Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1902 edition. Excerpt: ...no longer necessary to march at night. Towards the end of April we reached Kalat, the capital of Baluchistan, which is situated at the considerable elevation of 7000 feet. As mentioned in chap. ix., a great ruler of this province was Nasfr Khan, who accompanied Nadir Shah to Delhi. Upon returning to Kalat he found that his brother's tyrannical behaviour had ruined the country, all the Hindus having fled in a body to save their property. Nasfr Khan killed his brother, Hdji Mohamed Khan, and received the title of Beglerbegi from Nadir Shah, who evidently approved of his action. In a few years he restored prosperity to Baluchistan, and it is related that he marched via Panjgur to Kasarkand, every chief apparently submitting to him and becoming his tributary. Upon the assassination of Nadir Shah he opposed Ahmad Shah, and, at first, successfully. He was, however, defeated at Mastung, and forced to retreat to Kalat, where he was besieged. After beating off three assaults peace was made, and Nash-Khan bound himself to furnish troops whenever called upon to do so. In return for this he was excused the payment of tribute. Not long afterwards he aided Ahmad Shah against Persia, and headed his Baluchis in a desperate charge which decided the day in a battle fought near Meshed. Again, at Tabas, by an ambuscade of his planning, the Persian army was annihilated. Returning home in triumph, his kingdom was extended as far as distant Karachi, and Baluchistan enjoyed a period of prosperity which has never since been equalled. Kalat possesses a population of perhaps 50,000 inhabitants, which however fluctuates, the town being almost deserted in the depth of winter. Its bdzdrs are very mean, and altogether Kalat shows that it is owned by a race which is far...
