BHOOTAN. 1864–65–66.

Bhootan is situated in the north-east of India, and comprises the almost unknown and mountainous region lying between the Himalayas and the British Provinces. The inhabitants are a different race from all others in Hindostan, and apparently of Mongolian origin. They profess Buddhism, and are ruled by a temporal and spiritual Governor, known as the Deb and Dhurma Rajahs. The Dhurma Rajah has the most extensive power, and is always a member of the priesthood. The Bhootanese had made raids into British territory for years, and refusing to release their captives or to agree to any terms of pacification, the Indian Government determined to annex a portion of their frontier and to put an end to their outrages for the future. In November, 1864, a field force was organised in three columns, under the command of Brigadier Mulcaster, who operated on the right from the Assam frontier, and Brigadier Dunsford, C.B., who crossed the Teesta river and advanced on the left. On December 3rd. General Dunsford pushed up the Ambiok Valley and captured the post of Dhalimcote, with trifling loss. Another place called Chamoorchee, containing a monastery full of sacred books, was assaulted and taken on the 1st. of January, 1865. In the meantime a column under Colonel Watson had marched across the Dooar and taken possession of a fort called Buxa, and General Dunsford having established posts at the foot of the hills, and completed his arrangements for the annexation of the country lying between Dhalimcote and the frontier near Darjeeling, returned to his camp in the plains. The force under General Mulcaster, crossed the Brahmapootra, advanced up the Darungah Pass and captured the important hill post of Dewangiri at its summit. This place contained three great temples, situated on a ridge nearly 2000 feet above the level of the plains below. A small garrison was left in possession and the annexation of the Dooars was erroneously supposed to be completed.

The Government had issued orders for the breaking up of 365the Dooar Field Force early in February, and arrangements were made for the civil rule of the newly annexed territory, in districts, by deputy-commissioners. But all this time the Bhootanese had been actively preparing for a general attack upon the whole line of posts from Chamoorchee to Dewangiri. Before daybreak on the morning of January 30th a furious attack was made on the garrison of the latter place; but Colonel Campbell, in command, as soon as the enemy could be seen, charged upon and routed them. The Bhootanese though repulsed, harassed the garrison by destroying their supply of water, and at length established themselves at the mouth of the Darungah Pass, cutting off Campbell’s communication with Assam. The garrison, not being strong enough to dislodge the enemy, and being also short of ammunition, Colonel Campbell evacuated his post in the night,^[147] and after many difficulties and dangers reached head-quarters. Buxa, and the other posts were attacked in a similar manner, but in most cases the Bhootanese were beaten off, and the garrisons as far as possible strengthened. The 55th. regiment, with some companies of the 80th., and two batteries of Royal Artillery were ordered to the front, and with some regiments of Punjaub Infantry marched for the north-east frontier, under the command of Brigadier-General Tombs, V.C., and Brigadier Fraser Tytler. On March 15th., the latter officer with his brigade recaptured Balla, and Buxa and Chamoorchee a few days afterwards, with small loss. The brigade under General Tombs marched to recapture Dewangiri, fighting their way through passes which the enemy had fortified with stockades. The troops arrived before the place on April 1st., and Dewangiri was carried by storm the next morning. Being untenable during the rainy season, the buildings were destroyed, and on April 7th. the force began its return to India. General Tytler fixed his head-quarters at Gowhatti, and a series of posts were established from Lower Assam to Darjeeling, which for the time effectually curbed the Bhootanese. But though defeated they were not subdued, and in 1866 the Indian Government assembled a force of about 7000 men, to enter Bhootan in two columns, and to thoroughly reduce the inhabitants to submission. The troops had scarcely commenced their march, when the Deb Rajah of Bhootan, overawed by these preparations, granted all that was demanded of him, and concluded a treaty with Colonel Bruce, the civil commissioner. The British troops that took part in these operations were Royal Artillery, the 55th. and 80th. Regiments.

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