02/11/2026
𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗽𝗵𝗮𝗸𝗿𝗶, a courageous Bodo heroine from Assam, is remembered for her resistance to British exploitation and oppressive revenue policies. Her story forms an important, though insufficiently recognised, chapter in India’s struggle against colonial rule.
Known in Bodo oral traditions as Birgwsri Sikhla, she was reportedly born in 1810 in the Poob Duar region of the Bijni Kingdom. Skilled in horseback riding and combat, she was appointed an Izaradar, or revenue collector, in 1842 and reportedly promoted to Tehsildar in 1845. She is widely regarded as the first woman to hold such a position under British rule in India.
While serving in the administration, Thengphakri became deeply disturbed by the hardships colonial taxation inflicted on ordinary people. Her growing opposition to British injustice, strengthened by the death of her uncle Priyo Mushahary, eventually led her to abandon her position and organise armed resistance.
With a small group of trusted followers, she retreated into the forests and employed guerrilla tactics against British forces. Her courage inspired local communities at a time when women rarely held positions of authority. She was reportedly killed in 1865 near Birjhora Hill in the erstwhile Bijni Kingdom.
Her legacy survives through Bodo oral traditions and literary works, notably Mamoni Raisom Goswami’s "The Bronze Sword of Thengphakri Tehsildar" and Bidyasagar Narzary’s "The Sword of Birgosri". Thengphakri remains an inspiring symbol of indigenous courage and sacrifice whose contribution deserves wider recognition.
Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India
CMO Assam
