Character · The Shahnameh · Volumes I, II, III

Khan of Chinخاقان چین

khah-GHAHN

The title of the ruler of Chin and the Turks; in the Kayanian age an ally of Afrasiab, under the Sasanians by turns a foe and an ally of the Shahs.

In the poem: First at B13.18, Afrasiab Sends Aid to Piran; last at E10.5, Yazdegard Withdraws to Khorasan
Named: 27 times, in 24 sections
Main stories: B14 The Great Battle with the Khan of Chin (9); E1 The Story of Mahbud and Other Matters (5); B13 Mount Hamavan and the Kamus Campaign (4)

In the poem’s own words

The 8 sections that name Khan of Chin most often, with the summary from the Notes and the couplets that name Khan of Chin. Tap a couplet number to read it in the full poem.

B13.18

Afrasiab Sends Aid to Piran

A messenger announces that Afrasiab has sent a vast allied army: the Khan of Chin, Manshur, Kamus of Kashan and kings from Kashmir to the Slav lands. Piran rejoices and boasts that he will lay waste all Iran.

B13.18.10
First comes the Khan of Chin with crown and throne,The earth his seat, the sky his crown, his own.

Khan of Chin named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes

B13.22

The Khan Surveys the Iranian Army

The Khan rides out on his elephants to view the Iranians and admires their courage, rebuking Piran for belittling them. Piran proposes resting and fighting in relays, but Kamus demands an all-out attack and the invasion of Iran, and the Khan agrees.

B13.22.2
The Khan of Chin called Turan’s chieftains near,And spoke to wise Piran for all to hear:

Khan of Chin named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes

B13.30

Iran and Turan Prepare for Battle

The allied kings hold a war council by night and resolve on an all-out attack, the Khan refusing further delay. Rostam encourages the Iranians, promises spoils, and arms himself in mail, jowshan, Babr-e Bayan and helmet before mounting Rakhsh.

B13.30.12
The Khan of Chin exclaimed: “No more delay;We must not linger as we did yesterday.

Khan of Chin named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes

B13.31

Kamus Slays Alva

The armies deploy, and Kamus rides out with his ox-headed gorz to challenge ‘the footman’. No Iranian chief will face him. Only Alva, Rostam’s spear-bearer, rides out, and Kamus unseats him with one thrust and tramples him to death.

B13.31.5
The Khan of Chin stood center; sky was furled,And hoofbeats shook the darkened, trembling world.

Khan of Chin named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes

B14.3

Houman Bears the Khan’s Message

Houman, in disguise, asks Rostam his name. Rostam will not give it, but names his terms: the surrender of all who are guilty of Siavash’s blood, from Garsivaz to the sons of Viseh. Shaken, Houman gives a false name and learns that Rostam wants to see Piran.

B14.3.60
Before Manshur, the Khan of Chin, and allTuranian warriors gathered at his call.”

Khan of Chin named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes

B14.6

Turan’s Counsel before Battle

Piran warns his kinsmen and the Khan that Rostam has come for vengeance, while the kin of Kamus and Chingish swear to burn Sistan. Shangul, king of Hind, mocks the fear of ‘one Sagzi’ and promises to lead the attack. Houman foresees disaster.

B14.6.84
The nobles and the Khan of Chin acclaimedThe king of Hind whose fiery courage flamed.

Khan of Chin named 1 time here · read the section in the full poem · notes

B14.11

Rostam Puts Shangul to Flight

Shangul challenges ‘the Sagzi’. Rostam, stung, unhorses him with one spear-thrust, but his men carry him off unhurt. Shangul warns that no one can face Rostam alone, so the Khan orders a mass attack, and Rostam cuts through Chin’s left wing. Piran fears Afrasiab’s anger.

B14.11.17
With careworn face, he wept in grief and pain,And sought the Khan of Chin across the plain.
B14.11.23
“Surround him; close upon him, every side,And take his life,” the Khan of Chin then cried.
B14.11.37
Then Piran told the Khan of Chin that day,“Rostam is a raging lion in the fray.

Khan of Chin named 3 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

E1.5

Anooshirvan Marches against the Khan

The Shah’s council urges caution: the Heytalians deserve their ruin for Pirooz’s blood, but Rum may strike while the Shah is in the east. He rebukes them for growing soft on banquets, and at the new moon leads the army out of Madain toward Gorgan.

E1.5.2
He heard how Khan of Chin had won the fight,And broken all the Heytalians’ might.
E1.5.11
I hear what Khan of Chin has lately done,With Turan’s marzbans gathered into one.

Khan of Chin named 2 times here · read the section in the full poem · notes

All 24 sections that name Khan of Chin