Question

In this line what does qawasim mean- the qawasim launched various attacks against their ships in the gulf

Answer 1

1) Qawasim is the name given by British to the coastal tribes of the Gulf and it is also the family name of the rulers of Ras al – Khaimah and Sharjah

2) Their power was based on regional trade built up by means of substantial merchant fleet and possession of ports on islands such as Qishm, Lingah etc