A History of Assam c11.73

c11.73

In 1523 the Chutiyas laid siege to this fort, but met with a stubborn resistance. Suhungmung hurried to the place with strong reinforcements, and arrived on the very day on which the Chutiyas were delivering their assault. He at once made a counter-attack, and the Chutiyas were utterly routed. They sued for peace and sent valuable presents, but Suhungmung would accept nothing less than the heirlooms of the Chutiya king, his gold cat, gold elephant, and gold umbrella. These being refused, the war was continued. The Chutiyas fortified a position at the mouth of one of the rivers near Sadiya, but were easily dislodged by the Ahoms, who crossed the river on a bridge of boats and pursued the retreating Chutiyas as far as the Kāitara hill. The latter then occupied the hill Chautan (Chaudangiri), and for some time kept the Ahoms in check by rolling down heavy stones. As it was found impossible to win the position by a frontal attack, a force was detailed to take the enemy in the rear. The back of the mountain was precipitous, and, at first, the ascent seemed impracticable; but the Ahom soldiers were not to be denied, and, by holding on to creepers, they at last gained the summit. The Chutiyas, taken by surprise, fled hastily to Jāngmungkhām (Māthādāng), when another engagement was forced on them. Their king was killed by an arrow, and his eldest son, who rushed forward to avenge his death, was also slain. The Chutiyas then gave way, and fled, hotly pursued by the Ahoms, who took a great number of prisoners, including the whole of the royal family except the principal queen who, preferring death to captivity, killed herself with a spear. The captives and loot (including the royal heirlooms) were presented to Suhungmung, together with the heads of the Chutiya king and his son. These were buried under the steps of the temple at Charāideo, so that the Ahom king might walk over them whenever he entered the temple.