Boundaries.—It is bounded on the north by Chitrál, Yasin, and Hunza, on the east by Chilas, Kashmir, and a part of Hazara; on the south by Yaghistán (or wild country); on the west by Swat and Yaghistán.
It is surrounded by three mountainous ranges running parallel to each other, dividing the country into two parts (the northern part is called Gabriál). The Indus flows down through the country, and has a very narrow bed here, which is hemmed in by the mountains.
The northern part, which is called Gabriál, has only two remarkable villages—Kandyá, on the western side of the river, and Siwa on the eastern; and the southern part contains many towns and villages:—
| On the eastern side of the river,— | ||
|---|---|---|
| Town. | Name of influential Malak (Landowner). | |
| (1) | Ladai | Machú. |
| (2) | Kolai | Shah Said. |
| (3) | Palas (9,000 pop.) | Lachur. |
| (4) | Marín | Karm Khán. |
| On the western side of the river,— | ||
| Town. | Name of influential Malak | |
| (5) | Batera | |
| (6) | Patan (8,000 pop.) | Qudrat Ali. |
| (7) | Chakarga | |
| (8) | Ranotia | |
That part of Yaghistán which bounds Kohistan on the west is divided into (1) Thakot, which is governed by Shalkhán, and (2) Dishán, which is under Ram Khan; and that part of Yaghistán which bounds it on the south is divided into three valleys,—
| (1) | Alahi, | governed by | Arsalan Khan. |
| (2) | Nandiyar, | ” | Zafar Khan. |
| (3) | Tikráí, | ” | Ghaffar Khan (has also two cannons). |
Between the southern part of Kohistan and Alahi, in the eastern corner, there is a plain, of a circular form, surrounded on all sides by mountains. This plain is always covered with grass, and streams of clear and fresh water run through it. Both the grass and the water of this vast meadow are remarkable for their nourishing and digestive qualities. This plain is called “Chaur,” and is debatable ground between the Kohistanis of Ladai, Kolai, and Palas, and the Afghans of Alahi.
People.—The people of this country are not allied to the Afghans, as their language shows, but have the same erect bearing and beautiful features.
Language.—Their language is altogether different from that of their neighbours, the Afghans, as will be shown by the following comparison:—