A History of Assam c12.114

c12.114

Towards the end of September, however, the rains ceased and communications became easier. Ibn Husain, who had been left in charge of the Mughal fleet at Lakhau, withdrew the garrison from Dewalgāon when he heard that Mir Jumla was isolated at Garhgāon. But he maintained the outposts at Koliābar and other places on the Brahmaputra further west, and kept up constant communication with Gauhāti. He also took the offensive against the Ahom forces on the Mājuli and prevented them from molesting the fleet. On the advent of better weather he at once reoccupied Dewalgaon and got messengers through to Mir Jumla. The latter, after three unsuccessful attempts, bridged the Dikhu near Garhgāon, and sent out a force, which succeeded in re-establishing communication with the fleet. Large quantities of fresh supplies of all kinds were sent from Lakhau and reached Garhgāon about the end of October. The Mughals quickly recovered their morale. The land having dried up, their cavalry were once more able to operate, and Jayadhvaj Singh and his nobles again fled to Nāmrup. On the 10th November a flotilla made its way down the Dilli river and took the Baduli Phukan's trenches in the rear, routing the Ahoms after a stiff engagement. Mir Jumlah next took the Baduli Phukan's entrenchments north-east of Garhgāon, and advanced by way of Salaguri to Tipām. The Baduli Phukan now deserted to the Muhammadans, and his example was followed by many others. He submitted to Mir Jumlah a plan for hunting down the Ahom king. He was given three or four thousand fighting men for the purpose, and was appointed Subadar of the country between Garhgāon and Nāmrup. But again difficulties arose. Owing to famine in Bengal, further supplies were not forthcoming. Mir Jumlah fell seriously ill, and could travel only by palanquin; and his troops were so discontented that large numbers threatened to desert rather than enter the pestilential climate of Nāmrup or risk having to pass another rainy season in Garhgāon.