A History of Assam c11.27

c11.27

He crossed a river called the Khāmnāmjāng in rafts, and came to the Nongnyāng lake. Some Nāgas attempted to resist his advance, but he defeated them and perpetrated frightful atrocities on those whom he captured. He caused many of them to be killed and roasted, and compelled their relatives to eat their flesh. This ghastly barbarity created such widespread terror that the other Nāgas of the neighbourhood all hastened to make their submission. Leaving one of his nobles to rule the conquered country, Sukāphā proceeded to Dangkāorang, Khāmhāngpung and Nāmrup. He bridged the Sessa river and ascended the Dihing, but, finding the place unsuitable, he retraced his steps and, proceeding downstream, reached Tipām. Thence he went, in 1236 A.D., to Mungklang Chekhru (Abhaypur), where he stayed for several years. In 1240, this tract of country became flooded during the rainy season, so he left it and descended the Brahmaputra to Hābung, where he spent two years. While here, the Ahoms lived by cultivation. But this place also was liable to inundation, and in 1244 a heavy flood necessitated another move. Sukāphā, therefore, continued his journey down the Brahmaputra till he reached the mouth of the Dikhu. Thence he went to Ligirigāon. In 1246 he proceeded to Simaluguri, leaving a detachment at Ligirigāon. He stayed here for some years. It is said that he contemplated an attack on the people inhabiting the valley of the Nāmdāng (a tributary of the Dikhu), but gave up the idea on finding how numerous they were. In 1253 Simaluguri was abandoned in favour of Charāideo, where a city was built amid general rejoicings. To celebrate the occasion two horses were sacrificed to the Gods, and prayers were offered by the Deodhāis under a mulberry tree.