CARAVAN OF WOOL AND COTTON
CHAPTER XII
TRADE: INDUSTRIES AND PRODUCTS
For many years prior to the reign of Abdur Rahman, trade with Afghanistan itself or in transit to regions beyond the frontiers had to contend against two difficulties, the one arising from the heavy imposts upon goods intended for local consumption, and the other from the excessive charges levied upon merchandise destined for markets beyond the Oxus. Under the Khans commerce struggled ineffectually against exactions which, if comprehensible during a period when the country was parcelled out among a number of reigning families, were directly inimical to its better interests so soon as the several territories became incorporated within one central administration.
At this juncture the trade of Afghanistan followed these routes, none of which were practicable for wheeled traffic:
(1) From Persia, viâ Teheran and Meshed to Herat.
(2) From Khiva, viâ Bokhara, Merv and the Murghab valley to Herat.
(3) From Bokhara, viâ Karshi, Balkh and Khulm to Kabul.