KERMAN, or Sergan, the capital of the above province, is situate at the western extremity of an extensive plain, and commanded by two old forts on the neighbouring hills, N. Lat. 29. 56., E. Long. 56. 25. It is surrounded by a mud wall and dry ditch, and is entered by four gates. It has a citadel, in which the governor resides, a well furnished bazaar, several large caravansaries, and numerous baths and mosques. Kerman was once the most important city in the empire, being the great centre of trade between the Persian Gulf and the countries to the N.E. and W. It has frequently suffered from hostile attacks, particularly in 1794, when it was taken by Aga Mahomet Khan, its walls and public buildings levelled to the ground, many of its inhabitants put to death, and 30,000 driven into exile. The rise of Bushire as a trading port has also taken away a great part of the trade of Kerman, which, however, is still considerable. It has also important manufactures of goats' and camels' hair shawls, carpets, and matchlocks. Pop. about 30,000.