A History of Assam c10.87

c10.87

There were no further hostilities until 1635 when the Muhammadans, after being defeated in several successive engagements, made their last stand at Hājo, which fell after a gallant defence. The whole country west of the Bar Nadi then fell into the hands of the Ahoms. A fresh expedition was sent up from Bengal in 1637, and the Ahoms and their ally Dharma Nārāyan were gradually driven back. A decisive defeat was inflicted on them at Kājali near the mouth of the Kallang. Bali Nārāyan fled and was hotly pursued. He was reduced to great straits, and was eventually killed near Singiri Parbat. In 1638 peace was negotiated. The country west of the Bar Nadi was given up to the Muhammadans, and the Ahoms were left in undisturbed possession of the rest of the kingdom formerly ruled by Parikshit. When Dharma Nārāyan died his son Sundar Nārāyan was installed in his place by the Ahom king, who instructed him to consult the Bar Phukan on all important matters. He made his headquarters at Mangaldai. From this time the eastern Koch kings can no longer be regarded as independent rulers. They still administered a tract, which was more or less coterminous with the Mangaldai subdivision, but they did so as the subordinates of the Ahoms, and their position differed but little from that of the Sāring Raja, the Sadiya Khowa Gohāin and other local governors of the Ahom kings. The western Koch kings continued to rule as vassals of the Muhammadans; and their kingdom still survives, though within narrower limits, in the modern State of Koch Bihār. But their territory lay to the west of the Sankosh and did not include any part of the country which is now comprised within the limits of Assam.