A History of Assam c21.65

c21.65

We have seen that in the beginning of 1832 Purandar Singh was put in possession of the whole of Upper Assam, except Matak and Sadiya, on condition of his paying a yearly tribute of half a lakh of rupees. In less than three years he began to make default in his payments and begged for a considerable reduction in the amount which he had agreed to pay. Enquiry showed that, owing to mismanagement and the general system of corruption which he apparently encouraged, his revenues had fallen to such an extent that he would soon be incapable of paying even one-half of the stipulated amount. His subjects were oppressed and misgoverned, and his rule was very distasteful to the bulk of the population.* His administration having proved a failure in all respects, he was deposed and pensioned, in October 1838, and his territories were placed once more under the direct administration of British officers. They were formed into two districts *viz.*, Sibpur or Sibsāgar (so-called from the place selected as the district headquarters) which included the tract south of the old course of the Brahmaputra, and Lakhimpur; or the part north of the same river. The formal proclamation giving effect to these arrangements was issued in 1839.†