Suramphaa

Suramphaa (1641–1644) was a king of the Ahom kingdom. Due to his moral disposition, which was severely lacking, he is referred to as the bhoga roja in the Buranjis.

Accession Suramphaa, one of the three eligible sons of the previous Ahom king, Susenghphaa (Pratap Singha), acceded to the Ahom throne in alliance with Sutingphaa against Sai, both of whom were his brothers. Due to his scandalous life, as well as the depredations of an adopted son whom he announced as heir apparent, the Ahom nobles deposed and poisoned him and installed Sutingphaa as the king.

Sumptuary Laws

During Suramphaa's reign, sumptuary regulations were introduced to restrict displays of wealth and enforce distinctions of social rank. Hindus were prohibited from wearing gold beads, rings and thuria, while Ahoms were expected to live according to the standards prescribed for their position; attempting to exceed one's rank could be punished with death. Hindu women were also forbidden from wearing elaborate mekhela chadors, and restrictions were imposed on the form of houses that Hindus could build.

Queen Nangram and Deposition

Suramphaa brought a Chutia woman, daughter of a Chutia sonari (goldsmith) , into the royal household, gave her the name Nangram and made her his queen, despite opposition from the ministers and other officers. The Satsari Assam Buranji identifies the woman more specifically as a niece of Bhandari Gohain, a Chutia officer who had served under Pratap Singha.

The queen Nangram adopted the son of her former husband's elder brother, whom Suramphaa intended to make his heir. After the child died, the king ordered the three Dangarias, together with the Phukans and Baruas, to provide boys to be buried with him. The nobles opposed the order and, after consultation, removed Suramphaa from power by placing him on a boat and sending him to Tokobari.