'GAZETTEER OF PERSIA. VOLUME IV.' [‎20r] (44/652)

BAL—BAL
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BALtfCH AB.—•
A place 8 miles north of Zang-i-Ahmad. There is a very good spring of
water there, almost sweet, and four other smaller springs in the neighbour
hood. The grazing is excellent both for camels and mules, consisting of
beds of reeds, tamarisk kahur, etc. extending for many miles around.
At some remote time there was extensive cultivation and there are still
many date palms to be seen ; fuel plentiful.— [James, 1909.)
BALfJCHAN CHAH—
A halting-place in the Bampur district, in Persian Baluchistan. It is in
the sand desert south of Bampur proper, about 14 miles from Gazkuk
{q.v.), or 27 from Qasimabad, and is generally made the second stage on
the road from Bampur to Maskhutan and Fanuch. Isfakeh [q.v.) would
appear to be only a short march south, but the road to this place,
Geh, and Chahbar, divides at Gazkuk.
High sandhills have to be crossed for a good many miles, both before and
after Baluchan Chah, in the immediate neighbourhood of which place the
ground is harder, and wild vegetation more abundant, but the whole char
acter of the country is sterile. Water from wells is somewhat precarious,
Sheep may be procured from nomad Lasharis [q.v.), but no other supplies,
and the camel forage is only adapted for animals accustomed to it, not for
those from the coast. There are a few stunted trees near the wells which
serve to mark the spot, but firewood is scarce.— (Goldsmid; Floyer.)
Floyer invariably speaks of this place as LucJidn Chdh. He knew both
Persian and Baluchi well, and is therefore very likely to be correct.
BALUCHI (BALUCHAN)—
A village in the Jashk district (q.v.).
BALUCHIS—
The following account of the derivations of the names of some of the
large Baluch tribes, residing in Sarhad, Bampur, Bampusht, Talk, etc., was
obtained by Captain Jennings from Sardar Leader of a tribe or a polity; also refers to a military rank or title given to a commander of an army or division. Fatteh Muhammad of Bam
pusht, his brother Yar Muhammad, and by the Riki Sardar Leader of a tribe or a polity; also refers to a military rank or title given to a commander of an army or division. Qadir Bakhsh
of Chagird (a village of Jalk) ; also some details connected with
Mir Chahkar.
The Baluchis under Firuz Khan originally immigrated to this country
from Halab (Aleppo in Syria), seized Minab and Bampur as well as the
intermediate country. This was about one thousand three hundred and
fifty years ago, when there was a fight between Imam Husain and Yazid,
son of Muaviah.
With Firuz Khan came nine thousand men, four thousand being Rinds
and five thousand Magassis, accompanied by their families.
Previous to this invasion of Makran by Baluchis, this part of the country
had been in the possession of the Turks ; but in a great battle, the latter
being defeated, retreated towards Persia.
Firuz Khan reigned for a considerable period, and on his death was
succeeded by his son, Shah Hagg.