Lachit Borphukan’s bravery underlines the identity of Assam and his life was a lesson that neither nepotism nor dynastic politics, but the nation was supreme, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at the closing ceremony of yearlong celebrations commemorating the 400th birth anniversary of the 16th century Assam general here on Friday.

The history of India, which was “written as a conspiracy” during slavery was not just about subjugation by “tyrannical rulers” who invaded it, but countless stories of victories over this tyranny following long periods of repression by them, he added.

“I bow to the hallowed land of Assam that gave us heroes like Lachit Borphukan. He played a pivotal role in preserving the culture of Assam. His bravery and fearlessness is the identity of Assam,” he said.

In an apparent dig at the Congress, he also spoke of Lachit Borphukan’s life as providing inspiration for holding the nation above “nepotism and dynasty.”