The Afshars and Bichaqchis of Kerman (A. J. H. Grey, 1922)

The Afshars and Bichaqchis of Kerman

Aqta’ Afshar

Mirat-us-Saltaneh, son of Sardar Nusret, held the post of Deputy Governor of this district though he was absent in Tehran from February to October, Itizad-us-Sultan acting for him during his absence.

In the middle of November Mirat-us-Saltaneh took up his residence in Kerman to look after his father’s affairs during his absence at Kerbela.

Mirat-us-Saltaneh’s administration was satisfactory and he maintained good order in his district which is a most important one as through it run the main caravan route to Bandar Abbas and it contains the summer and winter quarters of the powerful Afshar tribe.

Salar Ashayir continued as Ilkhani of the Afshar tribe throughout the year. In august there was some friction between him and Mirat-us-Saltaneh’s representative and the latter came in to Kerman to complain of the Ilkhani’s insubordinate attitude towards him. The visit was not fruitful of results and Salar Ashayir’s demeanour towards the Deputy Governor continued unsatisfactory doubtless owing to the disfavour with which he knew Sardar Nusret’s family was regarded by the Governor-General.

Sirjan

Mirza Mahmud Khan, Tabatabai, held the Deputy Governorship throughout the year and maintained good order in his charge. His attitude towards the South Persia Rifles till its disbandment, was most helpful and friendly.

The Buchaqchi tribe was quiet through out the year under the chiefship of Murad Khan, Sukuh-us-Sultan, cousin of Hussein Khan. At the close of the year Murad Khan left the tribe and proceeded to Bandar Abbas owing to oppression suffered by him at the hands of the Governor-General’s mamurs.

Hussein Khan arrived in Kerman in the month of August. He has abided by the condiditons under which he was permitted to return i.e. that he should reside in Kerman town and have no relations with his tribe. His sympathies are with the Democrats and he has several times attempted both directly and through the Governor-General, who favours him, to obtain permission from the Persian Government to return to his home and tribe but without success.

Administration Report of the Persian Gulf Political Residency for the Year 1921, Calcutta: Superintendent Government Printing, 1922, pp. 25―26.