A History of Assam c16.32

c16.32

In 1644 Bir Darpa Nārāyan, who succeeded Indra Ballabh, re-opened communications with the Ahom king, but he was told that the style of his letter was unbecoming on the part of a protected prince. Bir Darpa took exception to the appellation "protected," but apparently withdrew his objection on being promised an Ahom princess in marriage. His relations with the Ahoms, however, continued to be unsatisfactory, and in 1660 he was warned that if he failed to send the usual envoys his country would be invaded. In 1663 Chakradhvaj Singh sent envoys announcing his succession to the throne and demanding the extradition of the Marangi Khowa Gohāin, who had fled to Cachar during Mir Jumlah's invasion. This request was refused by Bir Darpa who allowed the Ahom mission to depart unaccompanied by one of his own. But when Chakradhvaj defeated the Muhammadans in 1667, Bir Darpa sent envoys with complimentary messages, and friendly relations were thus restored. A conch shell has been discovered with the ten avatārs, or incarnations, of Krishna, carved on it, which bears an inscription to the effect that it was carved in Bir Darpa's reign in 1671.*