DUFFLAHS.The Dufflah tribes are divided into innumerable petty clans, and reside in Char Dooar, Now Dooar, and Chuh Dooar. They are a very uncivilized race of beings, and formerly were extremely troublesome: committing atrocities, attacking and kidnapping the people of the plains, and extorting a large amount of black mail in kind annually. To enumerate the several petty robberies, disturbances, and murders committed at different times by these wild mountaineers, would, at the present day, be neither interesting nor profitable: it will suffice to remark that the people are all disunited, living under independent chiefs with separate interests, and have never leagued together in large bodies to ravage the plains for plunder or thecapture of slaves. No union seems to prevail amongst them as with the Singphoos, Abors, and Khamtees; their irruptions and depredations, therefore, are always on a small scale. Almost every clan seems suspicious of its neighbour, and the sanguinary feuds amongst themselves are frequent. Of their religion, manners, customs, and habits, we regret to say little is known, and that little of a character not to be relied on: the same may be said of our information respecting the Akha tribes.A DUFFLAH.A DUFFLAH CHIEF’S WIDOW.A DUFFLAH CHIEF.London: Smith, Elder & Co. 65, Cornhill.In 1836–37, an agreement was entered into with the Dufflahs to forego their extortions on receiving from the British Government a fixed sum in lieu of all demands. Unlike the Booteahs, who cannot live in the plains, the Dufflahs seem disposed to adopt agricultural habits; and considerable numbers have deserted their hills and located themselves in the plains, paying revenue for the land they cultivate at the same rate as our Ryots. From these symptoms of industry, we are led to hope that in the course of time others will follow their example, and descend from their hills to enjoy the protection of the British Government; when their condition will be greatly ameliorated.In Char Dooar there are no less than one hundred and eighty Dufflah chiefs, belonging to twelve distinctclans, who receive 1,020 rupees per annum in lieu of the black mail formerly extorted from the Ryots. In the Now Dooar, there are nine dooars (passes or tracts of country leading into the northern hills) occupied by fifty-eight Dufflah chiefs, who receive compensation or a pension from Government of 1,523 rupees 9 ans. annually in lieu of black mail; making a grand total for both Dooars of 2,543 rupees 9 ans. 8 pice. It remains only to notice the amount supposed to have been collected as black mail by the Dufflahs from the people in Now Dooar previous to the year 1836–37, when a pecuniary compensation was given to the Dufflahs in lieu of this objectionable exaction. The contributions levied as black mail were nearly all given in kind. On the arrival of the Dufflahs once a year, from their mountains in the Now Dooar, it was their custom to take from the Sahoorea Ryots Government free pykes (or men), from each house:—Rs.Ans.Pice.1 seer of salt, valued at0405 seers of rice010Ready cash010060and if the ready money of one anna was not paid, aMoonga, or Erea Gumcha, or handkerchief valued at three annas was taken instead. On their return to the hills, another cess or contribution, amounting to 7 rs. 10 ans. was levied from each village or community, fixed originally at twenty houses; and whether they had decreased or increased in numbers the Dufflahs neither reduced nor augmented their demand. The articles taken from each village consisted on this occasion generally of—Rs.Ans.Pice.1 Erea cloth, valued at3001 Moonga Gumcha handkerchief0401 cow280Cash, as a present100Rice, 1 bhar0401 duck0201 seer of salt0401 seer of oil0407100Besides the Sahoorea, or free population, there were four villages (Baghmarra, Bihalle, Sakomata, Bakola) wholly inhabited by Cacharees, who were denominated Bohoteahs, or slaves; being free men bestowed originally by the Assam kings for a particular purpose or service. This caste or tribe theDufflahs especially considered as their slaves, from whom they claimed the right to collect two-thirds of the produce of their labours. Each Bohoteah received from the British Government two poorahs of land, and one rupee only was taken from him as revenue, or capitation tax; being two rupees less than that paid by the Government Pykes. The remission of two rupees granted in his favour, was to enable him to meet the demands of the Dufflahs against him, in addition to the following amount of black mail, viz:—Rs.Ans.Pice.1 Erea small cloth1001 Moonga gumcha0401 chunam (or lime box)0801 kuttaree, or knife0201 jappee hat or umbrella0401 bhar of rice0401 duck0201 seer of salt0401 seer of oil040300From this it would appear that the Bohoteahs paid to the Dufflahs five rupees each in produce; while the free population was assessed at the rate of abouteight rupees per village of twenty houses, which would average about six annas four pice per house. From the free and slave population united, as far as we have means for determining, the sum realized in kind from the inhabitants of the whole Dooar, amounted to 2,503 rs. 10 ans. 6 pice; so that in reality the Dufflahs have gained by the money substituted for black mail.In the palmy days of the Ahoom Government it is not certain that this system existed; but on the Ahoom Rajahs becoming proselytes to the Hindoo creed, they and their followers degenerated; and being unable to check by force of arms, the inroads of the numerous hill tribes both on the north and south frontiers of the valley—a space of 400 miles, accessible by innumerable passes—they readily permitted the tribes to levy black mail once a year on certain portions of land called Dooars. Thus were continual hostilities averted, and the Ahoom Rajahs had leisure to pay attention to their own affairs. Intestine commotion, however, worked the destruction which foreign aggression was restrained from accomplishing.CHAR DOOAR DUFFLAHS.No. of Chiefs in each Khel or Clan.No. of Khels or Clans.Name of Khel or Clan.Amount of Pension.Rs.Ans.Pice.231Phering Ooela9785202Oopur Takoolea10852213Nam Takoolea196141214Rapo Oolea76114465Paee Olea23412276Oopur Taolea1711127Nam Taolea310738Chana Oolea2367379Oopur Tabungolea1062910Purbutea village, Mekla Gaum, Deka and Bur Gaum extinct48411Jeynath Hya Babang Gaum, of Kuchla Barru, extinct08312Names of chiefs unknown, extinct15000180Total102000DUFFLAHS OF NOW DOOAR.No. of Dooars.Name of Dooars.No. of ChiefsName of ChiefsAmount of PensionRs.Ans.Pice.1Bihalee Dooar.1Tamoo Gaum2Tetae3Ruma4Nerbow5Tumes6Emakolee Gaumnee7Hollee Gaum8Hathemorea Huraporah58972Gong Dooar.1Bhoot Gaum2Ruma and Gamoo3Akho Chalee Gaumnee4Changdur Gaum5Rao6Nizboo and Burkmal7Rungoa and his son Byragee82283Bagmara Dooar.1Gopee Gaum2Papoong and Kadoo3Sedae Gaum4Teeta Gaum5Lalloo6Kowa7Baboo8Madoo and Paree295114Sakhoo Mata Dooar.1Deka Gaum, Bogle, and Rumgka2Chale Gaema, Gotoa Gaum3Kena Gaum262855Chooteah Dooar.1Babung Gaum2Bengala Gaum3Bengakoe Gaum4Chengolee Gaum5Hanoo Gaum6Tadung Gaum7Hanoo Gaum8Peroo Gaum9Durpur Gaum10Taggee for Talee11Teloa Gaum12Tamar13Durrung234036Kuchlahbaree Dooar.1Phedula, Bhedo Jey, Nizae Bulae Jey Gaums2Ladoom3Onee4Rungoma5Tajur66137Chandhur Dooar.1Jeyram Gaum2Ketula Haree3Bogee Gaum4Hetoo Gaumnee1371288Gurea Dooar.1Beroo Gaum, Seram Nirboo Keah Gaum2Dhunae Darkeh4611109Bakula Dooar.1Neema Gaum2Gobind Gaum3Peroo Gaum4Tama, Jagura, Nerum Lekejoo Luchoo, Begora, Oozeer, and others5Chengalee and others6Khakung Gaum7Halee8Chedar60651Total paid to Now Dooar, Dufflah Chiefs152398Total paid to Char Dooar Dufflah Chiefs10200058Total254398London: Printed byStewartandMurray, Old Bailey.
DUFFLAHS.The Dufflah tribes are divided into innumerable petty clans, and reside in Char Dooar, Now Dooar, and Chuh Dooar. They are a very uncivilized race of beings, and formerly were extremely troublesome: committing atrocities, attacking and kidnapping the people of the plains, and extorting a large amount of black mail in kind annually. To enumerate the several petty robberies, disturbances, and murders committed at different times by these wild mountaineers, would, at the present day, be neither interesting nor profitable: it will suffice to remark that the people are all disunited, living under independent chiefs with separate interests, and have never leagued together in large bodies to ravage the plains for plunder or thecapture of slaves. No union seems to prevail amongst them as with the Singphoos, Abors, and Khamtees; their irruptions and depredations, therefore, are always on a small scale. Almost every clan seems suspicious of its neighbour, and the sanguinary feuds amongst themselves are frequent. Of their religion, manners, customs, and habits, we regret to say little is known, and that little of a character not to be relied on: the same may be said of our information respecting the Akha tribes.A DUFFLAH.A DUFFLAH CHIEF’S WIDOW.A DUFFLAH CHIEF.London: Smith, Elder & Co. 65, Cornhill.In 1836–37, an agreement was entered into with the Dufflahs to forego their extortions on receiving from the British Government a fixed sum in lieu of all demands. Unlike the Booteahs, who cannot live in the plains, the Dufflahs seem disposed to adopt agricultural habits; and considerable numbers have deserted their hills and located themselves in the plains, paying revenue for the land they cultivate at the same rate as our Ryots. From these symptoms of industry, we are led to hope that in the course of time others will follow their example, and descend from their hills to enjoy the protection of the British Government; when their condition will be greatly ameliorated.In Char Dooar there are no less than one hundred and eighty Dufflah chiefs, belonging to twelve distinctclans, who receive 1,020 rupees per annum in lieu of the black mail formerly extorted from the Ryots. In the Now Dooar, there are nine dooars (passes or tracts of country leading into the northern hills) occupied by fifty-eight Dufflah chiefs, who receive compensation or a pension from Government of 1,523 rupees 9 ans. annually in lieu of black mail; making a grand total for both Dooars of 2,543 rupees 9 ans. 8 pice. It remains only to notice the amount supposed to have been collected as black mail by the Dufflahs from the people in Now Dooar previous to the year 1836–37, when a pecuniary compensation was given to the Dufflahs in lieu of this objectionable exaction. The contributions levied as black mail were nearly all given in kind. On the arrival of the Dufflahs once a year, from their mountains in the Now Dooar, it was their custom to take from the Sahoorea Ryots Government free pykes (or men), from each house:—Rs.Ans.Pice.1 seer of salt, valued at0405 seers of rice010Ready cash010060and if the ready money of one anna was not paid, aMoonga, or Erea Gumcha, or handkerchief valued at three annas was taken instead. On their return to the hills, another cess or contribution, amounting to 7 rs. 10 ans. was levied from each village or community, fixed originally at twenty houses; and whether they had decreased or increased in numbers the Dufflahs neither reduced nor augmented their demand. The articles taken from each village consisted on this occasion generally of—Rs.Ans.Pice.1 Erea cloth, valued at3001 Moonga Gumcha handkerchief0401 cow280Cash, as a present100Rice, 1 bhar0401 duck0201 seer of salt0401 seer of oil0407100Besides the Sahoorea, or free population, there were four villages (Baghmarra, Bihalle, Sakomata, Bakola) wholly inhabited by Cacharees, who were denominated Bohoteahs, or slaves; being free men bestowed originally by the Assam kings for a particular purpose or service. This caste or tribe theDufflahs especially considered as their slaves, from whom they claimed the right to collect two-thirds of the produce of their labours. Each Bohoteah received from the British Government two poorahs of land, and one rupee only was taken from him as revenue, or capitation tax; being two rupees less than that paid by the Government Pykes. The remission of two rupees granted in his favour, was to enable him to meet the demands of the Dufflahs against him, in addition to the following amount of black mail, viz:—Rs.Ans.Pice.1 Erea small cloth1001 Moonga gumcha0401 chunam (or lime box)0801 kuttaree, or knife0201 jappee hat or umbrella0401 bhar of rice0401 duck0201 seer of salt0401 seer of oil040300From this it would appear that the Bohoteahs paid to the Dufflahs five rupees each in produce; while the free population was assessed at the rate of abouteight rupees per village of twenty houses, which would average about six annas four pice per house. From the free and slave population united, as far as we have means for determining, the sum realized in kind from the inhabitants of the whole Dooar, amounted to 2,503 rs. 10 ans. 6 pice; so that in reality the Dufflahs have gained by the money substituted for black mail.In the palmy days of the Ahoom Government it is not certain that this system existed; but on the Ahoom Rajahs becoming proselytes to the Hindoo creed, they and their followers degenerated; and being unable to check by force of arms, the inroads of the numerous hill tribes both on the north and south frontiers of the valley—a space of 400 miles, accessible by innumerable passes—they readily permitted the tribes to levy black mail once a year on certain portions of land called Dooars. Thus were continual hostilities averted, and the Ahoom Rajahs had leisure to pay attention to their own affairs. Intestine commotion, however, worked the destruction which foreign aggression was restrained from accomplishing.CHAR DOOAR DUFFLAHS.No. of Chiefs in each Khel or Clan.No. of Khels or Clans.Name of Khel or Clan.Amount of Pension.Rs.Ans.Pice.231Phering Ooela9785202Oopur Takoolea10852213Nam Takoolea196141214Rapo Oolea76114465Paee Olea23412276Oopur Taolea1711127Nam Taolea310738Chana Oolea2367379Oopur Tabungolea1062910Purbutea village, Mekla Gaum, Deka and Bur Gaum extinct48411Jeynath Hya Babang Gaum, of Kuchla Barru, extinct08312Names of chiefs unknown, extinct15000180Total102000DUFFLAHS OF NOW DOOAR.No. of Dooars.Name of Dooars.No. of ChiefsName of ChiefsAmount of PensionRs.Ans.Pice.1Bihalee Dooar.1Tamoo Gaum2Tetae3Ruma4Nerbow5Tumes6Emakolee Gaumnee7Hollee Gaum8Hathemorea Huraporah58972Gong Dooar.1Bhoot Gaum2Ruma and Gamoo3Akho Chalee Gaumnee4Changdur Gaum5Rao6Nizboo and Burkmal7Rungoa and his son Byragee82283Bagmara Dooar.1Gopee Gaum2Papoong and Kadoo3Sedae Gaum4Teeta Gaum5Lalloo6Kowa7Baboo8Madoo and Paree295114Sakhoo Mata Dooar.1Deka Gaum, Bogle, and Rumgka2Chale Gaema, Gotoa Gaum3Kena Gaum262855Chooteah Dooar.1Babung Gaum2Bengala Gaum3Bengakoe Gaum4Chengolee Gaum5Hanoo Gaum6Tadung Gaum7Hanoo Gaum8Peroo Gaum9Durpur Gaum10Taggee for Talee11Teloa Gaum12Tamar13Durrung234036Kuchlahbaree Dooar.1Phedula, Bhedo Jey, Nizae Bulae Jey Gaums2Ladoom3Onee4Rungoma5Tajur66137Chandhur Dooar.1Jeyram Gaum2Ketula Haree3Bogee Gaum4Hetoo Gaumnee1371288Gurea Dooar.1Beroo Gaum, Seram Nirboo Keah Gaum2Dhunae Darkeh4611109Bakula Dooar.1Neema Gaum2Gobind Gaum3Peroo Gaum4Tama, Jagura, Nerum Lekejoo Luchoo, Begora, Oozeer, and others5Chengalee and others6Khakung Gaum7Halee8Chedar60651Total paid to Now Dooar, Dufflah Chiefs152398Total paid to Char Dooar Dufflah Chiefs10200058Total254398London: Printed byStewartandMurray, Old Bailey.
DUFFLAHS.The Dufflah tribes are divided into innumerable petty clans, and reside in Char Dooar, Now Dooar, and Chuh Dooar. They are a very uncivilized race of beings, and formerly were extremely troublesome: committing atrocities, attacking and kidnapping the people of the plains, and extorting a large amount of black mail in kind annually. To enumerate the several petty robberies, disturbances, and murders committed at different times by these wild mountaineers, would, at the present day, be neither interesting nor profitable: it will suffice to remark that the people are all disunited, living under independent chiefs with separate interests, and have never leagued together in large bodies to ravage the plains for plunder or thecapture of slaves. No union seems to prevail amongst them as with the Singphoos, Abors, and Khamtees; their irruptions and depredations, therefore, are always on a small scale. Almost every clan seems suspicious of its neighbour, and the sanguinary feuds amongst themselves are frequent. Of their religion, manners, customs, and habits, we regret to say little is known, and that little of a character not to be relied on: the same may be said of our information respecting the Akha tribes.A DUFFLAH.A DUFFLAH CHIEF’S WIDOW.A DUFFLAH CHIEF.London: Smith, Elder & Co. 65, Cornhill.In 1836–37, an agreement was entered into with the Dufflahs to forego their extortions on receiving from the British Government a fixed sum in lieu of all demands. Unlike the Booteahs, who cannot live in the plains, the Dufflahs seem disposed to adopt agricultural habits; and considerable numbers have deserted their hills and located themselves in the plains, paying revenue for the land they cultivate at the same rate as our Ryots. From these symptoms of industry, we are led to hope that in the course of time others will follow their example, and descend from their hills to enjoy the protection of the British Government; when their condition will be greatly ameliorated.In Char Dooar there are no less than one hundred and eighty Dufflah chiefs, belonging to twelve distinctclans, who receive 1,020 rupees per annum in lieu of the black mail formerly extorted from the Ryots. In the Now Dooar, there are nine dooars (passes or tracts of country leading into the northern hills) occupied by fifty-eight Dufflah chiefs, who receive compensation or a pension from Government of 1,523 rupees 9 ans. annually in lieu of black mail; making a grand total for both Dooars of 2,543 rupees 9 ans. 8 pice. It remains only to notice the amount supposed to have been collected as black mail by the Dufflahs from the people in Now Dooar previous to the year 1836–37, when a pecuniary compensation was given to the Dufflahs in lieu of this objectionable exaction. The contributions levied as black mail were nearly all given in kind. On the arrival of the Dufflahs once a year, from their mountains in the Now Dooar, it was their custom to take from the Sahoorea Ryots Government free pykes (or men), from each house:—Rs.Ans.Pice.1 seer of salt, valued at0405 seers of rice010Ready cash010060and if the ready money of one anna was not paid, aMoonga, or Erea Gumcha, or handkerchief valued at three annas was taken instead. On their return to the hills, another cess or contribution, amounting to 7 rs. 10 ans. was levied from each village or community, fixed originally at twenty houses; and whether they had decreased or increased in numbers the Dufflahs neither reduced nor augmented their demand. The articles taken from each village consisted on this occasion generally of—Rs.Ans.Pice.1 Erea cloth, valued at3001 Moonga Gumcha handkerchief0401 cow280Cash, as a present100Rice, 1 bhar0401 duck0201 seer of salt0401 seer of oil0407100Besides the Sahoorea, or free population, there were four villages (Baghmarra, Bihalle, Sakomata, Bakola) wholly inhabited by Cacharees, who were denominated Bohoteahs, or slaves; being free men bestowed originally by the Assam kings for a particular purpose or service. This caste or tribe theDufflahs especially considered as their slaves, from whom they claimed the right to collect two-thirds of the produce of their labours. Each Bohoteah received from the British Government two poorahs of land, and one rupee only was taken from him as revenue, or capitation tax; being two rupees less than that paid by the Government Pykes. The remission of two rupees granted in his favour, was to enable him to meet the demands of the Dufflahs against him, in addition to the following amount of black mail, viz:—Rs.Ans.Pice.1 Erea small cloth1001 Moonga gumcha0401 chunam (or lime box)0801 kuttaree, or knife0201 jappee hat or umbrella0401 bhar of rice0401 duck0201 seer of salt0401 seer of oil040300From this it would appear that the Bohoteahs paid to the Dufflahs five rupees each in produce; while the free population was assessed at the rate of abouteight rupees per village of twenty houses, which would average about six annas four pice per house. From the free and slave population united, as far as we have means for determining, the sum realized in kind from the inhabitants of the whole Dooar, amounted to 2,503 rs. 10 ans. 6 pice; so that in reality the Dufflahs have gained by the money substituted for black mail.In the palmy days of the Ahoom Government it is not certain that this system existed; but on the Ahoom Rajahs becoming proselytes to the Hindoo creed, they and their followers degenerated; and being unable to check by force of arms, the inroads of the numerous hill tribes both on the north and south frontiers of the valley—a space of 400 miles, accessible by innumerable passes—they readily permitted the tribes to levy black mail once a year on certain portions of land called Dooars. Thus were continual hostilities averted, and the Ahoom Rajahs had leisure to pay attention to their own affairs. Intestine commotion, however, worked the destruction which foreign aggression was restrained from accomplishing.CHAR DOOAR DUFFLAHS.No. of Chiefs in each Khel or Clan.No. of Khels or Clans.Name of Khel or Clan.Amount of Pension.Rs.Ans.Pice.231Phering Ooela9785202Oopur Takoolea10852213Nam Takoolea196141214Rapo Oolea76114465Paee Olea23412276Oopur Taolea1711127Nam Taolea310738Chana Oolea2367379Oopur Tabungolea1062910Purbutea village, Mekla Gaum, Deka and Bur Gaum extinct48411Jeynath Hya Babang Gaum, of Kuchla Barru, extinct08312Names of chiefs unknown, extinct15000180Total102000DUFFLAHS OF NOW DOOAR.No. of Dooars.Name of Dooars.No. of ChiefsName of ChiefsAmount of PensionRs.Ans.Pice.1Bihalee Dooar.1Tamoo Gaum2Tetae3Ruma4Nerbow5Tumes6Emakolee Gaumnee7Hollee Gaum8Hathemorea Huraporah58972Gong Dooar.1Bhoot Gaum2Ruma and Gamoo3Akho Chalee Gaumnee4Changdur Gaum5Rao6Nizboo and Burkmal7Rungoa and his son Byragee82283Bagmara Dooar.1Gopee Gaum2Papoong and Kadoo3Sedae Gaum4Teeta Gaum5Lalloo6Kowa7Baboo8Madoo and Paree295114Sakhoo Mata Dooar.1Deka Gaum, Bogle, and Rumgka2Chale Gaema, Gotoa Gaum3Kena Gaum262855Chooteah Dooar.1Babung Gaum2Bengala Gaum3Bengakoe Gaum4Chengolee Gaum5Hanoo Gaum6Tadung Gaum7Hanoo Gaum8Peroo Gaum9Durpur Gaum10Taggee for Talee11Teloa Gaum12Tamar13Durrung234036Kuchlahbaree Dooar.1Phedula, Bhedo Jey, Nizae Bulae Jey Gaums2Ladoom3Onee4Rungoma5Tajur66137Chandhur Dooar.1Jeyram Gaum2Ketula Haree3Bogee Gaum4Hetoo Gaumnee1371288Gurea Dooar.1Beroo Gaum, Seram Nirboo Keah Gaum2Dhunae Darkeh4611109Bakula Dooar.1Neema Gaum2Gobind Gaum3Peroo Gaum4Tama, Jagura, Nerum Lekejoo Luchoo, Begora, Oozeer, and others5Chengalee and others6Khakung Gaum7Halee8Chedar60651Total paid to Now Dooar, Dufflah Chiefs152398Total paid to Char Dooar Dufflah Chiefs10200058Total254398London: Printed byStewartandMurray, Old Bailey.
DUFFLAHS.The Dufflah tribes are divided into innumerable petty clans, and reside in Char Dooar, Now Dooar, and Chuh Dooar. They are a very uncivilized race of beings, and formerly were extremely troublesome: committing atrocities, attacking and kidnapping the people of the plains, and extorting a large amount of black mail in kind annually. To enumerate the several petty robberies, disturbances, and murders committed at different times by these wild mountaineers, would, at the present day, be neither interesting nor profitable: it will suffice to remark that the people are all disunited, living under independent chiefs with separate interests, and have never leagued together in large bodies to ravage the plains for plunder or thecapture of slaves. No union seems to prevail amongst them as with the Singphoos, Abors, and Khamtees; their irruptions and depredations, therefore, are always on a small scale. Almost every clan seems suspicious of its neighbour, and the sanguinary feuds amongst themselves are frequent. Of their religion, manners, customs, and habits, we regret to say little is known, and that little of a character not to be relied on: the same may be said of our information respecting the Akha tribes.A DUFFLAH.A DUFFLAH CHIEF’S WIDOW.A DUFFLAH CHIEF.London: Smith, Elder & Co. 65, Cornhill.In 1836–37, an agreement was entered into with the Dufflahs to forego their extortions on receiving from the British Government a fixed sum in lieu of all demands. Unlike the Booteahs, who cannot live in the plains, the Dufflahs seem disposed to adopt agricultural habits; and considerable numbers have deserted their hills and located themselves in the plains, paying revenue for the land they cultivate at the same rate as our Ryots. From these symptoms of industry, we are led to hope that in the course of time others will follow their example, and descend from their hills to enjoy the protection of the British Government; when their condition will be greatly ameliorated.In Char Dooar there are no less than one hundred and eighty Dufflah chiefs, belonging to twelve distinctclans, who receive 1,020 rupees per annum in lieu of the black mail formerly extorted from the Ryots. In the Now Dooar, there are nine dooars (passes or tracts of country leading into the northern hills) occupied by fifty-eight Dufflah chiefs, who receive compensation or a pension from Government of 1,523 rupees 9 ans. annually in lieu of black mail; making a grand total for both Dooars of 2,543 rupees 9 ans. 8 pice. It remains only to notice the amount supposed to have been collected as black mail by the Dufflahs from the people in Now Dooar previous to the year 1836–37, when a pecuniary compensation was given to the Dufflahs in lieu of this objectionable exaction. The contributions levied as black mail were nearly all given in kind. On the arrival of the Dufflahs once a year, from their mountains in the Now Dooar, it was their custom to take from the Sahoorea Ryots Government free pykes (or men), from each house:—Rs.Ans.Pice.1 seer of salt, valued at0405 seers of rice010Ready cash010060and if the ready money of one anna was not paid, aMoonga, or Erea Gumcha, or handkerchief valued at three annas was taken instead. On their return to the hills, another cess or contribution, amounting to 7 rs. 10 ans. was levied from each village or community, fixed originally at twenty houses; and whether they had decreased or increased in numbers the Dufflahs neither reduced nor augmented their demand. The articles taken from each village consisted on this occasion generally of—Rs.Ans.Pice.1 Erea cloth, valued at3001 Moonga Gumcha handkerchief0401 cow280Cash, as a present100Rice, 1 bhar0401 duck0201 seer of salt0401 seer of oil0407100Besides the Sahoorea, or free population, there were four villages (Baghmarra, Bihalle, Sakomata, Bakola) wholly inhabited by Cacharees, who were denominated Bohoteahs, or slaves; being free men bestowed originally by the Assam kings for a particular purpose or service. This caste or tribe theDufflahs especially considered as their slaves, from whom they claimed the right to collect two-thirds of the produce of their labours. Each Bohoteah received from the British Government two poorahs of land, and one rupee only was taken from him as revenue, or capitation tax; being two rupees less than that paid by the Government Pykes. The remission of two rupees granted in his favour, was to enable him to meet the demands of the Dufflahs against him, in addition to the following amount of black mail, viz:—Rs.Ans.Pice.1 Erea small cloth1001 Moonga gumcha0401 chunam (or lime box)0801 kuttaree, or knife0201 jappee hat or umbrella0401 bhar of rice0401 duck0201 seer of salt0401 seer of oil040300From this it would appear that the Bohoteahs paid to the Dufflahs five rupees each in produce; while the free population was assessed at the rate of abouteight rupees per village of twenty houses, which would average about six annas four pice per house. From the free and slave population united, as far as we have means for determining, the sum realized in kind from the inhabitants of the whole Dooar, amounted to 2,503 rs. 10 ans. 6 pice; so that in reality the Dufflahs have gained by the money substituted for black mail.In the palmy days of the Ahoom Government it is not certain that this system existed; but on the Ahoom Rajahs becoming proselytes to the Hindoo creed, they and their followers degenerated; and being unable to check by force of arms, the inroads of the numerous hill tribes both on the north and south frontiers of the valley—a space of 400 miles, accessible by innumerable passes—they readily permitted the tribes to levy black mail once a year on certain portions of land called Dooars. Thus were continual hostilities averted, and the Ahoom Rajahs had leisure to pay attention to their own affairs. Intestine commotion, however, worked the destruction which foreign aggression was restrained from accomplishing.CHAR DOOAR DUFFLAHS.No. of Chiefs in each Khel or Clan.No. of Khels or Clans.Name of Khel or Clan.Amount of Pension.Rs.Ans.Pice.231Phering Ooela9785202Oopur Takoolea10852213Nam Takoolea196141214Rapo Oolea76114465Paee Olea23412276Oopur Taolea1711127Nam Taolea310738Chana Oolea2367379Oopur Tabungolea1062910Purbutea village, Mekla Gaum, Deka and Bur Gaum extinct48411Jeynath Hya Babang Gaum, of Kuchla Barru, extinct08312Names of chiefs unknown, extinct15000180Total102000DUFFLAHS OF NOW DOOAR.No. of Dooars.Name of Dooars.No. of ChiefsName of ChiefsAmount of PensionRs.Ans.Pice.1Bihalee Dooar.1Tamoo Gaum2Tetae3Ruma4Nerbow5Tumes6Emakolee Gaumnee7Hollee Gaum8Hathemorea Huraporah58972Gong Dooar.1Bhoot Gaum2Ruma and Gamoo3Akho Chalee Gaumnee4Changdur Gaum5Rao6Nizboo and Burkmal7Rungoa and his son Byragee82283Bagmara Dooar.1Gopee Gaum2Papoong and Kadoo3Sedae Gaum4Teeta Gaum5Lalloo6Kowa7Baboo8Madoo and Paree295114Sakhoo Mata Dooar.1Deka Gaum, Bogle, and Rumgka2Chale Gaema, Gotoa Gaum3Kena Gaum262855Chooteah Dooar.1Babung Gaum2Bengala Gaum3Bengakoe Gaum4Chengolee Gaum5Hanoo Gaum6Tadung Gaum7Hanoo Gaum8Peroo Gaum9Durpur Gaum10Taggee for Talee11Teloa Gaum12Tamar13Durrung234036Kuchlahbaree Dooar.1Phedula, Bhedo Jey, Nizae Bulae Jey Gaums2Ladoom3Onee4Rungoma5Tajur66137Chandhur Dooar.1Jeyram Gaum2Ketula Haree3Bogee Gaum4Hetoo Gaumnee1371288Gurea Dooar.1Beroo Gaum, Seram Nirboo Keah Gaum2Dhunae Darkeh4611109Bakula Dooar.1Neema Gaum2Gobind Gaum3Peroo Gaum4Tama, Jagura, Nerum Lekejoo Luchoo, Begora, Oozeer, and others5Chengalee and others6Khakung Gaum7Halee8Chedar60651Total paid to Now Dooar, Dufflah Chiefs152398Total paid to Char Dooar Dufflah Chiefs10200058Total254398London: Printed byStewartandMurray, Old Bailey.
DUFFLAHS.
The Dufflah tribes are divided into innumerable petty clans, and reside in Char Dooar, Now Dooar, and Chuh Dooar. They are a very uncivilized race of beings, and formerly were extremely troublesome: committing atrocities, attacking and kidnapping the people of the plains, and extorting a large amount of black mail in kind annually. To enumerate the several petty robberies, disturbances, and murders committed at different times by these wild mountaineers, would, at the present day, be neither interesting nor profitable: it will suffice to remark that the people are all disunited, living under independent chiefs with separate interests, and have never leagued together in large bodies to ravage the plains for plunder or thecapture of slaves. No union seems to prevail amongst them as with the Singphoos, Abors, and Khamtees; their irruptions and depredations, therefore, are always on a small scale. Almost every clan seems suspicious of its neighbour, and the sanguinary feuds amongst themselves are frequent. Of their religion, manners, customs, and habits, we regret to say little is known, and that little of a character not to be relied on: the same may be said of our information respecting the Akha tribes.A DUFFLAH.A DUFFLAH CHIEF’S WIDOW.A DUFFLAH CHIEF.London: Smith, Elder & Co. 65, Cornhill.In 1836–37, an agreement was entered into with the Dufflahs to forego their extortions on receiving from the British Government a fixed sum in lieu of all demands. Unlike the Booteahs, who cannot live in the plains, the Dufflahs seem disposed to adopt agricultural habits; and considerable numbers have deserted their hills and located themselves in the plains, paying revenue for the land they cultivate at the same rate as our Ryots. From these symptoms of industry, we are led to hope that in the course of time others will follow their example, and descend from their hills to enjoy the protection of the British Government; when their condition will be greatly ameliorated.In Char Dooar there are no less than one hundred and eighty Dufflah chiefs, belonging to twelve distinctclans, who receive 1,020 rupees per annum in lieu of the black mail formerly extorted from the Ryots. In the Now Dooar, there are nine dooars (passes or tracts of country leading into the northern hills) occupied by fifty-eight Dufflah chiefs, who receive compensation or a pension from Government of 1,523 rupees 9 ans. annually in lieu of black mail; making a grand total for both Dooars of 2,543 rupees 9 ans. 8 pice. It remains only to notice the amount supposed to have been collected as black mail by the Dufflahs from the people in Now Dooar previous to the year 1836–37, when a pecuniary compensation was given to the Dufflahs in lieu of this objectionable exaction. The contributions levied as black mail were nearly all given in kind. On the arrival of the Dufflahs once a year, from their mountains in the Now Dooar, it was their custom to take from the Sahoorea Ryots Government free pykes (or men), from each house:—Rs.Ans.Pice.1 seer of salt, valued at0405 seers of rice010Ready cash010060and if the ready money of one anna was not paid, aMoonga, or Erea Gumcha, or handkerchief valued at three annas was taken instead. On their return to the hills, another cess or contribution, amounting to 7 rs. 10 ans. was levied from each village or community, fixed originally at twenty houses; and whether they had decreased or increased in numbers the Dufflahs neither reduced nor augmented their demand. The articles taken from each village consisted on this occasion generally of—Rs.Ans.Pice.1 Erea cloth, valued at3001 Moonga Gumcha handkerchief0401 cow280Cash, as a present100Rice, 1 bhar0401 duck0201 seer of salt0401 seer of oil0407100Besides the Sahoorea, or free population, there were four villages (Baghmarra, Bihalle, Sakomata, Bakola) wholly inhabited by Cacharees, who were denominated Bohoteahs, or slaves; being free men bestowed originally by the Assam kings for a particular purpose or service. This caste or tribe theDufflahs especially considered as their slaves, from whom they claimed the right to collect two-thirds of the produce of their labours. Each Bohoteah received from the British Government two poorahs of land, and one rupee only was taken from him as revenue, or capitation tax; being two rupees less than that paid by the Government Pykes. The remission of two rupees granted in his favour, was to enable him to meet the demands of the Dufflahs against him, in addition to the following amount of black mail, viz:—Rs.Ans.Pice.1 Erea small cloth1001 Moonga gumcha0401 chunam (or lime box)0801 kuttaree, or knife0201 jappee hat or umbrella0401 bhar of rice0401 duck0201 seer of salt0401 seer of oil040300From this it would appear that the Bohoteahs paid to the Dufflahs five rupees each in produce; while the free population was assessed at the rate of abouteight rupees per village of twenty houses, which would average about six annas four pice per house. From the free and slave population united, as far as we have means for determining, the sum realized in kind from the inhabitants of the whole Dooar, amounted to 2,503 rs. 10 ans. 6 pice; so that in reality the Dufflahs have gained by the money substituted for black mail.In the palmy days of the Ahoom Government it is not certain that this system existed; but on the Ahoom Rajahs becoming proselytes to the Hindoo creed, they and their followers degenerated; and being unable to check by force of arms, the inroads of the numerous hill tribes both on the north and south frontiers of the valley—a space of 400 miles, accessible by innumerable passes—they readily permitted the tribes to levy black mail once a year on certain portions of land called Dooars. Thus were continual hostilities averted, and the Ahoom Rajahs had leisure to pay attention to their own affairs. Intestine commotion, however, worked the destruction which foreign aggression was restrained from accomplishing.CHAR DOOAR DUFFLAHS.No. of Chiefs in each Khel or Clan.No. of Khels or Clans.Name of Khel or Clan.Amount of Pension.Rs.Ans.Pice.231Phering Ooela9785202Oopur Takoolea10852213Nam Takoolea196141214Rapo Oolea76114465Paee Olea23412276Oopur Taolea1711127Nam Taolea310738Chana Oolea2367379Oopur Tabungolea1062910Purbutea village, Mekla Gaum, Deka and Bur Gaum extinct48411Jeynath Hya Babang Gaum, of Kuchla Barru, extinct08312Names of chiefs unknown, extinct15000180Total102000DUFFLAHS OF NOW DOOAR.No. of Dooars.Name of Dooars.No. of ChiefsName of ChiefsAmount of PensionRs.Ans.Pice.1Bihalee Dooar.1Tamoo Gaum2Tetae3Ruma4Nerbow5Tumes6Emakolee Gaumnee7Hollee Gaum8Hathemorea Huraporah58972Gong Dooar.1Bhoot Gaum2Ruma and Gamoo3Akho Chalee Gaumnee4Changdur Gaum5Rao6Nizboo and Burkmal7Rungoa and his son Byragee82283Bagmara Dooar.1Gopee Gaum2Papoong and Kadoo3Sedae Gaum4Teeta Gaum5Lalloo6Kowa7Baboo8Madoo and Paree295114Sakhoo Mata Dooar.1Deka Gaum, Bogle, and Rumgka2Chale Gaema, Gotoa Gaum3Kena Gaum262855Chooteah Dooar.1Babung Gaum2Bengala Gaum3Bengakoe Gaum4Chengolee Gaum5Hanoo Gaum6Tadung Gaum7Hanoo Gaum8Peroo Gaum9Durpur Gaum10Taggee for Talee11Teloa Gaum12Tamar13Durrung234036Kuchlahbaree Dooar.1Phedula, Bhedo Jey, Nizae Bulae Jey Gaums2Ladoom3Onee4Rungoma5Tajur66137Chandhur Dooar.1Jeyram Gaum2Ketula Haree3Bogee Gaum4Hetoo Gaumnee1371288Gurea Dooar.1Beroo Gaum, Seram Nirboo Keah Gaum2Dhunae Darkeh4611109Bakula Dooar.1Neema Gaum2Gobind Gaum3Peroo Gaum4Tama, Jagura, Nerum Lekejoo Luchoo, Begora, Oozeer, and others5Chengalee and others6Khakung Gaum7Halee8Chedar60651Total paid to Now Dooar, Dufflah Chiefs152398Total paid to Char Dooar Dufflah Chiefs10200058Total254398London: Printed byStewartandMurray, Old Bailey.
The Dufflah tribes are divided into innumerable petty clans, and reside in Char Dooar, Now Dooar, and Chuh Dooar. They are a very uncivilized race of beings, and formerly were extremely troublesome: committing atrocities, attacking and kidnapping the people of the plains, and extorting a large amount of black mail in kind annually. To enumerate the several petty robberies, disturbances, and murders committed at different times by these wild mountaineers, would, at the present day, be neither interesting nor profitable: it will suffice to remark that the people are all disunited, living under independent chiefs with separate interests, and have never leagued together in large bodies to ravage the plains for plunder or thecapture of slaves. No union seems to prevail amongst them as with the Singphoos, Abors, and Khamtees; their irruptions and depredations, therefore, are always on a small scale. Almost every clan seems suspicious of its neighbour, and the sanguinary feuds amongst themselves are frequent. Of their religion, manners, customs, and habits, we regret to say little is known, and that little of a character not to be relied on: the same may be said of our information respecting the Akha tribes.
A DUFFLAH.A DUFFLAH CHIEF’S WIDOW.A DUFFLAH CHIEF.London: Smith, Elder & Co. 65, Cornhill.
A DUFFLAH.A DUFFLAH CHIEF’S WIDOW.A DUFFLAH CHIEF.
London: Smith, Elder & Co. 65, Cornhill.
In 1836–37, an agreement was entered into with the Dufflahs to forego their extortions on receiving from the British Government a fixed sum in lieu of all demands. Unlike the Booteahs, who cannot live in the plains, the Dufflahs seem disposed to adopt agricultural habits; and considerable numbers have deserted their hills and located themselves in the plains, paying revenue for the land they cultivate at the same rate as our Ryots. From these symptoms of industry, we are led to hope that in the course of time others will follow their example, and descend from their hills to enjoy the protection of the British Government; when their condition will be greatly ameliorated.
In Char Dooar there are no less than one hundred and eighty Dufflah chiefs, belonging to twelve distinctclans, who receive 1,020 rupees per annum in lieu of the black mail formerly extorted from the Ryots. In the Now Dooar, there are nine dooars (passes or tracts of country leading into the northern hills) occupied by fifty-eight Dufflah chiefs, who receive compensation or a pension from Government of 1,523 rupees 9 ans. annually in lieu of black mail; making a grand total for both Dooars of 2,543 rupees 9 ans. 8 pice. It remains only to notice the amount supposed to have been collected as black mail by the Dufflahs from the people in Now Dooar previous to the year 1836–37, when a pecuniary compensation was given to the Dufflahs in lieu of this objectionable exaction. The contributions levied as black mail were nearly all given in kind. On the arrival of the Dufflahs once a year, from their mountains in the Now Dooar, it was their custom to take from the Sahoorea Ryots Government free pykes (or men), from each house:—
Rs.Ans.Pice.1 seer of salt, valued at0405 seers of rice010Ready cash010060
and if the ready money of one anna was not paid, aMoonga, or Erea Gumcha, or handkerchief valued at three annas was taken instead. On their return to the hills, another cess or contribution, amounting to 7 rs. 10 ans. was levied from each village or community, fixed originally at twenty houses; and whether they had decreased or increased in numbers the Dufflahs neither reduced nor augmented their demand. The articles taken from each village consisted on this occasion generally of—
Rs.Ans.Pice.1 Erea cloth, valued at3001 Moonga Gumcha handkerchief0401 cow280Cash, as a present100Rice, 1 bhar0401 duck0201 seer of salt0401 seer of oil0407100
Besides the Sahoorea, or free population, there were four villages (Baghmarra, Bihalle, Sakomata, Bakola) wholly inhabited by Cacharees, who were denominated Bohoteahs, or slaves; being free men bestowed originally by the Assam kings for a particular purpose or service. This caste or tribe theDufflahs especially considered as their slaves, from whom they claimed the right to collect two-thirds of the produce of their labours. Each Bohoteah received from the British Government two poorahs of land, and one rupee only was taken from him as revenue, or capitation tax; being two rupees less than that paid by the Government Pykes. The remission of two rupees granted in his favour, was to enable him to meet the demands of the Dufflahs against him, in addition to the following amount of black mail, viz:—
Rs.Ans.Pice.1 Erea small cloth1001 Moonga gumcha0401 chunam (or lime box)0801 kuttaree, or knife0201 jappee hat or umbrella0401 bhar of rice0401 duck0201 seer of salt0401 seer of oil040300
From this it would appear that the Bohoteahs paid to the Dufflahs five rupees each in produce; while the free population was assessed at the rate of abouteight rupees per village of twenty houses, which would average about six annas four pice per house. From the free and slave population united, as far as we have means for determining, the sum realized in kind from the inhabitants of the whole Dooar, amounted to 2,503 rs. 10 ans. 6 pice; so that in reality the Dufflahs have gained by the money substituted for black mail.
In the palmy days of the Ahoom Government it is not certain that this system existed; but on the Ahoom Rajahs becoming proselytes to the Hindoo creed, they and their followers degenerated; and being unable to check by force of arms, the inroads of the numerous hill tribes both on the north and south frontiers of the valley—a space of 400 miles, accessible by innumerable passes—they readily permitted the tribes to levy black mail once a year on certain portions of land called Dooars. Thus were continual hostilities averted, and the Ahoom Rajahs had leisure to pay attention to their own affairs. Intestine commotion, however, worked the destruction which foreign aggression was restrained from accomplishing.
CHAR DOOAR DUFFLAHS.
No. of Chiefs in each Khel or Clan.No. of Khels or Clans.Name of Khel or Clan.Amount of Pension.Rs.Ans.Pice.231Phering Ooela9785202Oopur Takoolea10852213Nam Takoolea196141214Rapo Oolea76114465Paee Olea23412276Oopur Taolea1711127Nam Taolea310738Chana Oolea2367379Oopur Tabungolea1062910Purbutea village, Mekla Gaum, Deka and Bur Gaum extinct48411Jeynath Hya Babang Gaum, of Kuchla Barru, extinct08312Names of chiefs unknown, extinct15000180Total102000
DUFFLAHS OF NOW DOOAR.
No. of Dooars.Name of Dooars.No. of ChiefsName of ChiefsAmount of PensionRs.Ans.Pice.1Bihalee Dooar.1Tamoo Gaum2Tetae3Ruma4Nerbow5Tumes6Emakolee Gaumnee7Hollee Gaum8Hathemorea Huraporah58972Gong Dooar.1Bhoot Gaum2Ruma and Gamoo3Akho Chalee Gaumnee4Changdur Gaum5Rao6Nizboo and Burkmal7Rungoa and his son Byragee82283Bagmara Dooar.1Gopee Gaum2Papoong and Kadoo3Sedae Gaum4Teeta Gaum5Lalloo6Kowa7Baboo8Madoo and Paree295114Sakhoo Mata Dooar.1Deka Gaum, Bogle, and Rumgka2Chale Gaema, Gotoa Gaum3Kena Gaum262855Chooteah Dooar.1Babung Gaum2Bengala Gaum3Bengakoe Gaum4Chengolee Gaum5Hanoo Gaum6Tadung Gaum7Hanoo Gaum8Peroo Gaum9Durpur Gaum10Taggee for Talee11Teloa Gaum12Tamar13Durrung234036Kuchlahbaree Dooar.1Phedula, Bhedo Jey, Nizae Bulae Jey Gaums2Ladoom3Onee4Rungoma5Tajur66137Chandhur Dooar.1Jeyram Gaum2Ketula Haree3Bogee Gaum4Hetoo Gaumnee1371288Gurea Dooar.1Beroo Gaum, Seram Nirboo Keah Gaum2Dhunae Darkeh4611109Bakula Dooar.1Neema Gaum2Gobind Gaum3Peroo Gaum4Tama, Jagura, Nerum Lekejoo Luchoo, Begora, Oozeer, and others5Chengalee and others6Khakung Gaum7Halee8Chedar60651Total paid to Now Dooar, Dufflah Chiefs152398Total paid to Char Dooar Dufflah Chiefs10200058Total254398
London: Printed byStewartandMurray, Old Bailey.