Indian Antiquary Vol 59

Author(s): Richard Carnac Temple, Charles E A W Oldham, S Krishnaswami Aiyangar, Devadatta Ramkrishna Bhandarka
Publisher: Swati Publications

Page 308

38
THE INDIAN ANTIQUARY
[ APRIL, 1930
II and Shah Sulaiman (1628-1694), who, while keeping up the old magnificenoe of the Court at Isfahân, and through their subordinate officials also the internal peace established by Shah *Abbas II, were really incapable rulers who lost much of their kingdom to intruders.
The ruler in Scattergood's time was Shah Husain (1694-1729), deliberately selected by his Court to succeed Shah Sulaiman for his pacific temperament. For twenty years after his accession Persia was still kept in profound peace, but the Dynasty was nevertheless distinctly on its decline, and about 1714 there commenced the Afghan aggressions which overwhelmed the whole country between 1722 and 1725. Between the latter date and 1729 the Afghans misruled an unhappy land till the celebrated Nadir Shah set up the old Dynasty again, but it did not last long, and in 1736 Nadir Shah was himself proclaimed ruler and saviour of his adopted country, whereon the once mighty Safavi Dynasty came to an inglorious end.
However, at the date of Scattergood's Diary Persia was still enjoying the internal peace procured for her by the Safavis, who were all well affected towards Christians and Europeans, then allowed an access to an Oriental Muhammadan country which was extraordinarily free.
PERSIA DIARY 1707/8.167 John Scattergood's Journal of his Journey from Isfahan to Gombroon (Bandar
Abbas), 1707/8.] 5 February 1707/8. Departed from Spahaune (Isfahan] the 5th February at 3 afternoon. Came to Mayer about 9 at night, being 8 Farsangs; good way except the Yerchan hills and that but small; an extroardiny caravensaroy, very [every) thing plenty, but no good water being a little brackis. Messrs. Wildon, Mr. Foulks and Peter Lillye in Company.
6 [February]. Stayed at Mayer being snowey weather.
7 [February]. In the morning, about 7 a'clock sett out for Comashaw. In the way Mr. Weldon rideing after an antolope fell down, horse and man, and hurt himself, but not dangerous. Came to our mansell about 12 at noon. Here is a good towne where may have all manner of eatables. From Mayer to Comashaw is a fine garden, & Coffee house, fine tanke full of fish, some with gold rings in their noses. The place is called Shaw Rasay after a Persian saints name.
About 5 in the Evening tooke leave of Messrs. Weldon and Foulkes, the former being abed by reason of his fall. Peter Lillye came with me to Muchsawbeggu, where arived about 10 at night, being 4 farsangs, good way; a bad caravensaroy, may have all things for a Traveller. My expences here:
Shas. 4 mds. Tabs. barley at 1 shas. per md.
.. .. .. .. 4. 0. 4 mds. do. Straw at 4 gose per md. .. .. .. 1. 6. to the Caravensaddar for Coffee &c.
.. . 4. 0. 6 mds. Tabs. wood
.. .. .. 3. 0. Oyle for lamp .. ..
13. - 13. - 8 [February]. At 6 in the morning sett out for Yudacoss; very cold, a great dele of snow and ice in the way; good way, a little stoney. Arrived here at 12 at noon with a Coffala. This is a large town in a bottom. Here is good caravensaroy: may have all things, but especially good bread, for which this place is famious.
Expences : 5 mds. barley 5 shas, stray (straw] 9 mds. 3.6 ... .. . .. 8. 6. meat 1.5, Wood 8 mds. 3.2, Gerah for 4 servants for 3 days past at 1
shas. per dien
20. 6.
20. 6.
207. Remarks on the places and persons mentioned, necessary identifications and notes on coinage, do, will be found at the end of the Journal.