Arakan Library - The arakan mug battalion

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The arakan mug battalion

J.B.R.S. Vol.XIII, Part 2. 1923

The Arakan Commissioner’s Office contains some very interesting and valuable records which are among the oldest in British Burma. Though they are bound together and preserved in book form, yet a casual examination of them will convince a researcher that they have been carelessly kept without the slightest attention being paid to any form of order or chronological sequence. The paper being all more or less, one finds it most difficult to reproduce a connected account any of the many interesting subjects with which they are concerned. The time has more than arrived when these valuable records ought to be properly looked after, tabulated and indexed by some one competent to undertake the work. In preparing the following account this difficulty has been met with, involving the sacrifice of much of its interest owing to the want of continuity of narration. Such as these facts are found, they are now served up without further apologies.

The first proposal to raise three companies of Mugs, each a hundred strong, was made by Mr. Robertson to Captain Hay, Commandant of the Provincial Battalion at Chittagong, for the purpose of protecting the district during the unhealthy season. This seems to have been carried out, for Captain Hay is asked to indent for arms and accoutrements for three hundred men. This order was sent on the 9th of February 1824. Besides this, Mr. C.R. Cartwright, Acting Collector of Chittagong, was asked to advance Rs.1500 to Captain Hay for the purpose.

Apparently one Mr. Lindguist attached to some small force landed on the island of Shapuri and without authority removed the Burmese Flag. He was severely censured for this. Early in 1824 we find Robertson hinting at a possible rupture with the Governor of Arakan and advising Government to withdraw the small force apparently occupying that island. Another reason for withdrawal was unhealthiness. The ill feeling between the two people being really due to the boundary dispute, Robertson on the 8th January 1824 sends a letter to the Burmese Governor of Arakan to appoint some one to meet him to adjust the boundary. The dispute arose out of the arrest of two Englishmen who were found anchoring near the island. The Raja’s letter being unfavourable, war is expected and Robertson takes precautions. He finds Arakanese cooperation indispensable. He works round their prejudices and gains their esteem. He praises their patriotism and their regard for their ancestors.

He thinks that there is no one under 40 who knows any thing about his country. Moreover he finds the Mugs never willing to work unless they were paid. The following passage represents his views regarding the people. “It is a custom common to the Mugs, the Burmese and other eastern tribes to give a bounty to every man going on actual service in his own country. This practice, I suspect, is found advantageous to several parties. It enables the sovereign to raise an army without difficulty, and the fact that the peaceful subject has to purchase an exemption from service ensures to the individual employed some remuneration for his exertion and affords the local authority an opportu-nity for extortion and embezzlement ………… Another peculiarity of the Mugs is their respect of their hereditary national chiefs and their comparatively ready submission to the headmen of their wards or villages ………. The inhabitants of one village will not move under the guidance of the headman of another village …….. They are clearly a trading and not an agricultural race; and they seem to have the commercial indifference to hereditary rank with the commercial attachment to their own little respective communities. At Hur Bung which contains upwards of 1000 families of their tribes I was informed by the zemindar’s agent that there was scarcely a single field cultivated by the Mugs.” Here he talks about restoring the independence of Arakan and making over the country to the people, but doubts whether the Arakanese themselves would exchange life under settled Government for a precarious existence.

In the month of March troops gather on both frontiers. Conditions of amicable settlement are laid down by Robertson as follows: -

I ) First, that both of you ( the Burmese Governor and Bandula ) send me a written denial of your participation in the seizure of the two gentlemen and the khalasis, in order that being furnished with this document the Right Honorable the Governor General may write to the Sultan of Ava to have the person punished who was guilty of the act.”

2 ) “Secondly, that relinquishing all claims to the island of Shapuri you plainly state in writing that you admit the said Shapuri to belong to the Honorable Company, and that the local authorities in Arakan will never again pretend claim to it.”

3 ) “ Thirdly, you reduce the force in the Province of Arakan by sending away all but the usual number of troops. So soon as you comply with these three conditions we will immediately withdraw our forces.”

These conditions are to be fulfilled within ten days counting from the 19th February 1824. In the event of their failure to comply with the above terms war is to be declared. With a view to hostilities a party of 650 Mugs were sent to Naaf under the disposal of Colonel Shapland. He is told to train them for the subsequent formation of a permanent corps. To enable the proper handing of the men a Bengali writer on Rs.10 a month and Mug interpreter on Rs.10 a month are sanctioned in Mrach 1824.

The Mug levy of 400 men is for the time being kept as a separate unit under Captain Pringle. In the month of April this officer is authorized to enroll suitable recruits and to raise the strength of the crops to 500. Other small bands of Mug distributed in other small towns do not form part of this regular levy, but Captain Pringle is asked to exercise control over them. They are not incorporated into the regular Provincial Battalion because of their general unwillingness to serve under foreign leaders.

This raising of Mug troops is more for political reasons than for any particular requirement of service; and in order to facilitate others joining the force when they are asked to do so. Colonel Shapland at the frontier is, however, on financial grounds, asked to discharge 700 Mugs under him in such a way that they will join when wanted. He is asked to draw up an agreement to that effect, and adds: “The Mugs, though stubborn and intractable, are, I understand, generally faithful to any agreement they may enter into. I have reasons to think that these men will be found ready to adhere to the terms of their agreement.”

Small bands of Mugs - 20 to 90 - are raised under their leaders and are looked upon as part of the regular troops. A pay of Rs. 7 a month is given to the leaders having more than 30 men under them. Discipline is to be introduced very gradually as sudden confinement would alienate the men from their cause. As an extra inducement extra pay is promised to those leaders who submit to regular drill and discipline. At first 3 leaders with their men agree to this. Their progress appears to be satisfactory; “many of the men are admirable marksmen and all of them seem previously acquainted with the use of the musket. It is the opinion of Captain Pringle and every officer who had observed them that they are particularly fitted to form an efficient rifle corps.” The whole lot under training and proper discipline under Captain Pringle comes up to about 400 strong. They are given short green jackets as uniforms and 100 rifles are distributed among the best shots; six bugles are also given; and ultimate object is to form a disciplined light infantry.

The levy at Chittagong being now without any officer to superintend and control them, become disorganized and rowdy. So in June 1824 Captain Dickenson of the Dacca Provincial Battalion is sent down to take charge. But on behalf of the Mugs it is stated that they, even when wounded severely, brought in their arms and accoutrements.

In July 1824 preparations were made to send 600 Mugs to Rangoon. The Mugs were very willing to go. They were sent in two batches, the first of which sailed in the “Thalis” under Captain Wiggins in the month of August 1824.

The Mug levy under Dickenson flourishes and he is authorized to raise the strength to 600. He gets in an extra Havildar and 2 Naiks of the Regular Army for the instruction of his men. On the 23rd July 1824 Captain Dickenson, in whose experience great trust is reposed, is empowered to form the men of his levy into six companies, vis:-

5) Companies, each consisting of

1 Subadar at Rs. 40 a month

2 Jemadars at Rs.20 a month

6 Havildars at Rs. 10 a month

6 Naiks at Rs. 8 a month

6 Bugler at Rs.8 a month

100 Privates at Rs.6 a month

1 Company of Dowmen as a temporary establishment to be attached to the Corps during the War.

2 Jemadars at Rs. 15 a month

4 Havildars at Rs. 8 a month

4 Naiks at Rs. 6-8 a month

100 Privates at Rs. 5 a month

These men were equipped with light Fuzils with pouches and black belts of the new pattern - their old heavy muskets being too cumbersome.

The opinion formed by Captain Dickenson of his men and in which Mr. Robertson entirely agreed, was; “It is to be remarked very much in favour of the Mugs that every man who offers himself as a soldier seems to have his mind solely occupied with the ideas of entering as a fighting man, and all his arguments hinge on that; and though the very limited experience I have yet had of them does not allow me to speak confidently, still I am greatly disposed to think the Mug will ultimately form a better and more useful soldier than ever was contemplated. Their hardiness, freedom from religious prejudices and mode of feeding are material circumstances in favour of my opinion of their natural courage and respectability. With regard to discipline I see neither difficulties nor obstruction to its perfect accomplishment with time. It must not too prematurely too rigorously be imposed. The habits of the people must be gradually and progressively changed, and themselves more familiarized with the European character to ensure their confidence and by degrees to lessen that now reposed in their chiefs. If this corps is to be permanently retained the sooner it is rendered effective by the nomination for an Adjutant, the better, and he should be a young man selected for his fitness to assist in accomplishing the ends in view. A Quarter-master Sergeant would likewise be desirable.”

Three days later Mr. Robertson in writing to the Government for the full equipment of the Mug Battalion makes the following remarks. “I am happy in being able to inform the Government that Captain Dickenson has, by studying the character of his men and commencing the acquisition of their language, succeeded in bringing them into a state of discipline such as promise fair to render the levy a most useful and serviceable corps. Many of the Sardars have cheerfully agreed to undergo regular drill to enable them the better to direct and manage their men.”

Writing to General Sir Archibald Campbell at Rangoon, Mr. Robertson gives some pertinent advice to that officer regarding the handling of the 600 Mugs under Captain Wiggins: “They are divided into several district parties, and it will be found advisable in employing them to mingle the different sets as little as possible with each other, and never if avoidable to place the men of one party under the orders of the Sardar of another. You will I hope find them an active, hardy and serviceable though often intractable body of men; but there are some peculiarities in their character, by attending to which much of the annoyance arising from their occasionally unaccountable perversity may be avoided. They dread being called coolies or any degrading appellation, and are fond in the extreme of being treated with some degree of consideration. They have no prejudices of caste and are possessed of a respectable degree of courage. They are extremely inquisitive, observant and jealous of any indulgence that other troops receive which they may be denied. If sent into the field without tents while every other Regiment has them, they may think themselves slighted and consequently form less efficient soldiers than otherwise do.”

With a view to the advance on Arakan in the proper season Mr. Robertson devises means of raising as possible for the purpose. He therefore gets some influential Mug Chiefs to right to those of their people who had settled in large numbers in the district of Backergunge, asking them to join the army which was to take the offensive in Arakan and which would eventually give them the opportunity of seeing and recovering their own country again.

But at this stage of preparation we find that in November some doubt is expressed by Government if it would be advisable to allow the Mugs to take active part in the operations in Arakan, the suggested alternative being their employment at Chittagong for civil purposes. Robertson dissents from this view and points out the obvious disadvantages. He says that the levy was quite an experimental measure chiefly undertaken “ to ascertain whether trained soldiers may not be raised from a class whom it has hitherto been supposed impossible to discipline.” It was therefore finally decided to take them into Arakan, and accordingly an additional 300 Mug pioneers were raised under Lieutenant Scott.

In November of the same year an additional Rifle Corps is attached to the levy and Captain Macfarlane is especially brought down from the 16th Madras Infantry to train them. He is so successful that he is permanently retained for the campaign at hand.

At the recommendation of Captain Dickenson an extra field allowance is sanctioned, to continue only while on active service.

Subadars Rs. 8-0

Jemadars Rs. 5-0

Havildars Rs. 2-8

Naiks Rs. 2-0

Buglers Rs. 2-0

Sepoys Rs. 1-8

In December Mr. Miller of the “Rose Ark” is appointed to be in medical charge of the Mug Levy. The Government does not seem to attach much importance to the Mug Levy, and was inclined to deprive it of the privileges given to regular troops. We find Mr. Robertson fighting tooth and nail on their behalf, and pointing out that in a country like Arakan no Indian troops could be as useful, and the utility of the campaign rested entirely with the Mugs. He points out that as the Mugs were very proud and independent, any slight offered to them would prove disastrous to their cause; and that no amount o pecuniary recompense would mitigate the evil once created by preferential treatment. He regrets that they are still looked upon as irregulars and advances reasons to support his contention that they ought to be incorporate into the permanent establishment under the new designation of “Mug Rangers.” In fact towards the end of December, anticipating Government compliance, he instructs Brigadier Morrison, commanding the Chittagong Division, to transfer the levy, as a temporary measure, from the Political to the Military Department.

We next hear to Maungdaw being taken by Brigadier Morrison. Unfortunately the letter of information gives no date, but it is probable that it took place in January 1825. In the following month Mr. Robertson is taking every pains to reduce the conquered territory to some semblance of law and order. With this object be places Major Roope in full control in the District giving him directions to deal with crime in a manner suggested by his own direction. Under him he also appoints Mug Kyaun Oks over each half of the District, with the authority of petty Magistrates. We can see how very anxious he is to win over the confidence of the people and with that purpose be exerts himself to the utmost. He writes to Major Roope: “In all capital or heinous criminal matters the offender had better be confined and the circumstances of the case communicated to this office, whence further instructions will be received under such rules as may hereafter be laid down by Government. You will examine into all petty theft, assault, disturbances, quarrels, etc., and award at your own discretion either a sentence of moderate fine, imprisonment or corporal punishment limiting the infliction of the latter to 30 rattans ….. Cases of petty debts and civil actions for money may be adjusted summarily when necessary by yourself ….. A weekly report had better be in the same manner required from the two Kyaun Oks who must also be made to understand that they are to send immediate information of every serious occurrence to your office.”

On the 7th January 1825 Government sanctions the transfer of the Mug Levy from the political to the Military Department and places it under General Morrison.

With the fall of Arakan in March 1825 and its occupation by the British, Mr. Robertson is appointed Agent to the Government-General in Arakan and Commissioner for the management of Civil Affairs. He is therefore given increased salary of Rs. 50,000 a year. He is also permitted to hold his original situation as Judge and Magistrate of Cawnpur. His duties are to collect revenue, to organize efficient police, to administer Civil and Criminal Justice, adhering as far as possible, to local usages and institutions, except when they are plainly at variance with the principles of humanity and natural equity. To assist him in this high office Mr. C. Paton, Magistrate of Calcutta, is appointed his assistant.

Captain Hutchins, the second in command of the Mug Levy, having taken leave, Captain Macfarlane is appointed in his stead in August 1825. In the same month Mr. Paton is directed to raise an additional 400 Mug recruits who should be trained along with the regular Levy. When the number sanctioned is completed, the question of its arms and accoutrements is to be considered by General Morrison.

On the 10th of March 1826 the Sub-Com-missioner is informed by Government that it sanctions the disbandment of the Mug Pioneers raised at Chittagong to accompany the expeditionary force to Arakan.

Due to adverse reports the ideas of forming a Mug Provincial Battalion on a large scale stopped, and the Commissioner is authorized to employ the existing lot on police duty. The undisciplined conduct of the Mug soldiers is largely noticed by the Military authorities; but on investigation it was found that it was mainly due to the removal of direct European control over them. It is therefore decided to place them always under European supervision and to utilize them along with other regular troops.

Correspondence lasts up to May 1826 only, when we have to leave the Mug Levy in the midst of general complaints against their conduct.