'Report on the Nushki, Chagai and Western Sinjerani Districts for the year 1897-98 and on the Development of The Quetta-Seistan [Sistan] Trade Route' [‎15r] (29/148)

25
vevor, placed at my
3 for this purpose,
liout the hope of a
; abnormal success
successfully passed
money on neces*
, writing to Govern-
jaravan route run-
o compete with the
opinion were the
ev by such a route
ircssing an opinion
speak w 7 ith autlio-
rated by the returns
i conclusion. Mer-
repeated 1 y assured
they are prepared
exsusbkiroad The
‘er facing 1,050 miles
m, to facing a road
•ry. This apparent
sit via the Bandar
t the average time
;s involved. In the
ore than once, and
1 to this, the protec
ts, until they enter
expect to experience
n keeping my wells
tout success. Expr-
outh is futile, as the
ly forming a drift,
ist device, however,
tout folding w T ooden
well. These doors
no Sand can pene-
ass the well mouth,
ifts.
ias been maintained
caravans, and has
d maintain friendly
: that these officials
of my local levies
at valuable articles
For instance, I quite
ernor of Seistan with
him.
it considerable diffi-
tels originally enter-
e called on to face,
rce in quantity and
t to no h^ss than 36.
els by ponies.
luring the past year.
Zeh and Tirana Koh
cached after a shaft
jeh and. Bijar Cbaii
ttle drink the water
een overcome.
22. Many Seistani caravans still prefer to march direct from Amir Chah.
to Burj in Seistan, through Afghan territory, to making a detour vid Robat.
The explanation of this is that the former route results in a saving of two
marches—an important consideration when the road is long and animals are
weakly. Until recently, the Afghan Heluiand posts ignored these caravans,
which on their part took the precaution of keeping well away towards the desert
and of avoiding the cultivated strip of country adjoining the river’s banks :
latterly, however, the Afghans have shown signs of awakening to the trade
that is passing their doors. Cases have recently occurred where parties of
Pathan sowars have made a sudden dash into the desert and levied dues on
over-confident Persian caravans. The remedy naturally lies iu the caravans
taking, as many already do, the lower road vid Koh-i-Malik Siah, and thence
marching to Seistan without entering Afghan territory at all.
23. The Amir appears to have abandoned his intention of stationing a
post at either Pain iiobat or Hurmak, owing to the steady opposition with
which his orders on the subject have been met by the Baluch Sardars of the
ilelmand valley.
24. I am of opinion that the interests of the caravan route would be
served by introducing rules granting caravans arriving from Persia special
exemption from grazing dues. It is self-evident that caravans coming from
places so remote as Meshed or Herat are incapable of facing the return journey
at once, without resting and grazing their camels : even in exceptional cases
when they are able to do so, the return loads are rarely forthcoming immedia
tely they are required. Under these circumstances, I respectfully submit the
expediency of introducing a ruling into the Quetta-Pishin district under which
caravans returning to Persia might be permitted to graze their camels for the
first month free from all dues, and only be subjected to a nominal charge for
the second. Camel-owners would regard such a ruling in the light of a privi
lege, and any measure that encourages camel-owners to essay the route pro
motes trade. Mr. Williams, I. C. S., 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. , Quetta-Pishin, has favoured
me on more than one occasion by relaxing the existing rules in favour of
Persian caravans.
25. The opening of the new trade route has drawn to Quetta many
traders who are strangers to Baluchistan. These have often puzzled me by
soliciting my aid in purchasing such goods as they require—a matter quite
without my province. The establishment either at tfusbki or Quetta of a
small institution * * with patterns of such goods as are in general demand would
tend to facilitate commercial transactions.
26. To briefly summarise the principal results attained during the year
under review :—
(a) The route is efficiently guarded throughout its length by 5 forti
fied thanas and 13 block houses.
(i) Water can be procured at every stage throughout, excepting at
Sorreg.
(c) For the convenience of caravans,.the route also has been so carefully
marked by pillars that it would be difficult for the most careless
traveller to stray from the road.
(d) Three out of the five thanas have been supplied with small shops
managed by Banias, who provide passers by w r ith the necessaries of
life.
(<*) Finally, an Imperial Post Office has been opened at Dalbandin, and
the weekly Seistan dak System of postal communication used in Moghul India and later by the East India Company. service reorganised and improved.
27. The results of these measures have shown themselves in the steadily
growing trade returns, in the fall in camel hire, and in the fact that, as I write,
caravans are still using the road in spite of the hot weather—a new departure
in the history of Quetta.
* It ne#d only consist of a single small building.
* 66—7