Emergence of Afgan Power | History Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

Introduction

Introduction to the Durrani Empire:

• The Durrani Empire, also known as the Afghan Empire, was established by Ahmad Shah Durrani in 1747. At its peak, it encompassed modern-day Afghanistan, Pakistan, parts of Iran, Turkmenistan, and India.

Establishment of the Empire:

• In 1747, a grand council near Kandahar marked the emergence of the Afghan political entity independent from Persian and Mughal influences with Ahmad Shah Durrani as its leader.

Invasions and Expansion:
Ahmad Shah Durrani led seven invasions into the Mughal Empire from 1748 to 1767.

• His first invasion in December 1747 saw him cross the Khyber Pass with 40,000 troops, occupying Peshawar.
• In 1748, he crossed the Indus River, sacking Lahore and expanding his territories.
• By 1749, the Mughal ruler ceded Sindh and Punjab to Durrani to protect his capital.

Siege of Herat and Iranian Campaign:

• In 1750, Durrani captured Herat after a year-long siege, pushing into present-day Iran and capturing Nishapur and Mashhad in 1751.
• His fourth invasion consolidated control over Kashmir and Punjab, with Lahore under Afghan governance.

Treaty and Maratha Expansion:

• In 1751-52, the Ahamdiya treaty was signed between the Marathas and Mughals, limiting Mughal control to Delhi.
• Ahmad Shah sacked Delhi in 1757 but allowed the Mughal dynasty to retain nominal control.

Conflict with the Marathas:

• To counter Afghan influence, Peshwa Balaji Bajirao sent Raghunathrao to oust Timur Shah from India.
• In response, Ahmad Shah returned to India, leading to the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761.

Decline and Legacy:

• Despite the victory at Panipat, the Durrani Empire began to unravel after Ahmad Shah’s death in 1773.
• He was recognized as Ahmad Shah Baba, the “Father” of Afghanistan, for his efforts in balancing tribal alliances.
• His successors governed poorly, leading to civil war and the disintegration of the empire within fifty years.

Afghan kingdoms In India

1. Small Afghan Kingdoms in North India: Following the decline of the Mughal Empire, several small Afghan kingdoms emerged in northern India.
2. Afghan Migration: These new states were a result of Afghan migration that began in the 17th century and increased significantly in the mid-18th century due to political instability and economic difficulties in Afghanistan.
3. Kingdom of Rohilkhand:- The disintegration of authority in northern India after Nadir Shah's invasion allowed Afghan leader Ali Muhammad Khan to establish the Kingdom of Rohilkhand in the foothills of the Himalayas.
4. Weak Influence:- Despite its establishment, Rohilkhand struggled to gain influence and faced constant threats from neighboring powers such as the Marathas, Jats, Awadh, and later the British.
5. Kingdoms of Farukhabad:- To the east of Delhi, around Farukhabad, another Afghan kingdom was founded by Ahmad Khan Bangash.
6. Decline of Power:- Both the Rohillas and Bangash supported Ahmad Shah Abdali during the Third Battle of Panipat, but their power waned rapidly after Abdali withdrew from India, leaving Najib-ud-daula in charge of Delhi.