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News. D.No .355 F.
No. 6488, dated Quetta, the 10th October 1891.
From-Colonel J.Biddulph, Offg. 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, 28th September 1891.

(Expedition of Uruzgan)

6. Persons, who have recently arrived from Tirin, report that Sardar Abdul Kudus Khan has ordered the regular troops under his command to take three days’ rations with them, and proceed against the Urzagan Hazaras from the direction of Chureh.

 

 

News.D.No.360 F. No.6529, dated Quetta, the 15th October 1891.
From-Colonel J.Biddulph, Offg. Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter No 40.
By Khan Bahadur Mirza Muhammad Takki Khan, 5th October 1891.

(Kul Khar captured)

5. One of Sardar Abdul Kudus Khan’s personal attendants arrived here on the 3rd instant from Kul Khar, a place close to Urzagan. He brought a letter from the Sardar to the Governor, informing him that he had succeeded in occupying Kul Khar, and that all the maliks and notables of that place had come in and tendered their submission to him. I was present when the news arrived. The Governor ordered a salute of 21 guns to be fired in honour of the event. The Sardar’s letter was first made over to Diwan Sada Nand for perusal (to read with attention). The Governor proceeded to read it next, after which it was despatched without delay by special messenger to Kabul. It was not read out in Darbar as is customary on such occasions, nor was it made over to Mirza Syed Ali Khan, Amin Nizam, who was present, for perusal. For this reason I have not succeeded in ascertaining its contents.

 

 

News. D.No.368.F. No. 6710, dated Quetta, the 22nd October 1891.
From-Colonel J.Biddulph, Offg. 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, 12th October 1891.

7. No news has been received from Sardar Abdul Kudus Khan’s camp this week. Tribal sowars are still being collected and despatched to Urzagan.

 

 

News. D.No. 377 F. No.6749, dated Quetta, the 26th October 1891.
From-Colonel J.Biddulph, Offg.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, 19th October 1891.

(Amir pleased with the support of Kandahar People)

1. His Highness the Amir has written to the Governor informing him that the Urzagan rebellion has been quelled and directing him to discontinue despatching tribal sowars. His Highness expresses his appreciation of the willingness with which the Kandahar people have furnished a tribal force for the expedition, and adds that he is highly pleased with the services rendered by those who have already joined the expedition, and the zeal displayed by those who are making preparations to do so.

3. As yet no regular system of revenue collection has been established in the Urzagan district. The Revenue Sarrishtadar in Kandahar has deputed a Tahsildar to proceed to Urzagan with directions to collect revenue at the same rates as in Kandahar. The Sarrishtadar has obtained a written order to this effect from the Governor, and forwarded it to the Tahsildar.

5. The metalled road now under construction from the Hazara  district to Kandahar has crossed the Arghandab river and reached Maranjan. Forced labour from the Kandahar district is being employed on its construction.

6. The Governor asked me whether a horse fair had been held at Quetta this year. I replied that I did not know, but that horse fairs were held annually in almost all the districts in India and the Punjab.

7. Cholera is still raging in Kandahar.

All else continues as usual.

 

 

News.D.No.9. No.7205, dated Quetta, the 11th November 1891.
From-Colonel J.Biddulph, Offg.Agent to the governor-general, in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter No.44,
By Khan Bahadur Muhammad Taki Khan, 2nd November 1891.

Some revenue officials were deputed from Kandahar to Urzagan for the purpose of collecting revenue in that district. Sardar Abdul Kudus Khan has refused to permit them to collect revenue, on the ground that no orders have been received on the subject, added to the fact that he is at present engaged in disarming the Hazaras and demolishing their strongholds. Under these circumstances he deems it impolite to call upon the inhabitants of the country to pay revenue at the heavy rates which obtain in Kandahar. The circumstances under which the occupation of Urzagan was effected, as state I by recent arrivals, are as follows:- Before the arrival of Sardar Abdul Kudus Khan’s force, an engagement took place between the Sardar’s advance guard and the Hazaras in which the former were put to flight, and their baggage and transport camels fell in to the hands of the enemy. A quarrel ensued between the Hazaras in the division of the spoil.

Meanwhile Sardar Abdul Kudus Khan came up with the main body The headmen with whom the Hazaras had quarrelled over the division of the spoil, seized the opportunity of surrendering to the Sardar, who judiciously determined to treat them with kindness and presented them with costly khillats and valuables. This induced the remaining Hazara Chiefs to come in and surrender one by one. By this means the Sardar was enabled to occupy the country without further resistance. He has continued to treat the Chiefs with marked kindness, and, for the present, has only asked two things of them.

First to give up their arms, and secondly to consent to the demolition of their strongholds. To this they have agreed and have been exempted from further demands for the present. The Sardar has issued orders to his troops directing every 10 men to run up a hut for their accommodation pending the construction of regular barracks. He has applied for the services of masons from Kandahar for the construction of a cantonment in Urzagan. The troops obtain supplies from the Kandahar district, so that the Hazaras are put to no inconvenience on this account. The Hazaras are moreover permitted to sell articles to the troops without restriction, receiving payment in full for all that they sell them. The measures adopted by the Sardar appear to be admirably adapted to a newly acquired country.

 

 

News. D.No 400 F. No. 7299, dated Quetta, the 14th November 1891.
From-Colonel J.Biddulph, 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, 9th November 1891.

(Abdul Quddus Khan send Girls slaves to Amir to Kabul from Uruzgan)

4. Travellers coming from Urzagan report that Sardar Abdul Kudus Khan has called upon the Urzagan Chiefs to make preparations to Kabul to pay their respects to His Highness the Amir, and that they have asked for 10 days’ grace to enable them to make the necessary arrangements for the journey. The Sardar has told them to take 1,000 horses and 100 slave-girls with them for presentation to His Highness. The travellers add that the Sardar has posted some troops at Babash in the Kelat-i-Tukhi district, as well as at Daya and Faulad. He has also established a detached post at Jaghori.

All the Herati regular troops together with the Khassadars and the battery of artillery from Kandahar, the Sardar has retained with him in Urzagan. It is further stated that the Herati local sowars asked permission to return to their homes which the Sardar refused to grant. On this they returned of their own accord. A force was despatched in pursuit of them with the result that an engagement ensued, in which four persons on either side were killed and wounded.

 

 

News.D.No. 425 F. No.7873,dated Quetta, the 11th December 1891.
From-Colonel Sir R.G. Sandeman, K.C.S.I., Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter No.48,
By Khan Bahadur Mirza Muhammad Takki Khan, 30th November 1891.

(Hazara women and children sold as slave)

7. Recent arrivals from Urzagan report that the Urzagan Hazaras have been reduced to extremities. They say that the people of Babash and Dig were inclined to show resentment at being disarmed

Sardar Abdul Kudus Khan sent two infantry against them. Most of them were put to the sword: their wives and children being taken prisoners and sold as slaves.

It is further stated that, owing to a dearth of forage, horses and bullocks are being sold in Urzagan at Rs.6 and 7 per head.

 

 

News.D.No.443 F. No.7960, dated Quetta, the 16th December 1891.
From-The 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, 7th December 1891.

(Killing of Hazara beggar-women Mosque)

5. Theft and murder are of frequent occurrence in Kandahar and the suburbs. An old Hazara beggar-woman was lately found murdered in a mosque. The Kazi, instead of calling the inhabitants of the mosque to account for the crime, has issued orders directing the Kazilbashis in the vicinity of the mosque either to trace the murderer or pay blood-money, in addition to a further sum by way of a fine to Government. It is extremely improbable that Kazilbashis, who are of the same creed as Hazaras, would murder an old Hazara woman living in a mosque frequented by Sunis.

 

 

News. D.No.452 F. No.8101,dated Quetta, the 24th December 1891.
From-Colonel Sir R.G. Sandeman, K.C.S.I., 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, 14th December 1891.

(Expiation of Uruzgan)

5. The people of Urzagan are said to be subjected to gross oppression. They are called upon to furnish Sardar Abdul Kudus Khan’s troops with supplies from the meagre stock which they have stored for their personal consumption. In the event of their refusal to submit to such demands, they are attacked and plundered of all they possess.

 

 

News.D.No.76 F. No.1060,dated Quetta, the 17th February 1892.
From-H.S.Barnes, Esq., C.S., in charge of the office of the 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 Taki Khan, 25th January 1892.

(Imposed Tax on each Family in Uruzgan)

7. Sardar Abdul Kudus Khan has levied a tax of one carpet and one Kabuli rupee in cash on each family of the Urzagan Hazaras. The Hazaras are said to be subjected to great oppression in connection with the demand for supplies required for the troops in their country.

Sardar Abdul Kudus Khan is himself encamped at Gizu while his troops are located in Urzagan.

 

 

News. D.No.75 F. No.1061, dated Quetta, the 17th February 1892.
From-H.S.Barnes Esq., in charge of the office of the 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 Taki Khan, 8th February 1892.

3.A tax of one carpet and one Kabuli rupee has been levied on every family of the Urzagan Hazaras.

 

 

News. D.No. 143F. No. 2011, dated Quetta, the 4th April 1892.
From-The Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter No.13,
By Khan Bahadur Mirza Muhammad Taki Khan,
26th March 1892.

(Abdul Quddus Khan Recalls to Kandahar)

5. The Governor has recalled the two companies of Khassadars lately sent to Urzagan.

6. It is rumoured that the Amir has summoned Sardar Abdul Kudus Khan to Kabul from Hazarajat, and will send him to his former post (in Turkistan) or appoint him to Kandahar.

 

 

News. D. No.149 F. No.2114, dated Quetta, the 9th April 1892.
From-The Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter No.14,
By Khan Bahadur Mirza Muhammad Taki Khan, 2nd April 1892.

(Uruzgan rerise against Amir’s troops)

6. The Governor has received information from Sardar Abdul Kudus Khan that several of the inhabitants of Urzagan have risen in rebellion. On receipt of the news, the Governor summoned the Durani Khans and ordered them to collect a local force to quell the rebellion. The Khans pointed out that on the former occasion when Sardar Muhammad Ali Khan ordered them to collect a similar force for despatch to Urzagan, and when the people were much happier than they were at present, it took them three whole months to perform the task. Under these circumstances, they said that they could not tell how long it would take to collect such a force now. The Governor has told them that they must collect a force as soon as possible. Seeing no alternative, the Khans have left for the districts with cavalry sowars to give effect to the orders. The people of Kandahar hold a general belief that, if the people of Urzagan have really risen in rebellion, it is at the instance of Sardar Abdul Kudus Khan himself. Their reason for this belief is that, as the Amir has summoned the Sardar to Kabul, the latter is alarmed and has instigated the people to rebel, so as to prevent his withdrawal. Some think that Sardar Abdul Kudus Kudus Khan is intriguing with the troops under his command, and meditates a rebellion against His Highness the Amir, as he had heard of the ruin of his elder brother, Sardar Nur Muhammad Khan. The rumour forms the subject of much speculation, and its truth remains to be seen. The Governor’s personal anxiety increases daily.

7. A short time ago the people of Hazara complained to the Governor at the oppression to which they were subjected by the officers under Sardar Abdul Kudus Khan’s force, saying that they were called upon to supply provisions without payment. The Governor wrote to the Sardar on the subject, sending the letter by the hand of Muhammad Usman Khan. Barakzai, who was nominated to act as an arbitrator between the petitioners and the officers of whose action they complained. Muhammad Usman Khan returned to Kandahar this week. He told the Governor in open Darbar that Sardar Abdul Kudus Khan had torn his letter in pieces, and spoken of him in the most abusive terms as well as insulting to himself. He added that the Sardar was so angry that he ordered him to be beaten, and he had considerable difficulty in escaping the punishment. This is probably due to personal animosity between the Sardar and the Governor, as the latter held a comparatively subordinate position at the time when Abdul Kudus Khan was Governor of Herat. The people, however, regard the fact as significant of Sardar Abdul Kudus Khan’s independence.

The rumour has gained ground here that Sardar Abdul Kudus Khan has risen in open rebellion against His Highness the Amir. The people are exultant at this, and say that, if the rumour turns out to be true, all the inhabitants of Kandahar will join the Sardar.

 

 

News. D.No.158 F. No.2179, dated Quetta, the 15th April 1892 .
From-The Agent to the governor-general in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter No.15,
By Khan Bahadur Mirza Muhammad Taki Khan, 8th April 1892.

1. The news of the rebellion in Urzagan by the Hazaras turns out to be true. The Governor has received details from Sardar Fakir Muhammad Khan, Hakim of Kalat-i-Ghilzai, Muhammad Usman Khan, Hakim of Dahala and Tirin, and Sardar Abdul Kudus Khan.

Sardar Fakir Muhammad Khan writes to say that he has received intelligence from a messenger sent by Colonel Ghulam Haidar Khan from Chilleh Kur, to the effect that the Hazaras of that place had attacked his camp, killing and taking prisoners about 200 of his men.

The Colonel adds that he has taken up an entrenched position in a pass, and asks Fakir Muhammad Khan to send supplies and reinforcements as soon as possible. The Sardar writes to say that he had left with all the troops at Kalat-i-Ghilzai for Chilleh Kur. He adds that he has received information that the Hazaras have surrounded the force stationed on the Chilleh Kur frontier under Farhad Khan, consisting of a regiment of cavalry, a regiment of infantry and two guns. The Sardar concludes by saying that he has received no reliable information from Urzagan. The Governor has heard from Tirin that all the Hazaras of Deh Kandi and Urzagan had joined forces, and made a night attack on the troops stationed in Urzagan, putting them all to the sword and capturing all their arms and equipment. Further, that they had succeeded in recovering all the arms which had been taken from them for despatch to Kabul. After this victory some of the Hazaras moved towards Chilleh Kur to assist the Bubash Hazaras, while the main body advanced on Tamazan and Gizu to attack Sardar Abdul Kudus Khan. The force stationed in Urzagan consists of two regiments of infantry, two companies of Khassadars and four guns. Besides the above, detachments are stationed at Daya, Fulad, Sultan Ahmad and Sarzawali. Nothing however is known of their movements or circumstances. The Hakim of Dahala and Miyan Nishin reports that the Hazaras of the latter place have betaken themselves en masse to mountain fastnesses in rebellion.

Sardar Abdul Kudus Khan himself writes from Gizu to say that the Tamazan Hazaras have destroyed the bridge which was thrown over the Helmund last year, and have risen in rebellion on all sides. The Sardar says that it is impossible for him to move from Gizu for want of transport, and that he has received no reliable intelligence regarding the detachments at Urzagan, Bubash and Chilleh Kur, beyond that the Hazaras in those districts have risen in rebellion. He has asked the Governor to expedite the despatch of transport to enable him to advance on Urzagan. The Governor lately deputed men to Miyan Nishin and Tirin to bring him intelligence. These men have returned, and the news they have brought confirms the reports received from Sardar’s Abdul Kudus Khan and Fakir Muhammad Khan. They were unable to proceed to Urzagan itself for the purpose of ascertaining the exact situation there.

No doubt exists as to the truth of a general rebellion among the Hazaras. No authentic details, however, have yet been received in connection with the fighting which is reported to have occurred.

Joining of Hazara forces in Amir’s army with the Hazaras:

Yesterday a sowar brought the Governor letters from the Hakim of Chureh and the two Ressaldars stationed there. The letters contained news that the Kamson Hazaras had attacked the troops at Chureh on the night of the 4th April, and that a company of Hazara Khassadars in the Amir’s service had joined the rebels. The engagement lasted the whole night. At day break the troops rallied and attacked the rebels, Killing 30 of their number.

Some of the troops were wounded. As the troops had expended all their ammunition, they were compelled to retire on Naweh-i-Durafshan. On arrival there, they sent a letter to Sardar Abdul Kudus Khan at Gizu. This never reached the Sardar, as the Hazaras had occupied all the passes communicating with Gizu. Under these circumstances, the Sardar was unable to render any assistance to the troops. He too was reported to have been surrounded by the rebel force. The contents of the letters were supported by the statement of the sowar who brought them. The sowar, however, reported that the granary at Chureh, as well as the Government transport camels, had been captured by the rebels. The Ressaldars asked the Governor to send ammunition and supplies with the least possible delay. The Governor has sent ammunition to Chureh, and is making arrangements to send supplies forthwith. No further intelligence has been received from Sardar Abdul Kudus Khan. The camels, donkeys and ponies, which the Governor despatched for his force, have not yet reached Tirin, and it appears doubtful whether the Sardar will ever get them. The townsfolk still believe that Sardar Abdul Kudus Khan is at the bottom of the rebellion. There is also a rumour that Muhammad Ishak Khan has moved in the direction of Turkistan. The people consider that these events be taken the close of the Amir’s rule, and rejoice at the forecast.

 

 

News.D.No.171 F. No.2344, dated Quetta, the 23rd April 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 16,
By Khan Bahadur Mirza Muhammad Taki Khan, 15th April 1892.

5. The Governor has received a letter from Chureh from Sardar Abdul Kudus Khan, from which it appears that he is no longer surrounded by the rebel force. The Governor mentioned in Darbar that Sardar Abdul Kudus Khan’s force had arrived at Chureh from Gizu, and that on its arrival the people of Chureh fled to Urzagan. He added that the Sardar had despatched four companies of infantry and two troops of cavalry to Urzagan, and that the force formerly stationed at Urzagan had not been molested by the rebels. The Governor concluded with the remark that he hoped the disturbances at Urzagan would soon be at an end. The Darbar officials attach but little importance to the Governor’s remarks on the subject, except in so far as they relate to the arrival of the Sardar’s force at Chureh, and the flight of the Chureh people to Urzagan.

 

 

News. D.No. 183 F. No. 2536, dated Quetta, the 3rd May 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. 17,
By Khan Bahadur Mirza Muhammad Taki Khan, 22nd April 1892.

2. Some time ago, orders were received from Kabul, directing the recovery of all arrears of revenue due for the past twelve years. Owing to the recent disturbances in Urzagan, the Governor considered it advisable to defer the recovery of these arrears for the present. In accordance with orders from His Highness the Amir, Diwan Sada Nand has commenced to recover the amounts due on this account. Several persons have resorted to the shrine of the “khirka” for refuge in consequence.

8. On the 18th instand, a special messenger sent by Sardar Abdul Kudus Khan arrived at Kandahar. On his arrival, the Governor ordered a salute to be fired in honour of the recapture of Urzagan. I attended the Governor’s Darbar for the purpose of congratulating him on the news. He informed me that the Amir’s troops had re-occupied Urzagan whither Sardar Abdul Kudus Khan had moved with his force from Chureh. The Governor added that the Sardar had blown up the fort in which some Hazaras had established themselves, and which had erroneously been given out to have been occupied by rebel Khassadars. The Sardar, he said, had put all the occupants of the fort to the sword.

Not withstanding the above news, the Governor is busily engaged in collecting and despatching camel transport and ammunition to Urzagan. Though the stock of ammunition in the Kandahar arsenal is small, the Governor ordered the whole of it to be sent to Urzagan. Diwan Sada Nand urged upon him the necessity for keeping some portion of the stock at Kandahar in reserve.

The Governor accordingly ordered the retention of one hundred maunds of powder.

As no lead was available in the arsenal, the shop-keepers were called upon to furnish it. Lead is so scarce that the lead foil used for wrapping packets of tea has been utilised freely for the requirements of the arsenal. Camels are forcibly seized from camel-owners for despatch to Sardar Abdul Kudus Khan’s camp. The common folk are of opinion that the Chilleh Kur force is still surrounded by the rebels, and no one believes the news that Urzagan has been re-occupied by the Amir’s troops.

Tribal sowars are sent daily to Urzagan.

 

 

No.2606, News. D.No. 188 F. dated Quetta, the 6th May 1892.
From-Major-General Sir James Browne, K.C.S.I., C.B., R.E., Governor General’s Agent in Baluchistan,
To-The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.
News-letter No.18,
By Khan Bahadur Mirza Muhammad Taki Khan, 30th April 1892.

2. I may remark that this letter strongly confirms the widespread report now current at Quetta that the Amir’s troops at Urzagan are in a very awkward position; and that the Amir’s letter and the salute fired in honour of an imaginary are mere blinds intended to prevent possible internal disturbances stirred up by discontented people hoping to profit from the Amir’s difficulties.

7. The Governor read out in Darbar a letter which he had received from the Amir. The purport was as follows:-

“Najaf Ali Khan, Adjutant of the Ghazni Regiment, informs me that he has received intelligence from Colonel Farhad Khan that an engagement took place between Brigadier Zabardast Khan’s force and the Urzagan, Hazaras. The Brigadier’s force succeeded in taking nine of the enemy’s forts, and in taking prisoners about 250 of the Hazaras. I write this for your information.”

Those present in Darbar had been under the impression that the Governor had received no authentic news about Urzagan, and that his previous action in having ordered a salute to be fired in honour of the re-occupation of Urzagan was dictated by expediency. It is rumoured that Sardar Abdul Kudus Khan’s force is still in Tirin, and that hostilities continue at Chilleh Kur, where Sardar Fakir Muhammad Khan, Hakim of Kalat-i-Ghilzai, with the tribal force, and the Shinkai infantry are engaged in quelling the disturbance. It is further rumoured that Sardar Abdul Kudus Khan despatched a party of tribal sowars against the Kamsan Hazaras. This party was encamped on a plain where it was attacked at night by the Hazaras, who killed the whole party with the exception of two men.

Sardar Abdul Kudus Khan has written to the Governor, saying that his whole stock of ammunition has been expended, and that unless a fresh supply is despatched at once he will be overpowered. The Governor is much surprised at this, as he lately sent 300 loads of ammunition to the Sardar, and cannot understand what has become of it. Moreover, he fears the possibility of Sardar Abdul Kudus Khan sustaining a reverse in which case the cause would be attributed to him. He has accordingly ordered the total reserve of ammunition in Kandahar to be despatched at once to the Sardar, and is sending from 100 to 200 loads of grain daily in addition. No authentic news of the Urzagan situation is known at Kandahar.

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