'GAZETTEER OF PERSIA. VOLUME IV.' [‎32r] (68/652)

Bam-Narmashlr is about 100 miles in length and varies from 35 to 80
miles in breadth. It is bounded on the north and east by the desert
of the Lut. To the south-east is Bampur ; to the south the Kuh-i-Shah-
Savaran, a continuation of the Jabal Bariz range, separates it from Rudbar
while on the west lie Sarduleh and Rayin.
There is a considerable difference between the elevations of Bam and Nar-
mashir, the former being about 3,500 feet above sea-level, while the latter
slopes gradually from about 2,700 feet at its northern extremity to about
2,200 feet south of Rigan. There is a corresponding difference in tempera
ture, Narmashir being on the whole much warmer than Bam. The popula
tion is about 50,000, and the revenue 13,000 tumdns.
The district has from early times been of note in Persia and was desig
nated 'Arba, or Four, from its four cities of Bam, Rigan, Narmashir, and
Nisa. Of these Bam and Rigan were founded by Bahman, while Ardesbir
built Narmashir, and his wife constructed the dam on which Nisa depended.
The ancient dam has long since disappeared, but the present one, com
posed of stones and branches of tamarisk, diverts part of the river which
flows down the Narmashir valley from its natural course towards the ancient
city of Nisa. The stream is at present diverted in three places by temporary
dams at intervals of 15 or 16 miles, and the water conveyed where wanted
by cuts leading from the dams, but no attempt has been made to con
serve the excess of water in tanks and reservoirs, to the construction of which
the surrounding country is peculiarly adapted, and by means of which (in
the opinion of Newcomen, who visted the place in 1905) a supply of water
could be secured, amply sufficient for the requirements of the whole valley.
The country, owing to its proximity to the frontier, has always been
subject to attack by the Afghans and Baluchis, of whom the former were not
finally expelled until well on in the nineteenth century, and this has con
siderably retarded prosperity. With an improved administration and
increased and better irrigation, the district, already one of the most flourish
ing in Persia, would be capable of immense development.
Agriculture—The lands in Bam-Narmashir are mostly in the hands of
a few Khans, who have very extensive holdings which they look after
themselves, the villagers being for the most part their labourers. There
are, however, certain government or khalsa lands, mostly used for rice
growing, and a small amount of raiatvari.
The region is well watered, drawing its supplies both from open irrigation
channels and from qandts. In dry years the streams often fail, but the
qandt supplies may be depended on so long as the tunnels are kept clean.
Agricultural implements are primitive. A very light and weak plough,
something like that used in the Kumaon Himalayas, and a very long handled
narrow spade, are those chiefly used. These are supplemented by a wooden
harrow and an instrument for loosening the spade-worked soil, somewhat
resembling a dining fork and also made of wood. Some very striking earth
formations are noticeable in Narmashir, which at first sight have the
appearance of a city in ruins with walls, gates, and bastions, but which on
closer inspection turn out to be masses of kanJcar and „sand, worn into the
fantastic shapes by the action of water.
Game is abundant—wild fowl, black partridge, and wild pig especially
being found in large numbers.