of a superior jerga of Khans. As the people are attached
to the community rather than to their chiefs, the power of
the latter is feeble; even that of the sovereign is much too
limited to repress the anarchy and disorder which are the
results of constant feuds between numerous tribes, or rather
small republics, composed of men who possess that lofty spirit
which has been so strenuously exerted against the present
sovereign, Shah Shuja el Moolkh.
In some instances the Afghan customs resemble those of
the Jews. Wives are purchased by presents, or earned by
services, as in the case of the patriarch; and the dominant
tribe, the Durrani, refuse their daughters to the men of every
other nation.
The other principal tribes are the Barukzyes (that of Dost
Muhammed), the Huzzarahs, the Populzye, and other Afghans,
the Ghiljies, the Eimauks, the Eusofzyes, the Shee-
raunees, and Khyburees.1
The power of divorce is freely exercised by the husband,
and partially so by the woman, who is, however, required to
give a substantial reason to the Kazi, or Kadi.8 It is also
thought incumbent on the younger brother to marry the
widow of the elder, in which case the relatives of the latter
receive the price paid.3
Amongst the poor the women do the work of the house,
and share the labour with the men out of doors; whilst those
of the upper class are concealed, and enjoy all the comforts
and luxuries belonging to such a situation. Moreover, they
are taught to read, and many of them show considerable
talents for literature.4
The Afghans are very sociable, and have, both within and
without the house, a great many amusements; in which,
agreeably to the indulgent customs of the east, their slaves
are allowed to share. Of the former, singing, dancing, playing
at backgammon,, story-telling, and smoking, are the
principal.5 Among the latter are garden and country parties
1 Elpbinstone’s Kabul, p. 309 and following. 8 Ib id , p. 180.
8 Ib id , p. 179. 4 Ibid-
8 Ibid., p. 183.
(chiefly on Fridays), hawking, cock and quail fighting, wrestling,
drawing of the bow, combats with clubs, and other
athletic exercises ; besides various kinds of hunting, in which
the hyena is successfully employed, after being boldly and
adroitly secured.
The revenue is derived from customs and other duties, and
from commutations paid by particular districts, instead of
sending troops. Provisions are supplied to the royal household,
and to the troops when in motion ; but the principal-
source of revenue is the land, which is assessed by fixed proportions
on the produce. The total amount of the king’s
income is estimated at about three millions sterling, scarcely
two-thirds of which are paid.1 The principal expenditure is
for the maintenance of the royal harem and household, the
officers of state, the Mullâs, and the army.
The Gholâms, Kuzzilbaches, and Shahenchees, or camel
artillery, make up a permanent force of about 13,000 men,
in addition to 12,000 which are furnished by the Durrani
tribes in return for their lands. Some of the other contingents,
chiefly of infantry, are furnished, in time of war, by
the owners of lands elsewhere. A kind of militia, and a
force called Dowstullub, are raised for the campaign, at a
fixed price of 10/. per man; and, finally, a general rising,
called Ooloosse, is resorted to in case of invasion.2
These feeble and uncertain means of defence have been
superseded by a regular force, organized and commanded by
British officers, which, in time, may produce the necessary
stability, should his present majesty take advantage of his
favourable position to form a wise system of government ;
and, if such were suited to the ancient institutions and
prejudices of his warlike and unmanageable subjects, the latter
might at length be induced to submit to regulations which
would promote the welfare of the country.
The preceding description relates more particularly to
Afghanistan Proper, and we now proceed to notice the
southern portion of the kingdom of Kabul, or the different
provinces forming the adjoining confederation.
1 Elphinstone’s Kâbul, p. 251. 8 Ibid., p. 530 and following.
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