A Sketch of Assam: With some account of the Hill TribesButler, John, Major
History
A Sketch of Assam: With some account of the Hill Tribes
Butler, John, Major
Assam (India) -- Description and travel; Assam (India) -- Social life and customs; Ethnology -- India -- Assam
In 1784 the Moa Mareyas again rebelled, and having expelled the Rajah
Goureenath they proceeded to place two others upon the Guddee, or
throne, one named Bhurt Sing as Rajah of Rungpore or Upper Assam, the
other Surbamend (the father of Malebar Bursenaputtee, who died in 1839)
as Rajah of Mooran or Muttuck. Both these chiefs marked their rule
by establishing a mint, and some of their coins are to be met with at
the present day. Being driven from Upper Assam, the Rajah Goureenath
solicited the aid of the British Government; and his request being
acceded to, Captain Welsh was sent with one or two battalions, in 1794,
A.D. Having taken Rungpore, Goureenath was replaced on the Guddee;
but Captain Welsh did not penetrate into the Muttuck country. The
next Rajah, Kumalepur, raised two corps of Hindoostanees, armed and
disciplined in the English fashion, and ordered them to undertake the
conquest of Muttuck; but although successful in some degree, they
were unable to obtain permanent possession, owing to the harassing
mode of warfare pursued by the Bursenaputtee, who retired to his
fastnesses. However, the struggle was at length terminated by his
agreeing to pay an annual tribute in the shape of elephants, Moongah
silk, &c. It is asserted by the Assamese at Rungpore and Jorehath that,
at this period, the Bursenaputtee agreed to pay a tribute of 10,000
rupees; but that chief positively denied this to the Political Agent,
and it is believed there is no record in existence of such a sum, or
even part of it, being paid: though the acknowledgment of the Rajah
of Assam is undeniable. As regards the Muttucks, the statements of
the people connected with the late Court of Assam, and the followers
of Doorga throughout the province, ought to be received with a great
deal of caution; for both classes are animated by a bitter spirit
of hatred, occasioned by the twofold conquest and plunder of their
capital; and the temporary triumph of a rival sectarian party still
rankles in their minds.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account