chahar

During the fall of 1842 this force destroyed important parts of the commercial infrastructure in Kabul such as the Mughal era covered bazaar known as the chahar chattah, and fruit-producing villages surrounding the city such as Istalif. 25 The occupation's end left the British attempt to transform Kabul's role in regional and interregional marketing networks incomplete, and the vengeful retaliation for the loss of the Army of the Indus dealt a severe blow to the local economy.

Connecting Histories in Afghanistan: Market Relations and State Formation on a Colonial Frontier 2008

The chahar chatta formed the principal retail bazaar complex in Kabul before it being leveled by the colonial army sent in retribution of the Indus Army's annihilation.

Connecting Histories in Afghanistan: Market Relations and State Formation on a Colonial Frontier 2008

Jahanara came through the door without hesitation, but as she reached Mehrunnisa, she stopped, bent down, and performed the chahar taslim with a graceful hand.

Shadow Princess Indu Sundaresan 2010

Jahanara came through the door without hesitation, but as she reached Mehrunnisa, she stopped, bent down, and performed the chahar taslim with a graceful hand.

Shadow Princess Indu Sundaresan 2010

Mahabat padded over the length of the room, and, as he approached his Emperor, he stopped and performed the chahar taslim, bending with some difficulty from his waist, laying his right hand on the ground and raising it to his forehead four times.

Shadow Princess Indu Sundaresan 2010

The chahar chatta was an innovative architectural feat for the first half of the seventeenth century and its construction is ascribed to the patronage of the Mughal official Ali Mardan Khan.

Connecting Histories in Afghanistan: Market Relations and State Formation on a Colonial Frontier 2008

Masson, vol. II, pp. 263 – 9, provides a number of useful comments about seasonal price fluctuation, fruit markets and brokerage, and the location of key institutions of Kabul commerce such as the customs house, in addition to the chahar chatta, which is described quite favorably.

Connecting Histories in Afghanistan: Market Relations and State Formation on a Colonial Frontier 2008

Antarah bowed in the chahar taslim, rising from it with his right hand on his forehead.

Shadow Princess Indu Sundaresan 2010

See Burnes, vol. I, p. 145, for a notably less enthusiastic description of the chahar chatta than Masson's. back

Connecting Histories in Afghanistan: Market Relations and State Formation on a Colonial Frontier 2008

“Your Highness,” he said, and performed the chahar taslim as he did for his Emperor, stooping, placing his right hand on the floor and raising it to his forehead four times.

Shadow Princess Indu Sundaresan 2010