"دليل بلاد فارس. مجلد III. جزء I: من A إلى K" [و‎‎٢‎٨‎٢] (١٢٧٨/٥٦٨)

275
i
it
a
t
DEH—DEH
B,nd difficult and might be held by a few resolute men against any number.
The route towards the Mesopotamia plain is also capable of easy defence.
To the south-east, toward the Kabir Kuh, lies an extremely wild, impassable
country, full of deep, wooded ravines and crags, while to the north-west
towards Zarneh, are a succession of rugged, parallel ridges difficult to cross.
The position seems at least secure against anything the Persian Govern
ment would care to attempt. The valley is irrigated from springs at the
foot of the mountain, and grows abundant maize crops. Supplies of rice
and wheat are usually brought up from the plains. Large numbers of
mules are bred here by the Fail! Lurs.— (Maunsell, August 1888.)
Situated in a broad valley. Water in plenty from a large spring.
Supplies in plenty in the summer when the Vail is in residence. In winter,
bhucd, tibbin, and grain are procurable only with the Vail’s permission.
Other supplies in small quantities only. The Vali has two houses and
three kalehs situated in gardens here. Coal is said to be found in the hills
about 10| miles north-west rom Deh Bala.— (Ranking, 1909.)
DEH BALi (2)—Lat. 31° 30' N. ; Long. 54° 10' E. ; Elev.
A valley, and a village of the same name , in the Yazd district. It lies
at the foot of the highest peak of the Shir Kuh to the south-west of Yazd
town. The valley is about 6 miles in length and 4 miles in breadth at its
south-west or broadest end. It is triangle-shaped, the apex pointing to
the north-east. It is a bright valley, with terraced fields on either side of a
full sparkling stream, and overshadowed with all manner of goodly fruit-
trees. There is abundant grazing in the valley, and an ample supply of
fresh water all the year round. Firewood is procurable from the surrounding
hills. The centre of the valley is full of villages which are surrounded by
gardens, fields, and trees. The names of the villages, commencing from
the lowest, are :—
1. Baghistan.
2. Tu Deh.
3. BIr Bagh-i-Shah.
4. Mazraeh’-i-Shah’AH. 6. Jumbarazun.
5. Gurukh. 7. Deh Bala.
The valley has a permanent population of 2,000 inhabitants, which swell
to 5,000 during the summer months. The flocks and herds number 100
cows and 3,000 sheep ; and the transport animals comprise 250 mules and
300 donkeys.
The valley is bounded on the north-west by the Shir Kuh, which rises
abruptly for the last 700 or 800 feet in a sheer wall of rock. To the south
east lies an impassable spur thrown out by the Kuh Tizarjun, and to the
south-west is an impassable offshoot of the Shir Kuh. There is only one
road through the valley. The enters the valley at Baghistan through
a defile, 200 or 300 yards in breadth, which passes under lofty cliffs. The
road leaves the valley by the Gurdar-i-Nil pass, with an elevation of 11,257
feet. This forms a strong position. There are about 50 yards of open
ground on the pass, along which is a granite breastwork about 5 or 6 feet
thick, through which the road runs. A clear view is obtained of the whole
of the narrow valley ahead for 4 or 5 miles. On either side of the pass
rise lofty, inaccessible bills, rendering it quite unturnable.
If the entrances to the pass were forced the defenders would be compelled
to retire. There is a good position 13, miles farther up to the vadev.