Mir Jumla’s Invasion of Assam (1662–63), War Experience of a Dutch Sailor Heiden and Translator Glanius

A Dutch sailor, Frans Jansz van der Heiden, provided a firsthand account of Mir Jumla's Mughal invasion of Assam (1662–63), offering unprecedented insights into the region's history, topography, culture, and warfare. His narrative, initially attributed to an English translator W. Glanius, reveals details about Ahom burial traditions, including the plundering of royal maidams, societal customs, and the nature of Assamese people. The study clarifies that Heiden was the actual eyewitness, while Glanius served as a translator for his travelogue. This rare document enriches historical understanding of the period, blending elements of warfare, survival, and cultural observation.

Konwar, P. (2019). Mir Jumla’s Invasion of Assam (1662–63), War Experience of a Dutch Sailor Heiden and Translator Glanius. Indian Historical Review, 46(1), 41–54. https://doi.org/10.1177/0376983619856149