Historical Notes by Munshi Muhammad Azim -4

Historical Notes by Munshi Muhammad Azim -4

Russian soldiers’ status in the border (1312 AH/1894-1895 CE)

The status of the Russian State’s soldiers in Turkistan, Marv, and other places located in neighborhood of Herat’s dependencies: 

Previous General was General Komarov. Now, since 1312, General Fatkin, Governor of TransCaspian is in charge of the affairs of above-mentioned places. In the same year, when The Russian Emperor had passed away, and his son ascended the throne, General had come for an excursion to Gonbadhli, near the border. He sent a letter to His Highness, Sa’duddin khan, Governor of Herat, mentioning the decease of the previous Emperor and the ascension current Emperor. In the letter, was also mentioned that at the moment the Emperor had appointed his brother as the Crown Prince, until the Emperor would have child to become crown prince.

[(At the same place added without date)]Georgian people of Tiflis have moved toward Qaraqulkhan, Russ and Charkas to whence the roads are difficult to pass.

Shooting Nasiruddin Shah  (1313 AH/1896 CE)

The followers of the Babi sect shot Nasiruddin Shah twice: First on Shawwal 28, 1268/August 15, 1859 in Shamiran, a suburb of Tehran, when he was riding. This time, his wound was not fatal and he could recover. Second time, it was on Friday, Dhu’l Qa’da 17, 1313/April 30, 1896, in the shrine of Abdul-Azim, when he was shot and martyred. His reign lasted 49 years. His ascension was in 1264 AH/1848 CE and he died in 1313. He had ascended the throne at the age of 18 and lived for 67 years.

Ascension of Mozaffaruddin Shah (1313 AH/1896 CE)

Mozaffaruddin Shah, Son of Nasiruddin shah ascended the throne on Dhu’l Hijja 26, 1313/June 8, 1896. When he was the crown prince he lived in Tabriz [as the governor]. He was 44 when he came to Tehran and ascended the throne. He had been born in the month of Jumadi II, 1269/February, 1853. [(The ascension note is briefly repeated in another place)].

Festival of Unity (Jashn-e-Mottafeqiyya)(1214 AH/1896 CE)

The Festival of Unity [that in Farsi was called Jashn-e-Mottafeqiyya], was being celebrated in the reign of Amir Abdurrahman khan on Asad 26/August 16 of every year. The first celebration was held on Rabi’ I 7, 1214/August 16, 1896

The expense of the festival for the city and suburbs was paid by His Highness [(The Amir)]

Census in Herat (1314 AH/1896 CE)

Census was taken in Herat during the reign of His Highness Zia’u’lmillata waddin [(his majestic title)], the late Amir Abdurrahman khan, in the year 1314 AH/1896 CE):

Male population, without female, and without the population of the main part of the city: one hundred two thousand souls, eight block of jolga [(plain)] and the block of Shaflan: 32 thousand souls, provinces and suburbs: 70 thousand souls [(two last items are counted by Siaq which I am not sure that I have read them correctly, but first item is clearly written in Hindi numbers.)]

Population of different religions (1317 AH/1899-1900 CE)

The population of different religions in the year 1317 AH/1899-1900 CE is as followed:

Muslims: 3oo crore souls [(=3,000,000,000)]

Christians: 800 crore souls [(=8,000,000,000)]

Jews: 14 crore souls [(=140,000,000)]

Other religions: 1500 crore souls [(=15,000,000,000)]

  Muzaffaruddin Shah's travel to Frang [(Europe)] (1317 AH/1899-1900 CE)

First trip of Muzaffaruddin shah to Frang [(Europe)] took place in the year 1317 AH/1899-1900 CE

Death of the Queen (1318 AH/1901 CE)

The Queen of Englistan [(Britain)] died in the Year 1318 equal to one thousand nine hundred [one] of the Christian era. She had ascended the throne in 1837 CE and her reign lasted 53 years. [(Her reign lasted almost 64 years)]

Death of Amir Abdurrahman (1319 AH/1901 CE)

The death of the late Khaqan [(the king)] of Afghanistan, Amir Abdurrahman khan, took place on 19 of Jumadi II in the year 1319/ October 3, 1901 in the Royal seat of Kabul.

Ascension of Amir Habibullah (1319 AH/1901 CE)

Amir Habibullah khan, King of Afghanistan, Ascended the throne in the year 1319 Bars-eel. [(The sentence is repeated at another place and added)] in Kabul.

The National Unity Festival (Muharram 24)

The National Unity Festival is being held every year on first of Thaur (21 April) during the reign of Amir Habibullah khan. The first year’s festival took place on 24 of Muharram [(it could have been 24^th Muharram 1321/22^nd April 1903)] that the festival was run in the provinces of Afghanistan.

Dearth and drought in Herat (1320 AH/1902-1903 CE)

In the year Bars-eel 1320 AH there was an exceeding dearth in Herat and suburbs, due to the insufficiency of precipitations. One Kherwar [(around 300 kg.)] of wheat was sold for 450 or 500 Kran [(a monetary unit, a coin)], and so was sold barley. One Kherwar of rice was sold for 550 Kran. A half Man [(4 kg)] of straw was sold for one Kran, so most cattle of people in the city as well as the cattle of husbandmen in the rural area around Herat were perished due to the lack of straw and barley.  Other grains like raw peas, lentil and grass peas were also expensive. Yellow ghee was one Man [(4kg)] for 20 Krans, lamp oil, one Man for 12 of 15 Krans, yogurt one man for one and a half Krans , and meat one Man for 10 Krans.

Also in the year of Tooshqan-eel, when the wheat and barley plants were blooming with ears, there came a hail, approximately in two districts, in the suburbs around the city of Herat, and caused a little dearth.

There was an intense dearth also in the year of eelan-eel, the snake-year, in Herat and suburbs, as some of the wheat and barley fields were bitten by the frost. The price of one Kherwar [(300kg)]wheat reached 400 Kran, one Kherwar barley for 300 Kran and rice from 400 and 500 Kran, ghee one Man for 16 Kran, lamp-oil one Man for 8 Kran, meat one Man for 6 Kran, dried whey one Man for 4 Kran, yogurt one Man from one and a half to 2 Kran, onion one Man for one and a half Kran, straw 3 Mans for one Kran and so was everything expensive until the beginning of the harvest of looy eel’s year

Amir’s birthday festival (1321 AH-103 CE)

The birthday festival for His Majesty Amir Habibullah Khan took place in Herat, on Tuesday  Rabi’ II 25, 1321/ July 21 (28 Saratan) 1901 in the year of tooshqan eel. During that day there was festival and at night the bazaar and Charbagh were illuminated [(here quoted a verse praising the Amir)].

Titles of Amir’s consorts (1321 AH/1903 CE)

His Majesty, Seraj-ul-millat-waddin [Amir Habibullah] has bestowed titles to her four consorts, as followed:

Her Majesty Mother of Amanullah khan: Seraj-ul-khawatin.

Mohammad Nader khan’s sister: Her Highness Noor-ul-haram.

Inayat-ullah khan’s mother: Her high-positioned Badr-ul-haram.

His High-positioned Sardar Mohammad Ibrahim khan’s daughter: Her High-ranked Satr-ul-haram.

These titles were bestowed and addressed on the night of 14^th of Ramadan, year 1321/ December 4, 1904, and the decree was issued for the information of the inhabitants of Afghanistan.

Injustice of the Sherriff of Mecca (1321 AH/1903-1904 CE)

In the year 1321 when I was honored to be in Mecca, people said that the sheriff of Mecca was practicing unjustly.

The war between Russia and Japan in the year 1322 AH /1905 CE [(without further information)]

Titles for courtiers (1322 AH/1905 CE)

According to a decree arrived from the Royal Capital, the Sardars and Khans of the Court are bestowed titles as followed:

Sardar Nasrullah khan, brother of Amir Saheb: Na’ibussaltana [(= Regent)]

Sardar Inayatullah khan, son of Amir Saheb: Mu’inussaltana [(= Assistant of the Kingdom)]

Prince Amanullah khan, son of Amir Saheb: Ainuddawla [(= The Eye of the State)]

Sardar Abdulquddoos khan: I’temaduddawla [(Trustee for the State)]

Khoshdil khan: Loy Nab, Deputy Governor, who receives subject’s petitions.

Sardar Abdulwahab khan: Aminulmakateeb [(Trustee for the Correspondence)]

Fath Mohammad khan Kotwal: Aminul’Assass [(Trustee for the Police)]

Nazir Mohammad Safar khan: Aminul‘Ittela’at [(Trustee for the Intelligence)]

Sardar Abdullah khan Timuri: Aminuzzakat [(Trustee for Islamic Taxes)]

Ishik Aqasi Mohammad Shah khan: Na’ib [(Deputy)] for Na’ibussaltana and Mu’inussaltana.

Sardar Mahammad Yonos khan: Aminulwojoohat [(Trustee for Finance)]

Mirza Mohammad Hussein khan Kotwal: Chief Accountant of the Country.

[(at front of the names of Aminul’Ittela’at and Aminul’Assass:)] And ordered that anyone having a petition or any subject, should submit it to them.

The Shri’a Religious affairs is bestowed to twelve famous Ulama’ [(Religious Scholars)] under the command of Sayyed Mir Ali khan Khatib, whose Na’ib or Deputy is Mulla Abdurrazzaq.

The decrees were issued on  Dhi’l Hijja 14, year of Looy-eel 1322/ February 19, 1905

End of the Governorship of Sa’duddin khan (1322 AH/1904CE)

Justice Molla Sa’duddin khan, in the God given State of His Majesty Zia’ulmillata waddin Amir Abdurrahman khan had been appointed as the Deputy Governor of Herat. He continued the career during the reign of Serajulmillata waddin Amir Habibullah khan. Sa’duddin khan was son of Justice Mulla Abdurrahman and grandson of Justice Mulla Mohammad Sa’id khan. He was Deputy Governor for 18 years (sic). At the 19^th year of the reign of Amir Habibullah khan he was deposed from the governorship and in the year looy-eel 1322/1904 CE, 3 months remaining from that year, His Excellency Mohammad Sarwar khan was appointed as the Deputy Governor of Herat and on 26 of Dhu’lqa’da arrived in Herat.

Arrival of the new Deputy Governor in Herat (1322 AH/1904 CE)

His Excellency Mohammad Sarwar khan, Deputy Governor Saheb arrived in Herat on Wednesday 26 of Dhi’lqa’da, looy-eel 1322/February 1^st 1904 in the winter time second day of Chella khord [(Little Forty or Second Forty)]. The meeting session for the arrival day was held at Salamkhana-Kuti in Charbagh.

Akhond Khurasani (1322 AH/1904-1905)

His Excellency Hujjatul’islam Mulla Mohammad Kazem Akhond Khurasani whom [I] met in Najaf – ashraf was originally from Herat, and had five sons in the year 1322 AH/1904-1905 CE

British delegation in Kabul (1322-1323 AH/1904-1905 CE)

 A copy of the publicity from His Excellency Highness Amir Habibullah khan:

From your previous counterpart, the British State, His Excellency Mr. Louis William Dean C.S.E. the foreign minister of Hindustan, along with six European persons and others from Hindustani people, had come for the solidity of the agreement, to Kabul. They arrived in the Royal capital, Kabul on Shawwal-ul-mukarram 4, 1322/December 12, 1904 and stayed here for 3 months and 18 days. They visited many times the luminous presence of His Highness, and negotiated on all issues corresponding to the mutual benefits of both states. They agreed that the previous principles and procedure of the Late Khaqan, Zia-ul-millat waddin should be continued. Faqat[(That is all)] They, all with pleasure, got permission to leave for their country, on Thursday, Muharram-ul-haram 23, eelaneel year 1323/March 30, 1905.

Troops and artillery in Faizabad (1323 AH/1905-1906 CE)

In the city of Faizabad, a dependency of Balkh, there are appointed and settled a complete regiment and artillery and special troops, ordered by the Afghanistan Monarchy.

Jashn of Nawrooz in Herat (1323 AH/1905 CE)

According to the order of His Excellency Deputy Governor Mohammad Sarwar khan, Jashn (ceremony) of Nawrooz took place on Muharram 14, 1323/ March 21, 1905, in the Royal Garden (Bagh e Shahi). Civil as well as Military officers and businessmen were present in the ceremony.

Hail in Herat (1323 AH/1905 CE)

In the current year of eelaan-eel 1323, in the late afternoon of Ra18bi’ I 4^th of Jawza/ may 23,1905 there were such rain and hail that water was flowing in the lanes of the city. It was on 66^th day of Nawrooz, which is called Shisha in Herat [(6th, 16^th, 26^th….and 66^th days after Nawrooz are traditionally called Sishas that are supposed to get cold)]

2744 houses in Herat (1323 AH/1905-1906 CE)

The houses in Herat were counted 2744 houses in the main city of Herat, in the current year of eelaan-eel 1323 AH/1905-1906 CE [(This sentence is being repeated in another place)]

2400 cavalries in Herat (1323 AH/1905-1906 CE)

There are 2400 cavalry troops in Herat, in the current year of eelaaneel, the year of snake, 1323 AH/1905-1906 CE.

Amir’s trip to India (1324 AH/1906 CE)

His Majesty Serajulmillat waddin Amir Habibullah khan, traveled to India to visit the Viceroy of India in the middle of the year of yont-eel 1324, 12 of Shawwal/November 29, 1906, in the winter. Then returning from his trip, His Majesty came to Herat and raised the flag of self-determination in the Arg (citadel) of Herat, in the month of Jumadi II, 1325/July 1907.

Birthday of Amir Habibullah (1324 AH/1906 CE)

His Majesty Amir Habibullah khan was born on Monday, Rabi’ II 25, 1289/July 2, 1872, and this year, eelaan-eel (1324 AH/1906 CE) is his thirty-forth year of age and fifth year of His Highness’ ascension that had taken place on Jumadi II 19 (10^th of Solar month of Mizan)1319/ October 3, 1901. On His Excellency’s Birthday, first of Thawr, every year, there are ceremonies all over the country.

Publishing of Besharat (1324 AH/1906-1907 CE)

A newspaper, called Besharat-Tuhfaturrazawiyya, has been printed and published in Mashhad-e-Toos, in the year 1324 AH/1906 CE. The Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper is Mohammad Ali and Editor is Azizullah Fasihulmamalek.

Matches Factory (1324 AH/1906-1907 CE)

In the year 1324 AH/1906-1907 CE, it was decided to buy and import a Factory of match making for producing matches in Mashhad regularly.

Jewish calendar (1324 AH/AM 5667 Jewish)

Jewish history is older that other histories; for example, this year yont-eel 1324 corresponds to 5667 Jewish year.

Snow after Nawrooz (1324 AH/1927 CE)

In the year yont-eel, year of horse 1324/1907 CE 17 days after Nawrooz (April 6) in the late night, snow fell [in Herat] till morning, and the weather turned so cold that we needed fire. All fruit trees were bitten by frost, but still there was enough amount of grape.

Republican Assembly (1324 AH/1907 CE)

Trusty travelers returned from Atabat (Holy Shrines) says that, they had heard in Tehran, that the King of Iran had appointed a Republican Assembly consisting khans and religious authorities to consult according to the benefits of their State and Nation. They have also dismissed the foreign banks and have established their own bank. Iranian businessmen have deposited forty five million [(Tooman?)] in cash, in that bank, to cooperate their government. [(By republican assembly Munshi meant consultative assembly)].

Tehran-Mashhad railroad (1324 AH-1906-1907 CE)

In the year yont-eel 1324 AH/1906-1907 CE building a railroad from Tehran to Mashhad was started. Previously there was built a metalled between Tehran and Simnan but there was no railroad.

Herat-Mashhad road (1324 AH-1906-1907 CE)

The road between Herat and Mashhad is under construction. Now, Dhu’l Qa’da, 1324, the construction is going on the way from Herat to Kuhsan [(a district in Herat)]

Death of Mozaffaruddin Shah (1324 AH/1907 CE)

Mozaffaruddin Shah, king of Iran, died on Tuesday night, Dhu’l Qa’da 23, 1324/January 8, 1907. Nobles and dignitaries went to present their condolences to the Governor of Khurasan and High Custodianship, first day at Holly Shrine, then in the Mosque of Gowharshad. [(in another place)]: Mozaffaruddin Shah lived for 55 years, and his son Mohammad Ali Shah ascended the throne in Du’l Hijja 1324.

Condolence gathering in Herat (1325 AH/1907 CE)

His Eminence Amir was in India [when Mozaffaruddin Shah died] and ordered that condolence gatherings should be held in Afghanistan, for the late king of Iran. In Herat, there was a three-day condolence gathering, Muharram 25, 26 and 27, 1325/March 10, 11 and 12, 1907. All the markets were closed and six thousand Rupees was spent by the government for the gatherings.  

[(It is worth mentioning that a few years before, when Amir Abdurrahman khan died, Mozaffaruddin Shah of Iran had ordered the Governor of Khurasan to hold a condolence gathering for that Muslim King, and publish a general invitation, he also ordered to serve meal and to appoint religious authorities and sayyeds to recite Holly Qur’an for three days. There is an account for this incident in Serajuttawarikh by Faiz Mohammad Kateb, II/3. p.94)]

Amir Habibullah khan in Herat (1325 AH/1907 CE)

Fortunate arrival of His Majesty Seraj-ul-millat waddin, King of Afghanistan in the Darunnustat [(victorious house)] of Herat, took place at 10 AM on Wednesday, Jumadi I 28, 1325, qoy-eel/July 9 1907, in the solar month of Saratan in Tamooz season [(hot period of summer)], coming via Kandahar and returning via Turkistan.

Repairing Jami’s Shrine (1325 AH/1907 CE)

His Majesty Seraj-ul-millat waddin Amir Habibullah khan, during his stay in Herat, ordered the Shrine of Mawlawi Jami Saheb (may his grave be sanctified) to be repaired, and endowed the Qanat [( Drinking water subterranean canal)] of Khusravan, which was government’s property, to the shrine.

Repairing the rampart around Herat (1325 AH/1907 CE)

His Majesty Seraj-ul-millat waddin Amir Habibullah khan, during his stay in Herat, ordered the rampart around Herat to be repaired. According to the order, four hundred workers from districts’ subjects would be hired and each worker would receive eight Kabuli Rupees every month, by the government.

Repair-fund for Masjid Jami’ (1325 AH/1907 CE)

His Majesty Seraj-ul-millat waddin Amir Habibullah khan, during his stay in Herat, granted twenty thousand Pokhta-Rupees that was equal to forty thousand Karan-Rupees to the repair of the Noble Masjid Jami’ of Herat. The sum was paid from the 98962 Pokhta-Kabuli Rupees presented as a gift by the military personnel settled in Herat.

Exemption of taxes (1325 AH/1907 CE)

His Majesty Seraj-ul-millat waddin forgave an amount of two crore ninety-five lak Kabuli Rupees (29,500,000 Kabuli Rupees) debt of real estate sanctions that had remained unpaid for 17 years. The debt had remained since the closure of the 100,000 block [(a tax office)]. [His Majesty] also has forgiven the debt of fugitives who would not have pay tax for 3 years after they return, and they would have to pay by the fourth year.   

39 days in Herat (1325 AH/1907 CE)

His Majesty Seraj-ul-millat waddin Amir Habibullah khan left Herat on Saturday, Rajab-ul-murajjab 7, 1325 qoy-eel/August 16, 1907 at 4:30 PM. He had stayed in Herat for 39 days.

Afghan agent in Mashhad (1325 AH/1907 CE)

Alijah (High-positioned) Abdullah khan, the agent of the Government of Afghanistan in Mashhad, was honored to come and attend the presence of His Majesty Seraj-ul-millat waddin. He is the Afghan agent in Mashhad for fourteen years. During this auspicious year that His Majesty, visiting His provinces, arrived Herat on Jumadi I 28, 1325/July 9, 1907, according to the Royal order, Abdullah khan came to Herat. He was honored to have the attendance of the His Majesty at Qorchi, two or three marches to Maimana. He was honored with robe of honour and medal of Izzat-Afghaniyya [(Afghan glory)] and was permitted to return. He came to Herat and visited his family and friends and returned comfortably to Mashhad. He received an additional 12000 Kran salary, and he presented [(to the King)] two distinguished Arabic horses. [(|His name is mentioned in Serajuttawarikh, once as Abdullah khan Mushkvani and several times as Abdullah khan Mushvani.)]

Merchants of Mashhad (1325 AH/1907-1908 CE)

The merchants of the Holy Land (Mashhad) from past times till now, the year 1325 AH/1907-1908 CE: Haji Mohammad Hassan Mo’avenuttujjar [(vice president of chamber of commerce)], who is originally from Herat, Haji Arbab, and others. There are several merchants from Mashhad, and Turks and trusties who are busy in big businesses. [(Perhaps Munshi intended to write a list of merchants but he did not, or could not complete it.)]

Sardaftar in Herat (1325 AH/1907 CE)

Mohammad Sarwar khan Sardaftar arrived in Herat on Thursday, Safar-ul-mazaffar 20 1325/April 4, 1907 [(after Safar-ul-mozaffar there is written 14, perhaps by mistake. Sardaftar is a Farsi word that means head of the office. Here it seems that the word had gradually become his last name.)]

Kako Jankhan in Herat (1325 AH/1907 CE)

Alijah [(High-positioned)], Shuja’at nashan[(Bravery-medalled)] Kako Jankhan arrived in Herat on Sunday, Jumadi II, 1325/July 21, 1907 qoy-eel, via Hazara, from the Royal capital, Kabul, in the month of Tamooz/Asad, 12 days after the arrival of His Majesty.

Hajj of Friends (1325 AH/1907 CE)

Aqa Mirza Razi Tabib left Herat along with friends for Hajj, on Saturday, auspicious month of Ramadan 4, qoy-eel year 1325/September 12, 1907 via Holy Land [(Mashhad)] and Ashgabat. The Hajj period then was in the winter. They accomplished the pilgrimages on the way, and they arrived in Herat after nine months. Even though there was cholera disease in noble Mecca as well as in noble Medina, they all returned in good health. The names of returned Hajis are as follows: Haji Mirza Razi, Haji Amir Jan, Haji Gholam Ali Alaqa-band son of Haji Mohammad Ja’far, Haji Mohammad Kazem Attar son-ik-law of Haji Mirza Haidarqoli Tabib, Haji Aowlad Rajab Khaliqdad, Haji Mohammd Ja’far Attar Frahi.  Mirza [(a first name is effaced and cannot be read)] Alikhan who had gone from Mashhad did not come to Herat.

Block of Rs 100,000 (1326 AH/1908 CE)

The block of Lak Rupeeagi [(Rs 100,000)] for drawing tax, that is being closed, was established in the reign of the late Khaqan [(King)] Amir Abdurrahman khan, in the year of Seechqan-eel [(sic)] and is closed at the time of Amir Habibullah khan, and [(tax)] has been assigned from the office according to the previous order. [(In another place)] In the reign of the late Khaqan [(King)] Amir Habibullah khan, a Block establishment was ordered for the cash and goods’ tax drawing. The process was carried on by the Herati employees, since the year of seechqan-eel. The employees had gone to Kabul in the year of tangooz-eel. At the end of the year they received the governmental book along with honor-dress and two-month salary. They came to Herat and carried on their duties according the governmental book. [(In Farsi, block is written as bolak, which is also repeatedly mentioned in Serajuttarikh by Faiz Mohammad Katib. It seems that block had been a branch in some offices.)]

Hajj of Qazi Ata Mohammad [(1326 AH/1908 CE)]

Qazi [(the Judge)] Mir Ata Mohammad khan left Herat for Hajj, on Thursday Ramadan 14, 1326/October 10, 1908, via Shaikh Junaid. His maternal uncle, Mulla Mohammad also accompanied him.

General in Herat (1329 AH/1911 CE)

Alijah  [(High-positioned)] Abdurrahim khan Mohammadzai, Military General arrived in Herat from Kabul, in the month of Shawwal 1329tangooz-eel/September or October 1911

End of Notes with dates that were arranged chronologically. There are a few nonhistorical nots which will be published here afterward. 

Historical Notes by Munshi Mohammad Azim - 3

Historical Notes by Munshi Mohammad Azim - 3

The news of Rome in the year 1298 AH/1881 CE

The number of soldiers in the Rome state (Ottoman Turkey) while fighting with Russia was more than 500.000. This number, after the war has decreased to 380,000. But these remainders are more skilful and experienced than those 500,000.

Population of Britain at the same year (1298 AH/1881 CE)

In Great Britain, including Ireland, the Channel and Mann Islands, there live 35,246,562 persons. This number includes the land as well as the navel armies.

According to the census of 1871 population of Anglistan (Great Britain) was 31,845,379 persons. Thus, it seems that in ten years, the population had an increase of 4,147,236 persons [(by subtracting the difference or the increase seems to be 3,401,283)]. From this number, 17,253,947 persons are male and 17,992,615 persons are female. Accordingly, in Great Britain, females are in majority. The population of the capital - London – in 1871 CE was 3,254,260, while ten years later; in 1881 CE it reached 3,800,471. From the population of London, 1,794,106 persons are male and 2,020,465 are female [(the calculation of male and female does not respond correctly)].

There are 486,208 houses in London, from which 37,000 houses are uninhabited and 8,000 houses are not yet completed. Thus, in every house in London, on average, there live 8 persons.

Amir Abdurrahman khan visiting The Viceroy (1302 AH/1885-1886 CE)

The visit of Amir Abdurrahman khan, the king of Afghanistan, took place in Punjab at the town of Rawalpindi, in the year 1302 AH/1885-1886 CE. [(The subject is mentioned in another place with more details, but without the date, as follows)] : You, the British State, cannot  disregard your four thousand-year old State and dignity, and we cannot disregard our eight thousand-year old home and chastity and property. The account of the visit was written by Mirza Mohammad Nabi khan Dabir-ul-mulk of Afghanistan. The account was printed, ordered by the praised Amir. It includes all conversations as well as governmental questions and answers. By reading this booklet, one may learn the quality of the visit in detail.  

Demarcation of the Afghan-Russia border (1302 AH/1884 CE)

British Sahibs, [(sahib here means high-rank English officer)], came to mark the border between Afghan and Russian states. They had come from India through Baluchi road, and landed at Zenda-jan of Herat, where they visited the Governor of Herat. They arrived Zenda-jan and visited Deputy Mohammad Sarwar khan on Friday, Muharram 25, 1302/November 14, 1884 CE, year of pichi eel [(which is the Chinese name of the year)].

British Sahibs were 27 persons in their commission. And other army officers, including cavalry and infantry were 500 persons;: 250 from platoon infantry, and 250 from mounted rasala, [(a group of mounted soldiers)].  They were totally one thousand two hundred twenty seven persons including officers, soldiers, and servants. There were two thousand rented camels and mules loaded mostly with their foodstuffs.

Their commander in chief, at first, was General Lumsdon, who had come along with a few accompaniers through Iran. He returned later to his country. Then there came Colonel Ridgway, with a few mounted and infantry-men, from India, through Baluchi (Baluchistan). At first, he was being appointed to look after Lumsdon; when the latter was leaving, he appointed Ridgway as the commander in chief, to carry on the demarcation of the border with the state of Russia. He completed the demarcation, from Herat to Turkistan. Then he  went to Kabul, wherefrom he returned to India.  General Lumsdon had asked for his resignation when the Punjdeh war had taken place, He returned to his country, but Ridgway and his military companions stayed and completed the demarcation. The abovementioned commission was consisted of seven hundred Indians and it included totally one thousand two hundred twenty seven persons, as previously mentioned.

Sulaiman khan Sahib-ikhtiar and demarcation with Russia (without mentioning the date)

Sulaiman khan Sahib ikhtiar, was appointed, in the time of Nassiruddin Shah, to fix the border with Russia on behalf of the government of Iran. He gave over, intentionally or by mistake, many parts of Iranian territory and the soil of Khurasan to Russia. Russians still have control over those places.

Endowment property in Herat (1302 AH/1883-1884 CE)

Aqa Sayyed Hussein Herati, who had been settled in the Holy land [(Mashhad)], in the year 1302, endowed his twenty one units of shops to Imam Reza (POH). There were some other places, like real estates, bath house and shops in the city of Herat and rural areas like Urtkhwan and Pashtan, which were endowed to Imam.

Death of deputy Sarwar khan (1303 AH/ 1886 CE)

Deputy [governor] Mohammad Sarwar khan had been appointed as Governor of Herat, after Sardar Abdulqoddoos khan, at the end of 1298 AH. At the end of 1303 AH/1886 CE he left Herat for Kabul where he passed away.

Russian Commissioner left Balamurghab (1303 AH/1886 CE)

The Russian State’s Commissioner moved out from the Qrawolkhana lodging place of Balamurghab, on Sunday 13 Rajab, 1303/17 April, 1886. Russian commissioner’s name was Kolberg, and they said [(from this place at least two four pages of Monshi’s notebook is being missed)]…

Ayyoob khan’s last flight (1304 AH/1887 CE)

Sardar Mohammad Ayyoob khan fled to Iran three times: First fearing of his father,Amir Shir Ali khan’s  appalling army; second, after being defeated in the war in Kandahar, by Amir Abdurrahman khan, and third, when Deputy-governor Sa’duddin  khan and Commander-in-Chief  Framorz khan were appointed to Herat by Amir Abdurrahman khan. The last time Sardar came from Tehran to Khurasan and from there to the places of Kaland and Mando, at the border. He and a few Herati mounted soldiers were defeated by Kabuli cavalries who had been sent from Herat. Sardar Ayyoob khan suffering difficulties arrived to Mashhad. Then receiving allowance from British State, he and his companions were taken, through Baghdad to India, where they still live.

Later, Amir Abdurrahman khan showed affability and caress to all Mohammadzai Sardars and other Khans of Kabul and Kandahar, who had fled to India and Iran, at the time of disturbances and revolts of Afghanistan. They returned to Afghanistan, and received salary at the reign of Amir Abdurrahman khan as they receive now, at the reign of late Amir Sahib’s successor, Amir Habibullah khan.

Governorship of Sa’duddin khan in Herat (1304 AH/1887 CE)

At the beginning of the year 1304 AH/1887 CE, Amir Abdurrahman khan appointed Sa’duddin khan as his Deputy-governor of Herat. He was appointed after Deputy-governor Mohammad Sarwar khan, and arrived in Herat four days before Nawrooz.

A letter from Panjdeh (1308 AH/1890 CE)

A letter arrived from Tarkhanov, Officer and Governor of Panjdeh, to Sa’duddin khan governor of Herat, on 10^th of Dhul’hijja 1308/17^th January1890. To summarize, he had written that: Happy Eid and God accept your sacrifice. Then he had added that from Panjdeh’s Takhta-Baazaar to the Fair Market is a distance of seven- day [ride]; and from Takhta-Baazaar to Great Mecca, through Baku and Istanbul takes fourteen days.   If Afghan merchants come and buy their goods from the Fair Market they will make benefit. Now, your merchants buy their goods from Bukhara and Iran, and the benefits go to those people’s pockets. Moreover, your Hajj pilgrims will reach sooner to Mecca, if they travel through this way. At the mean time, we also will help them. We informed you as your neighbors.

Months of the Christian year 1892 (1310 AH)

This year is 1892. The first month and the beginning of Nawrooz [(perhaps he intended to write: New Year)]: 1. Month of January, 2. Month of February, 3. Month of March, 21 days [to] Nawrooz, 4. Month of April, 5. Month of May, 6.Month of June, 7.Month of July, 8. Month of August, 9. Month of September [(in the copy:  satamber, which is similar to a Persian word)], 10. Month of October, 11. Month of November, 12. Month of December [(in the copy: dastamber, which is similar to a Persian word)].   

Rebellion of the governor of Maimana (1310 AH/1893 CE)

Deputy-governor of Herat, Sa’duddin khan, left Herat for Badghis and Murghab, and then entered Maimana, where he stayed for more than six months. His travel took six months and ten days, from first of Dhu’lqa’da 1310/17 May 1893 to Jumadi I, 10, 1310/19 November 1893. During this time, Mohammad Sharif khan, governor of Maimana, who had rebelled and defeated by the troops of General Ghowsuddin khan, had fled, with his companions to Panjdeh, and sought refuge there. The governor of Punjdeh was a Russian officer. Sa’duddin khan sent his physician, Abdulhamid khan, who was a friend of Sharif khan’s Father, Mohammad Hussein khan, along with a letter encouraging him to return. Sharif khan returned to Maimana, and Sa’duddin khan took him to Herat along with his family, companions, and belongings; from Herat, all were sent to Kabul, to the presence of Amir Abdurrahman khan. [(From the list of Munshi’s expeditions seems that Munshi had accompanied Deputy-Governor in this trip. In the list he counts this as his fourteenth trip.)]

Governor of  Panjdeh in QAl’a-naw (1310 AH/1892-1893 CE)

Prestov [( in the copy: Frestab)] was previous governor of  Panjdeh. Responding the invitation of Qal’a- Naw’s Hazara and Firoozkoohi tribes, he, along with a few Turkmen horsemen from Panjdeh, had come to Qal’a-naw and stayed there for a few nights. When Sa’duddin khan, governor of Herat, along with a group of  Herati khans, and a mounted regiment arrived  Badghis, Prestov left Qal’a-naw and returned to Panjdeh. The governor of Herat sent the governor of Merv a letter inquiring that: Why had your officer broken the rules, entered the Afghanistan soil and came to Qal’a-naw? Their chief- officer had written in response, that he had come without our permission and by his arrival we fired him; he had done it because of madness and mental alienation. Then Pawchic Lawrov was appointed as governor of Panjdeh. Hazara tribe that had moved toward the Russian soil, returned to their places.

Because of the action of the governor of Panjdeh who had come to Qal’a-naw, all tribes of Herati Oimaqs as well as Uzbeks of Maimana’s suburbs, even Mohammad Sherif khan governor of Maimana rebelled.  [(here, Munshi repeats what he wrote under the incident of  Rebellion of the governor of Maimana (1310 AH/1893 CE)]

[(at the margin)] The state of Russia, has built places and fortifications in its properties in many places near Herat, including Sheikh Jonaid, Tanoora, Qaratappa, Dahna- Dhulfeqar and near Kushk that is better than the other places. Their rail-way has been extended to Panjdeh and Sheikh Jonaid.  

Command Officer of  Maimana (1310 AH/1892-1893 CE)

In the year 1310, when we were in Maimana, the Command Officer of the army of Maimana was General Ghawsuddin khan, who was the Head of Kabuli Platoon, and there were three officers [(under his command)]: Brigadier Rahmat khan, Commandant Faqir Mohammad khan and Commandant Noor Mohammad khan. 

Conquest of Hazara of Oruzgan (1310 AH/1892 CE)

The conquest of Hazara of Oruzgan took place in the reign of Amir Abdurrahman khan, in 20^th of Safar, 1310/ 13 September 1892. [(this note is repeated, shorter, in another place)].

Demarcation the border with the British Government (1311 AH/ 1894 CE)

Demarcation of the British State with the State of His Excellency Amir Abdurrahman khan took place on Sha’ban 22, 1311/February 28, 1894.

(To be continued)

Historical Notes by Munshi Mohammad Azim(2)

Historical Notes by Munshi Mohammad Azim, arranged chronologically(2)

Nader Afshar in Herat (1134 AH/1721-1722 CE)

Nader seized Herat in 1134 and moved sixty thousand families from Herat, sending them to Asfzar and Farah.

Ascension of Nader Shah (1148 AH/1735-1736 CE)

 Nader   Shah ascended to the throne in 1148, when he was in the desert of Mughan, on the way to Mazandaran, near to the castle of Awlad (mentioned in Shahnama). 

Murder of Nader Shah (1160AH/1747 CE)

In 1160 Nader Shah was murdered at the Fathabad lodging place at  Khabooshan.  He was shot in the forest by a Taimani slave.

Death of Ahmad Shah Durrani (1185 AH/1771-1772 CE)

After Nader Shah, Ahmad Shah Afghan became the King of Afghanistan and parts of India. He died in 1185, having reigned for 25 years.

(In another place)Timor Shah

After Ahmad Shah, his son, Timor Shah became king of Afghanistan and parts of India, and reigned for 47 years. He died in Sh’ban of 1232,  ( Timor died in 1207/1793 CE, so his reign spanned  22 years)  

Death of Karim Khan Zand (1193 AH/ 1779 CE)

Karim Khan Zand, died in 1193.  Zand is A Clan of Kurdish tribe (Zand is not Kurdish but a branch of Lor tribes) and [Karim Khan’s family] were shepherds, who inhabited Malayer and rose in the social ranks until they attained the sovereignty. He and his children and cousins reigned in Iran for 43 years.

Ascension of Agha Mohammad khan (1198 AH/1783-1784 CE)

Ascension of Agha Mohammad Khan Akhta (the Castrated one) to the throne was in the year 1198. His reign spanned 13 years.  (In another place): Murder of Agha Mohammad khan Akhta took place during the siege of the city of Shish (Shisha or Shoosha): 1211 AH/1797 CE. He was murdered by his own servants.

(In another place): The Ascension  of Agha Mohammad Khan happened in 1189. He was known as Akhta because Nader Shah had had him castrated.

Ascension of Fath Ali Shah Qajar (1211 AH/1797 CE)

The ascension of Fath Ali Shah, Agha Mohaad khan’s nephew (brother’s son), was in the year 1211. He died in Isfahan, in 1250 AH/1834 CE; his reign spanned 39 years. (IN another place): Ascension of Fath Ali Shah, Agha Mohammad Khan’s nephew to the throne of Iran took place in the year 1211.

Martyrdom of Sufi Islam (1222 AH/1807-1808 CE)

Sufi Islam was martyred in 1222 during the governorship of Prince Haji Firooz uddin, in Shakiban (west of Herat), in the war against Nawwab Hassein Ali  Mirza, governor of Khurasan.

Vazir Fateh Khan in Herat (1232 AH/1816-1817 CE)

In 1232 Vazir Fateh Khan seized Herat from Prince Haji [Firooz-uddin].

(in other place)  Vazir Fateh Khan Barakzai Mohammadzay  took Herat, from Prince Haji Firooz-uddin through chicanery and politicking, and in the same year, there occurred a war between Vizir Fath khan and Hussein Ali Mirza, governor of Khurasan, at Dogharo, near Kafirqala, ending in mutual loss. Both sides being defeated, the Hazara cavalries who were accompanying the Vazir’s army, looted both sides and took as much booty as they could, and without entering the city of Herat, marched to Badghis, their hometown, and became rich and prosperous.

(In other place) War between Vazir Fateh Khan and prince Hussein Ali Mirza, governor of Khurasan, took place at Kafirqala of Kuhsan in the year 1232 /1816-1817 CE.

Blinding and slaying of Vazir Fateh khan (1232 AH/ 1816-1817 CE)

The blinding and, after a few months, slaying of Vazir Fateh khan, by King Kamran, son of King Mahmood Afghan, happened on the way to Kabul, in the year 1232 AH/ 1816-1817 CE.

(In another place) On 27 Dhulqa’da 1232/10 October 1817 Vazir Fateh khan took Herat from Haji Firoozuddin by chicanery and politicking. Later, King Kamran, son of King Mahmood, blinded and imprisoned the Vazir in the same room in which Prince Haji had been imprisoned. Later, when King Kamran decided to travel to Kabul, he took the Vazir with him and on the way ordered Durrani khans to kill him.

Defeat of Hussein Ali Mirza (1232 AH/1816-1817 CE)

The defeat of Hossein Ali Mirza happened at Maroochaq Balamorghab in 1232 AH/1816-1817 CE.

King Mahmood’s flight from Kabul (1234 AH/1818-1819 CE)

King Mahmood’s flight from Kabul to Herat happened in 1234 – [It was the] autonomous governorship of King Mahmood and Haji Firoozuddin in Herat.

(In another place): King Mahmood entered Herat after being defeated in Kabul: Ramadhan 1234/June 1819.

Death of Ranjit Singh (1234 AH/ 1818-1819 CE): Date of Ranjit Singh’s death [according to Perso-arabic acrostic alphabet] is Zaagh-e-koor  (Blind Crow) due to his dark skin and having only one eye. Zaagh-e-koor transcribes to 1234.

Revolt of Mustafa Khan Zoori (1234 AH/1818-1819 CE)

Revolt of Mustafa Khan Zoori and his murder by King Mahmood: 1234.

Siege of Herat (1237 AH/1822 CE)

Murder of Amir Qilich Khan Timuri and Ibrahim Khan Jamshidi during the siege of Herat:  1^st  Ramadhan 1237/22 May 1822.

(slightly different in another place): The murder of  Amir Qilich Khan Timuri and Ibrahim Khan Jamshidi happened in the vicinity of Herat, during the siege they had laid in 1237.

Coming of King Mahmood to Herat, helped by Fath Ali Shah Qajar (1241 AH/1825-1826 CE)

Coming of King Mahmood to Herat, for the second time, with the help of Fath Ali Shah the Shah of Iran, for which assistance King Mahmood had gone to Iran: 1241.

Hasan Ali Mirza in Citadel of Herat (1241 AH/1826 CE)

Arrival of Prince Hasan Ali Mirza at the Citadel of Herat, unaccompanied, to visit King Kamran, on the day of Eid-e Adha, in the year 1241/14 July 1826.

(In another place):  Prince Hasan Ali Mirz arrived unaccompanied, at the Citadel of Herat, in 1241, on Eid-e-Quraban (Eid-ul-Adhha) day/ July 16, 1826.

Russians in Tabriz (1243 AH/1827-1828 CE)

 Russian troops attacked Azerbaijan and conquered the city of Tabriz in the year 1243 at the reign of Fath Ali Shah Qajar.

(In another place) Russian troops attacked Azerbaijan and conquered the city of Tabriz, and were stationed there in the year 1243, at the reign of Fath Ali Shah Qajar. Then Fath Ali Shah paid millions in cash from his treasury as the expense of the military expedition.  Consequently Russian troops left the city and retreated to their own country.  

Cholera in Herat (1244 AH/1828 CE)

There was a severe break out of cholera in Herat in the summer and the fall of 1244 (the same sentence is being repeated in another place).

Death of King Mahmood(1245 AH/1829 CE)

King Mahmood passed away, on the last day of Rabi’ l 1245/29 October 1829, in Herat (The sentence repeated in two places, once without mentioning the month)

Death of Fath Ali Shah Qajar(1250 AH/1835 CE)

 Fath Ali Shah Qajar died in Isfahan, in the year 1250

Ascension of Mohammad Shah Qajar(1250 AH/1835 CE)

Mohammad Shah, grandson of Fath Ali Shah and son of Abbas Mirza-the Crown Prince, ascended the throne in the year 1250. He died in Shamiran of Tehran on Shawwal 6, 1264/February 1848. His reign spanned 14 years.

Murder of Shah Shoja (1252 AH/1836-1837 CE)

Shah Shoja’ son of Timur Shah was murdered in the year 1252 and the date was versified in Persian (here the ascribe quotes a couplet in Persian mentioning the date according to Perso-arabic acrostic alphabet. The verse is copied in the Persian version)

Murder of the British Lord (1252 AH/1836-1837 CE)

In the same year that Shah Shoja was murdered, there was also murdered the British Lord, who was known among citizens of Kabul as Lat of Farang, or as they colloquially called “Laat e Farangi”.  The incident occurred when Kabul was captured by British army. All people of Kabul – the city of brave men- rose and killed the Laat and other British officers, and released the land of Islam from the hand of nonbelievers.  The same versifier of Shah Shoja’s murder date also arranged a verse for the Laat’s murder [It was Alexander Barnes, the British envoy who was killed in the uprising of people of Kabul, and the date in acrostic alphabet can be seen in the Persian copy ].

Siege of Herat (1253-1354 AH/1837-1838 CE)

Mohammad Shah Qajar, with 120,000 troops besieged Herat. The siege lasted one year. He retreated in the month of Jumadi II 1254/August 1838.

(In another place) Mohammad Shah, king of Iran, with 120,000 troops arrived the outskirts of the Herat city in the year 1253. The ministers of four states were accompanying him. The siege lasted 11 months. He returned to Iran in the year 1254 without attaining his aim. (In another place, there are quoted three verses that ironically mention the retreat of Mohammad Shah from Herat aimlessly)

Pottinger in Herat (1253-1258 AH/1837-1842 CE)

Pottinger, the British [agent] entered Herat, secretly in the year 1253, when the city was besieged by Mohammad Shah Qajar. After the siege was lifted, there also came Studdart Sahib and Hakim Sahib, with their treasure to Herat. Vazir Yar Mohammad khan and King Kamran settled them in Char-bagh inside the city. They stayed there for four years and spent their treasure in repairing and building of Herat. Afterward, when the British army in Kabul were killed, Vazir Yar Mohammad khan expelled the Farangi (Briton) in the year 1258 AH/1842 CE. Studdart who went to Bukhara was, killed there, by the order of the king of Bukhara.

End of the descendants of Ahmad [Shah Durrani] (1258 AH/1842 CE)

  The sovereignty of the descendants of Ahmad came to an end when Kamran was imprisoned and then killed by Vazir Yar Mohammad khan, in the year one thousand two hundred fifty eight. The Vazir himself became governor of Herat, and governed there, independently, for nine years. He died, in his natural death, on his way to Lash and Jowain, during an expedition. After Yar Mohammad khan, his son Sardar Sayyed Mohammad khan governed for four years. Then Vazir Isa khan and Shahzada (the prince) Mohammad Yusuf had, together, the governorship of Herat for two years.

Death of Kamran (1259 AH/1843 CE)

 Kamran died in detention, at the time of governorship of Vazir Yar Mohammad khan, in Rabi’ II 1259/May 1843.

Flight of Salar and revolt in Mashhad (1263 AH/1847 CE)

Salar, son of Asef-uddowla, maternal uncle of Mohammad Shah, fled while on his way to Tehran. He entered Mashhad and the subjects of Mashhad revolted because of the extortions of Turkish troops, who accompanied Hamza Mirza in the citadel of Khurasan. The revolt took place in 1263 under the leadership of Rajab Bahador Marvi, and continued for two years.  

Death of Mohammad Shah (1264 AH/1848 CE)

Mohammad Shah Qajar passed away on Shawal 4, 1264/September 5, 1848, in Shamiran, Tehran.

Ascension of Nasiruddin Shah (1264 AH/1848 CE)

Nasiruddin Shah ascended the throne in 1264 when he had 18 years. He died a martyrdom death on Friday 17 Dhulqada 1313/30 April 1896. His murderer named Reza, a Babi (a converted religious sect) who shot the king when he was praying. He reigned 49 years and aged 67 years. His ascension as well as his martyrdom took place in the month of   Dhulqa’da. He had been born in the month of Safar 1247/July 1831.

Babi sect’s followers tried two times to kill the king.  First it was 28 of Shawwal 1268 in the fourth year of his reign, and second time when he was martyred.  

Murder of the Custodian (1264 AH/1848 CE)

Mirza Abdullah custodian of Holy Mashhad was murdered while the  citizens of Mashhad revolted on 25 Ramadan 1264/ 25 August 1848.

Death of Yar Mohammad khan (1267 AH/1851 CE)

Vazir Yar Mohammad khan passed away at Mirala lodging place on 11 Shaban 1267/11 June 1851when he returned from his expedition from Lash and Jowain.

Birth date of Mozaffaruddin Shah (1269 AH/1853 CE)

Mozaffaruddin Shah [Shah of Iran] was born on Monday Jumadi II 14, 1853/March 25, 1853 in Sonbola [ but March falls  in Hoot and Hamal, Persian solar months, not in Sonbola].

Arrival of the Qajar defeated troops (1270 AH/1853-1854 CE)

Qajari troops, being defeated in Marv, arrived to Herat on Shaban 10, 1270/May 8, 1854. The troops had been settled in Marv’s citadel on behalf of the government of Iran. It was at the time of governorship of Sardar Sayyed Mohammad khan son of Yar Mohammad khan Alkozai.

Siege of Herat (1271 AH/1855 CE)

Hassam- alsaltana besieged Herat at the end of 1271, and seized it after nine months. After he seized the city he stayed there for nine more months. Then, ordered by Nasiruddin Shah, he submitted Herat to Sardar Sultan Ahmad khan.

(In another place) Hessam- al-saltana, Qajar prince, who governed Khurasan, attacked Herat, as was ordered by the King of Iran, Nasiruddin Shah. He besieged the city for nine months. There in Herat, Prince Mohammad Yusuf Sadozai and Vazir Isa khan Bardurani, were governing jointly.  Isa khan, due to the indigence and difficulties caused by the siege, was forced to seek refuge in the Iranian camp. He went and saluted Hussam-alsaltana. Qajar army captured the city, in the year 1273/1856. Iranians took the city of Herat and its suburbs under their possession, until the British government captured Iranian port of Bushahr, forcing the King of Iran to seek peace.  Iran submitted Herat to the Afghan Sardar, Sultan Ahmad khan Barakzai – Mohammadzai and, paid him an annual salary of 12000 Tooman. Sultan Ahmad khan began governorship of Herat in the year 1274/1857. When Iranians gave Herat over to Afghans, British forces also left the port of Bushahr, making an agreement.

Prince Reza in Herat (1272 AH/1856 CE)

Prince Mohammad Reza Sadozai, Yusuf khan’s brother, took Herat from Sayyed Mohammad khan, son of Vazir Yar Mohammad khan Alkozai, with the help of Abbas khan Herati, Vazir Isa khan and Brigadier-general Yusuf khan Hazara, on 24 Dhulhijja, 1272/26  August, 1856.

Mirza Najaf khan Herati, who lived in Mashhad, brought Honor-robe to Herat, for Prince Mohammad Yusuf Sadozai, from the Governor of Khurasan. Najaf khan and Sam khan Ilkhani [who accompanied Najaf khan] first decided to oppose Prince Mohammad Yusuf, but afterwards, Ilkhani disagreed and informed the Prince.

Murder of Isa khan Bardurani (6 Rabi II, 1273/4 December, 1856)

Vazir Isa khan was murdered on Friday, 6 Rabi II, 1273, after he submitted the city to Hussam-ul-saltana. He was shot in the artillery ground, pretending to parade the troops.

Retreat of Hassam-al-saltana (1273 AH/1857)

Hessam-al-saltana returned from Herat in first days of Dhulhijja, 1273/July 1857.

Murder of Sayyed Mohammad khan (1273 AH/1856 CE)

Sardar Sayyed Mohammad khan was murdered by the order of Prince Mohammad Yusuf in the month of Muharram 1273/ September 1856.

Governorship of Sultan Ahmad khan (1274 AH/1857-1858 CE)

Sardar Sultan Ahmad khan Mohammadzai became governor of Herat, by the order Nassir u’lddin Shah, in the year 1274.

Sultan Ahmad khan’s expedition to Tehran (1276 AH/1860 CE)

Sardar Sultan Ahmad khan left Herat for Tehran in the month of Rajab/January or February. He arrived in Tehran in Ramadan1276/March or April 1860. The trip took six months: two months on the way to Tehran, two months returning from Tehran, and two months staying in Tehran. Thomson sahib was then the Minster plenipotentiary of Britain in Tehran. (From another note, we know that The Monshi as well as his father the Grand Monshi Mohammad Ismail had been accompanying the governor in this trip)

Siege of Herat by Doost Mohammad khan (1279 AH/1863 CE)

Servants of Amir Doost Mohammad khan king of Kabulistan, came around the city of Herat on Thursday 25 Muharram 1279/16 March 1863. They besieged the city for 11 months. Sardar Sultan Ahmad khan was governor of Herat. The besiegers entered the city on the night of Eid-ul Adha/March 6, in the year 1280 AH/1864 CE, and the city was plundered.

(In another place) Servants of Amir Doost Mohammad khan king of Kabul, uncle and father-in-law of Sardar Sultan Ahmad khan, brought armies from Kabul and Kandahar and besieged the city of Herat in the month of Safar. After ten months siege, in the month of Dhulhijja, on the night of Eid-ul Adha  he captured the city and plundered it. [Amir Doost Mohammad khan] died thirteen days later. Sardar Sultan Ahmad khan also died of dropsy, when Herat was under the siege. He severely suffered from extravagant expense and grief.  Amir Doost Mohammad khan took Herat from Shahnawaz khan, son of Sultan Ahmad khan.

[The cause of siege of Herat]

Farah was dependant of Herat at the time of Vazir Yar Mohammad khan. At the time of governorship of his son, Sardar Sayyed Mohammad khan, Farah was captured by Kandahar Sardars, on behalf of Amir Doost Mohammad khan. Amir appointed his son, Wakil Saifuddawla as the governor of Farah. Saifuddawla’s mother was Hazara. He and his family were there till the time of governorship of Sultan Ahmad khan. When Sultan Ahmad khan, governor of Herat, came back from the salutation he paid to the king Nassiruddin Shah, he carried army to Farah and took the city. Amir Doost Mohammad khan, in retaliation, besieged and captured Herat. Herat is still under the sovereignty of the king of Kabul.

Signet rime of Amir Doost Mohammad khan:

His finger ring signet ring: Yaa Amir Koll amir (O Lord of the all lords)

His register Seal:

(Translation of a verse):

Amir Doost Mohammad who is the eternal fortunate

The order of his State is from the order of Sher Ali

Death of Sultan Ahmad khan (1279 AH/1863 CE)

Sardar Sultan Ahmad khan died on Monday night, Shawwal 17, 1279/April 7, 1863, when Herat was under the siege.

Governorship of Yaqoob khan (1280 AH/1863 CE)

Sardar Mohammad Yaqoob khan, son of Amir Shir Ali khan, son of Amir Doost Mohammad khan, became governor of Herat in the year 1280 AH/1863 CE).

Yaqoob khan in Mashhad (1284 AH/1867 CE)

Sardar Mohammad Yaqoob khan went to Mashhad, in the month of Rabi I, 1284/July 1867, to visit Nassiruddin Shah, The king of Iran, who had come to Mashhad for pilgrimage of the holy shrine. (Monshi had accompanied Yaqoob khan and has counted it as his fifth expedition)

Shir Ali khan in India (1285 AH/1869 CE)

Amir Shir Ali khan left Kabul on Dhulqada 2, 1285 AH/February 14, 1869 to visit the Viceroy of India at the place of Ambala, in Punjab, Sarhind.

Amir Abdurrahman khan in Iran and Russia (1285 AH/1868-1869 CE)

Amir Sahib Abdurrahman khan went to Iran and Russian state, after being defeated by Amir Shir Ali khan in Ghazni, in the year 1285 AH/1868-1869 CE)

Flight of Yaqoob khan  (1287 AH/1870 CE)

Sardar Mohammad Yaqoob khan escaped from his father Amir Shir Ali khan from the city of Kabul in the month of Ramadan, 1287/November or December 1870.

Dearth in Herat (1287 AH/1870-1871 CE)

In the year 1287 AH/1870-1871 CE, one Man (about 4 Kg.) wheat sold for 4 Karan [that was extremely expensive]. It was yeelan yeel, the snake year (according to Chinese calendar).  The lack of rain in the winter caused draught. People, all over Khurasan, except Herat, were forced to eat unclean animals. In Herat food was expensive, but it could be found.

Murder of Fateh khan (1288 AH/1871 CE)

Sardar Mohammad Yaqoob khan, son of Amir Shir Ali khan, who had escaped from his father, besieged Herat in 13 Muharram, 1288 AH/4 April 1871 CE and captured the city on Safar 15/May 6. The city was plundered and Sardar  Fateh khan, his cousin was killed while defending the city. Fateh khan was governing Herat by the order of his uncle Amir Shir Ali khan. [Sardar Fateh khan should not be mistaken for his uncle Vazir Fateh khan]

Return of Yaqoob khan to Kabul (1288 AH/1871 CE)

Sardar Mohammad Yaqoob khan, returned for third time to Kabul in Ramadan 1288/November 1871 and was imprisoned by his father.

Birth of Mohammad Ali Shah (1289 AH/1872 CE)

His majesty Mohammad Ali Shah the king of Iran was born on Rabi’ II 13, 1289/June 20, 1879 (this subject is repeated at another place). His ascension: 1324 AH/1906 CE.

Birth of Amir Habibullah (1289 AH/1872 CE)

His majesty Amir Habullah khan, king of Afghanistan was born on Rabi’ II 25, 1289/July 2, 1872 (repeated at another place).

Nassiruddin Shah’s in Europe (1290 AH/1873 CE)

Nassiruddin Shah traveled to Frangistan (Europe) for the first time in the year 1290 AH/1873.

First flight of Ayyoob khan (1291 AH/1874 CE)

Sardar Mohammad Ayyoob khan escaped to Iran, three times: First fearing from his father’s army, second after being defeated by Sarkar Amir Abdurrahman khan. (For the third flight read under the year 1304 AH/1886 CE)

Conquest of Maimana (1293 AH/1876 CE)

Maimana was conquered in the reign of Amir Shir Ali khan on Safar 17, 1293/March 14, 1876. The commander of the governmental army was Na’ib Mohammad Alam khan, governor of Turkistan, and Sardar Abdullah khan Ghaljai  Nassiri was commanding Herati troops and cavalries which had gone to the war of Maimana. The siege of Maimana lasted five months, from Ramadan [1292] to Safar [1293]/November 1875-March 1876.Then the city of Maimana was captured in four hours. There, 500 troops were killed or wounded and around 5000 citizens of Maimana were killed.

Death of Amir Shir Ali khan (1296 AH/1879 CE)

Amir Shir Ali khan died of gangrene, a painful illness in his leg (in Farsi text the name of the illness is shakaklos ), in Mazar sharif, Turkistan, on Friday night, 29 of Safar 1296/22 February, 1879.

When Amir Shir Ali khan had gone to Turkistan and the British army had entered Afghanistan to conquer it, the Russian Emperor wrote to Amir Shir Ali khan: you should play chicanery and trick with Britons till these cold days pass, then God will show you his order, it means we will say Bismillah (in the name of God) coming to help you.

Ayyoob khan plundered of Herat (1296 AH/1879 CE)

Sardar Mohammad Ayoob khan left Herat for Kandahar [in the year 1296/1879]. In the mean time, 3 Herati regiments which were settled in the citadel of Maimana, left that city acompanied by their colonel, Faizo khan, and came to Herat on Monday, Dhulhijja 13/November 28. Ayyoob khan was, then, at Malan Bridge (Pol-e-Malan),  first march from Herat. Herati regiments, revolted against Ayyoob khan, marched next day to Pol-e-Malan and fought with five Kabuli regiments led by Ayyoob khan, who defeated them. Then Ayyoob khan with Kabuli regiments, entered Herat and plundered the city in the year 1296 AH/1879 CE.

Reign of Abdurrahman khan (1297-1319 AH/1879 -1901 CE)

Amir Abdurrahman khan became The king of Afghanistan and Afghani Turkistan, the provinces on this side (south) of Oxus, in the year 1297 AH/1879 CE and reigned until 1319/1901 for 22 years.

The war of Maiwand (1297 AH/1880 CE)

The war of Maiwand between Sardar Mohammad Ayyoob khan and British troops took place at Maiwand 14 Krooh far from Kandhar (approximately 42 Km. on the west of Kandahar). Saint John was the commander-in-chief of the British army. The battle on  Shaban 20/July 28 led to the victory of the army of Islam, in the year 1297/1880 Loy yeel (the year of wale).

7000 Afghan troops had come from Herat,:  4000 cavalries, 3000 infantries, and 8 guns ( the number is written in Siaq and it can also be read 3).

From Kandahar also 7000 troops, who were at the front line of the British army, and had reached around Hirmand, with Sardar Shir Ali khan Kandahari, came saluting Sardar Ayyoob khan and joined the Herat army.

Ghazi and eeljari (different people hired) people gathered from places around Herat were approximately 6000-7000 persons. Totally they were 20,000 – 30,000 persons.

British troops, present in the city of Kandahar and in the barracks, were six thousand, and Saint John sahib was their commander. Those who had come to fight and fought with the army of Islam at Kushk-Nakhod were three thousand cavalries and infantries and 8 guns. The British troops were defeated and all were killed in the battle-field, except Saint John sahib who could escape along with 500 troops into the city. From the army of Islam, about 3000 souls, ghazis or ordinary people got the high degree of martyrdom.

In Kandahar, there were still 3000 troops with cannons and equipments. When Saint John sahib reached the city, Islamic troops besieged it, and the city was besieged for forty days. Then the British troops in Kabul compromised with Amir Abdurrahman khan Mohammadzai, left Kabul for that Amir sahib, and came to Kandahar to help besieged Saint John. Kandahar was under the siege during the month of Ramadan. On the night of Eid the city gate opened and General Robert [famous in Afghanistan as Rapet , as written in the copy] arrived from Kabul, with a compo (Company? a company has less than 200 troops, but a division has 1000 or more),  comprised of 12000 troops. They fought the Muslims’ army, near Baba Wali and by the side of Old City of Kandahar, and defeated it. It was said that there were nineteen platoons and eight squads with Robert, who defeated the Muslim army. Sardar Mohammad Ayyoob khan along with other companion sardars and Herat’s army came back to Herat. The troops who had come along with Mohammad Ayyoob khan, after being defeated returned directly to Kabul and did not come to Herat.

A British artillery officer, called Mclean, trying to reach his commander Saint John in the city of Kandahar, was captured by the subjects of Kandahar and brought to Sardar Mohammad Ayyoob khan and was held in detention. He was killed by his prisoners after the defeat of the Muslims’ army.

Yaqoob khan’s compromise with British (121988 AH/1880-1881 CE)

After the defeat of British army, Sardar Yaqoob khan went to Sorkh-Pol of Kabul and compromised with the Britons and brought British Cavagnari sahib in Kabul. The Kabul civilians revolted against Cavagnari and killed him.

Battle between Ayyoob khan and Abdurrahman khan (1298 AH/1881 CE)

Sardar Mohammad Ayyoob khan left Herat for Kandahar on Rajab 20, 1298/June 18, 1881 (here, one or two leaves are fallen).

[He] fought His Highness Amir Abdurrahman khan, in Kandahar on Shawwal 27, 1298/September 22, 1881 and was defeated. Then he did not come to Herat and went to Iran through Farah and Asfazar.

Ayyoob khan’s second flight to Iran (1298 AH/1881 CE)

Sardar Mohammad Ayyoob khan marched, along with an army, from Herat to Kandahar that was under the sovereignty of Amir Abdurrahman khan. Sardar Shamsuddin khan Mohammadzai, governor of Kandahar came with troops and officers in Kushk-Nakhod. They fought there and the armies of Kandahar and Kabul were defeated. Sardar Ayyoob khan took the city. Then, Amir Abdurrahman khan left Kabul for Kandahar along with sufficient troops and equipments. Amir also appointed Sardar Abdulquddoos khan, who was in Turkistan, as governor of Herat.  When Amir and the army arrived near Kandahar, there was fighting for a few days between Amir and Sardar, at the locations of Chelzeena and the Old City. Finally Sardar Ayyoob khan was defeated and went toward Herat. But now, Sardar Abdulquddoos khan had arrived and had seized the city.  So Sardar Ayyoob khan went through Farah and Asfzar to Iran. (his first flight was mentioned under the year 1291 AH/1874 CE)

(To be continued)