The Function of Local Tribes in the Qajar Army, Relying on the Biranvand Tribe in Lorestan

The Qajar kings established local armies in different parts of the country, such as Lorestan, Azerbaijan, Kurdistan, etc., which were under the supervision of tribal chiefs; they used their military and law enforcement power. By acquiring the apparent citizenship of these armies, the Qajars used them in foreign wars and to create security in the areas under their influence. In Lorestan, for example, Delfan, Silakhor, Amrayi and Biranvand armies were formed. Among the local forces, Biranvand Regiment has a special place; According to court and local sources, whenever this tribe was subordinated to the central government, it had a useful function in Lorestan and in foreign wars such as the Herat war during the time of the two Qajar kings. On the other hand, with the disappearance of the influence of the central government, this regiment became disorganized and rebellious. The formation of the Biranvand Regiment played an important role in the degree of citizenship of the chiefs of this tribe against the central Qajar government. The findings of this study indicate that the presence of the head of Biranvand Regiment in creating security in Lorestan and Khuzestan, showed its positive role in the policy of the central government and its disobedience caused insecurity in these areas.