Historical Period of Jaintapur

Historical Period

EARLY RULERS

Bargeman was the real founder of Jaintia Kings. According to tradition in Jaintia his name was Mangosain. Bergsman was succeeded by Para bat Rai who was succeeded by Bejoy Manik. Bargosain appears to have been ruling towards the middle of the 16^th century as Bejoy Manik Second in succession from him was contemporary of Bejoy Manikya, king of Tipperah (1528-79) and Koch king Jatranarayan (1540-87). The kingdom of Jaintia at the time o Bargosain and Para bat Rai was a very small and consisted of perganas Jaintiapurira only.

BEJOY MANIK 1564

The successor o Para bat Ray was Bejoy Manik. He is the first ruler of Jaintia about whose reign we have got some historical records. The story of the earlier kings lies in the legendary period. We have already said that Kingdom of Jaintia consisted of Jaintiapurira praganas only before the advent of Bejoy Manik. Charikata, Faljur and Jaflong were there separate principalities at that time. It was Bejoy Manik who consolidated the Kingdom. After the death of the princes of Jaflong and Charikata he seized their territory. Then he treacherously got Long Raja, prince of Faljur, murdered and included his territory also in his domain. Long Raja is side to have been a powerful monarch among the Syntengs. Long Raja is referred to as Raja of Jaintia by Col. Gurdon. The traces of the places of the princes of Charikata, Faljur and Jaflong are still to be seen in those praganas. These four praganas which came under the suzerainty of the Jaintia Kings earlier then others are to get precedence in all social and administrative measures and enjoyed greater confidence and bridgeless. Dhargam people next quarreled amongst themselves and their leader Ramun laskar sore allegiance to Bejoy Manik. Chatul, Kharil, Araikha, Chaura, Panchbhag were subsequently subdued. These six praganas are called Hazarki; the remaining 8 pagans in Jaintia were reclaimed later on.

Bejoy Manik was contemporary of Bejoy Manikya, king of Tipperah who ascended the throne in 1528. It is narrated in “Rajmala” that Bejoy Manik sent several costly presents to Bejoy Manikya with a view to secure his friendship. Bejoy Manikya was much pleased and sent an elephant in return. Bejoy Manik however gave out that Bejoy Manikya had sought his friendship out of fear and sent the elephant as present. Hearing this Bejoy Manikya became much enraged and sent an army to capture Bejoy Manik then fled from his capital and sent his apologies thought the Kachari King. Bejoy Manikya then recalled his troops and the two kings appear to have lived on friendly terms thereafter. According to another account the Tipperah king had sent army of

PROTAP NARAIN 1564-96

Nothing is known of the reign of Protap Narain who died in 1596.

DHAN MANIK 1596-1605

The next king of Jaintia is Dhan Manik. A flood of light has been thrown on the history of his reign by Jaintia and Kachari Buranji. He was a powerful king. He overran the territories of Probhakar Raja of Dimarua (a pergana in Kamrup district 20 miles from Gauhati ) seized his person and conveyed him to Jaintiapur Soon however he got embroiled in a quarrel with Jason rain alias Satrudaman (1606-37) Raja of Kachari. The Kachari used to carry on trade with Sylhet through the territories of Jaintia Raja. Dhan Manik demanded toll from the Kachari traders which led to war between the two countries. At first the Kachari King was defeated. Latter the Kachari King attacked Jaintia with a bigger army and defeated Dhan Manik and took his wife. Sister Muktarani` nephew and successor Jasomanik as prisoners. Muktarani` nephew and successor Jasomanik as prisoners. Dhan Manik is said to have secured his release by offering his daughter Sundhyabali to the Kachari King. According to another version Multigrain, Jasomanik and commander Amarsena were kept as hostages in Kachari court when Dhan Manik was released. The boundary between Jaintia and Kachari was fixed at Mulagool, (There was a Thana at Mulagool in the beginning of the British dominion over Jaintia). Dhan Manik died sometime before 1606.

JASOMANIK (1606-41)

When Dhan Manik died his nephew and successor Jasomanik was by the Kachari King and allowed to return to Jaintia, He is known to have been reigning in the year 1606 when he had sent an envoy to the Aham king. He married a daughter of the Koch king Laxminarain (1587-1627). At the time of the marriage he got as dower an image of Kali which was installed as Jayanteswari. Walls eight feet high were erected round the temple of Jayanteswari, the remnants of the walls with raised engravings of seen. It was on the allegation of human sacrifice to this goddess that Jaintia was annexed by the British Government. the tradition in Jaintia is that the Jaintia kings used to follow mostly Syntengs customs before Jasomanik. It is the daughter of the Koch king who had come from a more enlightened kingdom who introduced Hindu customs of worship etc. in the royal family.

Jasomanik determined to take revenge on the Kachari for the defeat and capture of Dhanamanik and Jasomanik. He though out a loan and sent envoys to the Aham king Protap Sinha offering his daughter. He also requested that for safety the bride should be conveyed through the Kachari kingdom. When the Aham king requested passage for the bride through the Kachari kingdom instead of the usual route through Gobah in Now gong district, the Kachari king refused on the plea that if a passage were made by opening the wilds that separated Jana passage were made by opening the wilds that separated Jaintia from Kachari kingdom this would give the Jaintia king an opportunity to attack him later through this passage. At this the Aham king got annoyed and sent Sunder Gohain with an army to reach the Kachari king a lesson. Sunder Gohain marched down the Kopiloi and captured the seven towns of the Kachari kingdom namely Tiori, Devargoan, Dharmapur, Lahur, Sakim Namror and Sitgaon and forwarded the princess to the Aham king under an escort. When Sunder Gohain sought further instructions, he was directed by the Aham king defeat the Kachari king Sunder Gohain then took to up position at Demarua Kachari king then sent Bhujbal Kuwar to fight the Ahams. Sunder Gosain having received a report that the Aham king was carrying an intrigue with his wife during his absence became unmindful and was treacherously murdered by the Kachari. Kachari then sent a message to the Aham king reporting the death of Sunder Gosain and added that they be preserved the head of Sunder Gosain and would be prepared to hand it over if required for any religious purpose. Meantime the Muslims had invaded the territory of the Aham king. The Aham king thinking it wise to avoid on two fronts pretended friendship with Kachari king and declared that Sunder Gohain had attacked Kachar without his authority. Satrudaman renamed his capital Khaspur as Kirtipur and himself assumed the name Protap Narain in celebration of his victory over the Ahams. From this date Kachari ceased to pay the tribute of 9 ponies and 20 slaves which they had formerly given to the Ahams. The daughters of Jaintia king had been taken to the Aham king in 1606. Jaintia king in return for his daughter obtained grant of some landed properties near Phulgari on the bank of the Kullung (“Sylhet dialect”-B Raikhawa). Net year Jasomanik offered another daughter to the Aham king. Burah Raja or Budhiswaranarayan (1603-1641). The Aham King sent one pair of gold bracelets, 4 pair of rings, clothes and other articles and a kekooradulah (palanquin) for conveyance of the princess. The Jaintia King received 4 elephants and 2 horses. The princess was escorted by lay Sandilai by the route through Gobah.

Aham king Protap Sinha died in 1641 and was succeeded by Surampha alias Bhangs Raja. Jasomanik in order maintain friendly relationship with the new Aham king, sent still another daughter to Aham kingin 1641. The Aham king allowed the Jaintia king to establish a market at phulgari in Nowgong district where traders from both the kingdoms would meet. Jaintia people had burnt the Kallang out-post of Aham king during these period. They were compelled to reconstruct it under a threat by Sandilai Barphukan. There is atradition in Jaintia that Jasomanik was an oppressive ruler and was killed by his own subjects, they smothered him under a stone and killed him in Jasper mahalla of Jaintiapur. 

SUNDER RAI

Sunder Rai was the successor of Jasomanik Nothing is known of his reign.

CHOTA PURBAT RAI

He was the successor of Sunder Rai nothing is known of his reign also.

JASOMANTA RAI (1648-1668)

          Jasomanta Rai succeeded Chota Purbat Rai, A mass of materials about his reign is available from Jaintia Buranji and Aham buranjis, In 1648an Aham trader named Jaihari M..............

MAN SINHA (1668-69)

After death of Jasomanta Rai his grandson Pramatha Rai ascended throne under the name Mansinha. The letter of Aham king dated 4^th poush 1590 sent through the envoys Niriha and Birina was received by Mansinha. Mansinha was not destined to rule for long. Six months after he had ascended the throne Pratap Singh come from Bengal and become king after killing Mansinha. The earliest known Jaintia coin bears the Saka date 1591 and may be the coin of Mansinha or his successor Pratap Singh.

PRATAP SINHA (1669-1670)

After ascending throne Protap dispatched envoys Ramai with Niriha and Birina with a letter to the Aham king. He sent a verbal request for the return of Dimarua. In the meantime Protap Singh was murdered by his son-in-law Laxmi Singh who then ascended the throne.

LAXMI SINHAI (1670-1701)

Laxmi Sinha ascended the throne the letter of Protap Singh to Aham court the king who had sent the envoy was already dead. Barphukan refused to read the envoy was already dead. Barphukan refused to read the letter of the dead king considering it inauspicious, Ramai was sent back with a verbal message to bring a letter from the new reigning king. Laxmi Sinha then wrote a letter to the Aham king on 10^th Ashar1593 Saka requesting continuances of friendly relationship. Two pieces of cloth and 9 pieces of iron were sent as present for the king. Jaintia king sent a verbal message through Ramai, the envoy, requesting return of Dimarua and offering hi daughter for the Aham king. Rukma Bargohain asked the envoy contained that they had recovered Dimarua from the Muhals who had overrun it and were entitled to retain it by tight of conquest. Ramai died in Aham court. The Aham king wrote a letter to Jaintia Raja on 24^th, 1594 Saka expressing friendship for Jaintia king. Some daos, pepper etc. were sent as presents for the king. Ornaments and clothes were sent through the envoy for the betrothal of the Jaintia Raja’s daughter, The ornaments and clothes for the betrothal, Jaintia Raja said that he had offered a bride to the Aham king but had not said that it would be his daughter, He further enquired of the envoys what message they had brought about the request for the cession of Dimarua. The envoy said the reply would be found in the written message which however did not contain any reference to Dimarua. Meantime during the stay of the envoys at Jaintia the Aham king Udayditya Sinha died, Jaintia Raja then refused to accept the ornament and clothes on the plea that the king who had sent them was already dead. When the envoys pressed for the bride for the new king the Jaintia king refused as he had received no reply to his request for Dimarua. Jaintia Raja then sent his envoy Subudhi Ray to Aham court with the Aham envoys. The Jaintia king wrote letter to Rukma Bargohain on 10^th Poush, 1596 Saka requesting for return of Dimarua. During the stay of the envoy in Aham court king Ramdhwaj Sinha died and was succeeded by Dehingia Raja. Rukma Bargohain then sent a message to Jaintia king on 18^th Kartick, 1597 saying Ahams had captured Dimarua by defeating 22Mughal commanders headed by Syed Barbakor and had held it against Syed Feroze and other Mughals and were not prepared to cede it now. The Jaintia king was charged with breach of faith for not having sent his daughter after having asked for ornaments had clothes for her. Thereafter Lakshmi Sinha sent an envoy to Aham king on 17^th Bhadra 1600 Saka to which the Aham king sent a  reply on 4^th Agrahayan of the same year, In November 1682 the Raja raided Sylhet town and burnt its environs. Shasta Khan sent his son Iradat Khan to punish the Raja of Jaintia, Jaintia king wrote a letter to Sandikai Dihingiaphukan on 14^th Falgoon 1605 Saks. On3rd Falgoon 1610 Saka, he wrote another letter to Sandikai Barphukan, Sandikai Barphukan had written to Jaintia Raja in Aghon, 1610 Saka and on 22ad Falgoon 1611. Jaintia Raja wrote again to the Phukan on 1^st Bhadra 1612 Saka and 25^th Aghon 1616 Saka. Jaintia king wrote again on 5thJeth 1618 Saka. These letters contained profession of friendship from both sides, In One of these letters Jaintia king protested against the establishments of an outpost at the month of Kallang River by the Aham King. Duwara Barphukan wrote to the Jaintia king on 26^th Kartick 1619 Saka Jaintia Raja Sent a reply on 21^st Saka. The Jaintia king had set up Bairagi Kuwar at Nowgaon near Dimarua as chieftain over the people, who had run away from Dimarua, Barphukan captured and imprisoned Bairagi Kuwar. Jaintia king made another unsuccessful attempt to establish some control over Dimarua by demanding tolls from the chief of Dimarua. The chief of Dimarua consulted Aham court and was advised to reply’, we have not paid any tax to Jaintia for years. Should we do so now, Barphukan will punish us’ Laxmi Sinha who was also known as Laxminarain had built a palace at Jaintiapur. The date on the gateway of the palace had been deciphered as 1632 Saka, but as Laxmi Sinha died in 1623 Saka, Sir Edwared Gait Thinks that the date was damaged by the earthquake of 1897. Laxmi Sinha died on 20^th Sravan 1623 Saka and was appointed two agents at Jagi (Nowgong) and Kajalmukh who were charged with keeping him abreast of events in the Jaintia kingdom.

RAMSINHA (1701-1708)

Ram Sinha ascended the throne on 15^th Sravan 1623 Saka (1701 A. D) He sent his first envoy Bejoyram to the Barphukan with a letter dated 8^th Ashen, 1625 Saka, During this year there was a severe epidemic of small pox at Jaintia, Barphukan sent  a reply through Madhab Kandali and Ram Charan on 23^rd Falgoon, 1626(1704 A.D). The Jaintia king detained the envoys and a Bairagi who had gone to Jaintia for trading purposes. When remonstrations were made Jaintia people replied that as the king was away in Sylhet the envoy and the Bairagi could not be sent back earlier. Ram Sinha appointed one Skidders in each village and one Chaudhuris over 16 Skidders. The Skidders and Chaudhuris were given judicial powers and would decide petty cases.

In December, 1706 Aham king Radrasinha sent an expedition against Tamradhwaj, the Kachari king who sought the assistance of the Jaintia king with whom he was on friendly terms. Terms the expedition was sent to enforce payment of tribute by Kachari king which had been stopped since the defeat of Sunder Gosain by Satrudaman. Jaintia king went to Khaspur, capital of Kachar. It is narrated in Rajmala that Jaintia king captured the Kachari king by a trickery. Jaintia king had com to Khaspur in a gaily caparisoned boat. He invited the Kachari king to get into it. As soon as the Kachari king had entered into the boat he was made a prisoner. Jaintia king then floated down the swift flowing Barak and came back to Jaintiapur. Ramsinha occupied a part of Kachari plains and captured the forts at Ichamati & Bundasil. Ram Sinha had given his sister Kamala in marriage to Tamradhwaj. Tamradhwaj abandoned her.

It is out of that grudge that Ram Sinha Tamradhwaj. Chandraprobha, queen of the Kachari king, sent a messenger to Aham king and requested his intervention for the release of her husband. The Aham king then sent a message to the Jaintia king through Raja of Gobah requesting release of Kachari king. The request was not complied with. Rudra Sinha sent an expedition of 43,000 men under Sandikai Barbarua by the route of Demarua along the Kopiloi valley for the rescue of the Kachari king. Another army was sent under Parta Barphukan by the route of Gobah. Barabarua proceeded by the Kopiloi valley through the Kachari country captured Bales war and Dholagaon and reached Mulagool within Jaintia. He then sent a message to Jaintia king asking him to surrender the Kachari king and threatening to attack Jaintiapur if the demand was not complied with, Meantime Barphukan had reached Amecheng by the route of Jagi and wrote to Jaintia king in Puth 1629 Saka asking him to surrender the Kachari king. The Jaintia king wroth to Aham King on 1^st Magh of the same year and protested against invasion of his Aham king by confining his enemy. There were two engagements between the Aham forces led by Barphukan and the Jaintia army in both of which the Jaintia army was routed. Barphukan then advanced to Barpani where there was another engagement with the same result. The heir appear tent of the Jaintia Raja then advised the king to surrender the Kachari king. The Jaintia king who was a brave monarch wanted to put up a fight. But he was persuaded to give up this hopeless contest. The Kachari king was sent to the camp of Barbarian. The Jaintia king himself surrendered to Barbarian on the bank of the Shari River. He was made to leave the elephants on the other bank before surrendering to Ahams. The Jaintia king and Barkuwar who also had been captured were sent to the Aham court through the route of Gobah while the Kachari king was sent through Kachar. According to Kachari Buranji published by Assam Department of Historical and Antiquarian studies the Jaintia king was imprisacrsed by Barbarian through a trickery. He informed

The Jaintia king that the Aham king had sent a princess of the royal house to be his bride. When the Jaintia king reached Nulla to meet the bride. When the Jaintia King reached Nulla to be his bride he was made a captive. He was next taken to Biswanath in Derange District where the Aham King was holding court. On arrival the Jaintia King passed the six houses of the Aham king with out making any salutation and stood perfectly erect. the Aham king ordered, the door of the seventy house to be made so low that the Jaintia king would be  compelled to stoop while entering it. The Jaintia king however cleverly placed himself on his hunkers and kept his head back so that it should not appear that he made the lest obeisance. Being questioned that Jaintia king proudly replied that it was not customary for one king to make obeisance to another. The Kachari Raja however saluted all the house in succession and fell at the feet of the king of the Assam. The king of

Jaintia and Catcher were conveyed to Rampur, capital of Aham king, and lodged in an island in the midst of the river. The Jaintia king becomes ill from a poisoned cloak which was thrown over him. The body of the king swelled and he expired, Aham king then body of the king swelled and he  expired, Aham king then made Barkuwar Raja of Jaintiapur and presenting him with purhidolas (litter), Chatra (Umbrella), etc. and dispatched  him to his Kingdome. When he reached Phulguri within the chieftainships of Gobah he cast away the presents he had received from the Aham king and exclaimed. “He carried of and slew my brother of what use are these articles to me?” Hence the place took the name Dollar Koori. Meantime there was great discontent in  Jaintia at  the capture of the Raj & Barkwa Jaintia people rose in revolt and Fought the Aham at Buritikar where booth parties seems to have held their own. Sarukuwar in alliance with the Rajas of Khyrim and Nartiang and other Principalities and 200 punjisattacked the Ahamarmy and had some success. They were able to recapture3 out of the 8 fortresses captured by Ahams and redeemed the image of Jainteswari which was being carried away. But they were unable to rescue the Jaintia king who was being closely guarded. Hearing of the reverses Rudra Sinha sent 4000 men under Bara Gosain. The combined army was able to put Jaintia army to flight. On receipt of news of attacks by Jaintia army Barbara and Barphukan became annoyed and put about 1000 person Jaintiapur to sword. Jaintiapur and neighboring village were demolished. During this war Ahams lost 12 officers and 2366 man. Losses on the side of Jaintiapur were not heavy but Ahams were able to capture 3 commons, 2273 muskets, 109 elephants and a body of Rs. 12,000/-. About 1000 fugitives at Khaspur and 600 at Jaintiapur were captured by the Ahams. The dollies of Mulagool, Jaflingand Charikhata were also captured along with Jaintia king. The two kings were produced before Rudra Sinha at Biswanath. According to another account Rudra Sinha received the Jaintia king courteously and expressed a desire to reinstall him as king provided leading persons came from Jaintia and prayed for the reinstatement of the king. Accordingly tow messengers were sent to Jaintia for the purpose, But in the meantimeon20th Sravan 1630 Saka Ramsingh died of dysentery. The bones of the king were cremated at Aswakranta near Gauhati by the heir apparent with great ceremony. After the victory Rudra Sinha annexed Kachar & Jaintia & notified this to Motiullah, Fauzdar of Sylhet through Barphukan, and Viceroy of the Aham king at Gauhati. Motiullah wrote to the Barphukan on 15^th Magh 1629 (Saka) reminding the Aham king of the friendly relation that had existed during the time of his father lutfullah Siraji, Subadar of kochbehar and Rangamati and the Aham Viceroy at Gauhati. He sent ten pieces of cloth namely patuka-1, Puggeee-1, shawl 1 pair, Gujarati Atlancha-1, Elcha-1, Atlancha-5, to the Barphukan as presents. Barphukan sent a reply in Falgoon of the same year professing friend. Ship He administered a mild warning to Motiullah reminding him of the fate of the Jayantia and Kachari king for revolting against the Aham king.

JAINARAIN (1708-1731)

          People from Jaintia come in large number by the Aham king sent out an expedition against the Jaunties. Some Jaintia villages were captured send a message to his people saying the Aham king intended to re-establish him on the throne and they should come and apply to the Aham king. Jaintia people after some hesitation decided to apply to the Aham king for the installation of the Barkuwar as Jaintia king. Dalais of narrating and Charikata, Petra of korma, sasthi of Jaflong and many other came from Jaintia and applied for the release of Barkuwar. Barkuwar was then set at liberty and escorted up to phulguri as requested by Jaintia people, Barkuwar prayed that the commercial relationship between the two countries be re-established. this was also acceded to by the Aham king. Barkuwar then ascended the throne under the name of Jainarain in 1630 Saka. He established friendship with Aham king by giving two of his sisters in marriage to Radar Sinha.

          A Jaintia coin beating Saka date 1630 is know and is probably the coin of Jainarain. Raja Jainarain made a gift of 326 bighas of land in Thakurermati Paschim (Pargana Satbak) to his spiritual guide Mdhusudan Uhadhyay. This is the earliest land grant of Jaintia King of which authentic information is available. This land was resumed at the first settlement. On appeal to the Collector is was settled permanently on 24.6.1841. The Raja had also granted 46 bighas of land in muaza Laxmiprased (Pargana Jaintiapurira) to the same person. During the reign of this king a Buahmin who had the title of Agombagish and who was a resident of Sengram in Churkhai Pargana in former Karimgonj sub-division of Sylhet district recovered the image of Hatakeswar Siva which had been concealed by Raja Gour Govinda of Sylhet in Barhaor of Jaintia at the time of Muslim invasion, Jainarin attacked Churkhai with a view to secure the image and captured Churkhai. The king however was persuaded to leave the image along. Since them Churkahai was a part of the domains of Jaintia at the time British occupation.

          At the time of Jinarain his Muslim subjects submitted a prayer to the king to secure a spiritual guide for them from the Northern India, The king then arranged to get Pir Kasim Shah from Hardwar and installed him at Jaintiapur. When Durlav Das of Amura was Amil of Sylhet he began to make gift of land in Jayantia according to his  will, At this Jainarain became annoyed and invaded and  occupied Dhakadakshin. The king installed a Senapati at Amura for the protection of boundary. The Das Senapati of Amura are the descendants of that Senapati.

          The material condition of Jaintia improved during the reign of Jainarain. He had sent envoy Raghunath to Aham king requesting re-establishment of commercial relations between the two counties. In Aswan 1645 Saka, Dhemelia Kataki sent by Jaintia King arrived at Panda, on the very day Jamil Beg and Bahadur Sinha, envoyes from the Mughals were also received. Jaintia king had sent three elephants and two horses as presents with the envoy. Dhemelia was remanded back on 27^th Poush of the same year. But the envoy was tenants of Jaintia by Dehingia Barphukan who sent an expedition against Jaintia. According to Rajmala the brother of Jaintia king became enamored of his niece and ran away with her and took shiter at Maibang, capital of the Kachari king Surdarapanarain, Jainarain them attacked Maibong and saked it. The Kachari king shafted his capital to Khaspur of the Jaintia king with his naic took shelter in the Naga hills. According to tradition they are the ancestors of chieftains of Angami Nagas. The Angami Nagas are said to be descendants of the followers of the Jainta prince as result of union with the Nagas. Surdarapanarain wanted to get the help of Aham king to teach the Jaintia king a lesson. But his early death stood in the way of fulfillment of his project.

BAR GOSAIN II (1731-1770)

          After the death of Jainrain, Sarukuwar came to the throne in 1731 under the name of Bargosain II. A quarter rupee of Jaintia bearing the name of Bargosain and the Saka date 1653 is known. A flood of light on his reign has been reign by the Revenue Records it the office of Collector of Sylhet and contemporary tradition which is still fresh in Jaintia. We know a good deal about Bargosain himself. His queen Kasasati and his ill fated nephew Fateh Khan, Bar Gosain is the first Jaintia king who is known to have minted coins in his own name, In 1757 envoys from Bar Gosain were received by the Aham king in the portico of  the Hajo temple. The envoys complained that the Sunapur duar had been closed by the Khairam Raja the Aham king ordered the route to be opened as trade between the two countries was highly advantageous to both sides.

          According to traditions in Jaintia the king would not marry. They were generally succeeded by their sister’s sons. The averseness of the kings towards matrimonial alliance was probably due to the circumstance that the son of the king would not inherit the throne and had no proper position in society. The Jaintia kings were originally Syntengs who still now live in Jawai Sub-division of Khasi and Jaintia Hills district in Assam. The Khasis and Syntengs have almost similar tribal customs. They follow system of matriarchate. Property amongst the Khasis and Syntengs pass from the mother to the youngest daughter, and if she dies to the youngest surviving sister. Should such direct female succession fail, the family tree has to be looked up for the nearest branch, in which the youngest females or her youngest female decedent succeeds.

          Jasomanik is the earliest Jaintia king of whose matrimonial alliance we have some record. He had, as married before, married daughter of Koch king Laxminarain. Bargosain is the next Jayantia king of whose matrimonial alliance we have some information. His consort Kasasati Debee was, according to traditions, the daughter of a Brahmin lady given to the worship of her gods, Records of a number of land grants made by her are available. The earliest grant of land was made by her in 1692 Saka when she made a gift of 85 bighas of land in muaza Jhingabari (Pergana Barnafaud) to her spiritual guide Nilapuri Sannyasi for the performance of puja of Goddess Kali. This was the only grant made by her during the time when her husband was the reigning king. The next grant was made in 1710 Saka (corresponding to Poush 1195 B.S.) of 105 bighas of land in muaza Nij Govindapur (Pargana Bejeraj) to the same Nilapuri Sannyasi, The copperplate has been edited by Dr. K. M. Gupta (vide Journal of Assam Research Society Vol.No.1) The gift was made with the consent of Gauri Kumari (sister of Raja Bargosain), Sunakumari (daughter of Gauri Kumari), Jayantakumari (sister of Raja Jatranarayan, second in succession from Baragosain, and mother of reigning king Bejoynarain) and Maharaja Bejoynarain the reigning king. The gift was made from the July Mahals whish were personal property of processes. But in order to extend the validity of the gift the consent of the regining king and other reversionary heirs in the female line was taken. In the same year she made a gift of 292 bighas of land in Lamagovindapur (Pergana Bejeraj) to Dayalpuri Sannyasi, She made gift of 2.50 halls of land in Noaban in Purbafaud in 1723 Saka. She gifted 2 halls of land in Dalairkandi in 1725 Saka. The same year she gifted 535 halls of land in Chiknagool (Pargana Panchbhag) to Nitynanda Gosain for the worship of Radhagovinda. In Saka 1727 (7^th Bhadra 1212 B. S.) she made a gift of the whole village of Radhanagar comprising 26 halls and 10 kedars in pergana Bajeraj to Nitynanda Goswami. Jagat Bandhu Goswami, son of Nitynanda, predicated the copperplate be four Mr. George Loch, Deputy Collector of Sylhet at camp Kanaighat on 29-03-1853 and secured settlement o the land free of revenue on the basis of this grant. By another grant on the same day she gifted 284 bighas of land village Dharmapur (Pargana Bajeraj) to Nitynanda Goswami; by still another grant on the same day she gifted 377 bigha of land in Radhanagana (Pargana Bajeraj) to who was originally a native of village Uthni in Faridpur districts. Nitynanda Goswami ultimately settled at Jaintiapur. He was also spiritual guide of Raja Ram Sinha who himself made gift of some land in muaza Dharmapur in 1728 Saka to the ancestors of Ram Chandra Sarma who produced the copper plate before the Revenue Authorities in 1839 and claimed settlements of the land revenue free. In 1735 she made gift of some land for the worship of Basudev, Jagannth and Bhudhara with the consent of Raja Ram Sinha. She had also gifts of 272 bighas of land in Dharmapur (Pargana Bajeraj) to her spiritual guide Harekishna Uhadhyay with the consent of the reigning king. She also gifted 88 bighas of land in Nandi Rai and 172 bighas in Sibnagar in the same pergana to her other Guru Laxmikanta Uhadhyay. The years of these grants are not however known. Kasasati to have lived to a great age.

          On 16^th Kartik 1692 Saka Bargosain made gift of Lilapuri Sannyasi. The gift was made with the consent of his sister’s husband Ukhada kuwar, sister Gaurikuyara nephew Maharaja Chatara Simha, niece Sunakumari. It was made in the presence of the Prime Minister Umaipnar Laskar and General Manikya Rai. This copperplate has also been edited by late Dr. K. M. Gupta (JAS B vol.19 No.8). On 25^th Agrahayan, 1672 Saka Baragosain made gift 20hals of land in Nij Baurbhag in (Pargana Baurbhag) to Rukmini Debya, other of Manikya Raj Senapati, Durga Debya, widow of Bejoy Sinha Senapati grandson of Monikhya Rai, had produced the copper plate to Revenue Authorities when claiming settlement of rent free land. Bargosain had made gift of land to Monikhya Rai in village Bramngram and Grogram in the same pergana. Narendra Kishore Rai, grand father of Monikhya Rai, in village Bramngram and Grogram in the same pergana. Narendra Kishore Rai, grand father of Manikya Rai, mentioned above, was the founder of the Senapati family in Chandergram in Pergana Kauria. Narendra Kishore’ second son Gajendra Kishore becomes Senapati of Jaintia king. He was short lived. Chan diagram got its name from Harchandra, nephew of Gajendra Kishore, Harchandra Bargosain. He held the post for long and was abrade commander. The Senapati family attained prominence and wealth during his time. He left no male issue. Bejoy Sinha, who was Senapati o Raja Ramsinha, was grand son of Maniky Rai, being son of his daughter; the decedents of Bejoy Sinha still live in Chandergram and are held in esteem. Raja Bar Gosain granted 167 bighas of land in village Nayabarikhola in pergana Kharil to Nilapuri in 1692 for worship of the temple. Nilapuri had got the temple of Kali built at Nijpat. It was a big temple surrounded by high walls and is still in great esteem by the local Hindus. It was regarded with such veneration could get reprieve by taking shelter within its walls. Bar Gosain madea gift of 3 bighas of land in Nijpat to Nilapuri Sannyasi in 1692. Nilapuri had initiated the Raja to the doctrine of asceticism. During this year (1692) Binand Rai Laskar had presented the king with three muskets. In return the king gifted him 23 bighas of land in Nijpat. Bar Goasain gifted 935bighas of land in Thakurermati Purba to Harekishna Jha Uhadhyay. Bar Gosain gifted 279 bighas in Nizbaurbhag, 14 bighas in Brahman gram, 31 bigha in Ghoraigam in Pergana Baurbhag to Bejoy Sinha Senapati, husband of Durga Debya. He also gifted 3 bighas to Dumai Bhatt’s son-in-law Bejoy Kissen sold the land to Atmapoori. He also gifted the whole of the villages Fatepur (10,355 bighas) in Pargana Ariakhan and Angarjiur (3585 bighas) in pergana Pilaingul to Jatra Sinha Siem of Cherrapunji under the following circumstances. Raja Barmanik of Khyrim had seized Bar Goasain and his sister Gaurikuyara, out of revenge for the murder of Fateh Khan. They were confident in a house under which a quantity of red pepper was thrust and set on fire. The smoke and smell of the ignited pepper would have killed them before long had not Himmet Cherra, a chieftain under Jatra (or Amor) Singha marched down quickly with a strong force an rescued them. Jatra Sinha escorted Bargosain to Jaintiapur. Bargosain was so over powered with gratitude that the offered half his kingdoms to Jatra Sinha, but the later refused to accept any reward for having done a human act. He was however prevailed upon to accept gift of the two villages mentioned above.

It has already been stated that Jaintia had occupied Dhakadakshin as reprisal for the conduct of Durlav Das in making gift of Jaintia lands to people of Sylhet. When this fact came to the notice of the Deputy Governor of Dacca he is said to have sent an army to Jaintia under the leadership of Neutering Khan. The army recovered Dhakadakshin. The Jaintia king had to seek for peace by offering his sister Buairav Kawari to the Nawab of Dacca. This is said to have occurred in the year1740. Nowajish Mohammad, son-in-law of Nawab Ali Verdi Khan was probably the Nawab Najim at Dacca at this, According to tradition in Jaintia Fateh Khan was the son of the Nawab of Dacca through Buairav Kowari, When Fateh Khan grew up to manhood the Nawab offered to send him back to Jaintia in order that he may inherit the throne of his maternal uncle Bargosain according to the rules of succession obtaining in Jaintia Kingdom. Baragosain sent an escort of 700 Majish to Dacca to accompany Fateh Khan to Nijpat. Eateh Khan returned to Nijpat by the route of Chetek. There is a ballad prevalent in Jaintia expressing the surprise of the Jaintia escort who had seen coconuts for the first time during this Journey. Fateh Khan was appointed General by the Jaintia king who presented him with some canons. The palace of the king at the time was in the site now occupied by the Dak Bungalow and thana of Jaintiapur It was built of stones. Fateh erected a brick built palace surrounded by walls at the site of present Rajbari for the Raja. He (Fateh Khan) continued to live in the old palace is still to be seen. Fateh Khan introduces masonry buildings in Jaintiapur which were non existent before his time. Fateh Khan got trenches dug round Nijpat and created gateway. The city was dug round Nijpat and created a getaway. The city was re-built on the models of Dacca. The cannons brought by him from Dacca were installed in the city. The use of musketry was also introduced by him in Jaintia, There was great scarcity of water in Jaintiapur at that time, Fateh Khan got many wells and tanks dug in Jaintiapur. It is reported that in order to find money for digging wells and tanks dug in Jaintiapur. It is reported that in or derto find money for digging wells and tanks dug in Jaintiapur. It is reported that in order to find money for digging wells and tanks Fateh Khan  would sell the king’ elephants and give out that these had been killed by tigers. The king placed implicit trust in the General. Fateh Khan was also responsible for effecting considerable improvement in the administration of Jaintia and was a popular figure. The ascendancy and prominence of Fateh Khan however excited the jealousy of many of nobles of the court, particularly the Hindu notables. The hatched a conspiracy to bring about the downfall of Fateh Khan. They gave our that Fateh Khan had got a mosque erected in the site of the present house of Sikander Ali Khandkar. The Hindu notables gave out that the call to prayer in the mosque caused the idol of Jainteswari in the temple to shake. At the instigation of the nobles the king asked Fateh Khan to demolish the mosque he had erected. Fateh Khan refused to comply. The nobles then entreated him to carry out the royal whishes by removing one of the bricks of the mosque. This was a trik to entrap Fateh Khan, When Fateh Khan much against his will removed one brick the nobles incited the king to punish him for having demolished the house he had built for the worship of God. The King then ordered that Fateh Khan be sacrificed at the altar of Kali. The royal order was carried out. The king also got the mosque demolished. Peer Kasim Shah then erected house where the mosque stood. Raja Khyrim was a great patron of Fateh Khan, Fateh Khan uses to address the wife of the Raja of Khyrim as his mother. On hearing of the murder of, Bar Manik, Raja of Khyrim invaded Jaintiapur and captured Bar Gosain and his sister Gauri Kumari who were taken prisoners. He wanted to torture them to death as mentioned earlier. They were however, rescued by one Himmet Chera, of Nijpat. Himmet Chera went with a few men in disguise of Sannyasi to Khyrim and secured release of king by lulling the sentries to sleep by administering a dose of opium to them, Himmet Cherra took the rescued king to Raja Jatra Singh of Cherra took the rescued king to Raja Jatra Singh of Cherra who escorted Bar Goasain back to Jaintia. As a reward for his valiant rescue Bar Goasain got a masonry building built for Himmet Cherra to serve as his residence. A tank was also dug at the request of Himmet Cherra. This tank is still to be seen at the outskirts of Nijpat and is known after Himmet Cherra. Meanwhile the Muslim subjects of the king become very restless at the murder of Fateh Khan, their was afraid to return to his capital and resided for a time in Bhitrikhel and watched the temper of his subjects. The temporary residence of Bar Gosain is still shewn at Bhitrikhel. In order to appease the Muslim subjects the king got a mosque built at Bandarghati in Jaintiapur. When the subjects had been appeased the king returned to his capital. Though no historical records about Fateh Khan are available, tradition about his is very strong in Jaintia and there is no reason to doubt that he was a historical person.

          There is also collateral evidence to shew that Fateh Khan was a historical person. Bar Gosain was a tall and strong person. If is said that he could touch with his hand the top of the pollar to the south of Himmet Cherra’s tank. In 1769 he had visited the Aham frontier. On seeing an Aham on their way to Rohs he beat hasty retreat. Bara Gosain learnt ‘Yoga’ from Ram Govinda Gaswami of Bhujbal (S. Sylhet) and rewarded him with considerable amount of money. Bar Gosain took the vow of asceticism from Hare Krishan Uhadhyay in 1770 and renounced the throne in favour of his nephew and successor Chatra Singh. After he had renounced the World Bara Gosain was known as Rajpuri. The exact year of Bar Gosain’s death is not known. His tomb is till to be seen at Barghat neat Barhat Bazar in Lakhandeng Punji. The Syngens used to look upon Bar Gosain as a god and would sacrifice goats etc. at this tomb. It was during Bar Gosain’s time that the temple at Rupnath was discovered. It was visited by H. Walter in 1828. A Detailed account of his visit is to be found in Asiatic Researches Vol. XVII page 499-520.

GHATRA SINGHA (1770-1774)

Bar Gosain’s sister Gauri Kumari was married to Ukhada Kumar. Ghatra Shin was the son of Ukhada and Gauri, It appears from the grent of land by Bar Gosain to Lilapuri  Sannyasi referred to before that Chatra Sinha was on the throne of Jaintia on 16^th Kartic, 1692 Saka (1770A.D.)No coin of Charta Sinha has so far been re-covered. He made gift o 20 hals of land in pergana Barnafaud to Names Bibi widow of Kawja Bidur. It is during his reihn that the first Britiah expendition of Jaintia took place. A fairly detailed account of his expedition is to be found in Sylhet Thackeray by F. B. Bradley Brit and Sylhet district Records, vol. I edited by Archdeacon Firminer. It appears that the Raja of Jaintia had time and again obstructed the East India Company s boats as they passed down the Surma to Dacca exacting tolls, Looting their contents and causing endless delay and inconvenience. These acts of mischief were committed between Sylhet and Chattak where Raja’s territory bordered on the territory of East India Company. The hillmen had also committed many incursion Parua Churkhai, Dhakadakshin and Shybagh perganas from which the Company drew its revenue seriously affecting the returns. William Makepiece Thackeray, Collector of Sylhet, and grand-father of the famous novelist, Brought this to the notice of the authorities at head-quarters. Thackeray is still remembered in Sylhet where the tilla on which he bungalow of the Principal of M. C. College now stands is called “Thackeray tilla’ The authorities were at fist very reluctant to send out a military expedition as they were unwilling to incur additional expenditure. Ultimately at the repeated request of Thackeray they agreed to send a small detachment. Richer Barwell, them, Chief at Dacca, wrote to  Thackeray on 8.2.1774 saying that he had directed Ensing leaked to proceed to Dacca with 50 men o Dacca Militia o  lead an expedition to Jaintia, The Boards of Directors at Calcutta when informed  approved of the steps taken by Bowell but sent our Captain Elliker of the 7^th Battalion of Sepoys to Command the expedition, Captain Elliker started about the middle of March with a detachment of his  Battalion consisting of 3 companies, On Reaching Sylhet Captain Elliker and his troops marched with all speed and took possession of Rajagong, at a distance of 4 miles from Nijpat on 24^th march. On the way they had to cross a river excessively deep. When they arrived at the usual fort they found the enemy strongly entrenched there. Captain Elliker’s advance guards met a warm reception from them and in the skirmish that followed two of the sepoys were wounded. Being unable to force a passage there Captain Elliker was compelled to withdraw in search of another suitable place. Finding a suitable place he prepared to transport his troop’s accross but found the opposite bank lined with hillmen determined to resist his passage. The battation’s guns were however brought into play now and a passage cleared with their aid. On the other ban they found an entrenchment thrown up extending to nearly half a mile and manned by a close array of hillmen. Captain Elliker was however able to put then to rout without much difficulty. The only casualty suffered was one sepoy wounded. It began to rain immediately after and Elliker was compelled to halt there the whole of the next day. Early next morning the Raja sent messenger to request capital until he had been acquainted with the demands of the Company. Elliker agreed but waited in vain to enable the Raja to make further overtures. But the Raja would not com to terms easily; he tried a surprise march on the Company’s troops. They lead a number of elephants and tried to surround the camp of the Company troops but were put to flight again. The Captain then advance and took possession of Jaintiapur the Raja Having fled to the hills near Barghat. Rajaganj captured by Elliker stood on the bank of deep river which the Shair on Sylhet Shillong road at 22^nd mile. A market named Noabazar sits there now-a-days. There is a tradition in Jaintia that one of the engagements of this expedition took place on the bank of Shair. There is a Rajaganj now on the ban of Surma in Pergana Barnafaud. But it is 12 miles from Jaintipur and would not fall on the way from Sylhet to Jaintiapur by Road. Further if Elliker had crossed Surma, the name of the river which was well known would have been mentioned.

          Thakeray at first porposed to annex the country conquered by Elliker. His proposal however did not receive support in the Council at Dacca who proposed to settle the country with Ahmed Raja, Thanadar of Panduah, a neighboring zemindar. Panduah or Parua as it is know now-a-days is near Bholaganj and was prosper our commercial place in the latter part of eighteenth century and occupied the position of Chatak in business to day, Ahmed Raja was the zemindar of Laura and ancestor of the present Dewanfamily of Baniyachong. Thakeray however stoutly opposed the proposal and porposed to come to terms with Jaintia Raja how had by now come to see the error of his ways. On 12^th June Thakeray was able to report to the authorities that Captain Ellikerand returned to Sylhet and the country restored to Jaintia Raja on the following trems, The Raja undertook to pay Rs. 1500/- as cost of the expedition and father agreed to allow free and unimpeded navigation of the Surma. He also undertook not to interfere in matters concerning the Company. ASAP ledge for his faithful performance of the promise he left one of his nearest relatives in Thackeray’s hands. Chatra Singh dided on 18.6.1774. Thackeray’s letter containing the trems of compromise with the Raja of Jaintiawas put up of compromise with the Raja of Jaintia was put upand confirmed by the Board of Directors on 28.6.1874.

JATRANARAYAN (1774-1782)

Chatra Singha died on 18.6.1774and was succeeded by his nephew Jatranarayan. Chatra Singha’s sister Sunakumari was married to Jatakuwar and Jatranarayan was their son. A Jaintia coin bearing the Saka date 1696 corresponding to 1774 is known. It was the coin of Jatranarayan. In Saka 1702 he granted 348 bighas of land in Dewanergram (Pargana Araikahan) to Dewan Manik Chand in appreciation of friendly services rendered by him. In 1703 he made another gift of 595 bighas of land in India in Rampur Paschim in Pergana Satbak to Dewan Manik Chand. In Saka 1704 he gifted 136 bighas of land in Patranavisermati (Pargana Satbak) to his letter writer Ramkanta Bhattacharyya. In 1779 some rebel subjects of Jaintia Raja carried on depredations in British territory. The Raja begins referred to sought the Company’s help to subdue them. Havilder Biswanath and 10 sepoys were sent to Raja’s help. This little force was enough to subdue the rebels.