The present outbreak was totally unexpected. The Swats, as the people of this region are called, appeared to be perfectly contented under British rule. Industry had been encouraged among them, trade developed, and they seemed a very peaceful and prosperous people.
Suddenly, without any warning, the whole population rose against the British.
The Swats had intended to attack Camp Malakand unawares, and massacre the soldiers, but through the kindness of a friendly native a warning was given. Preparations were quickly made for defence, messengers sent off to ask for re-enforcements, and the soldiers were able to repulse the enemy when the attack was made.
Six thousand Swats were said to be in arms against the British.
The Government at once despatched a large force of soldiers to relieve the little camp.
On their arrival the enemy was soon routed, the cavalry chasing them back toward the hills. All danger was supposed to be over, when word was brought that the natives had re-formed, and were preparing to attack a fort in the neighborhood, called Fort Chakdara.
Leaving a few men at the camp to defend it, the commander of the relief column started for Chakdara.
They arrived only just in time. The Swats had laid siege to the fort, and the little garrison in it were despairing, when, from the hills, they saw the lights flashed by a heliograph, and learned by this means that help was coming. The heliograph is an instrument for signalling by means of flashes of light reflected from mirrors.
When the relief party reached Chakdara, they had a severe fight with the Swats, but they at length routed the tribesmen.
The situation is growing more serious.