Riyaz al-salatin 3.1.6

3.1.6

And the mountain of Bhutan, which is the abode of the Bhutiahs, lies to south of Kuch Behar. Tangan horses and Bhūt and Barī horses and the musk-deer are found in this mountain. In the centre of this tract, a river runs between two rocks, its breadth is small, but it is very deep, and its current is strong. An iron-chain is put across the top of the river, and its ends are affixed to pieces of rocks on the two sides of the river, and a second chain is put over the first chain at a distance, equal to the height of a man. Pedestrians cross the river by placing their feet on the lower chain and seizing with their hand the upper chain. And what is stranger is that horses and all other loads and baggages are ferried across this river along this very chain. The people of this tract are ruddy-complexioned and fat; their hairs fall hanging down their heads and necks. Their dress consists of only one rag, just sufficient to cover the private parts. Men and women of this place dress in the same manner. The pronunciations in their language resemble those of the people of Kuch Behar. It is said that mines of turquoise-stone also exist in this mountain. Between the north and the east of the country of Bengal, bordering on the tract of Kamrup, is the vilayat or province of Asham (Assam). In its middle, the river Brahmaputra flows from east to west.