8 History of Cooch Behdr. [Jan. 



Chokrodhwoj was succeeded by Nilambor, the third and last 

 prince of the family. His dominions are said to have extended over the 

 greater part of Kamrup and included part of Motsyo ; for the fort at 

 Ghoraghat is said to have been one of his erecting-. Numerous public 

 works, especially magnificent roads, are attributed to this prince, who 

 from thence seems to have governed his country with attention, but the 

 circumstances related concerning his overthrow are accompanied with 

 traits of the most savage barbarity. 



Whether from a natural suspiciousness of temper or from an uncom- 

 mon accuracy of observing such circumstances, the raja on entering his 

 women's apartments one day observed traces, which convinced him, that 

 a man had been there. He was immediately inflamed with jealousy, and 

 having sent people to watch, a young brahman, son of Sochi Potro 

 the prime minister, was soon caught attempting to enter the royal apart- 

 ments and to dishonor his master. He was taken before the king, put 

 privately to death, and part of his body was prepared for food. His 

 father, having been invited to a grand entertainment given by the king 

 eat of his son's body ; for in Kamrup the brahmans are allowed great 

 liberties in their diet. After he had satiated himself with this monstrous 

 food, the king showed him his son's head, and informed him of the crime 

 and of what he had been eating. The minister is said to have acted 

 with a presence of mind well suited for such an occasion. He said, that 

 his son had no doubt deserved any punishment ; but as the king had made 

 him eat such a horrid repast, that he could no longer continue in his 

 service, but would retire from the world, and dedicate himself to the 

 duties of a religious mendicant. By this stratagem he was allowed to 

 retire, and having assumed the habit of a sonny ashi, immediately left 

 Kamrup. His first object now was to procure revenge, and he proceeded 

 without delay to Gaur, when he laid before the Moslem king informa- 

 tion, that was followed by an attack on Nilambor. For some time how- 

 ever the invasion did not seem likely to terminate in success ; for after a 

 siege of 12 years the Moslem had made no impression on the works of 

 Komotapur. Although the length of the siege is probably exceedingly 

 exaggerated by tradition, its issue probably continued long doubtful ; for 

 the invading army had evidently fortified its camp with much care. The 

 place is said to have been taken at length by stratagem, or rather by the 

 most abominable treachery. The Muhammadan commander informed 

 the king by message, that having lost all hopes of taking the place, he 

 was desirous of making peace, and leaving the country on the most 

 friendly terms. This having been accepted, it was proposed that the 

 ladies of the Moslem chiefs should pay their respects to the queen. This 





