_s._ _d._ Every camel-load 36 jindeks = 12 2 Every ⎧pony⎫ load 27 ” = 8 10 ⎩mule⎭ Every donkey-load 6 ” = 2 0 Goods were exported from Afghanistan free from customs duties, but all trade entering the country was charged as follows: _Territory._ _Nominal duty._ _Duty exacted._ Herat 5 per cent. 9 per cent. Kandahar 2½ ” 10 ” Kabul 2½ ” 5 ” [Illustration: ABDUR RAHMAN’S MEMORIAL TO THE SOLDIERS WHO FELL IN THE WAR OF 1878-1880] Under Abdur Rahman some little relief from the oppressive and arbitrary payments, which were extorted alike from the unfortunate merchant and the luckless cultivator, was secured; and, as he instilled a measure of reform into the practices of government, certain sources of taxation were dropped and the burden resting upon industry and agriculture proportionately lightened. The principal means of income to the State now emanated from taxes which were levied upon cultivated lands and fruit-trees, export and import trade, customs, registration and postage fees (contracts, passport fees, marriage settlements, etc.), penalties under law, revenue from Government lands and shops, Government monopolies and manufactures, mines and minerals (salt, rubies, gold, lapis lazuli, coal) and the annual subsidy of eighteen lakhs of rupees--these several branches of the State revenue gradually defining the limits of its present prosperity, which has been somewhat further assisted by the benevolent, economic policy of the present Amir. Abuses in the collection of octroi have been remedied, certain taxes abolished, many mines developed, while to give an impetus to trade in Afghanistan, Habib Ullah has announced that, in future, traders may receive advances from the Kabul Treasury on proper security. This concession is greatly appreciated by the commercial community, as it will enable them to escape the payment of interest to the Hindu bankers from whom they have been in the habit of borrowing. Moreover, it is expected that if full effect is given to the Amir’s wishes trade between India and Afghanistan will soon improve. The loans will be repayable by easy instalments, this novel scheme establishing a very important departure. [31] “The Life of Amir Abdur Rahman.” Sultan Mahomed Khan. [32] “Laws and Constitution of Afghanistan.” Sultan Mahomed Khan. [33] 1 jindek = 4_d._; 3 jindeks = 1 rupee Kandahar; 2 rupees Kandahar = 1 Kabul rupee; 1 Kabul rupee = 2_s._ [Illustration: CARAVAN OF WOOL AND COTTON] CHAPTER XII TRADE: INDUSTRIES AND PRODUCTS