1836.] on the extreme N. E. Frontier of Bengal. 197 



of sending an escort with them as far as Ma-ma-nu, whence they are 

 passed along from one tribe to another till they arrive in the country 

 of the Grand Lama. There is another route into Thibet via Brahma- 

 kund, through the country of the Mishmis ; but it is at all seasons of the 

 year covered with snow. There is but little trade now carried on 

 with Thibet, and that little is chiefly effected by pilgrims. The few- 

 things imported are smoking pipes of Chinese manufacture, woollens, 

 and rock salt. In exchange for these they give musk, ivory, and 

 Bisd poison. Assamese captives at one time formed a considerable 

 trade; but since these latter came under the protection of the British, 

 that lucrative branch has been exterminated. 



During the flourishing period of the Assam dynasty, we are informed*, 

 that the kings of Assam were in the habit of sending presents to 

 the Grand Lama, and that a caravan consisting of about 20 people 

 annually resorted from Lassa to the Assam frontier, and transacted 

 merchandise to a very considerable amount with the Assamese. The 

 Thibetans took up their quarters at a place called Chouna, two months 

 journey from Lassa : and the Assamese, at Geganshur, a few miles 

 distant from it. The trade of the former consisted of silver in bullion 

 to nearly a lakh of rupees, and a large quantity of rock salt. This they 

 exchanged with the Assamese for rice, silk, lac, and other produce 

 of Bengal ; but this trade has for many years been discontinued. 



Kangtis. 



The Kangtis, the most civilized of all these mountain tribes, inhabit 

 that triangular tract of country bounded by the Lohit on the one side, 

 by the Dibong on the other, and by the mountainous country belong- 

 ing to the Mishmis on the third. They are descended from the Bor- 

 Kangtis, a powerful race situated on the sources of the Irawadi. 

 About 50 or 60 years ago, they emigrated from their native country, 

 and availing themselves of the civil war then raging throughout Assam, 

 they took forcible possession of the country they now enjoy, ejected 

 the reigning chieftain, the Suddia Cowa Gohaing ; and the Kangti 

 chief, usurping his name and jurisdiction, reduced his subjects to 

 dependence or slavery. The Kangtis, by a vigorous mode of govern- 

 ment, and holding out an asylum to refugees from other states, soon 

 rose to eminence. They are now a superior race to all their neigh- 

 bours ; they are tall, fair, and handsome, considerably advanced in 

 civilization, and are endowed with no small share of military courage. 

 Their religion is Buddhism ; but Hinduism is gaining progress. They 

 are amongst the few tribes who have a written character, and can 

 read and write the Burmese language, and understand it when spoken. 



* Hamilton's Gazetteer. 



