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White and
Pharoah's Oral
Radiology
Principles and Interpretation

8TH EDITION

SANJAY M. MALLYA, BDS, MDS, PhD


Diplomate, American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology;
Associate Professor and Chair
Section of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
School of Dentistry
University of California, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California

ERNEST W.N. LAM, DMD, MSc, PhD,


FRCD(C)
Diplomate, American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology;
Professor and the Dr. Lloyd & Mrs. Kay Chapman Chair in Clinical Science,
Associate Dean, Graduate Education
Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
Faculty of Dentistry
The University of Toronto
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Table of Contents
Cover image

Title Page

Copyright

Dedication

Contributors

Preface

Acknowledgments
Part I Foundations

1 Physics

Abstract

Composition of Matter

Nature of Radiation

X-Ray Machine

Production of X Rays
Factors Controlling the X-Ray Beam

Interactions of X Rays With Matter

Photoelectric Absorption

Dosimetry

Bibliography

2 Biologic Effects of Ionizing Radiation

Abstract

Chemical and Biochemical Consequences of Radiation Absorption

Stochastic and Deterministic Effects

Radiotherapy Involving the Oral Cavity

Bibliography

3 Safety and Protection

Abstract

Sources of Radiation Exposure

Dentomaxillofacial Radiology: Risk and Doses

Implementing Radiation Protection

Bibliography

Part II Imaging

4 Digital Imaging

Abstract

Analog Versus Digital

Digital Image Receptors


Solid-State Detectors

Photostimulable Phosphor

Digital Detector Characteristics

Digital Image Viewing

Hard Copies

Image Processing

Image Analysis

Image Storage

Systems Compatibility

Clinical Considerations

Conclusion

Bibliography

5 Film Imaging

Abstract

X-Ray Film

Intensifying Screens

Formation of the Latent Image

Processing Solutions

Darkroom and Equipment

Darkroom

Manual Processing Procedures

Rapid-Processing Chemicals

Changing Solutions
Automatic Film Processing

Establishing Correct Exposure Times

Management of Radiographic Wastes

Image Characteristics

Common Causes of Faulty Radiographs

Mounting Radiographs

Duplicating Radiographs

Bibliography

6 Projection Geometry

Abstract

Image Sharpness and Resolution

Image Size Distortion

Image Shape Distortion

Paralleling and Bisecting-Angle Techniques

Object Localization

Eggshell Effect

Bibliography

7 Intraoral Projections

Abstract

Criteria of Quality

Periapical Radiography

Bitewing Radiography
Occlusal Radiography

Imaging of Children

Mobile Intraoral Radiography

Special Considerations

Bibliography

8 Cephalometric and Skull Imaging

Abstract

Selection Criteria

Technique

Evaluation of the Image

Cephalometric Projections

Craniofacial and Skull Projections

Conclusion

Bibliography

9 Panoramic Imaging

Abstract

Principles of Panoramic Image Formation

Patient Positioning and Head Alignment

Image Receptors

Panoramic Film Darkroom Techniques

Interpreting Panoramic Images

Bibliography
10 Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Abstract

Principles of Cone Beam Computed Tomographic Imaging

Components of Image Production

Clinical Considerations

Image Artifacts

Strengths and Limitations

Conclusions

Bibliography

11 Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Abstract

Stages in Volumetric Data Display

Interpretive Report

Task-Specific Applications

Conclusion

Bibliography

12 Radiographic Anatomy

Abstract

General Principles of Radiologic Evaluation

Teeth

Supporting Dentoalveolar Structures

Maxilla and Midfacial Bones


Mandible

Temporomandibular Joint

Base of the Skull

Airway

Restorative Materials

Bibliography

13 Other Imaging Modalities

Abstract

Multidetector Computed Tomography

Computed Tomographic Scanners

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Nuclear Medicine

Bibliography

14 Beyond Three-Dimensional Imaging

Abstract

Four-Dimensional Imaging

Computer-Guided Treatment Planning

Three-Dimensional Printing

Bibliography

15 Dental Implants

Abstract

Imaging Techniques
Preoperative Assessment and Treatment Planning

Intraoperative Imaging

Image-Guided Applications

Postoperative Imaging and Monitoring

Bibliography

16 Quality Assurance and Infection Control

Abstract

Radiographic Quality Assurance

Infection Control

Bibliography

17 Prescribing Diagnostic Imaging

Abstract

Radiologic Examinations

Guidelines for Ordering Imaging

Imaging Considerations in the Absence of a Positive Finding

Special Considerations

Examples of Use of the Guidelines

Bibliography

Part III Interpretation

18 Principles of Radiographic Interpretation

Abstract

Adequate Diagnostic Images


Visual Search Strategies

Diagnostic Reasoning in Oral Radiology

Analysis of Abnormal Findings

Analytic or Systematic Strategy

Writing a Diagnostic Imaging Report

Self-Test

Bibliography

19 Dental Caries

Abstract

Disease Mechanism

Role of Imaging in the Detection of Carious Lesions

Examination With Digital Intraoral Sensors

Examination With Conventional Intraoral Film

Detection of Carious Lesions

Alternative Diagnostic Tools to Detect Dental Caries

Treatment Considerations

Bibliography

Suggested Readings

20 Periodontal Diseases

Abstract

Disease Mechanism

Assessment of Periodontal Disease


Imaging Modalities for the Assessment of Periodontal Disease

Appearance of Normal Anatomy

Imaging Features of Periodontal Diseases

Classification of the Periodontal Diseases

Other Conditions Affecting the Periodontium

Other Modifiers of Periodontal Disease

Evaluation of Periodontal Therapy

Differential Intepretation

Bibliography

21 Dental Anomalies

Abstract

Developmental Abnormalities

Acquired Abnormalities

Bibliography

22 Inflammatory Conditions of the Jaws

Abstract

Periapical Inflammatory Disease

Osteomyelitis

Radiation-Induced Changes to the Jaws

Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaws

Diagnostic Imaging of Soft Tissue Involvement

Pericoronitis
Bibliography

23 Cysts

Abstract

Disease Mechanism

Clinical Features

Applied Diagnostic Imaging

Imaging Features

Odontogenic Cysts

Nonodontogenic Cysts

Pseudocysts

Healing

Mandibular Lingual Bone Depression

Cysts Originating in Soft Tissues

References

24 Benign Tumors and Neoplasms

Abstract

Disease Mechanism

Clinical Features

Applied Diagnostic Imaging

Imaging Features

Odontogenic Tumors and Neoplasms

Odontogenic Epithelial Neoplasms


Mixed Epithelial and Mesenchymal Odontogenic Tumors and Neoplasms

Mesenchymal Odontogenic Tumors

Nonodontogenic Tumors and Neoplasms

Mesenchymal Tumors and Neoplasms

References

25 Diseases Affecting the Structure of Bone

Abstract

Disease Mechanism

Applied Diagnostic Imaging

Metabolic Bone Abnormalities

Bibliography

26 Malignant Neoplasms

Abstract

Disease Mechanism

Clinical Features

Applied Diagnostic Imaging

Imaging Features

Carcinomas

Metastatic Disease

Sarcomas

Malignancies of the Hematopoietic System

Oral and Maxillofacial Imaging for Cancer Survivors


Bibliography

27 Trauma

Abstract

Applied Radiology

Dentoalveolar Trauma

Dental Fractures

Periodontal Tissue Injury

Alveolar Process Injury

Traumatic Injuries to the Facial Bones

Monitoring the Healing of Fractures

Bibliography

28 Paranasal Sinus Diseases

Abstract

Normal Development and Variations

Diseases Associated With the Paranasal Sinuses

Intrinsic Diseases of the Paranasal Sinuses

Extrinsic Diseases Involving the Paranasal Sinuses

Bibliography

29 Craniofacial Anomalies

Abstract

Cleft Lip and Palate

Craniofacial Dysostosis (Crouzon Syndrome)


Hemifacial Microsomia

Mandibulofacial Dysostosis (Treacher Collins Syndrome)

Cleidocranial Dysplasia

Hemifacial Hyperplasia

Segmental Odontomaxillary Dysplasia

Bibliography

30 Temporomandibular Joint Abnormalities

Abstract

Disease Mechanism

Clinical Features

Imaging Anatomy of the Temporomandibular Joint

Application of Diagnostic Imaging

Temporomandibular Joint Imaging Modalities

Abnormalities of the Temporomandibular Joint

Bibliography

31 Soft Tissue Calcifications and Ossifications

Abstract

Heterotopic Calcifications

Heterotopic Ossifications

Bibliography

32 Salivary Gland Diseases

Abstract
Salivary Gland Disease

Diagnostic Imaging

Projection Imaging

High Resolution

Conditions Affecting the Salivary Glands

Space-Occupying Conditions

Bibliography

Part IV Other Applications

33 Forensics

Abstract

Scope of Forensics in Dentistry

Need for Identification of Human Remains

Methods of Body Identification

Utility of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology for Body Identification

Identification of a Single Body

Radiologic Techniques in Body Identification

Forensic Dental Identification Report

Applications of Radiologic Imaging in Mass Disasters

Application of Radiologic Imaging to Long-Term Unidentified Remains

Bibliography

Index
Table of Contents
Title Page 2
Table of Contents 4
Copyright 19
Dedication 21
Contributors 22
Preface 26
Acknowledgments 28
Part I Foundations 29
1 Physics 30
Abstract 30
Composition of Matter 31
Nature of Radiation 32
X-Ray Machine 36
Production of X Rays 48
Factors Controlling the X-Ray Beam 51
Interactions of X Rays With Matter 56
Photoelectric Absorption 58
Dosimetry 64
Bibliography 67
2 Biologic Effects of Ionizing Radiation 69
Abstract 69
Chemical and Biochemical Consequences of Radiation Absorption 69
Stochastic and Deterministic Effects 75
Radiotherapy Involving the Oral Cavity 82
Bibliography 90
3 Safety and Protection 93
Abstract 93
Sources of Radiation Exposure 93
Dentomaxillofacial Radiology: Risk and Doses 97
Implementing Radiation Protection 105
Bibliography 124
Part II Imaging 128
4 Digital Imaging 129
Abstract 129
Analog Versus Digital 130
Digital Image Receptors 133
Solid-State Detectors 134
Photostimulable Phosphor 139
Digital Detector Characteristics 141
Digital Image Viewing 147
Hard Copies 148
Image Processing 150
Image Analysis 155
Image Storage 157
Systems Compatibility 159
Clinical Considerations 160
Conclusion 176
Bibliography 177
5 Film Imaging 179
Abstract 179
X-Ray Film 179
Intensifying Screens 188
Formation of the Latent Image 191
Processing Solutions 193
Darkroom and Equipment 197
Darkroom 197
Manual Processing Procedures 200
Rapid-Processing Chemicals 202
Changing Solutions 203
Automatic Film Processing 203
Establishing Correct Exposure Times 206
Management of Radiographic Wastes 206
Image Characteristics 206
Common Causes of Faulty Radiographs 219
Mounting Radiographs 226
Duplicating Radiographs 227
Bibliography 227
6 Projection Geometry 229
Abstract 229
Image Sharpness and Resolution 230
Image Size Distortion 234
Image Shape Distortion 234
Paralleling and Bisecting-Angle Techniques 237
Object Localization 238
Eggshell Effect 244
Bibliography 245
7 Intraoral Projections 248
Abstract 248
Criteria of Quality 250
Periapical Radiography 251
Bitewing Radiography 282
Occlusal Radiography 290
Imaging of Children 302
Mobile Intraoral Radiography 306
Special Considerations 307
Bibliography 312
8 Cephalometric and Skull Imaging 314
Abstract 314
Selection Criteria 314
Technique 315
Evaluation of the Image 317
Cephalometric Projections 317
Craniofacial and Skull Projections 331
Conclusion 336
Bibliography 337
9 Panoramic Imaging 339
Abstract 339
Principles of Panoramic Image Formation 342
Patient Positioning and Head Alignment 359
Image Receptors 362
Panoramic Film Darkroom Techniques 363
Interpreting Panoramic Images 363
Bibliography 375
10 Cone Beam Computed Tomography 377
Abstract 377
Principles of Cone Beam Computed Tomographic Imaging 378
Components of Image Production 380
Clinical Considerations 390
Image Artifacts 397
Strengths and Limitations 402
Conclusions 405
Bibliography 405
11 Cone Beam Computed Tomography 409
Abstract 409
Stages in Volumetric Data Display 410
Interpretive Report 420
Task-Specific Applications 421
Conclusion 433
Bibliography 433
12 Radiographic Anatomy 436
Abstract 436
General Principles of Radiologic Evaluation 436
Teeth 439
Supporting Dentoalveolar Structures 444
Maxilla and Midfacial Bones 453
Mandible 479
Temporomandibular Joint 495
Base of the Skull 497
Airway 500
Restorative Materials 501
Bibliography 516
13 Other Imaging Modalities 517
Abstract 517
Multidetector Computed Tomography 517
Computed Tomographic Scanners 519
Magnetic Resonance Imaging 532
Nuclear Medicine 550
Bibliography 558
14 Beyond Three-Dimensional Imaging 560
Abstract 560
Four-Dimensional Imaging 561
Computer-Guided Treatment Planning 566
Three-Dimensional Printing 572
Bibliography 577
15 Dental Implants 580
Abstract 580
Imaging Techniques 580
Preoperative Assessment and Treatment Planning 591
Intraoperative Imaging 603
Image-Guided Applications 604
Postoperative Imaging and Monitoring 609
Bibliography 616
16 Quality Assurance and Infection Control 621
Abstract 621
Radiographic Quality Assurance 622
Infection Control 638
Bibliography 649
17 Prescribing Diagnostic Imaging 653
Abstract 653
Radiologic Examinations 653
Guidelines for Ordering Imaging 656
Imaging Considerations in the Absence of a Positive Finding 666
Special Considerations 668
Examples of Use of the Guidelines 669
Bibliography 672
Part III Interpretation 678
18 Principles of Radiographic Interpretation 679
Abstract 679
Adequate Diagnostic Images 680
Visual Search Strategies 680
Diagnostic Reasoning in Oral Radiology 680
Analysis of Abnormal Findings 681
Analytic or Systematic Strategy 684
Writing a Diagnostic Imaging Report 708
Self-Test 709
Bibliography 711
19 Dental Caries 712
Abstract 712
Disease Mechanism 712
Role of Imaging in the Detection of Carious Lesions 714
Examination With Digital Intraoral Sensors 718
Examination With Conventional Intraoral Film 720
Detection of Carious Lesions 720
Alternative Diagnostic Tools to Detect Dental Caries 740
Treatment Considerations 741
Bibliography 741
Suggested Readings 742
20 Periodontal Diseases 746
Abstract 746
Disease Mechanism 747
Assessment of Periodontal Disease 748
Imaging Modalities for the Assessment of Periodontal Disease 749
Appearance of Normal Anatomy 755
Imaging Features of Periodontal Diseases 756
Classification of the Periodontal Diseases 770
Other Conditions Affecting the Periodontium 773
Other Modifiers of Periodontal Disease 777
Evaluation of Periodontal Therapy 778
Differential Intepretation 779
Bibliography 781
21 Dental Anomalies 786
Abstract 786
Developmental Abnormalities 786
Acquired Abnormalities 836
Bibliography 854
22 Inflammatory Conditions of the Jaws 862
Abstract 862
Periapical Inflammatory Disease 863
Osteomyelitis 877
Radiation-Induced Changes to the Jaws 889
Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaws 896
Diagnostic Imaging of Soft Tissue Involvement 900
Pericoronitis 903
Bibliography 906
23 Cysts 910
Abstract 910
Disease Mechanism 911
Clinical Features 912
Applied Diagnostic Imaging 912
Imaging Features 913
Odontogenic Cysts 914
Nonodontogenic Cysts 942
Pseudocysts 946
Healing 951
Mandibular Lingual Bone Depression 952
Cysts Originating in Soft Tissues 955
References 960
24 Benign Tumors and Neoplasms 966
Abstract 966
Disease Mechanism 966
Clinical Features 967
Applied Diagnostic Imaging 967
Imaging Features 968
Odontogenic Tumors and Neoplasms 971
Odontogenic Epithelial Neoplasms 971
Mixed Epithelial and Mesenchymal Odontogenic Tumors and
984
Neoplasms
Mesenchymal Odontogenic Tumors 1000
Nonodontogenic Tumors and Neoplasms 1010
Mesenchymal Tumors and Neoplasms 1018
References 1062
25 Diseases Affecting the Structure of Bone 1070
Abstract 1070
Disease Mechanism 1070
Applied Diagnostic Imaging 1072
Metabolic Bone Abnormalities 1075
Bibliography 1132
26 Malignant Neoplasms 1138
Abstract 1138
Disease Mechanism 1138
Clinical Features 1139
Applied Diagnostic Imaging 1139
Imaging Features 1140
Carcinomas 1143
Metastatic Disease 1159
Sarcomas 1164
Malignancies of the Hematopoietic System 1175
Oral and Maxillofacial Imaging for Cancer Survivors 1192
Bibliography 1193
27 Trauma 1199
Abstract 1199
Applied Radiology 1199
Dentoalveolar Trauma 1202
Dental Fractures 1203
Periodontal Tissue Injury 1214
Alveolar Process Injury 1222
Traumatic Injuries to the Facial Bones 1225
Monitoring the Healing of Fractures 1247
Bibliography 1248
28 Paranasal Sinus Diseases 1253
Abstract 1253
Normal Development and Variations 1254
Diseases Associated With the Paranasal Sinuses 1259
Intrinsic Diseases of the Paranasal Sinuses 1260
Extrinsic Diseases Involving the Paranasal Sinuses 1282
Bibliography 1295
29 Craniofacial Anomalies 1303
Abstract 1303
Cleft Lip and Palate 1303
Craniofacial Dysostosis (Crouzon Syndrome) 1308
Hemifacial Microsomia 1310
Mandibulofacial Dysostosis (Treacher Collins Syndrome) 1314
Cleidocranial Dysplasia 1316
Hemifacial Hyperplasia 1324
Segmental Odontomaxillary Dysplasia 1325
Bibliography 1328
30 Temporomandibular Joint Abnormalities 1332
Abstract 1332
Disease Mechanism 1332
Clinical Features 1333
Imaging Anatomy of the Temporomandibular Joint 1333
Application of Diagnostic Imaging 1342
Temporomandibular Joint Imaging Modalities 1343
Abnormalities of the Temporomandibular Joint 1348
Bibliography 1399
31 Soft Tissue Calcifications and Ossifications 1411
Abstract 1411
Heterotopic Calcifications 1413
Heterotopic Ossifications 1431
Bibliography 1442
32 Salivary Gland Diseases 1447
Abstract 1447
Salivary Gland Disease 1447
Diagnostic Imaging 1449
Projection Imaging 1449
High Resolution 1451
Conditions Affecting the Salivary Glands 1457
Space-Occupying Conditions 1468
Bibliography 1475
Part IV Other Applications 1478
33 Forensics 1479
Abstract 1479
Scope of Forensics in Dentistry 1479
Need for Identification of Human Remains 1480
Methods of Body Identification 1481
Utility of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology for Body Identification 1482
Identification of a Single Body 1482
Radiologic Techniques in Body Identification 1484
Forensic Dental Identification Report 1488
Applications of Radiologic Imaging in Mass Disasters 1490
Application of Radiologic Imaging to Long-Term Unidentified Remains 1491
Bibliography 1491
Index 1493
Copyright

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St. Louis, Missouri 63043

WHITE AND PHAROAH'S ORAL RADIOLOGY, EIGHTH EDITION ISBN:


978-0-323-54383-5
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more regular and the colours, having been less exposed, are fresher and more
brilliant. The lofty dome above the centre imparts an air of grandeur to the little
temple, while its windows of stone trellis work admit a subdued and pleasant light.
The tomb is engraved with passages from the Koran and a copy of the sacred
volume, from which the Mullahs recite passages, is kept in the sanctuary.
At the point where the streets from the Herat gate and the Shikarpur gate meet,
is the Charsu, a large dome 50 yards in diameter. Here, as in other parts of the city,
are public “humams” or warm baths, where a course of Asiatic massage, including
bathing, peeling, kneading and drying, costs one rupee. The Afghan mode of
treatment differs but little from that prevailing in India. The houses generally are built
of sun-dried bricks, with flat roofs. A few only possess upper storeys. The houses of
the rich are enclosed by high walls and contain three or four courts with gardens
and fountains. Each of these divisions holds a single building, separated into small
compartments and provided with three or four large and lofty halls. The roofs are
supported upon wooden pillars, carved and painted. The various suites open upon
the several halls, which are embellished with mural paintings and numerous
looking-glasses. The walls of the rooms are usually furnished with panels of
glittering stucco, a compound of mica and talc, decorated with patterns of flowers.
Their surfaces are broken by many recesses, sometimes the refuge of very tawdry
ornaments. The ceilings are formed of small pieces of wood, carved, fitted into each
other and varnished. The houses of the poorer classes are represented by single
rooms 20 feet by 12 feet.
The four principal streets are each 40 yards wide, bordered with trees, flanked by
shops and houses with open fronts and shady verandahs. Each street is named
after the gate to which it leads from the Charsu, except in the case of the one which
runs into the Top Khana. This street, which is very narrow both at its north and
south entrances and has the Nikara Khana on its west, is called the Shahi Bazar.
Smaller and narrower streets, each crossing the other at right angles, run from the
principal thoroughfares towards the city walls, between which and the houses there
is a road about 25 yards wide encircling the city. A second road, similar in design,
exists on the outside of the wall along the western and southern faces as a relic of
the British occupation. It has been planted with trees by the Afghan authorities, a
similar adornment having been applied to the main Kokeran road.
Kandahar is divided into districts which are in the occupation of the different
tribes. The south-western quarter of the city has four great divisions—the Barakzai
Duranis, extending down the Shikarpur and Herat Bazars, having south of them the
Hindustani quarter and west that of the Halakozai Duranis, while in the extreme
south-west corner of the city, between the two last, there are the Nurzai Duranis.
The south-eastern quarter appears to be occupied principally by Populzai Duranis.
In the north-eastern quarter, the portion stretching on the north of the Kabul Bazar,
is occupied by the Ghilzais; north of them and to the north-east angle of the city is
the Bar Durani quarter; while between them and the citadel is the Achakzai Durani
quarter. In the south-western portion of the north-western quarter are the houses of
the Alizais. These divisions, relating to the principal tribes who frequent the city,
concern the Duranis, Ghilzais, Parsiwans, and Kakuris. Greater detail of the
population is represented by the following table of houses occupied in the several
sections:
Barakzai 940
Nurzai 600
Alikozai 650
Populzai 600
Makuzai 100
Bar Durani 150
Saddozai 100
Kalezai 350
Kharoti 200
Ghilzai 100
Bamezai 400
Sarkani 200
Ismailzai 100
Pathans 200
Turks 50
Baburs and Babis 200
Achakzai 150
Ishakzai 600
Kakuri 550
Alizai 200
Khagwani 150
Bisakzai 100
Madozai 150
Parsiwan 1240
Pirian 100
Doalat Shahi 50
Arabs 50
Aakyakhel 50
Kashmiri 100
Hindus 300
Total 8730

In addition to these a large number of households is unreturned, the official


approximate estimate showing no less than 20,000 houses, with a combined
population of 50,000 souls. The numerical strength of the larger Afghan cities has
always fluctuated, the element of movement, as the population increases and
diminishes, depending upon whether the local government were protective or
oppressive. When Kandahar was visited by Elphinstone, he calculated its
population at 100,000. Hough reported it at 80,000; Masson from 25,000 to 30,000,
Ferrier 30,000, Court 25,000 and Bellew 15,500. Holdich, writing in 1880, put the
strength of the Duranis, Ghilzais, Parsiwans and Kakuris alone at 30,000. In recent
years Kandahar has prospered. As there has been but little to disturb the
development of its trade and the general settlement of the immediate vicinity, it is
possible that it may have reached the present high figure.
the walls of kandahar

As in most Asiatic cities the different trades occupy special parts of the Kandahar
bazaars. In all there are 3700 shops in addition to the stalls of the wayside pedlars.
These, their goods spread upon the ground or displayed upon small tables, not
infrequently act as agents of the more important merchants.
In the city there are:
Barbers 85
Silk merchants 201
Potters 135
Milk vendors 170
Butchers 231
General merchants 300

There are, too, certain street musicians and strolling players. The premises of the
cloth merchants extend down the east side of the Shikarpur Bazar; and facing them
are the saddlers and the smiths. From the Charsu towards the Kabul gate, to the
north of the Kabul Bazar, are the Hindu bankers. In the opposite direction, on the
north of the Herat Bazar, are the coppersmiths; and confronting them are the tailors
and the shoemakers. At the north end of the Shahi Bazar is the grass market, and
next to it, on the north-east, the cattle market. The Shikarpur Bazar is the popular
and central meeting-place; but each of the four principal streets of Kandahar is
thronged between sunrise and sunset. Almost without cessation is the movement of
the mass of people: some riding, many walking, others proceeding to and from the
markets leading camels, driving ponies or themselves carrying loads. Women are
rarely seen; but from beyond the Indian border or from out of the heart of
Afghanistan there are traders, travellers and fakirs. Arrayed in various colours,
though all assume the Afghan dress, they are only distinguished from each other by
the forms of their head-dress. Their beards are black and bushy; but where age has
made its appearance the white hairs are dyed red with the juice of the henna. A few
are shaven and habited in jackets and trousers of blue linen or tunics of drab cloth
with pendant sleeves, their heads being protected by cotton skull-caps. This latter
type belongs usually to some trans-border region. Others wear cloaks made up in
chintz or in the woollen cloth of the country, with turbans of very ample fold. The
constant bustle of the streets produces considerable confusion around the stalls,
while the shouts of the caravan leaders and the sickly whining of the street beggars
add to the uproar. Mendicity is to be seen in its most loathsome and repulsive
forms. The blind, the maimed and deformed, ragged and unspeakably squalid men,
women and children not only stand and sit, but lie grovelling in the dust or mire
under the feet of the crowd.
The Hindus are the most numerous as well as the wealthiest merchants in the
city. They carry on a very profitable trade with Bombay, viâ Shikarpur and Karachi.
They import silks, calicoes, muslins, chintzes, merinoes, woollen and broad cloths,
leather, iron, copper, knives, scissors, needles, thread and paper from England;
indigo, spices, sugar, medicines, salt from India; shawls, postins, shoes, opium,
silks and carpets from Meshed. Kandahar exports to India and the Persian Gulf
madder, assafœtida, goat’s-hair, camel’s-wool, preserved fruits, quince seeds,
pomegranate rinds, tobacco, felts, raw silk, rosaries; horses, baggage ponies, Biran
carpets, copper utensils and silk are contributed by Persia. The trade between
Kandahar, Herat and Meshed is conducted principally by Persians, who bring down
silk, raw and manufactured, copper utensils, guns, daggers, swords, precious
stones (turquoise), brocade, gold and silver braiding, horses and carpets; they take
back wool, felts, postins and skins.

always a popular and central meeting place

Kandahar city is by far the most important trade centre in Afghanistan, the
customs and town dues together equalling the land revenues of the province. These
several sources of income, of course, go some way towards meeting the expenses
of the Central Government. There are few manufactures or industries of importance
that are peculiar to the city; the principal trade of a local description is the
production of silk, felt and rosaries of soft crystallised silicate of magnesia, which is
found near the city. The description of these trades will be found in a further chapter.
The following table shows the prices obtained in the Kandahar market for the
under-mentioned imported articles:
Imports From India.
Bombay.
Names of Articles. Prices.
From. To.
R. A. R. A.
Long cloths per piece 7 8 6 8
” (unbleached) ” 4 8 3 0
Madapollams (white) ” 9 0 6 0
Alwan (shawl) stuff (red) ” 10 0 8 0
” ” (orange) ” 9 0 5 0
” ” (green) ” 9 0 5 0
” ” (white) ” 8 0 5 8
Jaconet (grey) ” 3 0 1 8
” (white) ” 3 8 2 8
Dimity (white) ” 4 0 3 0
” (rose) ” 9 0 7 12
Flowered muslins (all colours) ” 3 8 1 8
Coloured muslins ” 3 8 1 9
Net per yard 1 0 0 7
Drill (white) per piece 10 0 0 7
Flowered muslins (golden) ” 6 0 3 0
Velvet (black) per yard 0 12 8 0
” (red) ” 1 12 1 0
Majut, imported ” 7 8 5 0
Broadcloth ” 7 8 5 0
Chintz (scarlet) per piece 12 0 8 8
” (black) ” 8 0 6 2
” (scarlet and rose coloured) ” 5 0 3 0
” (white) ” 8 0 5 0
” (black and other colours) ” 5 8 5 0
” (shakar kouz, a colour) ” 9 0 6 0
Khasa (scarlet) ” 5 0 3 8
” (white) ” 3 0 2 0
Shawls each 6 0 4 8
Merino per yard 2 0 0 12
Molasses per seer 0 8 —
Sugar per 3½ seers 3 0 2 8
Black pepper ” 2 0 —
Sal ammoniac ” 2 0 —
Cloves ” 2 8 —
Green and black teas ” 20 0 12 0
Turmeric per 3½ seers 2 0 —
Dry ginger ” 2 0 —
Preserved ginger per jar 4 8 —
Orpiment (yellow) per 3½ seers 2 0 —
” (black) ” 2 0 —
Cinnamon ” 4 0 —
Cardamoms (small) ” 3 0 —
” (large) ” 3 8 —
Thread per bundle 6 0 —
Cocoa-nuts per 3½ seers 3 0 —
Satin per yard 2 8 —
Flannel ” 1 0 —
Russian satin ” 1 8 —
Cambric per piece 5 0 3 0

Penknives, two-bladed, Rs. 1-8; one blade, Rs. 1; large sailors’ knives, 4 annas.
Quantities of pottery-ware of all descriptions are imported, as also needles, thread
and a few Anglo-Indian medicines. Foreign drugs kill many more than they cure;
since they are administered by a hakim who knows nothing of their properties, but
tries the effect of the first which may be at hand, regulating the quantity given by the
price.
Amritsar.
Names of Articles. Prices.
From. To.
R. A. R. A.
Molasses per Kandahari maund 2 4 —
Turmeric ” ” ” 1 8 —
Saffron ” ” ” 16 0 —

Punjabi shoes, penholders, lungis, cloth; Kashmiri shawls, puttu, zinc, saffron
and Peshawar lungis.
Multan.
Names of Articles. Prices.
From. To.
R. A. R. A.
Rough cloth per 100 yards 9 0 —
Coloured sheets for women ” 20 ” 17 0 —
Chintz, Nasrkhani per 20 pieces or 160 ” 20 0 —
” Lulgurie ” ” ” ” 8 0 —
Alacha per 4 ” 1 0 —
Buffalo-hides (cured) per 20 ” 60 0 —
Goats 17 0 —
Shoes according to quality

Imports from Russia.


Names of Articles. Bokhara. Prices.
From. To.
R. A. R. A.
Russian gold lace per tola 2 0 —
Bokhara silk per Kandahari maund 35 0 —
Labani silk ” ” ” 25 0 —
Konkani silk ” ” ” 25 0 —
Gardauzi silk ” ” ” 33 0 —
Bokhara Tomujabin. ” ” ” 2 8 —
Gold lace (imitation) per yard 4 0 —
Gulbadan (a silk cloth) ” 1 0 —
Kanawez (a silk cloth) ” 3 0 2 0
Postins (fox skin) each 20 0 —
” (rat skin) ” 25 0 —
Sinjaf postins ” 40 0 —
Sinabands and postins samuri ” 600 0 100 0
Chogas (Alghani) ” 50 0 —
Russian boxes of all sorts and prices.

Imports from Persia.


Meshed and Khorassan.
Names of Articles. Prices.
From. To.
R. A. R. A.
Nishapur firozes (Turquoises), at all prices
Opium (Gunabad) per Kandahari maund 35 0 —
” (Yezd) ” ” ” 45 0 —
Kanawez per yard 1 8 —
Silk lungis each 9 0 —
” ” (Yezd) 5 0 —
Rasais (Yezd) 3 0 —
Silk handkerchiefs (black) 4 0 —
Bulghar skins 15 0 —
Bala-zins. 20 0 10 0
Black boots per pair 8 0 7 0
Abrak (Rahdar) each 280 0 —
” (Meshedi) ” 50 0 15 0
” (Kirmani) ” 9 0 —
Puttu 12 0 —

Double-barrelled guns, pistols and swords, chogas, white and grey drills, and
chintzes of all sorts.
Local Imports.
Kabul.
Names of Articles. Prices.
From. To.
R. A. R. A.
Postins each 25 0 3 0
Sinabands ” 10 0 6 0
Puttu ” 30 0 15 0
Rice per Kandahari maund 1 0 12 0
Walnuts ” ” ” 0 8 —
Kabul molasses ” ” ” 1 0 —

Anardara.
From this district are brought the famous pomegranates, which are, perhaps, the
finest in the world, as also assafœtida. This trade is chiefly in the hands of Tajiks
and Kakuris.
The following are the market prices of articles exported from Kandahar:
Exports.
Names of Articles. Prices.
From. To.
R. A. R. A.
Meshed and Herat silk per Kandahari maund 40 0 —
” ” ” ” ” 35 0 —
” ” ” ” ” 30 0 —
Anab (jujube fruit) ” ” ” 1 0 —
Zerisk (a berry from Herat) ” ” ” 1 8 —
Saffron from Birjan ” ” ” 90 0 16 0
And dried fruits of all sorts in large quantities.

Certain articles[16] have been withdrawn from exportation by order of the


Governor of Kandahar, but before this occurred the following taxes were levied: on
wheat, barley, atta and rice eight annas per donkey-load or one rupee per camel-
load; ghee, five rupees per maund; oil was mulcted in a sixth part. The kidney-fat of
every sheep or goat slaughtered is a Government perquisite and is sent to the
Amir’s soap manufactory, where it is made after the most economical principles into
a coarse description of soap. Each shop pays a tax of one and a half Kandahari
rupees per mensem. Saids, mullahs and a few others are exempted.
The returns from taxes assessed on the various crafts give:
Rs. per Annum.
Dyers 1500
Silk-weavers 3500
Tanners 4000
Gram-dealers 1250
Cap and postin-makers 600
Capitation tax 3000
Butchers 700
Cattle markets 2500
Gaming houses 2500
while bakers have to present annually to the Governor thirty Kandahari maunds of
bread.
statement of the scale of taxation charged upon exports to british
territory from kandahar province.
S Taxes.
e
r
i
Kachari Goshi Nizam-
a Dalali Takhta- Sardari
or Kafila or Aishan’s ud- One- In lump
l Commodity. Per or pul Kila Total.
Octro Bashi. Karim’s Dues. Din’s tenth. Sum.
Brokerage. Dues. Buldak.
Duty. Dues. Dues.
N
o.
Rs. a. p. Rs. a. p. Rs. a. p. Rs. a. p. Rs. a. p. Rs. a. p. Rs. a. p. Rs. a. p. Rs. a. p. Rs. a. p. Rs. a. p.
Load of
1 Fresh fruit 1 0 0 0 13 4 0 4 0 0 6 8 1 10 8 — 0 2 0 0 1 4 0 6 8 — 4 12 8
ass
2 Pomegranates ” 1 8 0 0 13 4 0 4 0 0 6 8 3 8 8 — 0 2 0 0 1 4 0 8 0 — 7 4 0
Camel
3 ” 5 0 0 1 10 8 0 8 0 1 0 0 14 9 4 — 0 4 0 0 4 0 2 4 0 — 25 8 0
load
Donkey
4 Dry fruit 2 8 0 0 13 4 0 4 0 0 4 0 7 3 4 0 13 4 1 4 0 0 1 4 1 4 0 — 14 7 4
load
Camel
5 Wool 40 0 0 3 5 4 10 8 0 1 10 8 19 4 0 — 0 12 0 0 2 8 8 0 0 — 83 10 8
Load[17]
⅒ of
6 Big postins Per coat 1 8 0 0 13 4 1 0 0 0 6 8 — — — — all — —
taxes.
per
per ass
percent. donkey
load.
load.
Postins of
7 ” 8 5 4 ” ” ” — — — — ” — —
good quality
” mustalah be
8 ” 1 8 0 ” ” ” — — — — ” — —
astin
9 ” quilt 1 6 4 0 ” ” ” — — — — ” — —
10 ” 20 gula 1 1 4 0 ” ” ” — — — — ” — —
11 ” 6 ” 1 0 10 8 ” ” ” — — — — ” — —
Puttu Kabli,
12 1 12 8 0 ” ” ” — — — — ” — —
No. 1
13 ” No. 2 1 10 0 0 ” ” ” — — — — ” — —
14 ” No. 3 1 8 5 4 ” ” ” — — — — ” — —
15 ” No. 4 1 6 10 8 ” ” ” — — — — ” — —
Qanawez (a
16 kind of silk Yard 0 4 0 ” ” ” — — — — ” — —
cloth)
17 Silk 4 sers 0 12 0 ” ” ” — — — — ” — —
Namad (a
18 coarse 1 0 3 4 ” ” ” — — — — ” — —
woollen cloth)
19 Rupees Cwt. 4 0 0 ” ” ” — — — — ” — —

Per ([18]) 8 0 [19]


20 Men — — — — — — — — — ( )2 8 0
head 2 2 8
4 2 8
4
STATEMENT OF ARTICLES PROHIBITED FROM EXPORTATION TO BRITISH TERRITORY BY
THE GOVERNOR OF KANDAHAR.
Tax imposed
Articles. before the Remarks.
prohibition.
1 Wheat— Rs. a. p.
(a) Per camel load 1 0 0
(b) ” ass load 0 8 0
2 Almonds, per maund — None but the Amir’s Agent, since a long
time, is allowed to export almonds.
3 Ghee, per maund 5 0 0
4 Goats and sheep, per head 0 8 0
5 Asses Nil.
6 Horses or ponies— 1 0 0 Besides this amount, nearly Rs. 5 more
For every Rs. 8-5-3 of the per horse are taken, and on every
estimated value. hundred horses a further sum of Rs. 2 is
levied.
7 Cows per head 5 0 0
8 Pistacia nuts, donkey load 20 7 0
TABLE OF DUTIES LEVIED UPON IMPORTS INTO KANDAHAR PROVINCE.
Articles. Imported from Duty. Remarks.
Rs. a. p.
Kabul and
1 Horses 12 8 0
Herat
per horse.
2 Ponies Do. 5 4 0
per pony.
3 Miscellaneous Do. * 11 0 0
for every * In addition to this sum, 1 per cent. on
account of brokerage and Rs. 2 per
100 camel load and Re. 1 per ass load are
Rupees of recovered on account of rahdari, etc.
the
estimated
value.
4 Cloth India 14 0 0
for every
100 Rupees’
worth of
cloth.
5 Tea Do. ¼th of its
value.
6 Sugar Do. ⅓rd Do.
7 Iron Do. ⅒th Do.
8 Indigo Do. 20 0 0
per English
maund.
9 Oils Do. ⅙th of their
value.

The Saids of Peshin, Kakuris, Bakhtiaris and the Baluchis are the tribes
principally engaged in horse dealing. This trade flourishes for six months in the
year; but it is stagnant during the hot weather and in the winter, when the roads are
closed by snow. About 2000 or 3000 horses are said to pass through the city
annually. The chief breeding districts drawn on by these traders are Sarakhs,
Maimana, Nur and Kala Nau in the Hazara country; Daria Gaz and Kelati-i-Nadiri in
Persia; Gulza and Firozkoh in Herat province. Of these the horses from Sarakhs,
Nur and Gulza are most prized, realising locally between 60 and 120 rupees. An
export duty between fifteen to thirty rupees was originally levied against each
animal. To escape this tax traders frequently took the desert routes, but the trade is
now prohibited. The cows of Kandahar and Seistan are in general request; they are
said to give twenty seers of milk each per diem, being milked three times in twenty-
four hours. They fetch about forty rupees each. Camels are anything but plentiful in
the Kandahar district; and the supply is scarcely adequate to meet the demands of
the trading population. Many are imported from Baluchistan, the prices varying from
twenty to one hundred rupees.
typical street scenes

The Saids of Peshin and others formerly conducted a more or less profitable
traffic in slaves in Western Afghanistan, some four or five hundred being sold
annually in Kandahar. A few of these unfortunates were purchased in Seistan, but
most of them were kidnapped from elsewhere. Slavery in Afghanistan, however,
was abolished by Abdur Rahman in 1895, the Russian and Indian Governments
mutually co-operating in its prevention. Very few slaves were Persian born, the
several regions of Afghanistan supplying their own superfluous human beings.
Hazara furnished a large quota, frequently in lieu of arrears of revenue or when
there was difficulty in realising Government assignments against the different
villages. The value of slaves fluctuated according to the price of food; during
seasons of abundance high prices were obtained, but in any period of scarcity
slaves were a drug in the market.
The climate of Kandahar is charming in the winter, but the spring is considered
the most pleasant time. Barren parched hills lie close to the city on the north and
west; the heat radiating from them is such that the winds are hot and parching. The
temperature of the thermometer varies greatly between morning and the middle of
the day—sometimes as much as 40 or 50 degrees.
In winter, composed of the months of December, January and February, the
weather is cloudy, with storms, snow, sleet and rain. The wind varies between all
the points of the compass, seldom for long blowing from one direction. Frosts are
severe.
WINTER TEMPERATURE OF THE AIR.
Maximum.
6 a.m. 1 p.m. 8 p.m.
Open air 52 Sun 115, shade 59 Open air 61.30
Medium.
6 a.m. 1 p.m. 8 p.m.
Open air 36.8 Sun 78.45, shade 49.15 Open air 44.44
Minimum.
6 a.m. 1 p.m. 8 p.m.
Open air 15 Sun 36.30, shade 42 Open air 31.00

In spring, made up of the months of March, April and May, the weather is fair but
cloudy. Occasional rain falls; and there are thunder-storms during the first half of the
season, in which also the nights are cold and very frosty. In the latter half of this
quarter the weather becomes warmer, dews fall at night and dust-storms occur
infrequently. The wind is westerly and south-westerly, but high easterly winds
prevail in March.
SPRING TEMPERATURE OF THE AIR.
Maximum.
4 a.m. 1 p.m. 8 p.m.
Open air 78 Sun 139, shade 85 Open air 85
Medium.
4 a.m. 1 p.m. 8 p.m.
Open air 56.23 Sun 114.50, shade 70.8 Open air 69.35
Minimum.
4 a.m. 1 p.m. 8 p.m.
Open air 31 Sun 78, shade 53 Open air 44.45

During the months of June, July, August and part of September, the hot season
obtains, commencing about June 20 and continuing until September 20. It
comprises two periods of forty days each, separated by an intervening fortnight of
cloudy and cooler weather, during which thunder-storms occur in the mountains,
though rain rarely falls on the plain. The most prevalent wind during the summer
blows from the west during the day, but during the night and until the sun has been
“up” a couple of hours it emanates from the opposite direction. Dust-storms are
frequent and severe.
SUMMER TEMPERATURE OF THE AIR.
Maximum.
4 a.m. 1 p.m. 8 p.m.
Open air 86 Sun 150, shade 96 Open air 94
Medium.
4 a.m. 1 p.m. 8 p.m.
Open air 74 Sun 136.20, shade 87.10 Open air 86.15
Minimum.
4 a.m. 1 p.m. 8 p.m.
Open air 63 Sun 105, shade 82 Open air 77
The wind, during the autumn in the evening and in the early morning, blows in
warm unrefreshing gusts, heated by passing over the many bare rocky ranges
which serve simply to reflect the sun. During these months, part of September,
October and November, the sun is still powerful. Occasional dust-storms occur, and
there is cloudy weather towards the close of the season. The dews are heavy; little
rain falls and high north-easterly and north-westerly winds prevail at the close of the
season.
AUTUMN TEMPERATURE OF THE AIR.
Maximum.
5 a.m. 1 p.m. 8 p.m.
Open air 65 Sun 148, shade 82 Open air 85
Medium.
5 a.m. 1 p.m. 8 p.m.
Open air 50.57 Sun 123.50, shade 70.44 Open air 69.15
Minimum.
5 a.m. 1 p.m. 8 p.m.
Open air 32 Sun 70, shade 58 Open air 51

Of diseases that may be attributed to the Kandahar climate, the most prominent
are intermittent and remittent fevers, whilst continued fevers and small-pox,
although met with only in a sporadic form, are epidemic in certain seasons. The
first-named maladies are prevalent throughout the year; although more active in the
spring and autumn when they are remarkable for the frequency of the tertian form.
Ophthalmic complaints are numerous, although not altogether attributable to the
climate. Rheumatism, neuralgic affections, scrofula, syphilis and certain cerebral
disturbances are common.
carrying cotton to market.

[15] “Northern Afghanistan.” Major C. E. Yate.


[16] See pages 205, 206.
[17] 1 camel load = 8 maunds and 16 sers.
[18]Persons visiting British territory for trade purposes, etc., are required to pay
Rs. 2-8 as passport tax per head, provided they furnish personal security to
return within 6 months.
[19]Persons visiting British territory for trade purposes, etc., are required to pay
Rs. 4-2-8 as passport tax per head, provided they furnish personal security to
return within 1 year.
CHAPTER IX

SEISTAN AND THE McMAHON MISSION


Westwards of the Kandahar district is the region of Seistan, to which unusual
political interest attaches. Roughly speaking, it is divided between Persia and
Afghanistan, the Helmund river demarcating the mutual spheres of interest and
occupation. Geographically, it belongs to the watershed of Afghanistan. Its
extensive areas, situated along the borders of Afghanistan, Persia and Baluchistan,
are drained by the Hamun lake, which also receives the waters of the Helmund,
Farah, Khash and Harud rivers. The area of this depression, which is broken up into
three subsidiary basins—those of the Farah, the Helmund and the Zirreh,—is
125,000 square miles. The first of these consists of the two-fold lagoon formed by
the Harud and Farah rivers flowing from the north, and by the Helmund and the
Khash or Kushk Rud flowing from the south and east respectively. These are
connected by a thick reed-bed called the Naizar, which, according to the amount of
water that the lakes contain, is either a marsh or a cane-brake. In flood-time these
waters, ordinarily distinct, unite to pour over the Naizar into the second great
depression, known by the generic title of Hamun Lake. In times of abnormal flood
the Hamun will itself overflow. On such occasions the water, draining southwards
through the Sarshela ravine, inundates the third depression, which is known as the
Gaud-i-Zirreh. The Hamun Lake, like the Gaud-i-Zirreh, is one of those seasonable
phenomena which are invariably met in regions where the water system is irregular.
At certain periods quite dry, at others it possesses a measurement of 100 miles in
length, 15 miles in breadth, with a mean depth of 4 feet and a maximum of 10 feet.
The waters of the Hamun are sweet. Fish are very plentiful, providing food for an
aboriginal colony which frequents the lake. It is, also, the haunt of many varieties of
wild geese, duck and other water-fowl.
camel bazaar, nasratabad

It is better, before proceeding to study further the value of Seistan, to describe


exactly of what Seistan consists. Sir Frederic Goldsmid, for purposes of more
accurate definition of the region, divided its areas into two parts: Seistan Proper and
Outer Seistan. In this he may be said to have given Seistan Proper[20] to Persia and
Outer Seistan[21] to Afghanistan. The former lies between the Naizar on the north
and the main lateral canal, which waters the lands around Sekuha and the
neighbouring villages on the south. It extends along the old bed of the Helmund,
from a mile above the dam at Kohak, to its mouth on the east, and to the fringe of
the Hamun and the Kuh-i-Khwajah on the west. The population numbers 45,000, of
whom 10,000 were nomads of mixed descent. Of the larger total, 20,000 are
returned as Seistanis and 15,000 as Persian-speaking settlers, the average number
of persons to the square mile being roughly 15—figures which are eight times in
excess of the proportional result found elsewhere in Persia. Outer Seistan
comprises the country stretching along the right bank of the Helmund, from its lake
mouth on the north to Rudbar in the south. The inhabitants are Seistanis, Baluchi
nomads and Afghans, together with a certain proportion of Sanjuranis and Joktis—
the term Seistani applying particularly to that portion of the inhabitants possessing
permanent settlements, irrespective of descent and nationality. The combined areas
of the Seistan basin aggregate some 7006 square miles and the joint population is
returned at 205,000, or 34 to the square mile.
It is the Helmund river, the chief tributary to the Hamun, that has been the
greatest obstacle to the successful demarcation of the Seistan region. Hitherto the
boundary defining the respective limits of the two States has been the one arranged
in 1872 by the Goldsmid Award. Under that instrument a line was drawn from Siah-
koh to where the then main bed of the Helmund river entered the Naizar swamp.
The frontier then proceeded to Kohak. From this point it followed a south-westerly
direction to Koh-i-Malik-i-Siah, thus leaving the two banks of the Helmund below
Kohak to Afghanistan. Since then the Helmund has changed its course, and in that
portion of the frontier which was affected by the vagaries of the stream,
considerable confusion arose, while local Perso-Afghan relations became very
much inflamed. The question as between the two races depended upon the future
division of the new bed of the Helmund, the point of dispute dealing specifically with
the divergence of the main stream from the channel which was selected as the
frontier line by the Mission of 1872. The Afghans, who were the principal gainers by
the alteration of the course of the river, claimed that the new bed formed the
frontier: the Persians, on the other hand, endeavoured to maintain the strict
interpretation of the old agreement.

lakeside dwellers

Unfortunately Seistan possessed interest for others than those who were
dependent upon the course of the Helmund, and Russia had already secured the
Shah’s assent to the appointment of a Russian consul at Nasratabad. As soon as
the dispute promised local unpleasantness between Persia and Afghanistan, and
political difficulties for Great Britain with Teheran, this individual, M. Miller, interfered.
Exclaiming against the presumption of the Afghans, he offered to provide a force to
resist their so-called aggression. Happily, before matters had reached the crisis
which would have made Russian interference possible, the Shah, in accordance
with the terms of the Treaty of Paris, requested the British Government to arbitrate
on the question of the Helmund waters and, at the same time, to establish a
permanent boundary line in place of the vague provisions made by the Goldsmid
Mission.
In agreeable accord with this request, the Imperial Government at the end of
1902 appointed as British Commissioner, Major McMahon, who had already
demarcated the whole of the southern boundary of Afghanistan—a distance of 800
miles. It so happened that his new duties commenced at Koh-i-Malik-i-Siah, the
point at which his former work finished. The mission consisted of eleven British
officers, numerous survey and irrigation experts, an escort of 200 native infantry, 60
cavalry, with a large supply of transport, including the 58th Camel Corps—in all a
total of 1500 men, 200 horses and 2200 camels. As the base was at Quetta, 500
miles across an almost waterless desert, whence all stores except grain and fodder
and a few local commodities had to be imported, the task of feeding the mission can
be well appreciated. Starting from Quetta, the mission proceeded through Afghan
territory to Khwaja-ali on the Helmund and then followed the river, with the object of
commencing work in the middle of the boundary.[22] This march of 500 miles over
uninhabited waterless country occupied five weeks. The temperature was very low,
with the thermometer at 4 degrees above zero; and frightful blizzards were
encountered. During this period three men were frozen to death and a number of
animals lost. On reaching Seistan, Colonel McMahon was met by the Afghan
Commissioner and by two Persian Commissioners, each with a large escort. The
Amir, who was known personally to the British Commissioner, kindly despatched
from Kandahar for his private protection a force of 100 cavalry and 200 infantry.
Political difficulties for the Mission commenced
at the very outset. Attempting to cross into Persian
Seistan it was refused admission by the Persians,
who had been thoroughly frightened by Russian
misrepresentation as to its object. The cool
assertion was made that no boundary was in
dispute, and that any attempt to pass into Persian
territory would be met by force. For a whole month
the Mission contented itself with travelling along
the Afghan side of the Helmund, collecting
information in regard to the frontier line.
Throughout this time there was no meeting with
the Persian officials. Further work at last
necessitated an entry into Persian territory.
Notwithstanding Persia’s protests and her
1 2
objection to the erection of a bridge for the
purpose of crossing the Helmund, the Mission the native staff attached to
the mission
crossed, receiving the customary compliments and
1. Mir Shumsha Khan Bahadur, first Native
being welcomed with bands and guards of honour. Commissioner. 2. Kazi Khan.

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