‘REPORT ON THE MISSION TO SEISTAN, 1897’ [‎9v] (23/134)

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At first, on arrival at Tehran, he was informed that the orders could not
be cancelled or interfered with, but after a few days and by judicious present
ation of peshkhish at court, it was arranged that he should have the Govern
orship of Tabas with permission to depute his son Mir Mahsum Khan as
Deputy Sartip of Seistan.
This appointment, to Ali Akbar, was a great success after his first failure,
and a distinct gain over his brother, whose opposition was directed dead against
him (Ali Akhar) regarding the appointment. He returned from the capital
happy and pleased with his success and the honours that had been conferred
on him during his visit.
The appointment of Ali Akbar to Tabas and his son to Seistan was a jar to
the feelings of Ismail Khan, who had set his heart on other arrangements, and as
counter to his young nephew Mir Mahsum being appointed Deputy Sartip of
Seistan, he got their younger brother Muhammad Ibrahim Khan (minor)
appointed Sartip of the Ghain forces under himself.
Muhammad Ibrahim Khan is the heir-apparent to the Governorship of
Ghain, as his elder brother (Ismail Khan, Showkat-ul-Mulk) has no sons.
As Mahsum Khan was a minor, his mother, being an exceptionally clever
woman, was put in charge of him, and her brother Sardar Leader of a tribe or a polity; also refers to a military rank or title given to a commander of an army or division. Syed Khan, Naori
Baluch, was also deputed to assist them in the administration of Seistan. Such
was the arrangement made by Ali Akbar in 1891 before he proceeded to Tabas
to take up his new appointment as Governor there.
JBirjatidi fy Co.'s meddling. —All went well for some time in Seistan
under Syed Khan’s stewardship till Russian and Birjand influence began to
work hand in hand, so much so that Ismail Khan, who is Amir Punj and
responsible for the garrison of Seistan, sought a means of meddling in affairs
under the guise of Amir Punj.
The natural rivalry between co-wives of Ali Akbar Khan has led the
mother to believe that with her husband—who has not seen her for some
years—her son, the Deputy Sartip, is not the favourite son, in consequence of
which she plays into the hands of the uncle Ismail Khan and the Naib-ul-
Hakumat.
Par he it from me to cast one suspicion of a blot on the character of even
a Persian lady, but “ Mother Grundy ’* makes free use of this lady’s name,
coupling it with that of the Naih-ul-Hakurnat.
Syed Khan (her brother) himself told me in conversation to what extent he
was annoyed with his sister and the Naib, and that Ali Akbar was doubtful
of his wife’s bond tides in the administration of Seistan.*
A plot was hatched to get rid of Syed Khan, some Parsiban tribes were
bribed to prefer claims against him, the result being the appointment of a
Ghaini (in Russian pay) in the person of Ali Yar Khan Naib-ul-Hakumat.
There is no secrecy about the enmity (fermented by Russian intrigue)
existing between the brothers, Ali Akbar and Ismail Khan, for years. The
latter is considered to be jealous in all matters of the former, and seeks to do
him injury.
The following qualities are attributed to these brothers :—Ali Akbar Khan
is considered an “ able but blood-thirsty man,” Ismail Khan “ an avaricious
and unjust one.”
The inhabitants of Seistan, though very discontented, are more partial to
Ali Akbar and resent the interference of the brother in local affairs, whereas the
officials and garrison who are mostly inhabitants of Ghain naturally look on
Ismail Khan, their own Governor, as the all powerful being, so it is a case of
“ pull devil, pull baker.”
Progressive policy of Russia, her agents and their doings. —I was bv no
means surprised on arrival in Seistan to find what ascendancy the Russians
had gained in the country, for during my former tour throughout South-
Eastern Persia, and while at Kerman (the most important trade centre south
* My informant was well up in Seistan scandal, of irhich he had an inexhaustible store, some hardly fitted for
ears polite.—B. C.