'MILITARY REPORT ON PERSIA' [‎89v] (183/466)

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(7) D'narunis. Habitat, Malamlr p]a : n, Khuzistan.
Number about 3,000. They are notorious thieves, good horse
men and good shots. Controlled by the Bakhtiari.
(8) Sagvand. Habitat, Abistan, Kilab, Pusht-i-Kuh and
near Dizful. 3,000 families. They were originally Arabs
Avho invaded the country, and were joined by many of the Lnr
tribes they overcame. They are tent dwellers “and typical
nomads and never remain long in one place. They are said to
be able to turn out at least 1,000 horsemen, but practically
i o footmen with rifles. ^
Ihe above may be taken as the typical and important tnbes
1 ut there are divisions and sub-divisions innumerable. There
are also many separate tribes, among whom there seems to be
no unity. There is, however, a powerful confederacy railed
Dilfdn, among the Pish-Kuh Lurs united under a strong
capable ruler, the Fath-i-Sultan, Nazar ‘All Khan. Their
fighting strength is estimated at 18,000 to 20,000, well-armed
and supplied with ammunition.
The Arabs inhabit ’Arabistan as far north as Dizful, and the
shores of the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. . A few tribes dwell also’in Pars.
There is a tribe, the Sarah, between Anarak and Kashan, who
are great robbers; and some scattered tribes in Khorasan.
Of these there is a settlement at Tabas brought there bv a
Safavian King.
The military value of the Persian Arab, fighting under his
own leaders in his own country, is less than that of his fellows
on the Turkish side, and has probably decreased of late years.
There is however little reliable information on this head. They
are mobile to a remarkable degree, whether on horse or foot,
and are little hampered by questions of supply. They are
fairly well armed, but want of practice makes them indifferent
shots. The less well armed Bakhtiari are better shots.
When Arab fights Arab, one side generally loses heart
after a time and retires, though no decisive action may have
been fought, or decisive range reached, nor serious losses sustain
ed. The side which holds on longest and keeps together wins.
They are faint-hearted and have no confidence in their leaders.
Their democratic tendencies prevent their chiefs exacting