Kul. The Turkish word for slave to the Prince. The grand vizier, the bachas, the beiglerbeys, and all persons who receive pay or subsistence from situations dependent upon the crown, are so called. This title is in high estimation among the Turkish military, as it authorizes all who are invested with it to insult, strike, and otherwise ill use the common people, without being responsible for the most flagrant breach of humanity.
Kulm. A small village of Bohemia, 16 miles north-northwest of Leitmeritz, was the scene of two bloody conflicts between the French and allied Russian-Austrian armies on August 29-30, 1813. The French, numbering 30,000 men, were commanded by Gen. Vandamme; the Russians, during the first day’s conflict, were 17,000, and were commanded by Gen. Ostermann-Tolstoi. During the night, the latter were heavily reinforced, and on the second day Barclay de Tolly assumed the command with 60,000 troops. The result was the complete wreck of the French army, which lost in these two days little short of 20,000 men, while the allies did not lose half of that number.
Kunnersdorf. See [Cunnersdorf].
Kunobitza. In the Balkan, where John Hunniades, the Hungarian, defeated the Turks, December 24, 1443.
Kupele. Straits so called in India, through which the Ganges disembogues itself into Hindustan. They are distant from Delhi about 30 leagues. It was at these straits that the East Indians made some show of resistance when the famous Tamerlane (Timur) invaded India. The field of this victory is the most distant point of that emperor’s conquest in India, and on the globe.
Kurrol (Ind.). The advanced-guard of a main army.
Kurtchi. A militia is so called in Persia. It consists of one body of cavalry, which is composed of the first nobility of the kingdom, and of the lineal descendants of the Turkish conquerors, who placed Ismael Sophi on the throne. They wear a red turban of twelve folds, which is made of particular stuff. This turban was originally given them by Ismael, in consideration of their attachment to the religion and family of Ali. In consequence of their wearing this turban, the Persians are always called by the Turks kitilbaschi, or red-heads. The Kurtchi form a body of nearly 18,000 men.
Kurtchi-baschi. The chief or commanding officer of the Kurtchi. This was formerly the most distinguished situation in the kingdom, and the authority annexed to it was equal to what the constable of France originally possessed. At present his power does not extend beyond the Kurtchis.
Kush-bash (Ind.). Persons who enjoy lands rent free, upon condition of serving the government in a military capacity when called upon.
Kustrin, or Custrin. A fortified town of Prussia, in the province of Brandenburg, at the union of the Wartha with the Oder, 48 miles east from Berlin. In 1758 it was bombarded by the Russians, and in 1806 taken by the French. It has a large powder-magazine.