CAUFIRISTAN, a mountainous country of Asia, situated partly upon the Hindu Koh, and partly upon the Beloer Taugh. It lies between Lat. 35. and 36., and Long. 69. 20., 71. 20. Its boundaries are Caubul, Budukshaun, and Bulkh. The name Caufiristan, signifying "land of infidelity," has been given to the country by the neighbouring Mussulmans, in consequence of the rejection of Mohammedanism by the inhabitants. These are called Siyah Posh or "black clad," from wearing black goatskin dresses. According to Elphinstone in his "Account of Caubul," the people "have no general name for their nation. Each tribe has a peculiar name, for they are all divided into tribes, though not according to genealogies but geographical position, each valley being held by a separate tribe." The country is drained by four considerable rivers, the Kama, the Alingar, the Alishang, and the Tagoa, which are reported to rise in the Hindu Koh, and which, holding a course generally to the S.W., pass into Afghanistan, and fall into the river of Caubul. Each river flows down a great valley inclosed on each side, S.E. and N.W., by lofty mountains, having in various places summits covered with perpetual snow, and furrowed by numerous valleys of inferior size to that through which the river takes its course. So steep are the slopes of the mountains, that in the villages which are always built on the declivities, probably from regard to purposes of defence, the houses are reared several stories high, with their backs against the precipice behind, in such a manner that the roots of one row form the street for the one immediately above it. In person the Siyah Posh are strongly marked specimens of what is called the Caucasian variety of the human race; and in their fine figures, fair complexions, and regular features, bear a strong resemblance to the Circassians. They acknowledge a supreme deity, whom they call Imra; but they also worship numerous idols, which they say represent great men of former days, who intercede with the deity in favour of their worshippers. They venerate stone posts resembling lingas, and make offerings by throwing flour, butter, and water on them; and also sacrifice various animals, burning part of the flesh as an offering, and feasting on the rest. The Caufirs are a very martial race, being engaged in incessant warfare with their Mohammedan oppressors, by whom they are surrounded. They bear shields for defence; and for offensive arms, swords, spears, knives, and bows and arrows. Of late years they have begun to provide themselves with matchlocks purchased from the Afghans. Though readily admitted to quarter by the Mohammedans, in consequence of their marketable value as captives, they seldom spare the life of an enemy at their mercy. On the return of a party from an expedition, those who have slain Mohammedans are presented by the maidens with dried fruits; while those who failed in attaining this distinction are pelted with ashes. The female relatives of those who have slain Mohammedans are allowed the exclusive use of certain honorary distinctions in dress. The Siyah Posh have never been conquered. Tamerlane, who subdued so many kingdoms and empires and overcame all other resistance, from the Hellepsont to Central India and from Syria to Moscow, retired baffled from his attempt to subjugate Caufiristan. About seventy years ago the adjoining Mohammedan powers confederated for the purpose of waging a religious war, and forcing this people to embrace Islamism. The Khan of Budukshaun, the chief of Kooner, of Bajour, and of several of the Eusurzai tribes, by simultaneous marches met in the heart of Caufiristan; but, unable to keep their ground, were forced to evacuate the country after suffering considerable loss.

The Caufirs are hospitable in the extreme. A stranger arriving at one of their villages is not only welcomed, but is expected to visit each of the principal men, where he is regaled with every dainty which the house can afford. Their wealth consists of cattle and slaves. The government is chiefly conducted by consultations among the rich men. Their dress consists principally of goats' skins with the hair turned outwards, two of which form a vest, and other two a kind of petticoat. They are less addicted to hunting than the Afghans. The favourite amusement is dancing, of which they never tire. They cannot accommodate themselves to the Asiatic practice of seating themselves cross-legged on the ground, but sit in the European manner on benches and stools. They also use tables, and drink wine copiously, though not to intoxication, out of silver cups. These European habits have given rise to the hypothesis of their being a Greek colony, left during the expedition of Alexander. They are themselves fond of claiming affinity with the Feringis or Europeans; and on the recent invasion of Afghanistan by the British, sent a mission to express their gratification at the arrival of so many brethren. The two chief towns, or rather villages, of the Caufirs, are Caumdaish and Tsokooce. The former contains five hundred houses.