‘GAZETTEER OF PERSIA VOL. I Comprising the Provinces of ASTARÁBÁD, SHÁHRUD-BÚSTAN, KHÚRÁSÁN, AND SÍSTÁN’ [‎46r] (96/722)

of the Gurgan route and increased security would prove of especial benefit
to Bujnurd, as tending to bring the Caspian markets within reach of its
produce, and to encourage the increase of population and extension of culti
vation for its fertile waste lands.
The force at the command of the Ilkhani The paramount chief of certain tribes in south west Iran. of the Shahdillu consists, in the
first place, of a body varying from 800 to 1,000
Fotgbs nurd . horse. At the time of my visit the border had
been for some time comparatively tranquil, and
the number maintained was as low as 800. Of these I saw about 100 men
very well mounted, and armed with swords and short handy percussion and
flint rifles of native manufacture. Some few of the chief's own retainers
have good English and Russian “ double barrels." The sample I saw
was said to be, and no doubt was, a fair one, for it was simply the detach
ment in support of the border posts under the chief's order. The remain
der were scattered over different parts, chiefly in Mana and Simalghan.
Of these minor detachments I saw also a few, and they were in every way
as efficient as their comrades at Bujnurd. The whole 800 men, if armed
better and slightly disciplined, would form an admirable body of light
cavalry, ready and able to ride over any ground, having the most perfect
command of their horses and great endurance. Their horses are, strangely
enough, all obtained from the Turkmans. There were, I found, not more
than two or three dozen mares in the chiefship. Pasturage is insufficient
for large numbers, and the stock is entirely in the hands of the Turkmans,
whom nothing will induce to part with a good mare or stallion. All the
remounts required by the Shahdillu are procured from the Akhal “ obahs"
by purchase or barter of prisoners; and many a raid on the “ obahs " is made
simply with the object of taking a few prisoners, who may be exchanged
for horses. The Turkmans thus mount the only enemies in the whole of
Persia whom they have any reason to dread; for these remarks apply to all
the Kurds of this border.
When questioned on the subject, they replied that, though the tribe was
thoroughly united in all things seriously affecting the common welfare, in
such small matters the Aksakals had no power to interfere with individuals.
If a man chose to sell his horse or to ransom a relative, there was no one to
prevent his so doing. The result is that the Shahdillu are better mounted
on the average than their enemies, and for such a country as well mounted
perhaps as any body of cavalry in the world. This force of 800 men is
stationed in detachments on the Atrak, at Mana and Simalghan, at bhau-
o-han and at Bujnurd. They are mostly natives of the district, and for the
most part stationed in their own villages, forming thus a species of mounted
militia or yeomanry. Besides rent-free lands, they have a small assign
ment 0 of iain in lieu of pay, and a share in the profits arising from each
successful expedition in which they may be engaged. Their horses and
arms are supplied for the most part by their chiefs.
In addition to this body of cavalry, there is a force of 300 militia footmen
at the Ilkhani The paramount chief of certain tribes in south west Iran. 's disposal, who are regularly enrolled
Footmen. an( j py grain assignments. They are armed
either with the cc shamkhal" or the “ khirli" before described. Their chief
duty is to guard the roads across the Atrak valley that are open to the
Turkmans; but they are not pushed forward beyond Simalghan, or its last
village, Kala Khan.