Andkhui

Andkhui, a town and khanate in Afghan Turkestan. The town stands between the northern spurs of the Paropamisus and the Amu Daria (Oxus); it is due west of Balkh and on the edge of the desert. Down to the year 1840, it was subject to Bokhara. In that year, Mohammed Khan besieged it for four months, took it by storm, and left it a heap of ruins. To preserve himself from utter destruction, the khan threw himself into the arms of the Afghans. The tract in which it stands is fertile, but the place is proverbially unhealthy; the Persians account it 'a hell upon earth,' by reason of its scorching sands, brackish water, flies, and scorpions. The population is estimated at 15,000, consisting principally of Turkomans, with a mixture of Uzbegs and a few Tajiks. The khanate, though controlled by Kabul, has preserved some measure of independence.