1867.] Proceedings of the Asiatic Society. 179 



down in China, was encouraged by reports, which reached them, 

 to the effect that a return to their own country was forbidden, 

 owing to long residence abroad, and their pollution as Mahome- 

 dans by contact with swine and other abominations, which were 

 known to abound in China. The remnant of the contingent was 

 finally located in Yunan, and settling down there, became peaceful 

 subjects of the Emperor of China. 



" It is to be inferred that the Mahomedan population in Yunan 

 was, for some centuries, at least, loyally disposed towards the Chi- 

 nese Government ; for no particular mention is made of them in 

 Chinese History, as far as is known, after their domestication in 

 Yunan, until the year 1855, when they rebelled and successfully 

 threw off the Chinese yoke. 



" The rebellion is stated to have originated and been carried out 

 in this wise. The Panthays in Yunan had multiplied and become 

 a flourishing and distinct community. They preserved their separate 

 nationality and customs, but were nevertheless obedient to the Chi- 

 nese laws. The Chinese and Tartar officials are said to have 

 been oppressive, and the foreign population was specially marked 

 out for the exercise of more than ordinary severity. Their indus- 

 trious habits and general aptitude made the Mahomedans profit- 

 able subjects ; whilst it rendered them, at the same time, victims to 

 unjust and extortionate masters. Then a feeling of enmity and 

 hate was engendered, with the usual results. The Loosonphoo 

 Silver Mines of Yunan were worked by Panthays, under the 

 superintendence of Chinese officers. On a certain day a dispute arose 

 at the mines, and the miners, exasperated by unjust treatment, had 

 recourse to force and murdered every Chinese officer they could find. 

 The revolt of the miners, was at once followed by a general armed 

 rising of the Panthays throughout Yunan. Being far inferior in num- 

 ber to the Chinese, they at first took to the woods and mountain fast- 

 nesses, whence they carried on a fierce guerilla warfare. Meeting 

 every where with success, they were soon joined by large numbers of 

 the neighbouring semi-independent hill tribes of Shans, Kakhyens,* 



* The Kakhyens above alluded to are a portion of the vast horde of 

 • Singphoos, that inhabit the mountainous districts of Northern Assam, and 

 stretch round the north of Burma into Western China. They extend not only 

 | all along the Northern Frontier, but dip down Southward wherever the moun- 

 tain ranges lead them, and neai'ly as far south as the latitude of Mandalay. 



