'GAZETTEER OF PERSIA. VOLUME I' [‎142r] (290/820)

villages in the eastern'portion of the central depression, numbering abou
40 now inhabited. It has very great capabilities, evidenced by the
remains of large villages, now ruined, and of numerous qandts.
A rough estimate of the population gives 2,500 houses and a popula
tion of 12,500.
At present the head-quarters of Juvain are at Jaghatai, the principal
village of the district.
The villagers are Turks, principally of the Qilichi tribe (calling them
selves also Jaghatai) and Haji Maghanli (who call themselves a section
of the Garilis).
Besides these there are about 400 families of Baluch nomads (who
migrated to the Juvain district at the time of the famine of 1871, and
have remained there ever since) and 600 families of Kaivanlu Kurds (who
are settled at Shahr-i-Staneh).
The annual Government revenue of the district is fixed at tumdns
16,400 in cash and 10 kharwdrs of grain, but about 20,000 tumdiis are actually
realized from the people.
Silk used to be largly cultivated in Juvain, but silk-worm disease
appeared about the year 1884 and destroyed the worms. The production
is now much reduced in consequence.
The position of Juvain is an important one, for it lies on the main
road from Shahrud on the west to Nishapur and Meshed on the east.
When the Turkomans are more settled, the old trade route from Kishapur
to the Caspian traversing it from north to south, either in Juvain or Is-
farain, would also be the position or base of any force defending the Gurgan
pass from attack from the north.
To the south-east, a distance of 90 miles over a level plain, on which,
save for about 20 miles, there is ample water, lies Nishapur. To the north
west, 40 miles across a barren plain, deficient in water, but in which no
doubt wells could be dug without difficulty, is Jajarm, a large town dur
ing the ’Arab occupation, but now a mere village.
Thirty-five miles north, over a level plain, crossed by one low ridge, is
Isfarain ; and 10 miles beyond, slightly to the west, is the Darband-i-
Hisar {q.v.), the pass leading to the Gurgan.
West, over a level plain or series of plateaux, deficient in water, with
a few villages, distant 140 miles by road, is Shahrud. West for 25
miles and then south-west 20 miles, along the banks of the Kal Shur is a
good road leading to the present highway, whence Sabzawar can be reach
ed in two marches. There are three direct roads to Sabzawar over the
Jaghatai Kuh, but that by Manidir and Fariumad is alone passable for
laden mules. The other two are little better than footpaths, though
horsemen pass occasionally.
It was formerly held by a family of native chiefs of the Turk race, and
of some renown. In the reign of Fath ’All Shah, Allah Yar Khan of Jagha
tai held Mazlnan, and a considerable tract of country around it.
Allah Yar Khan was the chief of the most powerful section of the
Qilichis. He was the independent ruler of Sabzawar and Juvain. He
fortified Mazinan and Sabzawar, built a fortified town called Ak Kaleh in
the Juvain valley, and joined the Salar’s rebellion in Khorasan with