BUDUKSHAUN, a mountainous country, or rather range of mountains, in Asia, reaching northwards, from the great ridge of Hindoo Coosh to the source of the Oxus. It forms thus the western boundary of the territory of Kaushkaur. The whole range is covered with snow during the greater part of the year; but there is only one point of per-
petual snow, being that from which the Oxus and Kama take their rise. The territory is watered also by a considerable river, called the Koocha, which falls into the Oxus. The mountains contain many valuable mines of silver, iron, antimony, and lapis lazuli. Budukshaun is celebrated also for mines of rubies, situated on the lower hills, near the Oxus; but they are no longer wrought.
This country, from its inaccessible situation, has generally maintained its independence against any foreign power. The present chief, Sultaun Mahomed, is said to be absolute over his own subjects. He has a revenue of about L. 60,000, and maintains from 7000 to 10,000 men, armed with matchlocks, in the use of which the Budukshees are said to be peculiarly expert. The capital is Tyzabad, a considerable town situated on the river Koocha. (B.)