Memoir on Thar and

knowledge extended to every path amongst the sand hills of the Desert, and pretty nearly
to every inhabitant thereof. After a great deal of negotiation, Barra Khan, one of the
elders and most influential of the tribe, consented to become a servant of the British
Government. He was a remarkably fine old man, of about 60 years of age; he had been in
several skirmishes with our detachments, and at last surrendered to Captain Jackson; he
had numerous wounds, both shot and sabre, received in action. He used at first, when
talking over the subject of taking service, to uncover his arm or side, and show his scars,
adding, “These were received when fighting against you—how can I now eat your salt ?”
Judicious advice, however, and Colonel Roberts’ personal influence with him and others
of the chiefs, eventually overcame his scruples, and he became a servant of the State. * He
served as a Jemedar of Police for a few years, until his son was old enough to serve, when
he retired and was succeeded by his son.
87. After entertaining the requisite number, they were sent under their respective leaders
to conduct the police duties of the Desert and Parkur; about fifty being stationed in
Parkur and on the Marwar frontier, and the remainder in the Islamkote, Mittee, Deepla,
and Bullyaree districts. For some years, however, the men would only serve under their
own leaders; eventually, in 1856, they all consented to wear uniform coats, and appeared
desirous of having them; they were also willing to be drilled.
88. The forts of the Desert, Nowakote, Mittee and Islamkote, were garrisoned by a Soda
chief as killadar, and 12 footmen each; Singalla was in ruins, and not therefore
garrisoned. It may be as well in this place to add a few words regarding these forts,
before consigning them to oblivion, and disposing of the materials for the attainment of
peaceful objects, such as the construction of school-rooms, building of wells, &c., in the
hopes of thus securing by more peaceful means the ends for which so much money was
lavished.
89. The fort of Islamkote was built about A. D. 1795, is 386 feet square, and is built of
burnt bricks and mud, the outer bricks only being cemented with chunam or mortar.
90. The fort of Singalla is about the same size as Islamkote, and was probably built about
the same time. The fort of Mittee was built a few years before Islamkote; it is a little
smaller than it. The fort of Nowakote was built in 1814; it is 640 feet by 600. It may be
estimated that the forts of Mittee, Islamkote, and Singalla cost about eight lacs of Rupees
each; that of Nowakote probably cost less, owing to its proximity to Sind.
91. The garrisoning of these forts with Sodas at once showed the heads of that tribe, that
we placed confidence in their loyalty, while it gave them employment, and the legitimate
means of living; and also tended to raise them from the degraded position which the
withering rule of the Ameers, or the blighting authority of their officials, had reduced
them to.
* At the conquest of Sind, all the Khosa Chiefs came in and made their salam: some to Major Brown, Political
Superintendent, Pahlunpoor; some to Captain Fulljames, Commanding Guzerat Horse; and some to Colonel Roberts,
Political Agent and Commanding in Kutch.
<strong>Memoir</strong> on the Thurr and Parkur Districts of Sind. Copyright © www.panhwar.com
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