A History of Assam c22.3

c22.3

The only event of importance in our relations with the Bhutias is the war of 1864-66 which has been alluded to in the last chapter. The quarrel arose on the Bengal section of the Bhutan frontier, but, when war was declared, operations were undertaken on the Assam side also. Four columns advanced into the lower hills, *viz.*, two from Jalpaiguri in Bengal, one from Goālpāra, which occupied Bissengiri, and one from Gauhāti, which took possession of Diwāngiri. At first no serious resistance was encountered; and orders had actually been issued permanently to annex the Duārs that still remained in the hands of the Bhutias, and to break up the field force when, suddenly, almost simultaneous attacks were made on the different posts. These were repulsed with ease, except at Diwāngiri, where the defenders suffered some loss, and were cut off from their water-supply and from communication with the plains. The garrison of this post had been reduced to six companies with two guns and some sappers. Colonel Campbell, who was in command, considered that this force was not strong enough to dislodge its assailants, and determined to retreat. He evacuated Diwāngiri at night, but the main column lost its way in the darkness, and a panic set in, in which the guns and many of the wounded were abandoned and all the baggage was lost. Reinforcements were hastily sent up from India and, in less than two months, Diwāngiri was retaken, with very few casualties on our side, but with excessive and needless slaughter of the Bhutias who were found within the post. This practically concluded the war, and since that time the Bhutias have given no serious trouble. Occasional acts of violence have been committed, but they have been the work of individuals, and reparation has, when insisted on, been made by the higher authorities.