A History of Assam c12.161

c12.161

Guns and houses. “They cast excellent matchlocks and *bachadar* artillery, and show great skill in this craft. They make first-rate gunpowder, of which they procure the materials from the Imperial dominions. In the whole of Assam there is no building of brick, stone or mud, with the exception of the gates of Garhgāon and a few temples. Rich and poor alike construct their houses with wood, bamboo and straw. The original inhabitants of the country are of two races—the Assamese and the Kolita. In all things the latter are superior to the former; but in performing difficult tasks and making a firm stand in battle, the opposite is the case.