'Military Report of the Nushki-Chagai-Western Sinjarani Country' [‎55r] (114/302)

DIZAK—Lat. 27 0 20 '; Long. 62 ° 20 '; Elev. 4 , 000 '.
Is the name of a grove of date palms, about 6 miles in length from
east to west and about I mile in width. It is situated on the right bank
of one of the tributaries of the Mashkel river. This stream rises near
Washt and drains the valley between the Siahan range and another range
south of it. The average width of this valley is about 12 miles, the
stream alluded to flowing along the base of the range of hills which
forms the southern limit of the valley. There are several villages inside
the grove, one of which is inhabited by Sayads. The most easterly
village is called Nagan, and the fort of Dilawar Khan, the 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. of the
Buzirgzadagan, is at the western end in one of these villages ; and about
1 mile east of Dilawar Khan’s fort is the residence of the Dehwar chief,
a large mud fort 'Ihere are numerous karezes full of water now in use,
as well as the remains of several more ancient, which might perhaps be
cleared out and utilized for irrigation purposes. These take their rise
in the talus of the Siahan range.
At present the number of karezes in working order supplies more
water than is necessary for the area under cultivation, as the soil is
saturated with moisture, while, in addition, there are several springs
forming small marshy places where rice is cultivated. The soil of this
valley is good, and free of stones ; and if there were a feeling of security
in the place, it is very probable that this would become a very fertile
tract of country. At present only the land between the date palms is
cultivated, but good crops are raised. Jowarixsthe principal crop, and
grows to a height of about 8 feet. Cotton, to a small extent, is grown
here, as well as rice, and a bean, called by the Baluchis Bankalkuk.
Dates are plentiful and good, being of the variety known as rabi w’hich
is that most esteemed, there are besides about 14 or 15 varieties.
Vineyards and orchards are also numerous, and a description of orange
is very plentiful.
Notwithstanding the unsettled state of the country, Dizak is a
flourishing spot.
The elevation of Dizak is about 4,000 feet above sea-level. The
climate is good, and, although the heat in summer is great, it is said to
be a healthy country.
There are numerous other groves of palms, so close to one another
as to appear nearly continuous, and the whole tract is very fertile. The
name of Takht-i-Makran is given to it, as being the most fertile part
of Makran.
About 1 mile west of Dizak are two large forts belonging to the Taoki
Sardars, Mirza Khan and Rustam Khan. The son of the latter is an
intelligent young man. These two chiefs are allied by marriage to the
Kharan 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. , and call themselves Naoshirwanis. When Azad Khan
harried this country, he made the residence of these chiefs his head
quarters, and their property was carefully respected by his followers.
The residence of Mir Dilawar Khan is a mud fort enclosing a large
extent of ground. Although a very imposing fort, it bears the marks
of having been frequently besieged by the Persians, and on closer inspec
tion appears to be in rather a ruinous condition. Part of the fort consists
of a large pile of buildings about three or four stories high.