A History of Assam c22.13

c22.13

∗ This visit disposed of the old idea that a Hindu race is to be found somewhere in this direction. This idea was expounded in the following passage in Neufville's paper in *Asiatic Researches* for 1828:—"The country to the eastward of Bhot (*sc.* Tibet) and north of Sadiya, extending on the plain beyond the mountains, is said to be possessed by a powerful nation, called Kolitas or Kultas, who are described as having attained a high degree of advancement and civilization." According to the same writer, their power far exceeded that of the Ahoms, and there was formerly communication between the two States. In 1885 Mr. F. J. Needham, C.I.E., and Captain E. H. Molesworth also penetrated to Tibet through the Miju country.