Investigating the Reasons of Haji Hashem Khan Lonbani’s Insurgency (1239 to 1240 AH / 1823 to 1824 AD): A Ruffian or A Lumpen?

Abstract

In City of Isfahan during Qajar period, groups such as thugs, thieves, scoundrels, rebels, etc. launched some movements and caused chaos and disorder in the city for personal interests or the interests of other groups. One of the rebel persons was Haji Hashem Khan Lonbani, who gathered a group of people around himself, launched a revolt, and plunged the city of Isfahan in fear and anxiety. In 1240 AH, Fath Ali Shah entered the city with his division and suppressed the rebellion. The main purpose of this article is to determine the reason for the rebellion by Haji Hashem Khan and his belonging to rebel groups or ruffians, which is tried to be discussed and analyzed in historical ways, using descriptive-analytical method and information compliance based on available resources and references. Haji Hashem Khan Lonabani and his men seemed to belong to rogue and lower class of society who were motivated by greed in the property of others, pride, and revenge and abused deteriorating political conditions to launch a rebellion. If the ruffians were considered as descendants of Chivalries, it cannot be applied to Haji Hashem Khan Lonbani and his men. They should be considered among rogue opportunistic people.

Keywords

• Ruffian
• Lumpen
• Haji Hashem Khan
• Insurgency
• Fathali Shah Qajar