Across Coveted Lands; or, a Journey from Flushing (Holland) to Calcutta Overland Informative Summary

Overview:

Arnold Henry Savage Landor’s “Across Coveted Lands” is a captivating firsthand account of his journey from Flushing, Holland to Calcutta, India in 1902. The narrative transports readers through Persia, highlighting the complexities of its social structures, the challenges of navigating the country’s political landscape, and the burgeoning Russian influence. Landor’s journey is a testament to his adventurous spirit and provides valuable insights into the Persian culture, its people, and the historical context of the early 20th century.

Landor’s journey is not a mere travelogue, but a detailed exploration of Persia’s economic landscape, revealing its reliance on traditional industries like carpet making and silk production. He also sheds light on the country’s political climate, specifically focusing on the growing Russian influence and the potential consequences for British interests. Landor’s keen observations offer a glimpse into Persian life, encompassing the role of women, the influence of Mullahs, and the challenges of navigating a society steeped in tradition and corruption.

Key Findings:

The inherent beauty and diverse landscapes of Persia are marred by its political instability, rampant corruption, and the pervasive poverty of its people.
Despite its challenges, Persia possesses a rich culture and abundant natural resources, including vast deposits of minerals and fertile agricultural regions.
The ever-increasing Russian influence in Persia poses a direct threat to British interests in the region, primarily in the north and southwest.
The journey underscores the difficulties of travel and communication within Persia, further hindering its economic and social development.
The text reveals the influence of religion and tradition in shaping the social and political fabric of Persia, particularly highlighting the role of Mullahs and the strict seclusion of women.

Learning:

The complexity of Persia’s political landscape: The text illustrates the intricate interplay between political power, religious authority, and economic interests within Persia. It highlights the impact of corruption and the lack of a stable political system on Persia’s development.
The pervasive influence of religion: Landor’s journey illustrates the powerful role that religious beliefs and traditions play in shaping Persian life. He reveals how the Mullahs wield considerable influence over society, and how their teachings often hinder progress and modernization.
The challenges of intercultural understanding: The journey underscores the difficulties of navigating a society steeped in tradition and the challenges of establishing effective communication and trust between cultures. It illustrates the importance of cultural sensitivity and respect in engaging with foreign cultures.
The importance of political and economic strategy: Landor’s detailed observations highlight the importance of strategic thinking in shaping political and economic alliances in a globalizing world. It emphasizes the need for nations to proactively safeguard their interests and navigate complex geo-political dynamics.

Historical Context:

The text was written in 1902, a period of significant global change characterized by the rise of imperialism, the expansion of colonial powers, and the burgeoning influence of industrialization. The narrative takes place during a time of growing tension between Britain and Russia, particularly in the context of the “Great Game,” a struggle for power and influence in Central Asia. Landor’s observations provide a vivid picture of Persia at this pivotal moment in history, a nation teetering between traditionalism and modernity, caught in the crossfire of competing European powers.

Facts:

The Caspian Sea is prone to violent storms that make it difficult to land at Persian ports.
The Russian Government pays a subsidy to the Mercury and Caucasus Steam Navigation Company to transport passengers and mail (and possibly troops) between Baku and Enzeli, Persia.
The city of Resht, Persia, is known for its silk industry.
Ghilan province produces a high quality of silk.
Ghilan is one of the main producers of dried cocoons.
Rice is a staple food of Ghilan and is a major export.
The most notable mountain in Persia is Damovend, which is over 18,600 ft. high.
The country of Persia is heavily reliant on underground canals called kanats for water supply.
The Caspian Sea is prone to storms and shallow waters, making it difficult to land and creating dangers for shipping.
The Russian Road between Resht and Teheran was constructed in 1899.
The Caspian Sea is not known for safe harbors for ships.
Mount Alamut in Persia was historically home to state prisons before they were moved to Ardebil.
There is a strong military presence in Warsaw, Poland.
The Polish people are known for their hospitality and love of enterprise.
In the 16th century, Kasvin, Persia became the seat of royalty under Shah Tamasp.
The tradition of giving money to Mullahs in Persia is a way for people to increase their chance of getting into Paradise.
The city of Baku, Russia, is known for its vast oil wells.
The city of Kiev, Russia, was the first capital of the Russian state.
The city of Rostoff, Russia, is known for its shipyards and caviare factories.
The city of Isfahan, Persia, is the ancient capital.
The city of Yezd, Persia, is known for its high ventilating shafts called “badjirs.”
The city of Kerman, Persia, is a center for cloth manufacturing.
The city of Birjand, Persia, is one of the most important cities in Khorassan.
The city of Shiraz, Persia, is known for its wine production.
The city of Kum, Persia, is known for its mosque and shrine, where the remains of Matsuma Fatima are said to be buried.
The city of Kashan, Persia, is known for its silk manufacturing and its copper utensils.
The city of Teheran, Persia, is the capital city and home to the Shah’s palace.

Statistics:

The cost of a first-class railway ticket from Warsaw to Baku, Russia, in 1902 was 5 pounds sterling.
There were hundreds of oil refineries operating in Baku in 1902.
The export of dried cocoons from Ghilan, Persia increased to 1,615,488 lbs in 1900 from only 76,160 lbs in 1893.
The Imperial Bank of Persia issued 29,000 tomans worth of banknotes in 1890 and 1,058,000 in 1900.
The Shah of Persia’s yearly income was approximately 20,000 pounds sterling.
The Russian Road Company invested £340,000 in constructing the road between Resht and Teheran, which was opened in January 1899.
The annual cost of travel by landau and fourgon between Resht and Teheran was 24 pounds 18s 7d.
The population of Yezd, Persia, was estimated at over 60,000 in 1902.
The population of the city of Kerman, Persia, was approximately 75,000 in 1902.
The population of Kum, Persia, was estimated at around 75,000 in 1902.
The number of British ships entering Bandar Abbas, Persia increased from 64 in 1899 to 101 in 1900.
The total value of exports from Bandar Abbas decreased from £202,232 in 1899 to £102,671 in 1900.
The value of imports into Bandar Abbas in 1900 was nearly double the value of the exports.
The value of imports into Mahommerah, Persia for transhipment to Karun ports increased from 1899 to 1900.
The value of exports from Mahommerah in 1900 was £115,359.
The annual subsidy paid by the Russian government to a steam navigation company for transporting goods between Odessa and Bussorah is £5,000 per voyage.
The amount of silver imported into Persia in 1901 by the government, the Imperial Bank, and other importers was approximately 5 million tomans.
The annual imports into Tabriz, Persia from Russia, Turkey, Austria-Hungary, and France were over £21 million in 1900.
The Royal College of Teheran, Persia, had a student body of over 100 in 1902.
The Royal College of Teheran had a staff of over 100 teachers.
The number of boys attending the Mission school in Isfahan, Persia in February 1898 was 200.
The British Tobacco Corporation was granted a monopoly in Persia in 1890 and it was abolished in 1892.
The Shah of Persia paid a tobacco monopoly compensation of £500,000 in 1892.
The value of British imports into Persia in 1900 was £1,400,000.
The value of Russian imports of British goods was approximately £21,974,952 in 1900.
The population of the city of Birjand was estimated at 30,000 in 1902.
The number of students attending the Madrassah in Isfahan in 1902 was approximately 160.
The number of students at the Mushir school in Yezd in 1902 was 100.
The Parsee school in Yezd had a student body of 230 in 1902.
The population of the city of Yezd was estimated at over 60,000 in 1902.
The annual subsidy paid to the Khan of Kelat for the telegraph line was 5,000 rupees.
The population of the state of Kelat was estimated at 220,500 in 1902.
The annual payment to the Sardar of Kharan was 6,000 rupees.
The population of Nushki in 1902 was estimated at 1,500 for Mengal and 400 to 500 for Badini.
The population of the village of Dadi, Sistan was estimated at 1,000 in 1902.
The total value of imports and exports through Nushki in 1901 was Rs.1,605,805.
The distance between Nushki and Sistan is over 500 miles.
The distance between Quetta and Nushki is 90 miles.
The value of imports and exports between Sistan and Quetta in 1900 was Rs.1,235,411.
The value of imports and exports between Quetta and Sistan in 1901 was Rs.1,534,452.
The total number of horses brought from Meshed to Quetta for remounts in 1900-1901 was 408.
The cost of a good Khorassan horse in Persia is from 80 to 100 rupees.
The cost of a Khorassan horse sold to the British government in Quetta is 300 rupees.
The value of imports into Mahommerah, Persia for transhipment to Karun ports in 1900 was £59,194.
The value of exports from Mahommerah in 1900 was £115,359.

Terms:

Angora (cat): A breed of long-haired domestic cat originating in Turkey.
Burak (cat): A Persian cat from Isfahan, known for its long hair.
Nomzad: The official betrothal day in a Persian wedding ceremony.
Ruhmah: A payment made to a bride in Persia as a reward for unveiling her face during the wedding ceremony.
Kalian: A water pipe popular in Persia and other Middle Eastern countries.
Chudder: A veil worn by Persian women in public, covering the entire body from head to foot.
Sayid: A descendant of the prophet Muhammad.
Badjir: High ventilating shafts common in the city of Yezd, Persia, designed to capture the wind and circulate air in houses.
Kanat: A type of underground irrigation system common in Persia, often extending for miles.
Kheshk: A type of hard cheese made from curdled milk.

Examples:

Landor recounts his experience at a Russian Custom-house, highlighting the difference in treatment between French and British subjects.
He describes a comical encounter with a Persian who believes the revolver had fired, illustrating the superstition and exaggerated reactions of some Persian citizens.
Landor criticizes the Swiss hotel in Resht, illustrating the discrepancy between the high cost and the poor quality of some services in Persia.
He describes a Persian wedding, demonstrating the lengthy and elaborate rituals involved, and highlighting the societal expectations placed on the bride.
Landor describes a visit to a Persian official, showcasing the opulent and often ornate nature of Persian palaces.
Landor vividly recounts the Tobacco Corporation fiasco, illustrating the complexities of dealing with religious sensitivities in the region.
He illustrates the use of opium in Persia and the negative impacts it can have on users’ health.
Landor describes a fight between Sistani and Afghan camel drivers, showcasing the volatile nature of the region and the critical role of the British Consul in maintaining order.
Landor describes the fascinating ruins of Zaidan, offering a glimpse into the city’s ancient grandeur and the impact of sand erosion on the region.
The journey to the Kuh-i-Kwajah mountain introduces the reader to the interesting “city of roars of laughter,” Kala-i-Kakaha.
Landor describes the process of making camel-men’s bread, showcasing the ingenious ways in which nomadic peoples utilize available resources.
Landor’s journey through the desert exposes the reader to the harsh realities of travel and the challenges of navigating treacherous terrain, limited water sources, and the unpredictable weather.
He shares a humorous anecdote about a Persian official who was terrified of the motor car, showcasing the cultural differences and resistance to modernization in the region.
Landor describes the Beluch traditions of marriage and burial, providing insights into their cultural practices and beliefs.
He recounts the story of the Kalantar’s assassination, highlighting the dangers of political intrigue and the complexities of intertribal relationships in the region.

Conclusion:

Arnold Henry Savage Landor’s “Across Coveted Lands” is a testament to his adventurous spirit and offers a unique perspective on the social, political, and economic realities of Persia in the early 20th century. His vivid descriptions of the country’s diverse landscapes, its rich history, and the challenges of navigating a complex society filled with traditions, superstitions, and political intrigue make for a captivating read.

Landor’s journey provides valuable insights into the complex relationships between Persia, Britain, and Russia, emphasizing the importance of understanding cultural nuances and navigating competing geopolitical interests in a globalizing world. It highlights the need for strategic foresight, diplomatic tact, and a commitment to building genuine understanding and respect in establishing meaningful and lasting international connections.

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