A History of Assam c15.5

c15.5

There was, however, one absolutely essential qualification; no one could under any circumstances ascend the throne unless he were a prince of the blood. The person of the monarch, moreover, was sacred, and any noticeable scar or blemish, even the scar of a carbuncle, operated as a bar to the succession. Hence arose the practice, often followed by Ahom kings, of endeavouring to secure themselves against intrigues and rebellions by mutilating all possible rivals. The desired object was usually effected by slitting the ear, but, as we have seen, less humane methods were also, at times, adopted, and many unfortunate princes were deprived of their eyesight or put to death.