Margherita inaugurates Rs 2.2cr Chilarai Bhavan

Dibrugarh: Union minister of state for external affairs Pabitra Margherita officially inaugurated the newly constructed Chilarai Bhavan in Sivasagar on Sunday while celebrating the cultural heritage of the Koch community.Built at an estimated cost of Rs 2.2 crore, the complex is dedicated to the memory of legendary military strategist Bir Chilarai. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Thowra MLA Sushanta Borgohain and chairman of the Koch Rajbangshi Development Council Kumar Pranab Narayan Dev among others.The facility is expected to serve as a hub for community gatherings, cultural preservation, and the promotion of the rich history of the Koch-Rajbangshi people.Bir Chilarai, born as Sukladhwaja (1510–1571 AD), remains one of the most revered figures in Assam’s history. As the third son of Biswa Singha — the founder of the Koch Dynasty — and the younger brother of the great King Nara Narayan, Chilarai served as both the commander-in-chief and the finance minister (dewan) of the Kamata Kingdom.His moniker, ‘Chilarai’, translates to ‘Kite Prince’. The title was bestowed upon him due to his extraordinary military brilliance.During the ceremony, Margherita highlighted the importance of honouring local heroes to inspire future generations.“The inauguration of the Chilarai Bhavan will help in preserving the legacy of a warrior who unified regions and protected our cultural identity. Bir Chilarai’s swiftness and strategic mind are legendary, and this centre will ensure his contributions are never forgotten,” Margherita said.MLA Sushanta Borgohain added that the completion of the project marks a milestone for the district’s infrastructure. “The Koch Rajbangshi community now has a state-of-the-art facility to host their socio-cultural events while keeping the spirit of Mahabir Chilarai alive in Sivasagar,” Borgohain said.The Koch Dynasty played a pivotal role in the 16th century, expanding their influence across much of present-day Assam, North Bengal, and parts of Bangladesh. Chilarai was instrumental in these conquests, often leading his brother’s armies to victory against the Ahoms and other neighbouring kingdoms.