nadir shah and the afghans, 1732–47Instead, Rasul set up camp outside Andkhui, more than likely in the shrine
of Shah-i Mardan, where crowds flocked to him as stories of miraculous
cures spread. When the governor demanded Rasul give proof of his powers
in the presence of local religious and secular dignitaries, he proceeded to
perform a series of wonders that persuaded his inquisitors of his genuine-
ness. Even the governor was convinced and showered him with gifts. Soon
his followers were referring to Rasul as hazrat ishan, a title accorded to
Andkhui’s most revered saint, Baba Sangu, or Baba Wali, the darwish who
had been rewarded by Amir Timur Lang for having predicted the success
of one of his military expeditions. 10
As Rasul’s fame spread, the mutawalli, or chief administrator of the
shrine of Shah-i Mardan in Mazar-i Sharif, invited him to take up residence
in the sacred precinct. Situated some 10 kilometres (6 mi.) west of Balkh,
Shah-i Mardan was, and still is, the most important cult centre in northern
A peripatetic malang,
or dervish, relates
the story of the
martyrdom of Hazrat
‘Ali to a captive
audience during the
New Year celebrations
at Mazar-i Sharif.