A History of Assam c12.74

c12.74

In 1650 an expedition was sent to punish the Lakma Nāgas for a raid committed by them. They were put to flight and a village was burnt, but the punishment was not sufficient to act as a deterrent. Fresh raids were perpetrated, and four years later a second expedition was found necessary. The Lakmas, armed with spears, made an unexpected attack on the Ahom troops, but were driven off by a detachment of Dafla archers that accompanied the force. A stockade was then taken, and many of the Nāgas who defended it were killed. Soon afterwards the Ahom force was again surprised, but the Lakmas failed to drive home their attack, and took refuge in the hills, whither the Ahom soldiers found it difficult to follow them, on account of the stony ground to which their bare feet were unaccustomed. The Nāgas now asked for a cessation of hostilities, and then treacherously attacked the envoy who was sent to treat with them. The Ahoms, after receiving reinforcements, renewed their advance. They were unable to come up with their nimble foes, but destroyed their houses and stores of grain. Eventually the Nāga chief came in and made his submission. He agreed to pay tribute, and in return was given a hill, the possession of which had previously been in dispute.