'GAZETTEER OF PERSIA. VOL. III. PART I: A to K' [‎158r] (320/1278)

BAS—BAS
151
SS'
and large plantations of palm-trees. There is a ;small fort on the hills
to the south of it, about 2 miles off.
Approaches .—The position of Bastak is naturally a strong one. The
approaches to it are three in number, viz :—
1st .—The pass to the north (height 2,450 feet), beyond which roads
bifurcate to Lar, Furg and Bandar Abbas.
2nd .—The two roads from Lingeh via Champeh and Juneh which
unite at Utaii caravanserai A roadside inn providing accommodation for caravans (groups of travellers). .
dr^.—The road from Ishkanan, 13 farsakhs distant.
The first of these is 4| miles north-east of the town. At that point the
valley, gradually ascending, grows narrower, and narrower, until it ter
minates abruptly at the summit of the pass in a precipitous fall of about
100 feet. Right and left rise lofty mountains unturnable for miles. Down
the face of this fall the road from Bastak descends steeply by a zig-zag
track, and then, still descending, goes along a narrow valley, which is
looked into from the termination of the plain above and the heights on
either side. An enemy assailing the position would have to advance on
a narrow front for at least 1,200 yards, and finally under a fire to which,
from its elevation, he would be unable to reply effectively, ascend the
zigzag track, and carry the position.
On this account, whenever Bastak has been invaded from the north, it
has always been via Ishkanan, in which direction the ground is more open.
The detour that has to be made is great, and ample time is consequently
given to make preparations for resistance in that direction. From the
south the best route would be via Kalas and on up the Bastak river.
There is said to be a foot-path from Kalas to Bastak, and another one
thence across the Kuh-i-Gavbus to Fathura.
Inhabitants .—The inhabitants are Sunnis and are, generally speaking, a
fine and hardy race of mountaineers, naturally warlike. All possess fire
arms, which are either old Tower 'muskets, or match-locks of native
manufacture, these latter being rather scarce. Swords are but little used,
men, both on horse and on foot, using fire-arms only. Lances are un
known.
Fire-arms are imported from Bombay via Lingeh, and also come from
Bushire. Among them are Snider rifles, Martinis, and cheap muzzle-
loaders.
Water-supply .—There are 29 large wells, and water being about 25 feet
below the surface. They are similar in construction to those seen in
many parts ef India, being built over the mouth, which support a
cross-beam with pulleys, two pillars through which ropes run, which are
attached to bullocks, who, walking down a steep incline, draw the water
up in leather bags. There are probably as many small, round wells again.
Most of them are revetted. There are at least 29 domed tanks (birkehs)
varying in diameter from 17 to 39 feet, and in depth from 15 to 25 feet.
The water is good. . *
Firewood is obtained from the Gavbus range to the north-west of the
town, where there is said to be a well-wooded plateau, which also affords
excellent gazing. There is also good grazing near the town, and between
it and Janeh. ^ .