CHAPTER IV

PRIEST AND PEASANT—FOREIGNERS IN THE " FORBIDDEN
LAND "—IN THE HEART OF " BLASTED KABUL "—THE

BIRTH OF A NATION ?

t II 1HEN there began a long and dire struggle with

II the mullahs.

-*•- Amanullah's early experience of them as his
mentors will be remembered. Up to now, it has only
been hinted that in his introspective moments he had
found much to blame in the power invested in this
"ring of the Church.'5 As time went on, and the
mullahs found themselves more and more subjugated
to his rule, it was evident that the basic differences
would be sufficient to cause a real tussle between
Church and State.

The mullahs had traditions behind them. They were
backed by the inherent superstition and religion of the
Afghan. They were supported by the pride of the
Afghan in his Biblical history. And they had always
been able to call upon the great mass of the people in
the event of opposition, by appealing to the strong
religious sentiments which animated their childlike
and simple minds.

They had taken care to cement the hold they had
gained on the minds of the people. By every device of
mystery and spiritual bluff, they emphasised that the
mullah was triumphant over his poor, sinning flock.
They recruited in their aid the folk-lore and fairy tales
that still lived in the age-old hills. They used their
persuasive powers cleverly, and there could be found

62