'Report on the North-Eastern Frontier of Persia and the Tekeh Turkomans'

Content

The memorandum is a report authored by Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Edward Stewart, Bengal Staff Corps, dated 4 July 1881. Its purpose being to convey the results of his intelligence gathering mission to the North-Eastern Frontier of Persia.

The report largely consists of a narrative detailing Stewart's journey from Tehran to the frontier, which he undertook under the guise of an Armenian horse dealer from Calcutta. The narrative details events that unfolded during the course of his journey, but also includes detailed observations on the landscape and settlements he passes through. This includes general observations on the local economy, fauna, geology, history, and politics. Military matters are also a consideration, and it therefore includes details on Persian armaments, fortifications, garrisons, and how easy an army could be transported through the region.

Much discussion is given to raids undertaken against Persia — primarily by the Biluchis and the Turkoman — and efforts by Persian authorities to defend against them. Some attention is therefore given to slave trading in the region, and how recent Russian activities have curbed the opportunities to profit from the practice. It also concerns itself with Russian expansion in the region and the extent that the Persians are willing to assist them.

On folio 106 is an extract from the Times (August 1880) concerning the Indian Prince Ram Chunder; Lieutenant-Colonel Stewart claims to have met him during the course of his mission.

Extent and format

25 folios

Arrangement

The memorandum has been arranged into twelve chapters.

Physical characteristics

Foliation: the foliation sequence commences at f 105, and terminates at f 129, as it is part of a larger physical volume; these numbers are written in pencil, and are located in the top right corner of the recto The front of a sheet of paper or leaf, often abbreviated to 'r'. side of each folio. Pagination: the memorandum also contains an original pagination sequence.

Written in

English in Latin script

Type

Archival file

Access & Reference

Original held at

British Library: India Office The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors. Records and Private Papers Documents collected in a private capacity.

Access conditions

Unrestricted

Archive reference

IOR/L/PS/18/C32

History of this record

Date(s)

4 Jul 1881 (CE, Gregorian)

Subjects

AgricultureGeologyGeographyMilitary intelligence

Places

PersiaRussian TurkmenistanMervMashhadHerātDaragez

People & organisations

Charles Edward StewartBalochs (Tribe)Tekke (Tribe)

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Cite this record in your research

'Report on the North-Eastern Frontier of Persia and the Tekeh Turkomans', British Library: India Office Records and Private Papers, IOR/L/PS/18/C32, in Qatar Digital Library <https://www.qdl.qa/archive/81055/vdc_100000000833.0x00006b> [accessed 19 April 2024]

Link to this record

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