Hazara Nation

YEAR 1897 – 1905

News.D.No. 158 F. No.1390, dated Quetta, the 29th March 1897.
From-H.S.Barnes, Esq., Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter. No. 11,
By Saiyad Dilawar Ali Shah, 12th March 1897.

4. Theft is very common. Cases of abduction of slave-girls also take place, in connection with which many arrests are made, sometimes rightly, sometimes wrongly.

Khudaram, a sepoy of the Hazara Company of the 24th Regiment stationed at Quetta, is one of those who has been arrested. He arrived here recently from Kabul, where he had gone on leave
. News. D.No.214 F. No. 2341, dated Quetta, the 27th April 1897.
From-The Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter.No.15,
By Saiyad Dilawar Ali Shah, 9th April 1897.

3. The Amir has given orders for the purchase of horses and ponies for riding and transport purposes. Mirza Muhammad Hassan is buying them. They have become very expensive at Kandahar.



News. D.No.291 F. (header info missing)

9. Two or three of those Hazaras, who were arrested while abducting some female slaves, have been persuaded by several of the Kandahar officials (viz. by Mirza Huhammad Hassan, Kazi Abdul Shukur Khan, and in fact even by the Governor) to falsely accuse me of having been concerned in the abduction of these slaves, and they have made them speak to this effect in open Darbar, and the news has now been sent ot Kabul.
This charge against me is without foundation and is calculated to dishonour me.



News. Diary No. 380 F. No. 1317 C., dated Ziarat, the 19th July 1897.
From- H. S. Barnes, Esq., C.S.I., Agent to the Governor-General in Baluchistan,
To- The Secretary to the Government of India, Froeign Department.
Dated- the 2nd July 1897.

5. Several Hazaras have been given passports and expelled towards Meshed.



News. Diary No.501.F. No.5905, dated Quetta, the 20th September 1897.
From-The Agent to the governor-general, and Chief Commissioner, in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter.No. 37,
By Saiyad Dilawar Ali Shah, 10th September 1897.

3. Ali Zafar, Hazara, a sepoy of the 26th Bombay Infantry, came here on leave last year. He took service in the Artillery, and has now been summoned together with all those who are connected with him to Kabul, as a result of a report made by the officer commanding the Artillery that he (Ali Zafar) is a servant in two places* . He is about to start for Kabul.

6. Muhammad Kuli, Jemadar, and Muhammad Khan, Chaprassi, belonging to the office of the
Revenue Commissioneer in Baluchistan, have been given passports and started last week with
their families.
Two Hazara sepoys of the 26th Bombay Infantry have been sent back (to India) by order of
the Governor of Kandahar.

* i.e. Employed by the British and Afghan Governments

News. Diary No. 571.F. No.6808, dated Quetta, the 23rd October 1897.
From-H.S.Barnes, Esq., C.S.I.,Agent to the governor-general and Chief Commissioner in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter, No.42,
By Saiyad Dilawar Ali Shah, 15th October 1897.

6. Some money has been sent to Rozgan for disbursement of wages.



News.No.65-F. No.564-C., dated Sibi, the 2nd February 1898.
From-Colonel H. Wylie, Agent to the governor-general, and Chief Commissioner, in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter.No.3,
By Saiyad Dilawar Ali Shah, 21st January 1898.

III. Amir Muhammad Uzbeg has been deputed to collect the Kor-i-Zam (a tax which is levied from the Hazaras), and has left the city for the purpose.

IV. During the past week several maliks were sent for and questioned regarding the goldsmith Abdulla Karbalai, who was brought from Chaman. From inquiries made from the Governor it transpired that a report had been sent to the Amir, and that it was expected that Abdulla would be released.



News.No.100-F. No.825, dated Quetta, the 26th February 1898.
From-The Agent to the governor-general, and Chief Commissioner, in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter.No.7,
By Sayed Dilawar Ali Shah, 18th February 1898.

II. Some Hazaras have been arrested for stealing female slaves. Four Hazaras, who had already been imprisoned, have been sent to Kabul. It is said that among these there is a sepoy of the 24th Baluchistan Regiment, now stationed at Quetta, who has been under arrest for some months. I only found out that his name is Habibulla after he had been sent off. I know nothing else about him, as he did not show me his leave certificate.



(Diary No? ) No.2862 Dated Quetta, the 27th April 1898.
From Colonel H.Wylie Officiating Agent to the governor-general and Chief Commissioner in Balochistan.
To The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News Letter No. 16.
By Syed Delawar Ali Shah, 22nd April 1898.

2. A few days ago some more Hazara female slaves managed to escape. The first step taken to find out where they had gone to was to send (?) to make enquiries at my house. This most dishonouring for me, and it is a pity that no notice has been taken of it.



(missing data) No. 3286 Dated Quetta, the 12th May 1898.
From the Agent to the Governor General and Chief Commissioner in Balochistan.
To The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News Letter No. 18.
By Syed Delawar Ali Shah, 6th May 1898

7. The Hazara female slaves have commended to run away again as they did some time ago. Some Khassadars were sent out last Wednesday in the direction of Chaman to arrest them.

6. There are now hardly any Hazaras left in Rozgan, which has been parcelled out to Baluchi refugees and Pathan cultiv-----------------



News. Diary No. 239-F. No.3555, dated Quetta, the 21st May 1898.
From-The Agent to the governor-general and Chief Commissioner in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter.No.19,
By Saiyad Dilawar Ali Shah, 13th May 1898.

ators.



News. D.No. 329-F. No.909-Z., dated Ziarat, the 14th July 1898.
From-Colonel Henry Wylie, C.S.I.,Officiating Agent to the governor-general and Chief Commissioner in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter. No. 26,
By Syed Dilawar Ali Shah, 1st July 1898.

5. Some of the servants of Murad Ali, the brother of the Ja,



News. D.No. 350-F. No.951-Z., dated Ziarat, the 25th July 1898.
From-Colonel Henry Wylie, C.S.I.,Officiating Agent to the governor-general and Chief Commissioner in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter. No. 27,
By Syed Dilawar Ali Shah, dated the 8th July 1898.

5. Girdi Shah, Hazara, who was formerly Hakim of Mian Nishin in the Hazarajat, went to Kabul some time ago. Some Maliks of his district have now been imprisoned on account of his misdeeds.



News. D.No. 368. No.985-Z., dated Ziarat, the 29th July 1898.
From-Colonel Henry Wylie, C.S.I.,Officiating Agent to the governor-general and Chief Commissioner in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter. No. 28,
By Syed Dilawar Ali Shah, dated 15th July 1898.

1. The Amir has sent orders for 350 Duranis to be selected from the Khassadars at Kandahar, and sent to be enlisted in the Hazara Regiment at Kabul.



News. D.No. 390-F. No.1057-Z., dated Ziarat, the 17th August 1898.
From- Agent to the governor-general and Chief Commissioner in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter. No. 30,
By Syed Dilawar Ali Shah, dated 29th July 1898.

2. Twenty-two Hazaras have been brought here as prisoners from the Derawat District on a charge of having quarrelled with the officials deputed to measure out land for the Baluchi emigrants.



To-S.M.Fraser, Esq., C.I.E., Officiating Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign Department, Simla.
By Diary of Abid Hosain, 16th August 1905.

10th August 1905:-Captain Abdul Majid Khan arrived here from Kara Tappa (Russian frontier). He is said to have come with the object of enlisting Hazaras and taking them to the frontier. It is rumoured that orders have been issued for the formation of mixed companies of Heratis and Hazaras, to be posted on the Russian frontier. Among the Hazaras only family men are enlisted. It is said that arms will be given to the recruits on reaching their destinations.

12th August 1905:- Rasul Kho (Khan), Hazara, has brought in about 200 Hazaras with families and expects to get an officer's rank.

13th August 1905:-- A firman* is said to have been received from Kabul directing the Governor to begin conservancy arrangements in the city by enlisting Hazaras as sweepers. The cost will, it is said, be met by the imposition of a fresh tax.

*firman - a decree by the govt.


Diary of Abid Hosain, 24th August 1905.

21st August 1905:--Malik Nabo and a large number of Barakzais and Popalzais of Mian Jo petitioned the Governor that their lands might not be given to Hazaras, and that, if this request was not granted, they might be permitted to emigrate elsewhere.



News. D.No. 459-F. No.1288-Z., dated Ziarat, the 23rd September 1898.
From-Colonel Henry Wylie, C.S.I.,Offg. Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter. No. 36,
By Syed Dilawar Ali Shah, British News-writer, Kandahar.
dated the 9th September 1898.

3. One hundred Khassadars have arrived here from Urzgan for despatch to kabul along with the recruits to be enlisted in the Hazara Regiment there.

6. I hear that the thief, Khuda Nazar, who was formerly in the service of Khan Bahadur Mirza Takki Khan, and who was sent to Kabul in December 1895, has been pardoned by the Amir and permitted to return to Kandahar. This is said to be due to the fact that the Amir has obtained certain authentic information from Khuda Nazar.

* From the name I am assuming that Khuda Nazar is a Hazara.

No.687-C., dated Quetta the 19th October 1905.
From-The Honorable Mr. A.L.P.Tucker, C.I.E., Officiating Agent to the Governor General in Baluchistan.
To-S.M.Fraser, Esq., C.I.E., Officiating Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign Department, Simla.
By Diary of the British News-writer, 8th October 1905.

2nd October 1905:-- Hazaras who came here lately from Baluchistan to settle are returning back. Eight families left here last night.



News. D.No. 512-F. No.7184., dated Quetta, the 25th October 1898.
From-Colonel Henry Wylie, C.S.I., I.C.S., Officiating Agent to the governor-general and Chief Commissioner in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter. No. 41,
By Syed Dilawar Ali Shah, 14th October 1898.

7. This year many Hazaras, whose land has been made over to refugees, have emigrated to Meshed.

* Meshed is a city in Iran.



News. D.No. 527-F. No.7311., dated Quetta, the 29th October 1898.
From-Colonel Henry Wylie, C.S.I.,Officiating Agent to the governor-general and Chief Commissioner in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter. No. 42,
By Syed Dilawar Ali Shah, 21st October 1898.

4. Several Hazaras have been arrested and sent to Kabul under a cavalry escort.



News. D.No. 623-F. (missing headers. ).


4. Khuda Nazar, a thief, has arrived from Kabul and is at present in Kandahar. It is stated he will proceed to Killa-i-Nau. At present he is watching my house to see who visits me.



News. D.No. 291-F. No.4686, dated Quetta, the 16th June 1899.
From-Colonel Henry Wylie, G.L.I, C.S.I.,Officiating Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter. No. 21,
By Syed Dilawar Ali Shah, 26th May 1899.

4. It is rumored that seven Hazaras, who were attempting to escape to Chaman have been captured and put to death.



News. D.No. 308-F. No.4915., dated Quetta, the 26th of June 1899.
From-Colonel Henry Wylie, C.S.I.,Officiating Agent to the governor-general and Chief Commissioner in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter. No. 22,
By Syed Dilawar Ali Shah, 2nd June 1899.

1. About a thousand Hazaras, who were attempting to escape to Persia, have been arrested at Girishk and brought back. These are now under custody, and it is said that they will be sent to Kabul. It is rumoured that the Amir intends to give them back all their lands and property, for he is afraid that the flight of so large a number of persons to a foreign country may do him harm, and give him a bad name.



News. D.No. 340-F. No. 493-C., dated Camp Ziarat, the 12th July 1899.
From-Colonel H. Wylie, Officiating Agent to the governor-general and Chief Commissioner in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter. No. 26
By Syed Dilawar Ali Shah, 30th June 1899.

3. Three Afghans and two Hazaras, who were leaving the country secretly, have been arrested on the frontier and brought here.



News. D.No. (missing. page 119). No. 637-C, dated Camp Ziarat, the 19th July 1899.
From-Colonel H. Wylie,Officiating Agent to the governor-general and Chief Commissioner in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter. No. 27,
By Syed Dilawar Ali Shah, 7th July 1899.

4. Some of the Hazaras referred to in my diary No. 22, dated the 2nd June last, have been released on payment of bribes; others have been sent to Tiri to settle. A few of them are still in custody with different officials here.



Page 131.
No. 7877. Translation of Kandahar News letter No. 38, dated the 22nd September 1899, from Syed Dilawer Ali Shah, British News-writer.

(1) All the Hazaras residing in Kandahar were being arrested during the past week. Some say, that theyh will be sent to Besud, a place near Kabul, and settled there. Others say, that they all will be sent to Kabul and wiped off the face of the earth, for speaking ill of the Amir at Quetta.

(6) Orders have been received for the collection of one lakh and four thousand rupees from the Farsiban people. This amount was due from Mirza Ghulam Haider Khan, the late "Kardar".



Page 132.
No. 7878. Translation of Kandahar News letter No. 39, dated the 29th September 1899, from Syed Dilawer Ali Shah, British News-writer.

(1) The Hazaras referred to in paragraph 1 of my diary for last week have been sent to Besud vid Urozgan in the custody of an infantry and cavalry guard. Those who were unmarried or sick have been allowed to remain here.

(6) With regard to the fine referred to in paragraph 6 of my diary for the last week as having been inflicted on the Farsiban people, I have heard that a sheet of paper was found in the house of one of the Farsibans. It was written about 133 years ago during the reign of Ahmad Shah, Durani, and contained a list of gold articles, studded with precious stones an dhouses of the value of several lakhs of rupees. The Farsibans have now been ordered either to produce these articles or to pay a fine. Several Farsibans took refuge in Khirka Sharif, but they were soon driven out from there and told to make a representation, if they wished to do so, to the Amir.

This paper was found among the papers referred to in paragraph 1 of my diary No. 12, dated the 24th March 1899, as having been seized.



Page 133.
No. 8489, dated Quetta, the 4th Novermber 1899.
From- COLONEL H. WYLIE, G.L.I., C.S.I., Officiating Agent to the Governor-General, and Chief Commissioner, in Baluchistan,
To- The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
Translation of Kandahar News letter No. 40, dated the 6 October 1899,
from Syed Dilawer Ali Shah, British News-writer.

(1) The Hazaras, who were being sent from this place, and some 800 other persons who were being brought from Mian Nashin, have all been detained at Dala. They will be sent on to Besud next spring, as it would be dangerous for them to undertake the journey during the winter.



Page 134.
No. 8502, dated Quetta, the 6th Novermber 1899.
From- COLONEL H. WYLIE, G.L.I., C.S.I., Officiating Agent to the Governor-General, and Chief Commissioner, in Baluchistan,
To- The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
Translation of Kandahar News letter No. 41, dated the 13th October 1899,
from Syed Dilawer Ali Shah, British News-writer.

(4) Some Hazara prisoners have been brought in from Killa-i-Nau.



Page 135.
No. 8610, dated Quetta, the 9th Novermber 1899.
From- Majoor-General H. WYLIE, G.L.I., C.S.I., Officiating Agent to the Governor-General, and Chief Commissioner, in Baluchistan,
To- The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
Translation of Kandahar News letter No. 43, dated the 27th October 1899,
from Syed Dilawer Ali Shah, British News-writer.

(8) Four Hazaras and three Baluch refugees, who were attempting to leave the country secretly, have been arrested and brought back.



Page 137.
No. 9039, dated Quetta, the 23rd Novermber 1899.
From- Major-General HENRY WYLIE, G.L.I., C.S.I., Officiating Agent to the Governor-General in Baluchistan,
To- The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
Translation of Kandahar News letter No. 45, dated the 10th November 1899,
from Syed Dilawer Ali Shah, British News-writer.

(1) * Two hundred more Baluch refugees have proceeded to Urazgan after having been supplied with camels and ponies for the carriage of their effects.

It is rumoured that the Baluch refugees have several times asked permission from the Amir to be allowed to raise a "jehad", but it appears that the Amir has not given them any answer.

(4) It is again rumoured that the Shiahs of Kandahar are to be exiled from Afghanistan and sent to Meshad. It is said that this is being done on the supposition that when the King of Persia hears of these orders he will at once expel all Afghans from his dominions, and that they will have to return and settle in their own country.

* Jehad against whom? It seems it is against the Hazaras as they are proceeding to Urazgan, a Hazara country.

Page 140.
No. 9576.

4. Two companies of Hazara Regiment have arrived here from Kabul on leave.

5. The families of Mulla Ali Jan and Mulla Muhammad Ali, who were summoned to Kabul some time ago and who were subsequently put to death by the Amir, have returned to Kandahar. These two men were sent to Kabul about five years ago on the charge of having had dealings with Khan Bahadur Mirza Muhammad Taki Khan.



No.712-C.,dated Quetta, the 28th October 1905.
From-The Hon'ble Mr.A.L.P.Tucker, C.I.E.,Officiating Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-Sir Louis Dane, K.C.I.E.,C.S.I.,Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign Department.
By Diary of the British news-writer, 16th October 1905.

11th October:--It is said that Naik Muhammad Khan Hazara and two sepoys of the Baluchi Regiment at Quetta have been arrested by the Afghan authorities in Kandahar.



No.731-C., dated Quetta, the 7th November 1905.
From-The Hon'ble Mr.A.L.P.Tucker, C.I.E.,Officiating Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign Department.
By Diary of the British News-writer, 24th October 1905.

21st October:-- Havildar Muhammad Khan, Hazara, the Naik mentioned in the news for last week, states that he met a party of khassadars near Mel post. Two sepoys accompanying him were wounded and died of their wounds. Three women accompanying the party were arrested and are prisoners in Kandahar. Muhammad Khan himself in wounded slightly. He belongs to the 126th Baluchistan Regiment.

23rd October:-- The Governor summoned all the Hazara Maliks and told them that as their people are faithless and do not keep their oaths, the lands he had intended to give them would not be given for some years or until a sufficient number of families was brought by them.



END OF KANDAHAR NEWS LETTERS. Read the full story

YEAR 1895 – 1896

News.D.No.61 F. No. 344-C., dated Sibi, the 12th February 1895.
From-Major-General Sir James Browne, K.C.S.I., C.B.,R.E.,Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter.No.1.
Copy of letter from Saiyad Delawar Ali Shah* , 1st February 1895.

4. I visited the principal mosque yesterday, and was astonished to hear the Mulla read a notice, before the commencement of prayers, that it was the chief desire of His Highness the Amir that the people of the Hazara tribe, being Shias, should not be considered as Musalmans, and should not be left alive wherever they might be found. The object of this proclamation is, I think, simply to keep his authority high and to make people avoid Shias
. * A newly appointed British News-Writer at Kandhar

News.D.No.156 F. No.2529, dated Quetta, the 20th April 1895.
From-Major-General Sir James Browne, K.C.S.I., C.B., R.E., Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter.No. 11,
Copy of letter from Saiyad Delawar Ali Shah, 12th April 1895.

Four sepoys of the 24th Baluch Regiment stationed at Chaman, who came to Kandahar in search of two deserters from the regiment, were provided with the necessary passports and returned to Chaman on Friday, the 5th instant. Nothing could be done towards securing the rifle brought to Kandahar by the deserters, as they had been imprisoned and the rifle confiscated by the Afghan authorities long before the arrival of the regimental party. Some difficulty was experienced in obtaining the passports as the sepoys belonged to the Hazara tribe, and as a rule men of that tribe, whether in the service of the British Government or otherwise, are not granted passports. In the present instance, passports were granted, but I was informed that, in future, I should not recommend any Hazara for a passport.


News. D.No,192 F. No.2919, dated Quetta, the 8th May 1895.
From-Major-General Sir James Browne, K.C.S.I., C.B., R.E., Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan.
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter.No. 13,
Translation of letter From Saiyad Delawar Ali Shah, 26th April 1895.

4. Murders are often committed in this country, and innocent people are made to pay blood-money for them. Recently, a murder was committed outside the town by a Hazara,* and the members of his tribe have, in consequence, been ordered to pay Rs. 5 each towards the blood-money due. Similarly all the Kakars were fined some days ago for the murder of a servant of Kazi Abdul Shakur Khan, the Kazi of Kandahar as the dead body was found buried in the grave-yard belonging to the Kakars.

*Pharsigo is Persian-speaking race


News. D.No.231 F. No. 3545, dated Quetta, the 3rd June 1895.
From-Major-General Sir James Browne, K.C.S.I., C.B.,R.E., Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter.No. 17.
Translation of letter from Saiyad Delawar Ali Shah, 24th May 1895.

Last year the Brigadier's pay clerk, Mir Jafar by name, was summoned to Kabul to render his accounts. While there, one of the Amir's officials induced him by promises of liberal treatment to admit that a sum of one and a half lakhs of rupees was due by him to Government. In reality nothing was due by him. On the strength of his admission, however, he was imprisoned by the Amir, who ordered the confiscation of his property including a magnificent house which he had built at Kandahar. The Amir fixed the value of this house at Rs. 15,000 and ordered the Farsiwans (Hazaras) collectively to purchase it by pro rata contributions on the ground that Mir Jafir belonged to their tribe. The Hazaras have petitioned His Highness praying for a reconsideration of the order.


Diaries. No. 331 F. No.792-C., dated Ziarat, the 5th August 1895.
From-Major-General Sir James Browne, K.C.S.I., C.B., R.E., Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter.No.26,
Translation of letter from Saiyad Dilawar Ali Shah, 26th July 1895.

8. Several Hazara prisoners, who have been set at liberty by order of the Amir, have arrived here en route to their homes. They say that their fellow tribesmen have been responsible for their imprisonment, and that they will be revenged on them when they reach their homes.


News. D.No.357 F. No.854-C., dated Ziarat, the 21st August 1895.
From- Major-General Sir James Browne, K.C.S.I., C.B.,R.E., Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter.No.28.
Translation of letter from Syed Dilawar Ali Shah, 9th August 1895.

3. Some Hazaras have fled from Kandahar towards Chaman without passports. Their object is to obtain employment in British territory.


News.D.No.360 F. No.883-C., dated Ziarat, the 26th August 1895.
From-Major-General Sir James Browne, K.C.S.I., C.B.,R.E., Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan.
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter.No.29.
Translation of letter from Syed Dilawar Ali Shah, 16th August 1895.

6. I stated in a previous letter that the Hazaras (of Kandahar) had been called upon to pay the price of the house of Mir Jafar, the late Military Amin. This order was repeated, but the Hazaras failed to pay the money. The house has now been purchased by Nizam-ud-din Khan, the Superintendent of Trade.


News. D.No. 391 F. No.5876 F., dated Quetta, the 17th September 1895.
From-Major-General Sir James Browne, K.C.S.I., C.B., R.E., Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter.No.32,
Translation of letter from Syed Dilawar Ali Shah, 6th September 1895.

2. Some Hazaras who were going towards Chaman without a passport, were arrested and brought back to Kandahar last week. They are now in prison pending the receipt of final orders from His Highness the Amir.


News.D.No.426 F. No.6576, dated Quetta, the 12th October 1895.
From-Major-General Sir James Browne, K.C.S.I., C.B.,R.E.,Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News.letter.No.35.
Translation of letter from Syed Dilawar Ali Shah, 27th September 1895.

5. Orders have been issued that the Hazara female slaves captured during the late rebellion in Urzagan should be liberated.


Nws.D.No.475. F. No,7388, dated Quetta, the 16th November 1895.
From-Major-General Sir James Browne, K.C.S.I.,C.B.,R.E., Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter.No.41.
Translation Syed Dilawar Ali Shah, 8th November 1895.

6. Certain Hazara Sardars came to pay their respects to the Shahzada. Garde Khan and Rahm Ali, who were the leading Sardars of the deputation, brought presents for the Shahzada's acceptance, and were granted khilats in return.


News.D.No. 34 F.
To- the Foreign Secretary, Govt of India
Translation of a News-letter from Hospital Assistant Shah Mir Khan of the British Agency, Kabul
4th January 1896.

Some days ago under His Highness's order very young horses, numbering about 250, were made to race in a plain outside the city. They were run twice over a race-course of three miles, with extreme cruelty. The result was that four of them fell down dead on the race-course, while most of them are now ill, and perishing one by one.

They stood as below in the 2nd race:-
"Much ado,"
from an English sire ...... No.1.
Patin, from an English sire...... " .2.
Hazara, from a Persian sire...... " .3.
Kataghani, from a Kataghani sire... ... " .4.


News.D.No.57 F.
Translation of a News-report from Hospital Assistant Shah Mir Khan,
InCharge of the British Agency, Kabul
To the Secretary to the Government of India, foreign Department,
Dated the 18th January 1896.

A Hazara labourer while clearing snow from the Pul-i-Khisti slipped and fell into the stream and was drowned.

Nur Ahmad Khan, who was a General in Amir Sher Ali Khan's time, has been a long time in prison, for saying during the Hazara warfare that the Amir would not be able to conquer the Hazara country. After the conquest of the country, His Highness the Amir had him imprisoned. His property, &c., have now been confiscated and he will be expelled to Herat.

Some men of the Mir Khel tribe of Hazara waited on the Amir to pay their respects. His Highness presented them with khilats and sent them back to their country.

His Highness has received a report that three sepoys have been murdered in the Hazara Country. Orders have therefore been issued to arrest all men suspected of the crime and sent to Kabul.


News.D.No.73 F.
Translation of a News-report from Hospital Assistant Shah Mir Khan, 24th January 1896.

Three days ago the Amir received Rs. 70,000, the revenue sent by the Hakim of Hazara.

Secret news has been received from Turkistan that some Russians have arrived in the Hazara country disguised as Hazaras, and that they intend coming to Kabul. By the Amir's orders they were arrested, and they will be brought to Kabul for examination.


News.D.No. 88 F.
Translation of a News-report from Hospital Assistant, Shah Mir Khan, 1st February 1896.

General Sher Muhammad Khan of Urzagan in the Hazarajat was ordered to make a tour in that country, and to report secretly to the Amir as to the feelings of the people towards the Government, because the Amir was assured that the Hazaras were about to forsake their allegiance. But the General's report says that all the Hazaras are loyal and sing the praises of the Amir's Government.

Mirza Muhammad Aslam of the Audit Office submitted an application to the Amir, stating that he had received information that the Mirzas of the Hazarajat Office were taking large bribes; that if ordered he would try to bring to light these corrupt dealings. The Amir assented, whereupon the Mirza has sent for the papers, also for a few headmen and husbandmen necessary to confirm his statement.

*Mirza = Clerk

News.D.No. 103 F.
Translation of a News-report from Hospital Assistant Shah Mir Khan, 8th February 1896.

As desired by the Amir 17 Mir Khel Hazaras have been brought from the Hazarajat to Kabul as prisoners. They are in charge of Kotwal Muhammad Husain Khan, and have not yet been taken to the Amir.


News.D.No.121 F.
Translation of a news-report from Hospital Assistant Shah Mir Khan 15th February 1896.

The Amir is thinking of keeping the Ramazan fast himself. He has compelled the officers of State and his consort and her suite to do the same. All the big officers and the princes will break their fasts in the citadel with the Amir. Then they will have their dinner with His Highness also.


News. D.No.131 F.
Translation of a News-report from Hospital Assistant Shah Mir Khan, 22nd February 1896.

About 40 Hazaras came and waited on the Amir and complained that their Maliks had ruined the people; that they take away from them all their grain, cattle and other property by force, and they say that they were doing this at the bidding of the Amir, and begged His Highness to institute enquiries or to put them (the complainants) to death. According to the orders issued by the Amir, 10 sowars with a parwana to the address of the Hakim of the place have been sent with instructions to arrest the Maliks and send them to Kabul in view to make enquiries into their conduct. The Hazaras have also been sent back, so that they may point out the Maliks.

Sherindil Khan, Hakim of Khost, wrote to the Amir stating:-"The men of the Hazara and Sheikh Miri Regiments fought among themselves, Killing 11 men of the Sheikh Miri and 15 of the Hazara Regiments, and wounding a few others. The origin of the fight was a religious altercation. The Hazaras, though they outwardly profess to be Sunnis, are Shias at heart and abused the five companions. They spoke something insulting to the creed of Sunnis which I am unable to express in writing. What shall I do in regard to these people? Orders have been sent to arrest those concerned and send them to Kabul.

General Sher Muhammad Khan sent 14 persons from Urzgan to Kabul under a guard. They were accused of murdering seven soldiers. When they were taken to the Amir, they made a statement to the following effect:-

"The soldiers outraged our women-folk, and we reported the circumstance to the local Hakim, but he took no steps to redress our grievances. We were at last obliged to murder them. Your Highness is at liberty to do what you like." Upon this His Highness told them:-

"Take oath by the name of God, who has created you, that the statement you have made before me is quite true." They then took the oath and said they spoke the truth. The Amir released them and told them to leave their native place and remove to some other place. They expressed their desire to live in Ghazni. The Amir after having granted their proposal, gave them leave to depart.


News.D.No.176 F.
Translation of a news-report from Hospital Assistant Shah Mir Khan, 15th March 1896.

A portion of Deh Zangi was confiscated by the Amir, who sent for certain headmen of that village and told them:- "If you give Rs. 1,500 every year as revenue, and supply provisions to the troops which are stationed there, I will release those lands; and you will get seed for sowing from the Government stores." They gladly accepted the offer, and the matter has thus been settled.

The Amir sent for Murad Ali Khan of Tibar and ordered him to be thrown into the black well. Somebody reported secretly that he had helped the Hazaras during the Hazara campaign.


News.D.No.211 F.
Translation of a news-report from Hospital Assistant Shah Mir Khan, 22nd March 1896.

The Amir has arranged to employ the Kafirs, the prisoners of the Afghan jails and the Hazaras in road-making. They will receive food twice a day for this work.


News.D.No.225 F.
Translation of a news-report from Hospital Assistant Shah Mir Khan, 4th April 1896.

Mirza Buland Khan was a Hakim of a portion of the Hazara country. A case of bribery for Rs.1,000 was brought against him. The Amir has sent orders to the Hakim of Hazara to arrest the Mirza and send him to His Highness.

The Amir sent a letter to the Hakim of the Hazara country, asking him the reason why he had been sending revenue of the country less than it should be as the country was extensive. He answered:- "By Your Highness's orders many Hazaras have been expelled from the country; and many have left of their own accord. A great portion of the country is lying waste. This is the reason why the revenue has decreased." Orders were issued that the Hazaras who were living in different parts of Afghanistan should return to their country, and that those who are quite poor should be supplied with grain-seeds and advances of money for cattle from the State coffers, on the condition that, when the produce of the land was ready, they should pay up the money by instalments.

The Amir sent for all the influential men from the different quarters of the town, and told them to give up all bad characters male and female, and thieves; if they failed to do so, and if the State officials found any such people in any quarter, the influential men of that quarter would be fined Rs. 1,000 each. They asked for a fortnight's time to search for such men, and said that after expiry of the period they would wait upon His Highness and report the result. The Amir having accepted their terms, dismissed them from his presence.

Four Hazara Maliks, named Muhammad Ali, Muhib Ali, Dilawar, and Azam, who were undergoing imprisonment for some time past on a charge of bribery, have been released after their eyes were gouged out by the Amir's order.


News.D.No.242 F.
Translation of a News-report from Hospital Assistant Shah Mir Khan, 11th April 1896.

Two days ago the Amir sent for the influential men of Chandaul and the Hazaras living in Kabul, and told them to abandon the customs observed by the Shias and adopt the principles of the Sunni creed, or to tie red turbans on their heads like the Hindus, so that others might not mistake them for Sunnis. They replied that they were Sunnis, but that some of their women would not give up their old customs. Upon this the Amir said:- We keep jails, cannon, and gibbets. These should remove from the minds of those women the bad customs they observe. Bring them all to me. The men then pronounced the sacred kalema. After they had left, the Amir told the spies, who are working in different quarters of the town, to collect and send truthful reports of the customs and practices they observe.

General Sher Muhammad Khan has written from Urzagan reporting that the Hazaras of Deh-I-Kandi are thinking of rising. A reply has been sent to the effect that he should send two infantry regiments, four guns and a cavalry detachment to the place to punish the would-be rebels; that unless they repent their deeds and until they carry out the King's orders heartily swords should remain unsheathed.

Last week the Amir released 400 Hazara prisoners and placed them in charge of Arbab Hasan of Kajao, and told him to supply them with grain and cash from the Government stores for their cattle, and to recover the cost by yearly instalments. A guard has also been placed under him to forcibly send such Hazaras back to their country as will refuse to go without assigning any proper reason.


News.D.No. 384. F.
Translation of a News-report from Hospital Assistant Shah Mir Khan, 13th June 1896.

9th June 1896:-- Ali Jan gave great trouble to the Amir's troops during the Hazara campaign, and killed hundreds of men and afterwards fled. The Amir heard that he had return home lately, where upon he had him brought into his presence and asked him if he had no fear of his life, when he gave trouble to His Highness's troops. The man replied that-"We must die one day, but nobody gives up his country and property easily." The Amir ordered him to be thrown into the black well.

On the 30th May, 22 Hazara Arbabs and Maliks arrived at Kabul, and presented to the Amir Rs.4,000 and 4 Kadaghani horses. His Highness bestowed a khilat consisting of a lungi and a coat on each of them. They are being entertained at Government cost.

The Hakim of Hazara has written to the Amir that those Hazaras, who have returned and resettled in their homes, possess neither cattle nor agricultural implements; that some arrangements for the supply of money may be made. The Amir has sanctioned the loan of a lakh of rupees, on condition that two lakhs should be recovered at the time of repayment. The money has already been sent.


News.D.No.441 F.
Translation of a news-report from Hospital Assistant Shah Mir Khan, 11th July 1896.

Mir Iman Bakhsh, who is a Malik of the Hazarajat, brought 65 fat sheep as a present to His Highness, who accepted them and expressed his pleasure.


News.D.No.480 F.
Translation of a news-report from Hospital Assistant Shah Mir Khan, 1st August 1896.

Forty Hazaras who tried to escape to Baghdad by way of Turkistan were arrested and brought to the Amir, who said:- "Has Afghanistan turned a bad country, so that the people wish to go to the country of the infidels? Put the men to death, as an example to others." The orders have since been carried out.


News.D.No.515 F.
Translation of a news-report from Hospital Assistant Shah Mir Khan, (date?) 1896.

Eight Breech-loading guns were found in the house of one Nadir of the Hazara country. The guns and the man were sent to the Amir. On enquiries being made, he said that when the British troops came to Kandahar, the guns fell his hands; that they bore inscriptions with English letters. The Amir confiscated the guns and imprisoned Nadir.

News.D.No.528 F.
Translation of a news-report from Hospital Assistant Shah Mir Khan, 21st August 1896.

Karm Beg wrote to the Amir from the Hazara country, asking for the contract for making the Barak uniforms of the army, The Amir has given it to him for two lakhs of rupees, out of which a lakh will be advanced to the contractor.

The Amir has written to General Sher Muhammad Khan, at Urzagan, to make a tour in the Hazara country and report on the state of affairs.


News. D.No.569 F.
Translation of a news report from hospital Assistant Shah Mir Khan, 19th September 1896.

One of the Hazara Khans visited the Amir, and brought 20 pieces of barak, 100 pieces of karak and 8 carpets as a present for the Amir. His Highness accepted them and gave him a khilat. The Khan is still in Kabul.


News.D.No.616 F.
Translation of a news report from hospital Assistant Shah Mir Khan 10th October 1896.

Malik Dost Muhammad Khan of Hazara was summoned to Kabul to render his accounts. He brought four horses and 25 pieces of "kurk" cloth and presented them to the Amir, who in return, bestowed a khilat on him and promoted him to an appointment in Hazara, and exempted him from rendering accounts.


Diaries. D. No. 685 F.
Diary of the Kabul Agency for the week which ended on the 5th December 1896.

A large number of Baluchis, said to have been turned out from their country by the British Government, came here lately, and His Highness has allowed them to settle in the Hazara. country towards Waziristan. The Hazara country has been greatly ruined on account of its inhabitants having fled towards Bokhara and other places.


Diaries.D. No.697 F.
Diary of the Kabul Agency for the week which ended on the 12th December 1896.

A Hazara named Nazir related to Sultan Hazara was confined for misappropriating some public money, but he has now been released for want of proof.


Diaries. D.No. 5 F.
Diary of the Kabul Agency for the week which ended on the 26th December 1896.

An order is said to have been issued to the Hazara and Munkul people to the effect that they should supply as many men from their country as will be required for forming two battalions.

During the last week three men of the Hazara country, who were proved guilty of committing robbery and murder, were put to death. Read the full story

YEAR 1893 - 1894

News.D.No.29 F. No.26 F.C.,dated Camp Jacobabad, the 14th January 1893.
From-Major-General Sir James Browne, C.B.,K.C.S.I., R.E.,Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter No.1,
By Khan Bahadur Mirza Muhammad Taki Khan, 6th January 1893.

4. It is reported that the son of Badshah Khan, Ahmedzai, has been ordered to proceed to Urzagan from Kabul with 4,000 families of the Ahmedzai tribe, and undertake the control of a portion of the Urzagan district.

5. The Hakim of Gizu has reported to the Governor that the troops, under the command of General Mir Atta Khan at Gizu, are guilty of great excesses in respect of the Hazaras, and that the officers make no endeavour to restrain their men.

6. A large quantity of supplies is to be sent to Urzagan from Pusht-i-Rud and other districts of Kandahar. The supplies being sent to Urzagan appear to be in excess of requirements, e.g., the Hazaras of Mian Nishin have been ordered to send 2,000 kharwars of bhoosa to Urzagan. This they are compelled to carry on their own backs for want of transport. 7. The men of the Kandahar garrison are seizing all the Hazaras, who have lately come in to Kandahar from Chureh or Gizu, owing to their having no means of subsistence. They give out that these men were taken prisoners during the late expedition, but succeeded in escaping. On these grounds they claim them as slaves and treat them as such. No attention is paid to the complaints of the aggrieved Hazaras.


News. D.No.38 F. No.83 F.C., dated Sibi, the 23rd January 1893.
From-Major-General Sir James Browne, C.B.,K.C.S.I.,R.E., Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News. letter No.2,
By Khan Bahadur Mirza Muhammad Takki Khan, 13th January 1893.

His Highness the Amir has issued stringent orders, directing the Kandahar authorities to cause granaries to be constructed in Urzagan without delay. The orders add that, unless 7,000 kharwars of grain and 9,000 kharwars of bhoosa are stored in these granaries before the commencement of the Muhammadan new year, His Highness will regard the Kandahar authorities as the enemies of the Afghan Government. The Governor is doing his utmost to comply with the orders as soon as possible. Some 80,000 transport animals will be required for the purpose. The inhabitants will therefore be put to great inconvenience.

2. The authorities have issued orders directing shop-keepers of all classes to proceed to Urzagan. Every shop-keepers, who has volunteered to go, is to receive Rs.300 or 400 from the other shop-keepers of his own class.

3. It is rumoured here that His Highness the Amir has ordered the enlistment of 12 infantry regiments from among the Jaghuri and Urzagan Hazaras.

4. A consignment of ten camel-loads of tools and plant e.g., picks and shovels, &c., has been despatched from Kandahar for the construction of the proposed frontier posts (near Kadanai, Ghatai, &c.).

5. Repairs to the cantonment and Manzil-i-Bagh at Kandahar are being executed. It is rumoured that a garrison, consisting of four regiments from Ghazni, 2 from Hazarajat and one from Farrah, is to be located here. The rumour adds that His Highness the Amir's son is expected to visit Kandahar. The lower classes attribute all these preparations to unfriendliness towards the British Government.


News.D.No.48 F. No.124 F.C.,dated Sibi, the 27th January 1893.
From-Major-General Sir James Browne, K.C.S.I.,C.B.,R.E.,Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-Letter No 3,
By Khan Bahadur Mirza Muhammad Taki Khan, 20th January 1893.

3. The inhabitants of Maiwand were reduced to extremities owing to the excessive demands made on them in connection with the supply of grain required for Urzagan. They rose in rebellion, and beat the Hakim of Khakriz. The Kandahar authorities have imposed a fine of Rs. 5,000 on them.


Diaries.D.No 62, No. 177 F.C., dated Sibi, the 6th February 1893.
From-Major-General Sir James Browne, K.C.S.I., C.B., R.E., Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter No.4,
By Khan Bahadur Mirza Muhammad Takki Khan,
27th January 1893,

4. The Governor mentioned in Darbar that His Highness the Amir had issued orders, directing supplies of grain to be despatched to Urzagan from Herat. He said that 60 kharwars of wheat had already reached Tirin, and that more was expected to reach shortly.

5. During the Urzagan rebellion all the ammunition at Shinkai was sent to Kandahar. It is now being returned to Shinkai.


News.D.No.73 F. No.233 F.C.,dated Sibi, the 14th February 1893.
From-Major-General Sir James Browne, K.C.S.I.,C.B., R.E., Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter No.5,
By Khan Bahadur Mirza Muhammad Taki Khan, 3rd February 1893.

The Governor said that he too had never visited the place, and consequently was not acquainted with the locality. He added that he had sent Dad Muhammad for the express purpose of making enquiries on the spot and communicating the result to him, but that Haidar Khan's behaviour would, in all probability, lead to a collision before satisfactory enquiries could be completed. I replied that, thanks to God, the officers of both Governments were friendly and shrewd; and that even admitting Haidar Khan's inclination to pick a quarrel, this would make no real impression. As I had no wish to be addressed in person or to embark upon a discussion with the Governor on this subject, I succeeded in turning the conversation. The Governor then proceeded to address the assembled Darbar at length on the same subject. The Darbar was thronged with military officers, Khans and other notables. The Governor informed Brigadier Muhammad Sadik Khan that His Highness the Amir had ordered two more regiments of infantry to Shinkai, and remarked that 5,000 matchlocks, taken from the Hazaras, were stored in the Kandahar arsenal.


News. D.No.85 F. No.300 F.C., dated Sibi, the 25th February 1893.
From-Major-General Sir James Browne, K.C.S.I.,C.B.,R.E., Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter No.6.,
By Khan Bahadur Mirza Muhammad Takki Khan, 10th February 1893.

2. Some of the more notable Hazara Chiefs, such as Aka Muhammad, Karbala-i-Raza and others, made their escape after the Hazara outbreak. They have now been arrested in the vicinity of Lall and Sar-i-Jangal, and brought to Kandahar en route to Kabul in chains.

3. Brigadier Muhammad Sadik Khan represented to the Governor that the people were put to the utmost inconvenience in conveying bhoosa to Urzagan on their own beasts of burden at a season when a single horseman found the journey a most trying one.


News.D.No.91 F. No.323 F.C.,dated Sibi, the 28th February 1893.
From-Major-General Sir James Browne, C.B.,K.C.S.I.,R.E.,Agnet to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter No 7,
By Khan Bahadur Mirza Muhammad Takki Khan, 17th February 1893.

3. The Governor directed the elders of all the quarters in the city to be on the look-out, and report whether an individual, named Khuda Bakhsh, Hazara, had come to Kandahar. He said he had heard from Quetta that Khuda Baksh had left for Kandahar as a spy. The elders searched for the visitor, but failed to find him.


News.D.No.128 F. No.1537, dated Quetta, the 24th March 1893.
From-Major-General Sir James Browne, K.C.S.I.,C.B.,R.E.,Agent to the governor-general in Balochistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter No.11,
By Khan Bahadur Mirza Muhammad Takki Khan, 17th March 1893.

In consequence of having been badly treated and tortured by the revenue officials, the Hoti Hazaras, who inhabit the tract bordering on that peopled by the Mian Nishin Hazaras, have risen and killed a sowar and a Khassadar. They have also turned out a few other Khassadars who were located in their country. It is said they were called upon to pay one Kabuli rupee for each goat in their possession as a biennial tax; but, as they had no cash and no buyers of goats were forthcoming, they offered the goats in satisfaction of the Government demand. This the revenue officials refused to accept, and commenced torturing them which resulted in their rising in rebellion against the Government.


News.D.No.186 F. No.2257, Quetta, the 28th April 1893,
From-Major-General Sir James Browne, K.C.S.I.,C.B.,R.E.,Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter No.16,
By Khan Bahadur Mirza Muhammad Takki Khan, 21st April 1893.

6. The Hazaras are again rising. According to the Governor, the Dehzangi and Dehkandi Hazaras have arrested the Governor and Kazi of Gizu, who with 14 sowars had gone to collect arms in their country, but according to other people the Governor and Kazi have been murdered. The Hazaras of middle Urzagan have also left their homes, and have gone up to the hills. The Governor has written to their headmen that, if they were being ill-treated by the Amir's servants, they should have made a representation, and he would have listened to them. Even now if they would return he would go fully into their grievances, otherwise he would have to send troops to punish them. The Governor is now awaiting the Amir's orders and a reply from the Hazaras before he orders the advance of the troops. Grain and fodder are still being sent to Hazarajat, and it is with the greatest difficulty that the people of Kandahar can furnish these supplies. There is no fodder from last year's crops, and the persons sent out to collect it use abusive language towards the people and otherwise ill-treat them. There is no doubt that the Hazaras have been driven to rise up again through the oppression of the Amir's officials.


News.D.No.210 F. No.2546, dated Quetta, the 12th May 1893.
From-Major-General Sir James Browne, K.C.S.I.,C.B.,R.E.,Agent of the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter.No.18,
By Khan Bahadur Mirza Muhammad Takki Khan, 5th May 1893.

4. Eleven sowars of the Hazaras from Kila Nao in the Herat district were sent from Kabul to be stationed at Zurmat. They deserted from Zurmat and reached Kandahar, intending to escape to Quetta via Arghistan. They fell in however with the Afghan Sarhad-dars, who prevented them from continuing their journey. A conflict ensued in which the Hazaras shot two of the Afghans dead. The neighbouring inhabitants collected and succeeded in arresting the Hazaras who have been sent to Kandahar. Their horses and arms have been confiscated, and themselves sent in chains to Kabul.

No fresh news has been received from Hazarajat of late.


News.D.No.218 F. No.2704, dated Quetta, the 20th May 1893.
From-Major-General Sir James Browne, K.C.S.I.,C.B.,R.E.,Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter No.19,
By Khan Bahadur Mirza Muhammad Taki Khan, 12th May 1893.

The rebellion raised by the Dehkandi and Dehzangi Hazaras has resulted in the rise of Urzagan Hazaras also.

The authorities have found it impossible to quell the rebellion (without resorting to force).

The Governor and Brigadier Muhammad Sadik Khan have received orders from His Highness the Amir, directing the Brigadier to march against Dehkandi and Dehzangi with a force consisting of two regiments of infantry and six guns via Gizu. His Highness further informs the Governor that he has ordered General Mir Atta Khan to proceed towards the Hazaras with four regiments of infantry and a battery of artillery from Ghazni, and that Brigadier Amir Muhammad Khan with a similar force will march from Kabul, while the Commander-in-Chief, Ghulam Haidar Khan, will march with the troops in Turkistan against the rebels. The combined force, His Highness adds, will then attack the insurgents from all sides.

All the other preparations for the movement of Brigadier Muhammad Sadik Khan's force have been made, but sufficient transport animals are not procurable for them. Camels belonging to traders are accordingly requisitioned daily. The troops under the Brigadier will march next week.

The Governor has received no orders from His Highness the Amir to join the expedition.

The people of the districts bordering Hazarajat are again being subjected to the utmost hardship and inconvenience.


News.D.No.243 F. No.2903, dated Quetta, the 5th June 1893.
From-Major-General Sir James Browne, K.C.S.I.,C.B.,R.E.,Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter No.20,
By Khan Bahadur Mirza Muhammad Taki Khan,
19th May 1893.

2. The Governor informed the Khans who attended Darbar that he had heard from General Sher Muhammad Khan that the Hazara rebels had attacked one of the Afghan regiments, and had killed* and wounded about four hundred men and captured four guns. The Governor added that a large army had marched against Hazarajat from Kabul. He observed that it was the intention of His Highness to exterminate the Hazaras this time. The Governor went on to say that the Afghan Government would not ask the Duranis on this occasion to furnish Eljaris (levy sowars) to join the expedition against Hazaras. But if they, as a matter of religious zeal and national honour, voluntarily came forward, as brave men would, to assist in subduing the infidel and evil-disposed Hazaras, they would, no doubt, obtain a good name in this world and rewards in the next. None of those present uttered a single word in reply to the Governor's observations, which were received by the Darbar in dead silence. The Governor was annoyed at the remarked that he knew that the Duranis had lost their zeal and honour; and that he would be glad if the Hazaras were victorious, and if they were to capture and carry off the wives of the Duranis in the same way as the Duranis had taken the Hazara women.


News.D.No. 242. F. No.2909,dated Quetta, the 5th June 1893.
From-Major-General Sir James Browne, K.C.S.I.,C.B.,R.E.,Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter No.21,
By Khan Bahadur, Mirza Muhammad Takki Khan, 27th May 1893.

1. I hear from the Governor of Kandahar that His Highness the Amir has presented the Chiefs of the Gizu, Kimsan, and Chura Hazaras, who were kept as hostages at Kabul, with khilats, and has permitted them to return to their respective districts via Urzagan.

2. Recent arrivals from Hazarajat report further fighting in the Gizu district between the Hazaras and the force under General Sher Muhammad Khan. The engagement, they say, lasted for twelve hours, and a great many of the General's men were killed and wounded.

3. It is reported that the troops under General Mir Atta Khan have marched for Hazarajat from Ghazni.


News.D.No.256 F. No.3100, dated Quetta, the 12th June 1893.
From-Major-General Sir James Browne, K.C.S.I.,C.B.,R.E.,Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter No. 22,
By Khan Bahadur Mirza Muhammad Takki Khan, 3rd June 1893.

7. No news has been received from Hazarajat this week.


News. D.No.266 F. No.3275, dated Quetta, the 19th June 1893.
From-Major-General Sir James Browne, K.C.S.I.,C.B.,R.E.,Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter, No.23.
By Khan Bahadur Mirza Muhammad Takki Khan, 10th June 1893.

2. General Sher Muhammad Khan is still encamped at Gizo expecting the arrival of Brigadier Muhammad Sadik Khan's force.

It is reported that General Sher Muhammad Khan had detached some of his men towards Tamazan from Gizo. Fighting took place between this detachment and the Hazara rebels at Kotal-i-Sang-i-Sheikh. Firing was kept up on both sides the whole night. Six or seven men were killed and wounded on the side of this detachment, but the loss of the rebels could not be ascertained. On hearing this, General Sher Muhammad Khan recalled the detachment to Gizo. Brigadier Muhammad Sadik Khan has not yet joined General Sher Muhammad Khan.

A regiment of infantry called Taraki regiment is stationed at Kaf. The Hazaras of Kaf district have now risen in rebellion, and the regiment is left without supplies. General Sher Muhammad Khan has ordered five hundred Hazaras of Gizo to carry grain on their backs to Kaf for the regiment there.

Kaf is five day's journey from Gizo.


News.D.No. 281 F. No.3379, dated Quetta, the 28th June 1893.
From-Major-General Sir James Browne, K.C.S.I.,C.B.,R.E.,Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter.No.24.
By Khan Bahadur Mirza Muhammad Takki Khan, 17th June 1893.

The Amir has written to the Governor of Kandahar that his troops have attacked and dispersed the Hazaras, who had assembled for the purpose of creating disturbances at Yokalang.

2. Some of the Hazara Chiefs in the neighbourhood of Kandahar, like Aska, &c., who have been vacillating between rebellion and loyalty, wrote to the Governor excusing their inaction, which they explained was due to their not being strong enough to take the field against the rebels. They said they were anxiously waiting for the Amir's troops, and on their arrival would render what services they could. This letter has been regarded by the Governor as a piece of diplomacy, but still he has sent them a courteous reply, and has addressed them as the faithful servants of the Amir.

4. Two detachments of cavalry from the Tokhis of Kalat-i-Ghilzai and Alizais of Pusht-i-Rud Helmund, who were called out for service in the Hazara country, reported themselves at Kandahar, and were ordered to proceed to the Hazarajat.



News.D.No.313 F. No.569 F.C., dated Ziarat, the 25th July 1893.
From-Major-General Sir James Browne, K.C.S.I.,C.B.,R.E.,Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter.No.27,
By Khan Bahadur Mirza Muhammad Taki Khan, 8th July 1893.

6. The column under General Sher Muhammad is still at Gizu. I have heard nothing worth reporting either from this column or from the Hazarajat.


News.D.No.314 F. No. 570 F.C.,dated Ziarat, the 25th July 1893.
From-Major-General Sir James Browne, K.C.S.I.,C.B.,R.E.,Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter.No.28,
By Khan Bahadur Mirza Muhammad Takki Khan, 15th July 1893.

2. The column under General Sher Muhammad has marched from Gizu to Tamazan, and has had two skirmishes with the Hazaras. General Sher Muhammad has brought to his camp at Tamazan all the Gizu Hazaras, so as not to be troubled by them in his rear, and at the same time to make use of them in looking after the wants of his column. The crops at Tamazan had been cut and collected by the Gizu Hazaras, but one night they were burnt by the Hazara rebels. The further advance of the column appears from all accounts to be very difficult-firstly, for want of transport; and secondly, on account of the large number of Hazara rebels who have collected there and are holding strong positions.

4. All the camels, which used to ply for hire in the Kandahar district, have again been impressed for the carriage of supplies to Hazarajat.


News. D.No 332 F. No. 609 F.C.,dated Ziarat, the 2nd August 1893.
From-Major-General Sir James Browne, K.C.S.I.,C.B.,R.E.,Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter No.29,
By Khan Bahadur Mirza Muhammad Takki Khanm 22nd July 1893.

5. The Governor states that the Hazaras of Dehkandi and Dehzangi have left their districts, and have moved towards Takht-i-Shera and Takht-i-Mom. He adds that he has received no news of any further fighting between the Hazaras and the Amir's troops. The column under General Sher Muhammad Khan is reported to be still encamped at Tamazan.


News.D.No. 339 F. No. 665 F.C.,dated Ziarat, the 8th August 1893.
From-Major-General Sir James Browne, K.C.S.I.,C.B.,R.E., Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter.No.30,
By Khan Bahadur Mirza Muhammad Takki Khan, 29th July 1893.

2. The people of the districts near Hazarajat, namely, Dahala, Tirin, Dahrand, and other places, have been ordered to take their revenue grain to General Sher Muhammad Khan's camp and to Urzagan. They complain bitterly at the want of transport animals, but no attention is paid to them.

News.D.No.353 F. No.756 F.C.,dated Ziarat, the 21st August 1893.
From-Major-General Sir James Browne, K.C.S.I.,C.B.,R.E., Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter.No.31,
By Khan Bahadur Mirza Muhammad Takki Khan, 5th August 1893.

A letter from General Sher Muhammad Khan has been received by the Governor, saying that the Hazara Chiefs have left their people, and it is not known in which direction they have gone. The Hazaras have submitted, and the columns under him and Sipah Salar Ghulam Haidar Khan have entered the Deh-Kundi country where they are engaged in disarming the Hazaras. He sends this information in order that the Governor may warn the frontier guards under him to be on the alert and arrest the fugitives in case they should try to escape to foreign territory. Up to the time of writing, no reliable information as to the whereabouts of these Chiefs had been obtained from the Hazaras themselves. According to some they intended going to Quetta, and according to others to Meshed*, but nothing was known for certain. The Governor has issued orders to the Kandahar frontier guards to remain on the alert, and to prevent their crossing the frontier. He has sent similar orders to the Pusht-i-Rud and Farrah districts, and he has also sent some of his own orderlies to Major Nur Alam at the Reg Thana.

*Meshad - one of the cities in Iran

News.D.No. 359.F. No.802 F.C.,dated Ziarat, the 25th August 1893.
From-Major-General Sir James Browne, K.C.S.I.,C.B.,R.E.,Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter,No. 32,
By Khan Bahadur Mirza Muhammad Takki Khan, 12th August 1893.

2. The news from Hazarajat this week, according to the Darbar officials, is that the column under Sipah Salar Ghulam Haidar Khan has gone back to Yakalang, and that those under Generals Mir Atta Khan and Sher Muhammad Khan and Brigadier Muhammad Sadik Khan were employed in disarming the inhabitants of the Dehkandi and Dehzangi districts. They were also by order of the Amir collecting all the horses, mares and mules in the country. All the Hazara tribes have now completely submitted, and are offering no further resistance: but nothing is yet known as to the whereabouts of the fugitive Chiefs and headmen.


News. D.No.390 F. No.921. F.C., dated Ziarat, the 11th September 1893.
From-Major-General Sir James Browne, K.C.S.I.,C.B.,R.E.,Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter. No.34,
By Khan Bahadur Mirza Muhammad Takki Khan, 26th August 1893.

A letter from the Amir has been received by the Governor of Kandahar to the effect that the Hazara elders, such as Mir Muhammad Husain Beg, who were besieged in the Ghare Likan Valley, were reduced to extremities by the 20th Muharram (3rd August 1893) and surrendered and begged that their lives might be spared, and that they might be sent to Kabul. They were accordingly, along with their families, sent as prisoners to Kabul where they are expected very shortly. The rebels have now been cleared out of the country and Hazara affairs have settled down.


News.D.No. 397 F. No.958 F.C., dated Ziarat, the 15th September 1893.
From-Major-General Sir James Browne, K.C.S.I.,C.B.,R.E.,Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter.No.35,
By Khan Bahadur Mirza Muhammad Takki Khan, 2nd September 1893.

5. During the week the Governor became rather worse and went for a change of air to the Munzil Bagh. He is now a little better. I went to the Munzil Bagh to enquire after his health, and in course of conversation the Governor asked me how Gauhar Khan's affair was progressing. I told him that I had received no information on the subject. The Governor said that Gauhar Khan had collected a large number of men and had occupied certain places in Kalat, and that many of the Baluchis had joined him. I remarked that even if that were the case, what could Gauhar do. He could only be considered as, for instance, the head of one of the Hazara tribes, and beyond ruining himself he could not possibly do anything. In this the Governor quite agreed with me. He added that, if there were any people who could fight with the English they were the Afghans and not the Baluchis. I considered silence to be the best answer to this and therefore said nothing.


News.D.No.496 F. No.6395,dated Quetta, the 21st November 1893.
From-Major-General Sir James Browne, K.C.S.I.,C.B.,R.E.,Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter No.44,
By Khan Bahadur Mirza Muhammad Takki Khan, 4th November 1893.

9. Six guns, which were sent to Hazarajat from Farrah during the Urzagan rebellion, were subsequently moved to Girishk as a temporary measure.

News.D.No.236. F. No.3531, dated Quetta the 26th May 1894.
From-Major-General Sir James Browne, K.C.S.I.,C.B.,R.E., Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter,No.20.
By Khan Bahadur Mirza Muhammad Takki Khan, 18th May 1894.

4. Some of the Hindus here purchased small Hazara boys as slaves to work in their houses. It was reported to Kazi Abdul Shakur Khan that the Hindus were teaching these boys to tie the Brahminical thread and follow the precepts of Hinduism. The Kazi ordered four of the offenders to pay a fine of Rs.100 each and to forfeit their claim to the slave-boys. He also reported the matter to His Highness the Amir, who has ordered each offender to pay a fine of 3,500 Kabuli rupees.

News.No.280 F. No.4260,dated Quetta the 21st June 1894.
From-Major-General Sir James Browne, K.C.S.I.,R.E., Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter,No.24.
By Khan Bahadur Mirza Muhammad Takki Khan, 15th June 1894.

His Highness the Amir has sent medals for presentation to the officers and men who were engaged in the Urzagan Expedition. Medals have already been issued to the troops still stationed in Hazarajat. Those received for distribution to such of the troops as have returned to Kandahar have been presented this week. Officers of the rank of Captain and upwards receive gold medals according to rank. Others receive silver medals weighing 1.50 Kabuli rupees each.

News.D.No.352 F. No.754 Z., dated Ziarat, the 6th August 1894.
From-Major-General Sir James Browne, K.C.S.I.,C.B.,R.E.,Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter, No.30.
By Khan Bahadur Mirza Muhammad Takki Khan, 27th July 1894.

4. His Highness the Amir has issued orders prohibiting the sale of Urzagan Hazaras as slaves.

News.D.No. 460 F. No.1326 Z., dated Ziarat, the 4th October 1894.
From-Major-General Sir James Browne, K.C.S.I.,C.B.,R.E.,Agent to the Governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter.No.38,
By Khan Bahadur Mirza Muhammad Takki Khan, 21st September 1894.

4. A party of Hazaras residing at Kandahar set out for Chaman with out passports. They encountered the Khassadars guarding the roads and were forbidden to continue their journey without passports. A quarrel ensued, in which two Hazaras were killed and seven were arrested and sent back to Kandahar. The remainder of the party succeeded in making their way to Chaman. Read the full story

Year 1891-1892 (5)

News. D.No. 362 F. No. 5194, dated Quetta, the 26th August 1892.
From-Major-General Sir James Browne, K.C.S.I., C.B., R.E.,Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter No. 34,
By Khan Bahadur Mirza Muhammad Takki Khan, 20th August 1892.
5. Mauladad Khan, Hakim of Farrah, had collected a large number of tribal levies for the Urzagan expedition. These levies, however, while on the road to Urzagan, dispersed and returned to their homes.

10. The Governor has returned to Chureh where he is encamped. It is reported that he is making preparations to coerce the Ghizu Hazaras. It appears from the statements of recent arrivals that the affairs in Kamsan and its districts have not yet been settled

Translation of a copy of a letter from His Highness the Amir, addressed to General Sardar Abdulla Khan, Governor of Kandahar, and Brigadier Muhammad Sadik Khan*
. You are aware that I had issued orders for the collection of a regular and tribal force from all parts of my dominions. The disloyal Muhammad Sharif (son of the Wali of Maimena) had also been ordered to collect 3,000 sowars and 2,000 foot from Maimena. The tribal force was under Muhammad Sharif, and the regulars under the command of Rahmat Khan. The combined force was to march to Yek-i-ulang. Brigadier Rahmat Khan at the head of the regular troops and Muhammad Sharif with the tribal levies left Maimena on the 13th Zilhaj (8th July). The following day the traitor, Muhammad Sharif, marched with his force to Pul-i-Chiragh; and, as he himself as will as all those under him were of low birth, evil disposition, and untrue to their salt and faith, they formed a conspiracy and broke out into revolt. They accordingly proceeded against Maimena. General Ghaus-ud-din Khan, who had fortunately received intimation of the plot, succeeded in securing the arsenal and making fast the gates of the town. He then ordered the Khassadars and regular troops under him to go out and engage the rebels, accompanied himself by the Chahar Yari Cavalry Regiment and the artillery. In the first engagement he succeeded in dispersing and putting to flight the rebels. In the second and third engagements also he was victorious. In the fourth conflict, he inflicted a crushing defeat on the rebels, killing and wounding to the number of 3,500. The rest of the rebels had no choice, but to make good their escape. The traitor, Muhammad Sharif, fled with a handful of followers in the direction of Rig, where he tried to procure some food. Meanwhile the Afghans of Murghab, having heard of the affair, collected 600 or 700 strong and, together with the regular troops, attacked Sharif, who was compelled to fly, without having obtained any food, towards Rignawad. This place is a desert and is destitute of water, and it is improbable that Muhammad Sharif will ever leave it alive. General Ghaus-ud-din Khan then succeeded in restoring peace and order, and in reassuring the inhabitants. Thank God that the country has now been cleared of the existence of ill-disposed persons, and that peace and tranquillity reign anew. As it appeared desirable to inform you of the circumstance, I have written to you to make you aware that the evil-disposed people of Maimena have received a well merited punishment. If God pleases, the infidel and traitor Hazaras will also soon be extirpated, and by the blessingaith, the turbulent and rebellious will be disgraced and annihilated. The Commander-in-Chief, Ghulam Haidar Khan, at the head of the victorious army of Turkistan and a large tribal force, has left Mazar-i-Sharif for Yek-i-ulang, and at Dara-i-Suf heard the news of the revolt of Muhammad Sharif He (Ghulam Haidar) resolved to march against him at Maimena, but when he reached Akkirkh, he heard the news of the victory gained by General Ghaus-ud-din Khan. After a halt of three days at Akkirkh, and having assured himself that peace was restored, he marched for Yek-i-ulang where he is now encamped. The Chiefs and notables of the latter place, who had been permitted by me to leave Kabul, have now entered their own country, and are rendering service to Government. Amir Beg of Yek-i-ulang, who had heard of the revolt at Maimena, collected a force, and proceeded to Anar Robat. Colonel Muhammad Umar Khan with the regular troops attacked the rebels, and utterly defeated them, killing a large number of them. The Colonel has returned with his force to Bamian I have thought it proper to inform you of this victory also.



News. D.No. 376 F. No. 5302, dated Quetta, the 2nd September 1892.
From-Major-General Sir James Browne, K.C.S.I., C.B., R.E.,Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter No.35,
By Khan Bahadur Mirza Muhammad Takki Khan,
27th August 1892.

2. The Governor has summoned four tehsildars and four writers from amongst the Kizilbashis of Kandahar, with a view to appointing one tehsildar and one writer in each of the four districts of Nuri, Khojakeh, Chureh and Khalj. These tehsildars are to reassure and induce the Hazara refugees to return and settle down in their respective districts. This policy, on the part of the Governor, appears to be ill advised, for the appointment of two officials in each district will not be a heavy charge upon the inhabitants. The immediate advantage of the system will be that the presence of two Government officials in each district will probably obviate any future rising on the part of the inhabitants, or at any rate, should any revolt be meditated, these officials could give timely notice of it to the Governor.

3. The Governor is reported to have moved towards Ghizu; at present he is encamped near the Kotal-i-Koshkul. This pass is very difficult to cross in the event of its being held by an enemy. If the Governor should succeed in passing through the Kotal (without opposition) it will be easy for him to enter Ghizu. It is not certain, however, what attitude the people of Ghizu will adopt towards the Governor.

4. Sardar Abdul Kudus Khan's force is encamped at Shaweh. The Sardar himself is reported to be suffering from dysentery and palpitation of the heart; while his troops are prostrated with fever. The Hazara rebels had entrenched themselves in a pass about two miles distant from Abdul Kudus Khan's camp. Sardar Fakir Muhammad Khan, the Hakim of Kalat, at the head of the tribal levies, attacked this entrenched position. The Hazaras, however, left the entrenchment's without offering any opposition, and betook themselves to another pass. Sardar Abdul Kudus Khan ordered Sardar Fakir Muhammad Khan to return to camp without occupying the pass. The latter has taken exception to the orders given him by Abdul Kudus Khan, and asserts that, had he been allowed to advance, he would have achieved a victory over the rebels. Sardar Abdul Kudus Khan appears to have thought that the entrance of the troops into the pass would have been attended with considerable danger. Above all he had no orders from His Highness the Amir authorising him to advance into Urzagan.

5. It is given out by the Darbar officials here that orders have been received from the Amir this week, directing the combined troops to move against Urzagan. Written instructions as to the plan of operations have been furnished to all Commanding Officers concerned



News. D.No. 388 F. No.5450, dated Quetta, the 9th September 1892.
From-Major-General Sir James Browne, K.C.S.I.,C.B., R.E., Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter, No.36,
By Khan Bahadur Mirza Muhammad Takki Khan, 3rd September 1892.

A letter has been received this week from the Governor of Kandahar, together with twenty-one heads of Hazaras of Ghizu. A salute of eleven guns was fired at Kandahar in honour of the victory. The purport of the letter received from the Governor is as follows:-

"With a view to possessing myself of Ghizu, I posted my troops in the village of Aka Muhammad near Kotal-i-Kashkul. The Ghizu Hazaras having heard of my intention, and seeing that resistance was impossible, evacuatey Kotal-i-Kashkul which they had fortified, and fled to Ghizu. Thence they betook themselves to the hills. I moved with my force into Ghizu, and then ordered a portion of the regular troops with two guns and a few levies to attack the refugee Hazaras in the hills.

An engagement ensued in the evening, and continued for several hours. Three hundred men, women and children of the Hazaras were taken prisoners, while a great number were killed by the troops and the Ghazis.

I have also ordered an expedition against some other Hazaras who had made good their escape from Ghizu.

Several Hazara Chiefs, however, came in and asked to be forgiven. I accordingly pardoned them and presented them with khilats. Arrangements have also been made for the accommodation and comfort of the family of Sardar Abdul Kudus Khan" (the later having left his family behind at Ghizu on the outbreak of the rebellion at that place).

The Governor concludes by saying that this victory will undoubtedly lead to the complete subjugation of the whole Hazara country.

2. The shop-keepers and traders in Sardar Abdul Kudus Khan's camp have sent word to their agents at Kandahar not to send on any more merchandise as they say that the Sardar's force is on the eve of departure.



News. D.No. 397 F. No.5656,dated Quetta, the 16th September 1892.
From-Major-General Sir James Browne, K.C.S.I., C.B.,R.E., Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter.No.37.
By Khan Bahadur Mirza Muhammad Takki Khan, 10th September 1892.

3. The Governor has returned with his force from Ghizu to Chureh. Cholera is raging in his camp. It is said that 1,700 cases occurred on his march from Ghizu to Khalili, a place in the Chureh district. The tribal levies are reported to have spread all over the Tirin district. A strange event is reported to have occurred, and the story is current among the inhabitants of Kandahar, having originated from arrivals from the Governor's camp.

The story is as follows:- Muhammad Nur Khan, Alikozai, commandant of the tribal levies, had captured a Hazara woman at Khalj. He took the woman to a ravine in order to be with her in private. His followers awaited his return for some time, but seeing that he did not appear, they went to look for him and found to their surprise Muhammad Nur lying on the ground, killed apparently by his own sword. The Hazara woman was nowhere to be found.

They accordingly concluded that Muhammad Nur Khan had been killed by the woman. On the following day another Hazara woman was found in the possession of a cavalry sowar. The followers of Muhammad Nur reported to the Governor that the woman, who had murdered Muhammad Nur, was with a certain sowar. The Governor ordered the woman to be arrested. She, however, denied that she was the murderess. Despite this the Governor and the Khans with him decided that the woman should be burnt alive to avenge the murder. A fire was accordingly lighted, and the woman, bound hand and foot, was cast into the flames. The woman had scarcely been burnt when a storm arose, and it became too dark to distinguish one object from another. After a while the storm subsided, but about 300 of the soldiers were all at once struck down by cholera and died shortly afterwards. The troops at once marched from that place for Chureh, and numerous cases occurred on the road. The terror amongst the troops was so great that the dead were left unburied. The occurrence has produced such consternation in the camp that the tribal levies have dispersed throughout the Tirin district.

The Governor is now encamped in the Chureh district.

4. All the doctors available in Kandahar were collected and sent nolens uolens to the Governor's camp. Medicines are also being despatched daily. The cavalry sowars, who had escorted the 70 loads of ammunition for the Governor's camp, have returned to Kandahar. They have, in compliance with the Governor's orders, deposited the ammunition in Kila-i-rakh in the Tirin district. These sowars confirm the report of the outbreak of cholera in the Governor's camp. The Governor had received orders from His Highness the Amir to attack Urzagan, but he has been obliged to defer all action owing to the presence of the epidemic in his camp

5. It is rumoured here that Sardar Abdul Kudus Khan has made preparations for an onslaught upon Urzagan, but the whereabouts of the Sardar and how far he has advanced are not known here.



Diaries.D.No. 415 F. No. 6024, dated Quetta, the 29th September 1892.
From-Major-General Sir James Browne, D.C.S.I., C.B., R.E., Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter No.39,
By Khan Bahadur Mirza Muhammad Takki Khan, 23rd September 1892.

1. A messenger arrived from the Governor's camp, bringing news of the Governor's entry into Urzagan. A salute of 21 guns was fired in honour of the occasion. No particulars of the victory were forthcoming in the Governor's letter, as he merely wrote to announce his entry into Urzagan. It has, however, transpired from the statement of the messenger that Generals Mir Atta Khan and Sher Ahmed Khan have attacked Urzagan from the direction of Sultan Ahmed and Sirzawali, and several fierce engagements had ensued. Most of the Urzagan Hazaras had proceeded to oppose General Mir Atta Khan's force, and had left the position of Kotal-i-Gulkhar, in the direction of which the Governor was encamped, almost unoccupied, as they did not expect any attack from this side on the part of the Governor. The latter, however, received information of this, and hastened to march against Urzagan. The garrison at Kotal-i-Gulkhar being too weak to offer any opposition to the Governor, some of them took to flight and the others surrendered.

It is further stated that General Mir Atta Khan has also defeated the Hazaras, and has entered Urzagan with General Sher Ahmed Khan. The Hazaras have almost all of them removed their families to places of hiding in the mountains. Negotiations are being carried on with the refugee Hazaras through the Amir's officers, and efforts are being made to induce them to return to their homes.

Should the above news prove to be authentic, the subjugation of Urzagan is now an accomplished fact. Those Hazaras who have betaken themselves to their mountain fastnesses, must now eventually tender their submission.

Sardar Abdul Kudus Khan is still encamped with his force at Shaweh. His not having moved towards Urzagan indicates the Chillakur, Shaweh and Bubash districts have not yet been completely subdued.

2. One hundred prisoners, men and women, Balochis from Chageh and the Seistan boarder, have been brought in chains to Kandahar in order to be sent to Kabul.

4. The inhabitants of Zamindawar are greatly inconvenienced by the demands made upon them in connection with the supply of provisions for the Urzagan Expedition.



News .D.No.433F. No. 6232 Dated Quetta the 8th October 1892.
From-Major-General Sir James Browne, K.C.S.I, C.B.,R.E,. Agent to the Governor General in Balochistan.
To The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News Letter No, 40.
By Khan Bahadur Mirza Mohammad Taki Khan, Dated 30th September, 1892.

4. Letters have been received from the Governor's letters which are received by post, there has been no communication between Urzagan and Kandahar this week. This is due to the fact that no traveller is allowed to proceed between these two places without a passport. The road also is not considered to be safe, as the Hazaras continue to plunder travellers.

The inhabitants of Kandahar and its vicinity are still held liable for the payment of the tribal levies, and are also compelled to provide substitutes for any men who may desert from Urzagan. It is not believed in Kandahar that Generals Mir Atta Khan and Sher Muhammad Khan have entered Urzagan.

5. It is reported that Sardar Abdul Kudus Khan was affected in mind by his late illness, and that His Highness the Amir has sent a doctor and palanquin to bring him to Kabul. The Sardar has accordingly been sent from his camp to Kabul accompanied by his family. The troops under his command have marched towards Bobash, having Urzagan for their objective. Nothing has, however, been heard of the entry of this force into Urzagan.

The people of Kandahar maintain that the Hazaras are still in great force near Bobash and are prepared to oppose any troops that may be sent against them. For this reason they believe that the Hazaras are not yet subdued. They further say that the Hazaras have sent their families to places of safety in the mountains, and are themselves engaged in opposing the troops under Sardar Abdul Kudus Khan and General Mir Atta Khan.



News.D.No.442 F. No. 6436, dated Quetta, the 14th October 1892.
From-The Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter No.41,
By Khan Bahadur Mirza Muhammad Takki Khan, 7th October 1892.

1. Arrivals from Urzagan this week state that the troops under Generals Mir Atta Khan and Sher Muhammad Khan have entered Urzagan from the direction of Dayeh and Faulad, and that the force under the Commander-in-Chief, Ghulam Haidar Khan, has also reached Urzagan from Turkistan. They say further that Colonel Farhad Khan has arrived at Urzagan with his troops from Sangi Masha. The troops under command of Sardar Abdul Kudus Khan, however, are said to be still encamped at Bubash, having as yet made no movement in the direction of Urzagan. The combined force is now encamped at Urzagan, but all the Hazaras of that place are reported to have fled with their families to Dehkandi and Dehzangi. There are no Hazaras left in Urzagan. Those of them who were too old and feeble to effect their escape hid themselves in the mountains and are now coming in. They receive kindly treatment at the hands of Sardar Abdulla Khan, who presents them with khilats.

The Commander-in-Chief, Ghulam Haidar Khan, is preparing to attack those Hazaras who escaped to Dehkandi and Dehzangi. The sole inhabitants of Urzagan consist of the army of occupation.

Two surveyors in the service of His Highness the Amir are now engaged in making a survey of the country round Urzagan. It is believed that a large fort is to be built in the centre of the Urzagan district.

Those who have seen the fort under construction say that it will be as large as the city of Kandahar. Though this may be an exaggeration, it will no doubt be a fort of considerable size. Twenty masons have been requisitioned from Kandahar, and have been sent to work on the fort.

2. Under orders from His Highness the Amir, a sum of eight lakhs of Kandahari rupees has been despatched from Kandahar to Urzagan for the payments of the troops there.

3. The inhabitants of Mirzan, Dahla and Khakrez have been ordered to transport to Urzagan all the grain stored in the granaries in these districts.

5. Dewan Sadanand had received from Kabul a list showing a sum of eleven lakhs of rupees as outstanding on account of arrears of revenue for the past ten years.

The recovery of these amounts was postponed owing to the outbreak of the Hazara rebellion. The Dewan now intimates his intention of recovering the sums in question. The amounts shown in the list cannot be classed as legitimate revenue arrears, but consist of arrears arising from uncultivated and barren lands, or on account of pay given to the Maliks. Should this money be recovered from the cultivator, he will be put to very serious loss.



News. D.No.457 F. No. 6595, dated Quetta, the 22nd October 1892.
From-The Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter No.42.
By Khan Bahadur Mirza Muhammad Takki Khan, 14th October 1892.

5. The Governor of Kandahar has left Urzagan en route to Kandahar, and has reached Tirin. He is expected here next week. Nothing is yet known about the disbandment of the tribal levies sent from Kandahar to join the expedition. According to recent arrivals from Urzagan, it appears that Ghulam Haidar Khan, Commander-in-Chief in Turkistan, has treated the Governor of Kandahar with the utmost disrespect. He assumed command of all the troops who accompanied the Governor to Urzagan, and forbade them to salute the Governor when he passed. He also told the tribal levies that they were in no way under the Governor's orders, and that he was himself the only person who had any concern with them. The Commander-in-Chief is reported to be making all arrangements connected with the Hazarajat, independently of, and without any reference to, others.

6. It is rumoured here that most of the Hazaras have fled towards the Herat and Badghis borders. This information has not yet been confirmed. I mention it merely as the rumour is persistent and widespread.

7. The news of Sardar Habib-ulla Khan's arrival at Ghazni is common talk here. Some Shahi sowars, who have just come from Kabul, state that the Sardar has reached Ghazni with a force consisting of three regiments of infantry, two regiments of cavalry and three batteries of artillery, in addition to a large quantity of equipment and military stores. Whether the Sardar will remain at Ghazni, proceed to Urzagan, or come to Kandahar is not known here, but the question of his movements forms the subject of much discussion.



News. D.No.466 F. No. 6701, dated Quetta, the 28th October 1892.
From-The Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter, No.43,
By Khan Bahadur Mirza Muhammad Takki Khan, 21st October 1892.

3. Under orders from the Governor of Kandahar, his son, Muhammad Usman Khan, has issued a notification, directing that any Hazara seen crossing the frontier should be apprehended and brought to Kandahar. The notification contains notably the names of certain Hazara Mirs, such as Mir Muhammad Azim, adding that the capture of such Mirs will be cause of special congratulation.

4. A party of 150 Hazara men, women and children, has been sent to Kandahar as prisoners. A large number of bullocks and donkeys, plundered from the Hazaras, has also been sent to Kandahar as the Governor's booty. The butchers are compelled to purchase the bullocks.

5. The tribal levies have commenced to return to Kandahar from Urzagan, and arrive in small parties daily.

6. In a letter written from Tirin on the 17th of October, the Governor said that he would start for Kandahar in two or three days. The Darbar officials however state that the affairs of the Mian Nishin Hazaras of the Dahala district have not yet been settled, and that this will necessitate the Governor's visiting Mian Nishin, after which he will come to Kandahar.

7. Ghulam Haidar Khan, Commander-in-Chief in Turkistan, assumed command of the troops who accompanied the Governor of Kandahar to Urzagan. He also utilised the tribal levies, furnished from Kandahar, in the construction of the fort at that place, and thus prevented their return to Kandahar. The Governor reported the matter to His Highness the Amir, who has forbidden Ghulam Haidar Khan to interfere with either the regulars or the levies under the Governor of Kandahar, and they are now returning with him.

8. The news of Sardar Habibulla Khan's arrival at Ghazni has been contradicted, and it is now stated that his advance guard only has left Kabul for Ghazni.



News.D.No. 474 F. No.6876, dated Quetta, the 4th November 1892.
From-The Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter No. 44,
By Khan Bahadur Mirza Muhammad Takki Khan, 28th October 1892.

About 400 Hazara prisoners, comprising men, women and children, have been brought to Kandahar from the Governor's camp this week under escort of tribal levies. Before their arrival, chains were sent out, so that they might enter the city in fetters. The tribal levies under whose escort they came received orders to beat and abuse them as they entered the city, and to take them through the bazar. Most of these prisoners belong to the Gizu and Kamsan districts, and a few of them come from Urzagan. The latter were induced to come in under assurances of kind treatment, but, when they surrendered, were captured and sent here as prisoners.

The higher classes of the tribal levies, as well as the military officers who accompanied the Governor to Urzagan, have each sent 4 or 5 Hazara women to their houses as slaves.

3. According to the tribal levies, the Urzagan rebellion is not yet at an end.

The Hazaras of Dehkandi and Dehzangi, they say, are collecting in force in the mountain fastnesses, where they are taking up strong positions. The Commander-in-Chief, Ghulam Haidar Khan, is endeavouring to bring them to terms.

Urzagan itself is now deserted. Work on the fort and cantonments under construction there is being rapidly pushed on.

Cholera still prevails in Ghulam Haidar Khan's camp.

It is rumoured here that after the Governor's departure, an engagement took place between the Hazaras occupying the Shali valley and the troops under Ghulam Haidar Khan. No authentic news, however, has been received on the subject.

The zamindars and camel-owners are still put to inconvenience and loss by being compelled to convey supplies to Urzagan. They do not expect to be relieved of this duty for a long time.



News. D.No.490 F. No. 7043, dated Quetta, the 12th November 1892.
From-The Officiating Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter No. 45,
By Khan Bahadur Mirza Muhammad Takki Khan, 4th November 1892.

7. Of the Hazaras who have been brought in as prisoners, the natives of Chureh, Gizu and Kemsan were simply arrested by Faiz Muhammad (known as the Spin Jemadar) on the charge of being spies of the British Government. Most of these Hazaras have probably worked as labourers on the construction of roads in Quetta and Pishin, or some of them may have served with British officers in Baluchistan, and Faiz Muhammad has probably seen them there: this is the only reason why these poor men have been arrested.



News. D.No.502 F. No. 7389,dated Quetta, the 25th November 1892.
From-The Officiating Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter No.46,
By Khan Bahadur Mirza Muhammad Takki Khan, 11th November 1892.

3. Mir Mirza Muhammad Azim Beg, Hazara, was brought prisoner with his two sons and four of his relations from Herat to Kandahar. The prisoners were despatched to Kabul from Kandahar.



Diaries. D.No. 514 F. No. 7478, dated Quetta, the 1st December 1892.
From-The Officiating Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter No 47,
By Khan Bahadur Mirza Muhammad Takki Khan, 18th November 1892.

5. The Governor announces that General Mir Atta Khan will move from Urzagan to Gizu with four regiments of infantry, and that Brigadier Muhammad Sadik Khan will come to Kandahar with a force, consisting of two regiments of infantry and a battery of artillery.

6. The tribal levies sent to Urzagan from the Kalat-i-Tokhi district, who were under the orders of Sardar Abdul Kudus Khan, have been detained there to assist in the work on the fort under construction.

8. The inhabitants of the Pusht-i-Rud district have been called upon to supply 4,000 camels to transport supplies to Urzagan.

This has caused the entire cessation of the import of wool to Kandahar from Pusht-i-Rud.



News.D.No. 528 F. No.7751, dated Quetta, the 10th December 1892.
From-Major-General Sir James Browne, C.B., K.C.S.I., Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter No.49.
By Khan Bahadur Mirza Muhammad Takki Khan, 2nd December 1892.

2. General Mir Atta Khan, under orders from His Highness the Amir, has marched to Gizu with two regiments of infantry and 2 guns. This force will be left at Gizu, while the General will proceed to Kabul to pay his respects to His Highness the Amir. Brigadier Zabardast Khan has left Urzagan for Kabul with four regiments of infantry. General Sher Muhammad Khan is encamped in Urzagan with two regiments of infantry and a battery of artillery. Colonel Farhad Khan has been ordered to Mir Adina, south of Urzagan, with a regiment of infantry, numbering 1,000 men and 2 guns. Sardar Fakir Muhammad Khan, Hakim of Kalat-i-Tokhi, has returned to his district with the tribal levies under him. The latter have been dismissed and permitted to proceed to their homes. Sardar Muhammad Anwar Khan has returned to Kandahar with the remainder of the tribal force.

6. The headmen of the Chureh, Gizu and Kamsan Hazaras, who came in with the Governor from Urzagan, have been sent to Kabul under orders from His Highness the Amir.

The remainder of the Hazara prisoners are being distributed among the respectable Duranis of Kandahar as slaves.



News. D.No. 537 F. No.7873, dated Quetta, the 16th December 1892.
From-Major-General Sir James Browne, K.C.S.I,C.B.,R.E, Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter No.50.
By Khan Bahadur Mirza Muhammad Takki Khan, 9th December 1892.

6. Heavy snow has fallen during the week in the districts of Hazarajat including Urzagan. The people, who have to convey supplies on their own cattle to the force stationed there, are put to the utmost inconvenience.



News. D.No. 545 F. No.8170, dated Quetta, the 24th December 1892.
From-Major General Sir James Browne, K.C.S.I., C.B.,R.E., Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter No.51,
By Khan Bahadur Mirza Muhammad Takki Khan, 16th December 1892.

2. The authorities are seizing all the camels procurable in the Kandahar districts. Camels are purchased by Government from such owners as are willing to sell, and hired from those who are not. The supply of camels is required in connection with transport for the troops in Hazarajat. The camels forcedly utilised for this purpose have either died or been rendered unfit for further work.

4. Two hands employed in the Kandahar Government powder factory were accused of having supplied the Hazaras with gun-powder four years ago. Their guilt, however, was not established. Despite this, they have been hanged by order of the Amir.

6. General Sher Muhammad Khan has issued orders forbidding the Urzagan Hazaras to afford an asylum to Hazaras now returning from the hills owing to want of food or severity of weather. Any one failing to obey the order will be severely punished.

Several of the Urzagan Hazaras are now flocking in from the hills where they are perishing from starvation and cold. They are reduced to such extremities that they are selling their wives and children at Rs. 10 per head or even less. Read the full story