Lachit Borphukan was the son of Momai Tamuli Borbarua, the first Borbarua (Phu-Ke-Lung) of upper-Assam and Commander-in-Chief of the Ahom army) under Prataap Singha. His mother's name was Kunti Moran. He was born in Charaideo to a Tai Ahom family. Lachit Borphukan was educated in Humanities, indigenous scriptures and military skills. He was given the responsibility of serving as the "Soladhara Barua" ("scarf-bearer") of the Ahom Swargadeo, a position equivalent to a Private Secretaryship, which was regarded as the first step for a career as an ambitious diplomat or politician. Other offices held by Lachit before his appointment as Borphukan included Superintendent of the Stable of Royal Horses ("Ghora Barua"), Commander of the strategic Simulgarh Fort and Superintendent of the Royal Household Guards ("Dolakaxaria Barua") for King Chakradhwaj Singha.