1879. ] over Patkai vid Nongyang. 75 
valley, the nearest being Nuimyting, situated on a river of the same name 
that rises far to the west, south of Patkai and nearly opposite the Tirap 
valley (of the northern slope). 
The name of this river has been so variously rendered as to make its 
recognition at times difficult ; we find it as the Ramyoom, Kamyoom, Kam- 
miroan, Nam-ma-ron, and Namytng, the latter no doubt most correct. 
After passing the village it flows S. E. and falls into the Tirong. From 
Namyung there is constant intercourse with the south, west, and east, 
over an undulating but not difficult country. Traders generally pass it en 
route for Assam. 
It is extremely significant that the name “ Patkai’’ (which is an 
abbreviation of Pat kai seng kan*) originated on the pass at the part 
above indicated, in consequence of an oath there ratified between the Ahom 
Raja “ Chudangpha” } on the north side, with Strtnphai, the Nora Raja of 
the south side, whereby each bound themselves to respect the Nongyang- 
pani as the boundary, and that between them, ere separating, they erected 
two sculptured monuments, as memorials of the treaty on each bank of the 
river. 
Previous to this period the range there was called “ Doikaurang” 
Doi = Mountain, Kau — 9, and rang = united, namely the place of “ nine 
united hills,’ or where nine ranges converge, which latter singularly 
confirms all we know of the place already. 
At the site in question, but one range is crossed from water to water, 
whereas to the west, at least 8 or 9 conspicuous ridges must be crossed ere 
the plains are reached beyond. 
The name “ Doikaurang” was bestowed by the first Ahom Raja 
“ Chukhapha,” when passing from Nora, or Pong, to take Assam in 1228 
A. D. 
It seems clearly demonstrated by this time, that there are no trade 
routes to be expected vid the “ Brahmakund,” the “Daphap4ni,” or “No 
Dehing” valleys, and nothing intermediate is possible. 
The sufferings of Lieut. Wilcox and his party in 1827-8 during his 
attempts to penetrate eastwards are sufficient to deter any re-surveys of 
those routes for such a purpose. 
The Mishmi hills to the north again, or the Abor country, are equally 
uninviting, nor are lines of traffic more likely through the Daphla hills, except 
by cattle, and over passes that on the north, as on the east, are not less than 
10,000 feet, if as low. 
* Pat = cut, Kai = fowls, Seng = oath, Kan = taken. 
¢ Chudangpha’s ambassador was the Bor Gohain Tiatanbing, and that of the 
Nora Raja, Tasinpou, date 1399-40 A, D. 
