928 Notes on the Eusofzye tribes of Afghanistan, [No. 105. 



and the Hindoos seemed to be more numerous and thriving amongst them, 

 than in any part of the country we visited. 



The Khuttuks occupy the left bank of the Sundi,' from below Noushera 

 to Jehangiri. They have not more than fifteen or twenty villages ; and 

 their position has forced them to pay obedience to the Sikhs. 



The Baeezyes, whose numbers I have heard rated at 12,000 fighting men, 

 are also Khuttuks, but they have for a long time been a separate and dis- 

 tinct tribe. Of their history I know nothing. They are always spoken of as 

 the richest people in the country, and many of the Hindoos settled amongst 

 them are said to possess great wealth. This is not improbable, as one 

 of the principal roads from the north to Peshawar runs through their 

 territory, and an active commerce is carried on, on either side of them, 

 in salt, cloths, &c. 



Like the Gudoons, the Baeezyes are governed by petty MuUiks, and 

 have always preserved their independence against all foreign enemies. 

 Of the population of the Sum, I can only form a guess of the probable 

 amount, some data I had collected on the subject having been carried off 

 by the Khyberees, but it may not perhaps be very inaccurately rated at 

 one lac of fighting men. All the tribes above mentioned have the same 

 manners and customs, and (includmg the Eusofs) may, without hesitation, 

 be pronounced the best irregular soldiers in Afghanistan. Their cavalry, 

 which are so few in number as scarcely to deserve notice, are from their 

 mode of training and equipment rather Hindostanee than Afghan. The 

 mass and strength of the Eusofzyes is infantry. Most of the soldiers, and 

 every man is a soldier, are armed with heavy matchlocks ; others have long 

 spears, which they use with singular dexterity, either on horse or foot; 

 a few are clothed in chain armour ; and some use even bows and arrows 

 of formidable size. They generally avoid close fighting, though if forced 

 to it, they have the character of being excellent swordsmen. 



It is said, that they have some idea of opposing cavalry by forming into 

 close masses, or "Goles," with their spears extended; but this I have never 

 seen, and am inclined to doubt. At whatever time of the day or night the 

 " Nakara," or drum is beat in a particular measure, every man able to bear 

 arm ssnatches them up, and hurries, ready for action, to his particular 

 "Hoojra," or public meeting room, of which there are from eight to twenty 

 in every village ; and from thence, in distinct parties, under separate flags, 

 they proceed to the scene of action, and despising the protection of walls, 

 advance singly into the plain. A total want of discipline and order now 

 distinguishes them. They have no head ; each party, or " Hoojra," acts inde- 

 pendently ; and even those under one flag, will not always obey one leader. 



We have here the strength, and weakness of the Eusofzyes : their num- 

 ber and alertness, their courage, sharpened by incessant fighting, and ex- 



