'Reconaissance through Baluchistan and Seistan, 1897' [‎10r] (24/120)

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Alum Khan, Governor of Ghain, that the Taoki tribes, who had always been under the
auspices of the Sanjarani tribe in Seistan, were now without a 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. since the death of
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. Khan Jehan’s father, who had settled in Afghan territory at Chakansur; that
now, misfortune having driven his son into Seistan, he might as well be considered
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. of the Seistan Taokis.
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. Ali Khan being an influential chief at the time, the authorities accepted his
representations, and Khan Jehan, who was known to be a shrewd, strong chief, with
much influence amongst his clan on the Chakansur side, was given lands at Siadak, in
the 7th Nawar, on the understanding that one-fourth Government revenue was allowed
him as a Jagir.
We stayed three days with Khan Jehan, who treated us with the greatest courtesy
and hospitality. He supplied me with horses and donkeys, which saved us many a hot
mile’s tramp on the return journey, for we had to travel on foot in those parts owing to
the swollen state of the Rud-i-Parian (an offshoot of the Helmand river), .which is
unfordable at this season, and can only be crossed on tutins (reed boats).
The first glance shows Khan Jehan to be an independent, resolute, and indomitable
character: one who cannot but inspire respect. He gave me a lengthy account of his
career and of his visit 14 years ago to the late Sir R. Sandeman at Quetta.
By dint of hard work the tribe have reclaimed a good deal of jungle land, and
established several villages in those parts. Khan Jehan boldly told me in front of a
Persian official a that he was a zamindar now and not in receipt of any Government
allowance; the paltry one-fourth Government revenue share which accrues to him is but
poor reward for his hard labour and what he has done to cultivate and reclaim those
jungle lands, still, as he had fixed his abode now here, and the Persians having given
him an asylum, he was not faithless to his salt, but wherever he and his tribe were they
felt warmly attached to the British Sirkar, and there is, naturally, a common bond
of union between them and their kinsmen, the Sanjarani of Chagi and Dalbandin, who
are under the supreme Sirkar.”
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. Khan Jehan was united in marriage while I was in Seistan, on the 1st October
1897, to a sister of 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. Syed Khan {i.e., a younger sister of the Deputy Sartip’s
mother), the band-o- bast (Per.) A Persian custom allowing an individual to seek asylum at a designated location. being that 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. Khan Jehan was to give a young daughter
of his, by another wife, to Syed Khan’s son, on the latters return from Tabas, where he
was at the time with Ali Akbar. Khan Jehan is an uncle of Sarlar Ali Khan, of Chagi,
who, from what I saw of him at Dalbandin, is but a miserable specimen, and cannot be
expected to exercise either influence or moral force in the administration of Chagai.
The Persian policy with regard to these Afghan refugees is to assist and settle
them along the frontiers of Khorassan and Seistan. Such refugees as 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. Khan
Jehan and Syed Khan Naroi are the only safeguards against Afghans raiding the weak
and easily intimidated Parsiban, which for years previously had been the case.
Since the above-noted Sardars have been established in Seistan, it is a well-known
fact that there are 100 per cent, less raids in the country, and it is said that through
the Sanjarani and Karoi tribes the Persian Government have not only made substantial
increase in her revenues, but have made a wall of peace between Afghanistan and
Seistan, as the transborder Afghan-Baluch will not raid his kinsman, the Sejstan-Baluch.
The Baluch chiefs repeatedly pointed out to me the neglect of the British Govern- Treatment
ment to show any favour to Seistan or Afghan-Baluch refugees. of refugees
Sardars Khan Jehan, Purdil Khan, Syed Khan, and Muhammad Ali Khan, ^
particularly brought this to my notice in their own case, and also in the case of Taj meut
Muhammad Khan Sarbandi, who, on escape from Tehran, came to Seistan to say a last
farewell to his kinsmen, and on being pursued by Mir Alum Khan fled to Kandahar,
where it is said he did hard service with Sir Oliver St. John, and in compensation but a
small subsidiary allowance was allotted to him, when in Quetta, and on his death his
widow and children had to return to Seistan penniless, and are now living on the bounty
of 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. Purdil Khan.
One other man of importance is Mir Abas of Iskil. On the father’s side he comes Seistan
of an ancient Arab family, on the mother’s a Baluch chieftain’s daughter. _ coUeetor
His family have enjoyed remission of Government lands in several villages by L( H -
hereditary rights for many years, since Jahangir Khan’s time it is stated.
He holds the contract for octroi in Seistan and also trades. He has steadily
improved his position and wealth, and the officials are somewhat jealous of his well-being
and influence with the priests and people.
Being a clever, sharp, and straightforward man, and having sufficient interest in the
country to support him, he has given the authorities no opportunity to encroach on his
interests ; he bears no kindly feeling towards the Parsiban officials.