'The Transactions of the Bombay Geographical Society. From January 1863 to December 1864. (Edited by the Secretary.) Volume XVII.' [‎69] (234/524)

AROUND THE SHORE LINE OF THE PERSIAN GULF The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. . 69
sumed in Bahrein, and f re-ex- dues are levied, but society has suffered
r ° 16 Lacs One lakh is equal to one hundred thousand rupees Rupees Indian silver coin also widely used in the Persian Gulf. . many convulsions to the retardment
12 Lacs One lakh is equal to one hundred thousand rupees Rupees Indian silver coin also widely used in the Persian Gulf. . and even falling off of population. The
28 Lacs One lakh is equal to one hundred thousand rupees Rupees Indian silver coin also widely used in the Persian Gulf. . principal exports are pearls, dried fruits,
and dates. About 350,000 Crowns worth of pearls are annually col
lected by craft belonging to Bahrein ; and something more than this
quantity is brought from other parts of the Gulf for sale. The imports
are mainly from India: rice, cotton, piece goods, and spices. Of these,
one-fourth may be consumed in Bahrein, and the remainder be
re-exported to other ports in the Gulf.
11G. The Chief of Bahrein possesses a greater number of craft than
any other Arab Sheikh round the Gulf. His Marine has been quoted
as below.* It is asserted that the trade of this island was greater
30 years ago than it now is.
117. Forty miles to the Northward of Bahrein commence the ports
of the 5th Class, namely, those acknowledging suzerainty of Turkey,
but practically independent. Kateef, the first of these, is the port of
the "Wahabee ruler, or more strictly of the Nejd Arabs, whose chief
town of Bais, near Durayah, lies 11 days march Westward in the inte
rior of Arabia. The present ruler of Nejd is the Ameer Fysul, highly
reputed for his stern, effective, and just authority. Kateef however is
considered unhealthy, and is not frequented by the Arabs coming down
for exchange towards the coast. These stop at Lahsa, distant some
ten fursacs from Kateef, and rather inland. Lahsa itself is healthy,
and produces a large quantity of dates, stated to be equal in quality
with those of Busreh. Few dates however find their way to the sea ;
unless for a small portion sent to Bahrein, which is distant from Ojair,
the old but now abandoned port of Lahsa, only 14 miles.
118. It is this Nejd power, occupying the wide centre of Adnan
Arabia, and composed of Nomadie or only partially stationary Arab
tribes, some now in revolt, and some now used for quelling revolt, that
threatens or dominates all round the shore line from the back of the
* 12 Buglas not trading.
25 Buglas of large size trading with India.
12 Batteels ditto ditto.
1,000 or 1,200 Boats Pearl fishing.
This statement relates to the Sheikh, not the whole of Bahrein.