Page 224 - A Hand book of Arabia Vol 1 (iii) Ch 6 -10

f WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 289

l
c. Weights used for precious metals, small valuables, raw silk,
and drugs :
l Kabbah = 3 grs. English.
1 Mithqal ‘Attiiri = 54 grs. J >
I Mithqal Shlrazi = 72 grs.
1}
1 Tolah = 120 grs. >)

The following are the measures in use :
For cotton and woollen goods and for measuring
masonry :
•*. *. 1 Dhra‘ = 181 inches.
• *
For beams and masts :
1 Calicut Candy = 10 cubic ft. 29 in.
For round rafters or spars :
1 Korjah = 1 score.
For boat ribs :
1 Gari = cartload of 40 pieces or more.
t

Recent History and Present Politics

The Sheikh of Ivoweit is now a mediatized ruler under British
protection, with the title of Sultan ; the history of his principality
has been summarized above (pp. 3S f.), but a few further details
with regard to his government may be conveniently added here.
The Sheikh’s rule is personal and autocratic, avoiding delegation of
authority to relatives or others likely to intrigue against him ; in
the past the heads of departments have been mostly chosen from
among slaves. In Koweit town it has been the usage for the ruler
to give audience for an hour or two each morning in the market­
place, and to decide cases by a direct judgement. Within the limits
of the town his authority is strictly enforced, but in country dis­
t
tricts, whore control is difficult, it is necessarily more tolerant.
The Bedouins are influenced by friendly treatment and by gifts ;
Mubarak married into the tribe of the Muteir. But here, as elsewhere,
;
■ . •*
the allegiance of the nomads is best ensured by their dependence
upon a town for so many objects indispensable to their daily life
(see p. 23).
Beyond the few men acting as bodyguard and town guard, the
Sheikh maintains the small posts to which some reference has been
already made (p. 39). One of these was kept permanently by
Mubarak in the desert near the Hasa frontier. At need, a levy can
be raised from the tribes subject to Koweit influence. In 1910 a
considerable force was sent against the Muntefiq with unfortunate
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