or BALK, a kingdom of central Asia, situated on the northern declivity of the immense chain of mountains, commonly called Hindoo Coosh, which separates it from Caubul. It forms thus the intermediate state between that kingdom and Bukhara. Some of its valleys, particularly along the Oxus, are lower, and suffer more from heat, than those of Caubul, on the southern side of the chain. This country was conquered, at the commencement of the sixteenth century, along with Bukhara, by the Uzbeks, who have ever since continued the ruling people. Bulkh was conquered by Nadir Shah; and, notwithstanding several revolutions, has since generally continued in a state of nominal subjection to Caubul. Kilieh Ally, however, an Uzbek prince, exercises at present an authority almost independent.

The king of Caubul does not even draw any tribute from Bulkh; he is content if it serve as a barrier against the northern Uzbek tribes.

The country is chiefly divided into three large provinces,—Bulkh Proper, Khooolloora, and Koondooz. Its government and manners being those common to the Uzbek tribes, have been described under the head of BUKHARA. Kilieh Ally maintains an army of 12,000 horse; after paying the expence of which, he has a clear revenue of a lack and a half of rupees (about L. 19,000). He is much beloved by his subjects, and affords such effectual protection to trade, that his praises are celebrated by all the caravans which traverse this part of Asia. He seats himself daily in his public apartment, on a carpet, without pillows or cushions. Those of his visitors whom he wishes to honour, are seated by him on the same carpet; while others must be contented with the bare floor. He superintends in person every department of the administration, executes justice with strictness, and is particularly attentive to the regulation of the bazar, or public market.

Bulkh is the ancient Bactria, which, for wealth and power, held a high pre-eminence among the kingdoms of central Asia. The capital was known under the name of Bactra, and seems to have been the grand emporium for the commerce of this part of the world. The Asiatics are impressed with the deepest veneration for its antiquity, and call it commonly "the mother of cities." Immense ruins still attest its ancient grandeur; but the modern Bulkh merely occupies a corner of the circuit enclosed by the ancient walls. The country round, however, is level and fertile, contains a great number of villages, and is watered by artificial canals. Tausk Koorghaun, the capital of Khooolloom, contains 8000 houses, and the capital of Koondooz still exceeds it in magnitude.

(B.)