A History of Assam c17.35

c17.35

Bar Gosāin enjoyed an unusually long reign of nearly 40 years. He abdicated in 1770, in favour of Chatra Singh, and became a *Sannyāsi* or religious mendicant. These facts are set forth in an inscription on a copper-plate recording the grant of certain lands to a Brāhman. The prime minister and commander-in-chief are cited as witnesses to the grant; and, from their names, it would appear that, while the latter was a Hindu, the former was a Synteng who still adhered to the tribal beliefs of his forefathers. The grant is stated to have been made with the consent of the Raja's nephews and nieces, so that inheritance through the female appears to have been still the custom in the Jaintia royal family.