Javanshirs of Kabul
Dost Mahommed Khan has not attained his fortieth year;
his mother was a Persian, and he has been trained up with people of that
nation, which has sharpened his understanding, and given him advantages over
all his brothers. One is struck with the intelligence, knowledge, and curiosity
which he displays, as well as his accomplished manners and address. He is
doubtless the most powerful chief in Afghanistan, and may yet raise himself by
his abilities to a much greater rank in his native country.
The differences which subsist between Dost Mahommed
Khan and his brothers lessen the influence of all parties, and would lay open
the state to intrigue and faction, if invaded. The family of Barukzye have
nothing to fear from any other Afghan tribe, since they surpass all in numbers
as much as in power. The chiefs of Peshawur and Candahar do not want the wish
to injure their brother of Cabool, but they cannot accomplish their purpose.
Both of them have had a footing in Cabool, and look with envy on the prosperity
of Dost Mahommed Khan. Both have emissaries at his court, who excite
disturbance; and both cherish hopes of rooting out one whom they consider a
usurper. The task will be found difficult; for the chief of Cabool, besides the
moderation and justice which secure him so many friends, enjoys an advantage in
his Persian descent, which will prove of material service to him in adversity.
He holds the warlike clan of Juwansheer in his interests, and takes every
occasion to conciliate this tribe, which has so often turned the scale in
favour of different pretenders to the throne. He has acquired their language
(the Turkish), and promoted their interests and well-being. The Persians of
Cabool amount to about 12,000 families; they reside in a separate quarter of
the city, which keeps up an esprit de corps among them. It also gives
them a knowledge of their power, which may prove salutary or prejudicial to the
factions that divide the country, according to circumstances. The state of fear
which an enemy on both sides must inspire has a bad effect on Dost Mahommed Khan's
administration. With his own house as an object of care, he is not likely to
pursue conquests abroad, or retrieve the fallen state of Cabool.
Sir Alexander Burnes, Travels into Bokhara; being the account of a journey
from India to Cabool, Tartary and Persia; also, narrative of a voyage on the
Indus, from the sea to Lahore, with presents from the King of Great Britain;
performed under the orders of the supreme government of India, in the years
1831, 1832, and 1833. Vol. II. — London: John Murray, 1834. Pp. 332—333.
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