‘Military report on south-west Persia, including the provinces of Khúzistán (Arabistan), Luristán and part of Fars.’ [‎183r] (370/470)

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The old caravan road above referred to leads to the Rahdar-i-Darwaza-i-
Gach (see page 75). Thence the road takes a general south-west direction
over a hilly country, partly barren and partly covered with the wild almond
tree, crossing at 1^ hours' journey from the toll-gate, the Tesengor Alai river,
here a broad stream with a gravelly bottom, 2’ 6 ,/ to 3'deep. A Janikf village
stands on either bank. Taking a general direction of south-south-east,
the road traverses the districts of Baiza and Patek, passing to the east of the
village of Mai-Dawud, celebrated for its rice, and by Sarila and Dalun. In
the vicinity of KaPa Gabr are ruins and ancient sculptures. From Sarila an
hour's ride leads to the Allar or Ab-i-Talk, and another hour to the village of
Patek (a Jamki village), and the borders of the Kuhgehlu hills are now
entered. From this point to Mai-Dawud is Id or 15 miles.
The road now winds amongst high mountains on either hand, the Kuh-i-
Nauzer bearing south-east. To the north-east the hills slope gradually down
to the plain, having Mangasht behind them covered with snow. A journey
of five hours' duration from the time of entering the hills leads to Baba-Ahmad,
where there is an Imamzada and several springs surrounded by high reeds.
It lies west of the entrance to the Tang-i-Saulek (Salak) at a distance of 5£ miles
overan uneven country. The road from Patek is very undulating, and passes
midway the village of Bu-ul-Feriz and the rivulets shown on the map, all
overgrown with high reeds (Kamish). A tedious ride of three hours' duration
between the main range and low limestone hills to the south, over a barren
and rugged country, leads to Tashun, a poor village. To its south-south
east, distant an hour's ride, lies the village of Ohahar-Ru. Crossing a low
calcareous ridge, an hour and three quarters'ride leads to Kai-Kaus, 8 miles
north-north-west of Behbahan, over a plain. Ruins are numerous in the district.
The river is forded half way near the villages of Kasim, Husainabad, and Kur
distan.
Stage 11, November 20th. —We start before daylight as we have a 30-mile
Shakar-Abto Shustar, stage into Shustar. All the morning we are marching
30 miles; good road, level, down the open vale bounded on the north by the plateau
Direction south-west. 0 f gypsum we crossed yesterday, and on the south by
a ridge of sandstone, which, running east and west, divides this valley from
the plain of Ram-Hormuz. Every now and then the road crosses the brack
ish stream, and the junction of the Gurgir stream is seen to the north-east.
There are ruins showing that this valley was formerly peopled. We halted for
breakfast as our road entered the sandstone hills on the south; the spring water
still brackish and barely drinkable. The “ Tetnbi" guide, thinking he had gone
far enough, deserted. However, people carrying firewood into Shustar were to be
met with now and then, and by them we were directed along the ridge, which dies
out as it approaches Shustar only to crop out in a bold bluff of sandstone. It
presents the most remarkable instances of false bedding I have ever seen.
Amongst these hills were well-built masonry retaining walls, evidently in
tended either for the storage of water or to terrace the hill side. The earth
at present is level with the tops of the retaining walls, which show skill and
labour far in advance of those of the present inhabitants, who now entirely
neglect their country. Darkness had set in before we reached the town, and
we had to flounder about amongst the way-worn slabs of rock, making for
the lights that twinkled in the distance. At last we found ourselves on the
banks of a rapid stream, with the roar of a cascade sounding in our ears. We
discover a native in a hut, who conducts us by a built road across the flood and
through the narrow streets of Shustar to the castle, where rooms are placed at
our disposal. Altitude given by Mr. Mackenzie 550 feet.
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