A History of Assam c12.80

c12.80

∗ In his analysis of the Fathiyah-i-'Ibriyah Blochmann calls this king Bhim Nārāyan, but he notes that some manuscripts have also Pem Nārāyan. There can be no doubt that the proper reading should be Prān Nārāyan. This is the name given in the Koch, as well as in the Ahom, chronicles. The author of the Fathiyah-i-'Ibriyah describes this ruler as a "noble, mighty king, powerful and fond of company. He never took his lip from the edge of the bowl nor his hand from the flagon; he was continually surrounded by singing women and was so addicted to the pleasures of the harem that he did not look after his kingdom. His palace is regal, has a ghusulkhana, a darshan, private rooms, accommodation for the harem, for servants, baths and fountains, and a garden. In the town there are flower-beds in the streets and trees to both sides of them. The people use the sword, firelock and arrows as weapons. The arrows are generally poisoned; their mere touch is fatal. Some of the inhabitants are enchanters; they read formulas upon water and give it to the wounded to drink, then recover. The men and the women are rarely good-looking."