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File 234/1917 'Muscat trade reports. (1911-1924)' [‎68v] (145/428)

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The record is made up of 1 volume (210 folios). It was created in 13 Apr 1912-25 Mar 1925. It was written in English. The original is part of the British Library: India Office The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors. Records and Private Papers Documents collected in a private capacity. .

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2
Weights and measures.— ThQ weights used in the Customs Dep artment are
now prescribed for use in Muscat, Muttra and the coast towns. They are
1 Kiyas=the weight of 6 dollars or 5*9375 oz.
24 Kiyas=l Muscat Maund.
10 Maundsssl Farasala.
200 Maunds—1 Bhar.
Rice is sold by the bag ; other cereals by the following measures : —
40 Palis=1 Farrah.
20 Farrahs = l Khandi.
The rupee^j which weighs one tola, and the dollar, of which the weight is
called “ Aukia *\ are used for weighing drugs and perfumes. One aukia
equals eight miskals :—
Measures (Linear).
1 Shibr=l hand of 4^ inches.
4 Shibr—1 Dhira or cubit.
4 Dhiras=l ba’ or fathom.
Population and country .—The population of Muscat is estimated at about
10,001 persons and that of Muttra at about 14,000. These figures are only
rough estimates since no statistics are available. Neither of these towns make any
pretence at sanitation. The interior of Muscat is for the most part mean and
squalid. Muttra, if anything, is worse than Muscat. The interior of Oman is
mountainous and the inhabitants for the most part are poor. The population is
estimated at about 500,000 of whom a considerable portion are nomads.
Public health .—The climate of Muscat is extremely bad, the heat being
excessive during the greater part of the year: a damp heat usually prevails but it
is varied by very hot dry winds in May and June. O wing to the notorious climate
and lack of sanitation the public health is bad, malarial and other fevers being
practically prevalent. The highest temperature recorded in the year was
and the lowest 62*8 0 F.
Agriculture. —Agriculture, chiefly date growing, is the staple inlustry of
Oman. But its methods are altogether primitive.
Language .—The language of . the country is Arabic. Hindustani is
generally understood and Baluchi commonly spoken among the numerous
Baluchis.
Customs admin siration —Under the Commercial Treaties with Great
Britain and with Fr mce an ad valorem duty of 5 per cent is charged on goods
imported into Oman.
There are no export duties but a charge of 5 por cent is levied in Muscat
and the co ist ports on all dates and other fruits from the interior. Pomegra
nates are charged at special rates as an impost on the rebel chief of the Jebd
Akhdhar, in whose country the fruit is grown.
The Customs Department is under the charge of a Superintendent who is
a British Indian subject. The Customs revenues are the main source of the
Sultan’s income.
Other Customs posts exist at Sur, Sib, Barkah, Masnaah, Khaburah and
Sohar.
• ^ . *
Iv o Customs returns are published and such as are kept are far from
reliable. No returns are kept of exports.
Loads and communications .—Hoads do not exist except for camels and
donkeys which are the two beasts of burden.

About this item

Content

The volume contains copies of the annual trade report on the trade and commerce of Muscat [Muscat and Oman] for the years 1911-12 to 1923-24 inclusive (except 1917-18 and 1920-21). The reports were prepared by the Political Agent A mid-ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Agency. and HBM's Consul, Muscat, and forwarded to the Government of India.

Each report includes an introduction giving general information concerning the state, and summaries of imports and exports; statistical tables of imports and exports, subdivided into principal commodities, and countries imported from/exported to; and returns of shipping. Principal imports include arms and ammunition, cereals, paints and colours, precious stones and metals, provisions, textile fabrics, tobacco, and miscellaneous; principal exports include cereals, fish, fruits, paints and colours, provisions, cotton goods, tobacco, and miscellaneous. The reports show some manuscript annotations, and the volume also contains some minutes and correspondence.

The file includes a divider which gives the subject number, the year the subject file was opened, the subject heading, and a list of correspondence references contained by year. This is placed at the back of the correspondence.

Extent and format
1 volume (210 folios)
Arrangement

The papers are arranged in approximate chronological order from the rear to the front of the volume. The subject 234 (Muscat Trade Reports) consists of one volume only.

Physical characteristics

Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the first folio with 1 and terminates at the last folio with 207; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto The front of a sheet of paper or leaf, often abbreviated to 'r'. side of each folio. The foliation sequence does not include the front and back covers, nor does it include the leading and ending flyleaves.

Written in
English in Latin script
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File 234/1917 'Muscat trade reports. (1911-1924)' [‎68v] (145/428), British Library: India Office Records and Private Papers, IOR/L/PS/10/647, in Qatar Digital Library <https://www.qdl.qa/archive/81055/vdc_100070081659.0x000092> [accessed 29 March 2024]

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