'Annals of 'Omān' [‎2] (19/112)

2
Introductory Remarks.
been led to the conclusion that Salil-bin-Eazik* copied the majority of the
earlier portion of his book verbatim from the " Keshf-ul-Ghummeh." In
deed, when, as occasionally happens, he strays from the pages of that work,
the order of events is confused, and many puerilities not observable in the
older work are introduced.
The work now translated may fairly be considered, as far as it goes,
the most authentic and coherent account of the history of 'Oman that has
emanated from native sources. But almost all native works of this sort
have striking deficiencies. Trifling details are dwelt on, whilst comparatively
important events are only casually alluded to or dismissed without a word.
It is left as a task for European students to sift, prune, and supplement the
accounts of native historians, and for this purpose no materials are to be
despised.
In the original work, the divisions are similar to those adhered to in
this translation ; only the numbering is different. The account of the
migration of Azdites and their settlement in 'Oman forms the 4th Chapter,
or Book, of the " Keshf-ul-Ghummeh," and the rest of the history of 'Oman
is found in Chapters 34 to 39 of that work. The intervening portion is on
other subjects.
* The name of this person was Hamed-hin Muhammad-bin Eazlk, the designation
"Salil" signifying "son." He died at Maskat in 1873.