A History of Assam c11.102

c11.102

∗ This is the statement of the Ahom historians, and is probably correct. The previous use of fire-arms is nowhere mentioned in any history or tradition. Tavernier, however, in narrating the result of Mir Jumla's expedition to Assam in 1663, says:— " 'Tis thought that these (the Ahoms) were the people that formerly invented gunpowder; which spread itself from Asām to Pegu and from Pegu to China, from when the invention has been attributed to the Chinese. However, certain it is that Mirgimola brought from thence several pieces of cannon, which were all iron guns, and store of excellent powder, both made in the country. The powder is round and small like ours, and of excellent quality." (Tavernier, London, 1678, Pt. II, Bk. III, p. 187).