40 
PAROPAMISUS OR HINDOO KOOSH* 
The various tribes which inhabit this region present great varieties 
of character ; the Ghilzais (the second in population and impor- 
tance of the Afghan clans)j and Kaffirs being the most warlike and 
indomitable^ while others^ though nominally under the sway of a 
sovereign^ are very much in the position of the Scottish clans in 
olden times. Most of these are regarded as branches of the great 
Aryan race, and this opinion obtains support from the references in 
the Zendavesta to the regions beyond the river Oxus, whence the 
Aryans issued. Alexander the Great during his conquests found 
Aryans only, it would seem, in these regions, but Grecian historians 
considered the more Eastern of them to be Indians rather than 
Persians, and doubtless they judged by their language and physical 
aspect The fact, of small statuettes of classical form having been 
found in some of these parts, indicates the people to have been 
advanced to some extent in civilization under the Gr^co-Bactrian 
kingdom. Dr. Leitner, of Lahore, has made some interesting 
discoveries of this nature. The inhabitants of Afghanistan are, 
ethnologically, classed under two great divisions, viz., Iranians, or 
Aryans, and Turanians, each of which is again sub-divided into 
numerous tribes. The former comprise the Kaffirs, Jats, Hindkis, 
Badakshis, Sarts, Tajiks, Biluchis, and the Afghans, or Patans; while 
the latter include the Uzbeks, Kizilbashis, Huzarehs, and Eimauks. 
The physiognomy presents different types ; we have some of a 
Jewish cast, others showing more or less of a Tartar cross, while the 
Persian type, as shown in the Persepolitan sculptures, is exemplified 
in the Tajiks, who are scattered over the west and north-west. 
The Kaffirs are said to be distinguished by light hair and eyes. 
The Huzarehs, who speak the Persian language, and profess the 
same religion with the Persians, are allied to the Mongols in blood, 
and their physical characteristics, such as short stature, narrow ob- 
lique eyes and broad cheek-bones, still attest their descent, which is 
supposed to be from the armies of Jenghiz Khan. As to the origin 
of the Afghans proper, some few, among whom is Dr. Bellew, lean to 
