3. History of the Khasis

3.  History of the Khasis

(1824 to pre-Shillong)

An important fallout of the interaction between the Khasis and the plains people (including the plains people of Kamrup) in the 18^th Century is the existence of a great number of clans with the name dkhar, (i.e. plains people) or in its short form 'khar, usually prefixed[1].

3.1 David Scott

3.1 David  Scott 

There were several reasons for the Company to show interest in the Khasi Hills. The English felt the need for Dak (postal service) from Sylhet to Assam through the Hills. They also felt the need for linking the two valleys through the hills for trading and commercial purposes. The cool and salubrious climate of the hills attracted the attention of David Scott and other officers.

3.2 Sanatarium to “Eat the Europe air”

3.2      Sanatarium to “Eat the Europe air”

On 1 November 1826, a delegation led by David Scott started for the Cassya Hills. There was no regular road at that time, and the party experienced considerable difficulty in making their way across the woody hills, which lay between Gowahatty and Nongkhlao, a distance of some 96 kilometres.

3.3 First Anglo-Khasi War

3.3      First Anglo-Khasi War

However, over time an undercurrent of dissatisfaction set in. Tirot suspected that the Company was making a scheme of territorial expansion. The high handedness of the military at Nongkhlaw and their harsh treatment of the inhabitants, made the people lose confidence in Scott.

3.4 Massacre at Nongkhlao

3.4      Massacre at Nongkhlao

About 400-500 Cassyahs and Garrows surrounded the house and Lieutenant Bedingfield went out amongst them unarmed to see what they wanted. They immediately seized him and after tying his hands behind his back and cutting the tendons of his legs, commenced shooting at him with their arrows.

3.5 Ostrich Hill

3.5      Ostrich Hill

Not far from Nongkhlao there was a beautiful spot known by the name of Ostrich Hill, and on its summit stood a humble Monument bearing an inscription:

 Multis ille bonis fleblis occidit, Nulli fledilior mihi

3.6 Bengalee chupprassee

3.6      Bengalee chupprassee

The cause of the massacre was attributed to the false speech of a Bengalee chupprassee[1], who in a dispute with the Cassyas, prior to Scott's coming up to Nongkhlao, had threatened them with his master's vengeance.

3.7 Jungle Fever/Maisma Country

3.7      Jungle Fever/Maisma Country

There was great difficulty in providing supplies for the troops at this time, and as there was no urgency for their services, Captain Urquhart's detachment was directed to return to Assam, making a detour by Ramree.

3.8 Close encounters with Outlaws

3.8      Close encounters with Outlaws

In September 1829, Scott returned to Nongkhlao from Sylhet[1]. At that time he was suffering considerably from a health complaint, and in low spirits from the loss of three of his most close friends - Lieutenants Bedingfield, Burlton, and Dr. Beadon, who had fallen to the Cassyas within the last four months.

3.9 Sanitarium

3.9      Sanitarium

The climate of the hills being similar to that of Europe attracted the attention of the British as they were of the view that it would be best suited for a sanatorium. Scott suggested establishing a Convalescent Station in the Khasi Hills, as it would be beneficial to the European constitution throughout the year.

3.10 Monbot

3.10     Monbot

The principal obstacle to the pacification of the country had been the heroic conduct of a Cassya leader named Monbot. Born in the ignoble condition of a slave to Tirot, he had risen by his undaunted spirit, to the chief command. Foremost in every fight, although often discomfited, and once severely wounded, he had always breathed the same spirit of defiance, and had proudly expressed his determination never to submit to the British Government.

3.11 Ensign David Hay Brodie

3.11     Ensign David Hay Brodie

Scott came up with novel methods to pursue the Cassyas and would have followed it up, if not for his health condition. It so happened, that a very intelligent young officer, Brodie, of the 13th Native Infantry heard Scott on one of these occasions. Being adventurous, the idea fired his mind, and he immediately proposed a plan which was adopted.

3.12 Second Anglo-Khasi War

3.12     Second Anglo-Khasi War

In spite of what the Company had accomplished, the tumult of the war had not yet been entirely silenced. Rebellions still flared up even after Tirot's imprisonment and a few Syiems resisted against pressure applied by the Company.