The country
lying between Gowhatty and the main axis of the Cossyah Hills, of
which Shillong is the crowning height, was only known to Europeans along
the Nunklow hill-path[1]
(reference to Scott’s Road). This was held in such bad
repute that those who ventured along it did so as fast as practicable, and
considered themselves fortunate if they escaped the malarial fever which
persisted throughout the year.
Brigg’s
Trace[2]
was
the second bridle path made by the British during 1863-64 to the east of
the old hill path and to the west of the present motorable road and it
emerged at Marbisu, a village 19 kilometres from Shillong on the Shillong-Mawphlang
Road. From here it branched to Shillong and to Laitlyngkot.
Unfortunately, like Scott’s Road, Brigg’s Trace was later abandoned
as well.
