A History of Assam c12.52

c12.52

During his reign the influence of the Brāhmans increased considerably. The Somdeo was still worshipped; and before a battle, it was still the practice to call upon the Deodhāis or tribal priests to tell the omens by examining the legs of fowls.* This, however, did not prevent the king from encouraging Hindu priests. When the tank at Misagārh was completed, Brāhmans were called in to consecrate it; temples for the worship of Siva were erected under the king's orders at Dergāon and Bishnāth, and grants of land were made for the maintenance of Brāhmans and of Hindu temples. It is recorded, however, that, on one occasion, shortly after gifts had been distributed to the Brāhmans, a son of the king died, and Pratāp Singh was so enraged in consequence that, for a time, he persecuted them, and even put some of them to death.