A History of Assam c15.28

c15.28

With the exception of the nobles, priests and persons of high caste and their slaves, the whole male population between the ages of fifteen and fifty were liable to render service to the State. They were known as *pāiks*, or foot soldiers, a term which was formerly very common in Bengal, where, for instance, it was applied to the guards who surrounded the palace of the independent Muhammadan kings. The *pāiks* were organised by *gots*. A *got* originally contained four *pāiks*, but in the reign of Rājesvar Singh the number was reduced to three in Upper Assam; one member of each *got* was obliged to be present, in rotation, for such work as might be required of him, and, during his absence from home, the other members were expected to cultivate his land and keep him supplied with food. In time of peace it was the custom to employ the *pāiks* on public works; and this is how the enormous tanks and the high embanked roads of Upper Assam, which are still a source of wonder to all who see them, came into existence. When war broke out, two members of a *got*, or even three, might be called on to attend at the same time.