'GAZETTEER OF PERSIA. VOL. III. PART I: A to K' [‎184r] (372/1278)

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Khan of Shabankareh. Ghazanfar-us-Sultaneh has repeatedly tried to have
his father-in-law evicted and himself given the lease. Constant bloodshed
goes on between Shabankareh, Zira and Borazjun on these accounts, and
raids are common. A further cause of hostility was his seizure and impri
sonment, in the autumn of 1911, of his cousin Mirza ’Ali Khan and the
latter’s sons on a charge of conspiracy : Mirza ’Ali Khan’s sister being
wife of Isma’Il Khan of Shabankareh.
Ghazanfar-us-Sultaneh has been noted for his oppression of caravans ;
and for his hostility to the British. He probably commands some 800
rifles. Outwardly fair spoken, he is a difficult man with whom to
deal, he is the most noted buyer of, and dealer in, smuggled arms and am
munition among the headmen of the Bushire littoral and hinterland.
General description .—Borazjun stands on the plain of Dashtistan, at an
elevation of 250 feet above the sea and dominated by the lofty crests of the
Gisakau Mountain, less than 10 miles to the estward ; it is surrounded by
date groves which are most extensive upon the west side. The ordinary
houses are poor, but there is a fine stone-built serai with loopholed walls,
commanding the town and capable of being utilised as a fort; it was in fact
in 1906 occupied by a Persian military detachment, and high Persian
officials passing through Borazjun treat it is as residence. The town is not
a place of strength, being commanded by hills from the east, which would
be the best direction from which to approach. The town contains several
religious shrines of slight importance.
Population. —400 houses. Population, 3,500. Livestock 3,000.
The only prominent tribes are the Paparis, who have dominated the place
since they expelled the original bag-owners less than a century ago ; the
Qaidan, also comparatively recent immigrants from other places ; and
some Saiyids. The remainder of the townspeople are a medley of immi
grants from other places, such as Bushiris, Dashtis, Khistis and Kazarunis.
The standard of civilization is higher at Borazjun than is usual in the coast
districts about Bushire, but the inhabitants avoid needless display of well
being and even allow their houses to remain untepaired, lest the Persian
Government should be tempted to quarter a high official permanently
among them ; at the same time their attitude to the Government is said to
be rather defiant. The opium habit is very prevalent.
Cultivation of wheat, barley, dates, jou'dri, and peas. Water from wells
and db-ambdrs. Irrigation from wells and the Dalaki ndld. Caravanserai A roadside inn providing accommodation for caravans (groups of travellers).
with turrets at the four corners, suitable of mounting guns and easily
defensible. Accommodation for a battalion of infantry and a regiment of
cavalry. Well in courtyard. Bdld-khdneh for officers. Good stabling.
Persian telegraph office in the serai. Serai commands the whole town. In
1909 Governor was Mirza Muhammad Khan. Supplies for a brigade obtain
able. About 500 mules pass through daily. There is a British (E.T.D.)
telegraph office. Inhabitants are all Shi’ahs. —(Sultan Muhammad,
1909.)
Trade, resources and supplies .—There are no local manufactures, but the
bazar contains about 170 shops. Borazjun depends upon dates and agri
culture and upon the transit through it of the Shiraz and upcountry trade.
About 300 mules belonging to Borazjun are employed on the Shiraz route.
Q 2