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extracts of a letter from a member of the survey party [Godwin-Austen] |
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to Munipur; Raja's refusal to let the survey continue |
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From Yemai,situated at the head of the Eeril, which flows to Munipur, we marched via Mahamai, crossing the high ridge eastward of the Barak and descended on that river under Sikhami. Here we found the Munipur camp still located, and many wild reports that had gone on to Samuguding were no doubt due to their presence in this quarter. It was now determined to proceed to Munipur to see the Raja, and endeavour to obtain the co-operation of the Munipuris for the survey of the remaining portion of the main watershed at the head of the rivers Eeril, Eehang and Thobal. We left Sikhami on the 10th, and proceeded at first down the Barak Valley, through fine scenery, and skirting the base of the high ridge. Thrown off from the Barrail running due south, we reached Munipur in six days, halting one to keep the survey work going. This was hard work, and we were never in until long after night-fall. Luckily we had fine moon-light. The interview in darbar on the 6th with the Raja failed in obtaining his co-operation, and this afterwards he most distinctly refused in a most insulting, arrogant letter to Colonel Mowbray Thomson, in which he declares the British government have no territory east of the Mao or Sijjo, and he forbids both Political Agents going there. This has completely stopped the survey work, and we are obliged to wait here until further order shall arrive from Calcutta; and thus I am able to give this long account of what has transpired since I last wrote. |
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On the day we left Ship-vo-mi, Peak X stood out well above the high range of mountains, on the main watershed, again capped with snow after the rain of previous day. Pir (Pinus Khasiana) grows abundantly over all the hills on this side, giving quite a new character to the country. The rhododendron is common in the denser woods, and was at the time we were there coming into bloom. The large crimson and two or three other species were observed. The Lahupas terrace the hill-sides in the same way as the Angami and Khezami to their west. Their language is quite distinct. |
