Miles Bronson and the Noctes
| Miles Bronson | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1812 New York City |
| Died | 1883 |
Miles Bronson (1812–1883), was one of the first American Baptist missionaries who worked in the state of Assam in northeastern India.
Bronson arrived at Sadiya in Assam on July 8, 1838. Previously, Nathan Brown and O.T. Cutter, along with their families, had landed at Sadia with the objective to go to northern Burma and southern China through Sadiya. Initially, as part of their mission, they worked among the local peoples by establishing coed schools, writing books in their native languages and preaching Christianity.
After staying for almost a year, Bronson left Sadiya and moved to Jaipur, Assam, in May 1838. At the time, Jaipur, with its location on the bank of the Burhi Dihing River, was an important strategic point for the Company Government because of its road link to Burma. Jaipur also had connections with adjoining towns, including Namsang. After the British occupation, the place became important for large-scale tea plantations. At Jaipur, Bronson opened a school with the help of Captain S.F. Hannay. Bronson spent his time studying languages of the surrounding tribes, including that of the Noctes and Wanchos. The Noctes at the time were concentrated in Namsang, Khonsa and the Liju area in the Tirap district of present-day Arunachal Pradesh. The Noctes had close contact with Jaipur and frequently visited the area to trade salt. Most of these people spoke Assamese. Therefore, Bronson chose to work among the Noctes with a vision to go to Burma.
From his accounts, it is known that Bronson made his first journey to Namsang, on January 7, 1839. Taking a rubber tent and an interpreter, he crossed dense forests, streams, and mountains. He was the first Caucasian to visit the area. At first, the villagers took him for a spy for the British East India Company, sent to collect information before annexing their territory. After waiting for two days by the side of the village, the Khonbao (chief) called upon him. Bronson told the villagers that he had come to learn their language and to preach the messages of the Gospel. With his geniality, soft words, and useful gifts, he was able to gain the goodwill of the Khonbao. Soon, the people accepted him into the village and the Khonbao allowed two of his sons to teach him the Nocte language. Bronson stayed in Namsang until January 29, 1839, studying and preparing a catechism in Nocte.
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