reliable sources come from Buranjis, which primarily narrate conflicts between the Ahom and Dimasa polities.In terms of early historical accounts, references to the Dimasas can be found in Ahom chronicles. According to these accounts, during the reigns of Ahom kings Sukaphaa and Suteuphaa in the 13th century, encounters occurred between the Ahoms and Dimasas along rivers such as Dikhou and Kolong. These encounters suggest that the Dimasas controlled a significant region between the Dikhu River in the east and the Kolong River in the west, including the Dhansiri valley and the northern Cachar hills. In early history of the Dimasa kingdom is a complex tapestry of tradition, legend, and historical accounts, with elements of migration, political upheaval, and encounters with neighboring polities shaping its development and expansion over time.