Shah Vali Khan
Afshar, ruler of the Andkhoi Khanate
Andkho,
or Andkhoee, is ruled by Shah Wulee Khan, an Ufshur Toork, who settled here
with others of his tribe in the time of Nadir: they were then Shiahs, but are
now Soonees. The “ils” of the chief, besides his own race, are Arabs, and he
can furnish 500 horse, and is on good terms with Maimanu. Andkho has a larger
fixed population than Maimanu, being on one of the high roads to Bokhara, but
there is a scarcity of water in this district. It is here that the wheat is a
triennial plant. Andkho is the place were poor Moorcroft perished. Shibbergam
belongs to an Uzbek chief named Roostum, who has a character for moderation: he
can muster 500 or 600 horse, and is on good terms with both Maimanu and
Koondooz. Shibbergam is considered to be a very ancient place, being supposed
to date from the days of the Kaffirs (Greeks), and is still the strongest fort
in these parts. The ark or citadel is built of brick and mortar, and surrounded
by other walls of mud. Kilich Ali Bed, the late chief of Balkh, besieged it for
seven years without success; but it must be understood that it is only strong
against Uzbeks, who are badly supplied with artillery. Water is conducted to it
from the rivulet of Siripool.
Sir Alexander Burnes — Cabool. A Personal Narrative of
a Journey to, and Residence in that City, in the Years 1836, 7, and 8 (1843)
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