| Abstract: | The Ahom kingdom, established by Chowlung Sukapha in 1228 C.E., initially had its capital at Charaideo (1253 C.E.). Its territorial boundaries extended from Buri Dihing in the north to the Dikhow River in the south, with the foothills of the Naga Hills and the Patkai range in the east and the Brahmaputra River in the west. Sukapha engaged with frontier hill tribes, including the Nagas. During the reign of Ahom king Suklengmung, the kingdom’s boundaries expanded to both sides of the Brahmaputra River, reaching the northern frontier hills. This expansion brought the Ahom kingdom into contact with tribes such as the Nagas and the Michimi. However, sustained relations with the hill tribes were most prominent during the reign of Ahom king Pratap Singha, who implemented a conciliatory policy toward groups such as the Nagas, Akas, Nyishi, Bhutias, Michimi, and Parbotia Miris. As part of this policy, Pratap Singha granted Posa to the hill tribes. To prevent raids, the hill tribes were granted access to rampat, or Duar passes, facilitating entry and exit to the plains. Additionally, markets (hats) were established in the foothills, enabling the hill tribes to exchange goods for necessary commodities. Over time, a structured trade system developed between the Ahoms and the hill tribes, yielding economic benefits and fostering socio-cultural bonds between the hill and plain communities. Among these tribes, the Nyishi of the Lakhimpur Duar areas played a significant role in trade under Ahom rule. This paper examines the trade relations between the Ahoms and the frontier hill tribes, with particular emphasis on the Nyishi tribe in the Duar areas of present-day Lakhimpur. |
