A History of Assam c14.13

c14.13

The Burhā Gohāin, undaunted by this fresh disaster, continued to hold his position on the Nāmdāng; and in February, 1789, with the aid of further reinforcements from Gauhāti, he was able once more to advance against the rebels. For some time he was successful, but in the end he was driven back on Gaurisāgar, where he was closely invested. Provisions ran so short that his troops were fain to eat the flesh of horses and elephants. Many died of starvation and dysentery, and his forces were so depleted by the direct and indirect losses of the campaign that he was at last obliged to retreat, first to Tarātali and then to the Desoi. Here he erected a fort and placed it under the command of Japarā Gohāin. He then proceeded to Rajanikhāt, west of Kachārihāt. Japarā was no sooner left to himself than he declared himself independent, but, being unwary enough to be enticed into the power of the Burhā Gohāin, he was made prisoner and his eyes were put out.