A History of Assam c12.14

c12.14

In November, 1617, Pratāp Singh advanced with an army towards Hājo, accompanied by Dharma Nārāyan. Other chiefs made their submission to him as he advanced. Amongst their number was the Dimarua Raja, and this opportunity may be taken to give a brief outline of his history. His ancestor Panthesvar was originally a tributary chief of the Kachāris, but, owing to their oppression, he fled with his followers to Nar Nārāyan, who established him on the Jaintia frontier with jurisdiction over a tract inhabited by about 18,000 people. His son Chakradhvaj was imprisoned for neglecting to pay tribute, but was released on the intercession of Raghu Deb, the king's nephew, and was restored to his principality when the latter became the ruler of the eastern Koch kingdom. His descendants, Poāl Singh, Ratnākar and Prabhākar paid tribute to Raghu Deb's son, Parikshit. The Jaintia Raja, Dhan Mānik, subsequently arrested Prabhākar and confined him in Jaintiapur. Prabhākar invoked the aid of the Kachāri king, who demanded his release and, failing to obtain it, attacked Dhan Mānik and defeated him. Prabhākar's son Mangal, who succeeded him, sought and obtained the protection of the Ahoms. It was well for him that he did so, as it was shortly afterwards the means of saving him from capture by the Kachāri Bhimbal.