A History of Assam c12.186

c12.186

Chakradhvaj Singh had already been busily engaged in repairing the forts at Sāmdhara and Patākallang, and in restoring his army to a state of efficiency; and, on receiving Firuz Khān's letter, he made up his mind to fight. His nobles tried to dissuade him, and pointed to the disastrous results of the last war and the still impoverished condition of the people. But the king refused to listen to them, and his determination to fight was strengthened on his learning from the Deodhāis that the omens presaged a successful issue. The necessary preparations were made with all speed; and, in August 1667, after sacrifices had been offered to Indra, a well-equipped army set out, to wrest Gauhāti from the Muhammadans. The command was entrusted to Lāchit, the son of the Bar Barua, who was appointed Bar Phukan. The Muhammadan outposts at Kājali on the south bank of the Brahmaputra, and Bānsbāri on the north, were taken at the first assault: numerous prisoners and many horses, cannon and other booty fell into the hands of the victors, and were sent to the king at Garhgāon. The Ahoms constructed forts at Kājali and Latāsil, and continued their advance towards Gauhāti. They won several engagements, but suffered a minor reverse on the bank of the Barnadi, where a small stockade, which they had erected, was taken by the Muhammadans and its garrison put to the sword. This, however, did not affect the general course of the campaign.