Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the history that is taught in India even after Independence is one that was written “as part of a conspiracy” during the colonial era. He was speaking at the 400th birth anniversary celebrations of Assam war hero Lachit Barphukan.

“India’s history is the history of warriors, the history of victory, the history of sacrifice, selflessness and bravery,” Modi said. He further said: “After Independence there was a need to change the agenda of slavery but it did not happen.” He said that in every corner of the country, brave sons and daughters fought oppressors but this history was intentionally suppressed. “Is the valour of Lachit Barphukan not important? Are the sacrifices of thousands of people in Assam against Mughals not important?” the prime minister asked.

Barphukan’s life inspires us to rise above dynasty and think about the country. He had said that no relationship is bigger than the country, Modi said. Barphukan was the famous General of the Royal Army of the Ahom Kingdom of Assam who defeated the Mughals and successfully halted their ever expanding ambitions under Aurangzeb.