History of Ancient Pakistan Durrani Empire (c. 1747–1826 CE)

Durrani Empire (c. 1747–1826 CE)

The Durrani Empire, also known as the Afghan Empire or Sadozai Kingdom, was established by Ahmad Shah Durrani in 1747. This Afghan empire extended its rule over Central Asia, the Iranian plateau, and the Indian Subcontinent, encompassing present-day Afghanistan, Pakistan, parts of Iran, Turkmenistan, and northwestern India. Regarded as one of the most significant Islamic Empires of the 18th century alongside the Ottoman Empire, its peak influence was marked by Ahmad’s strategic victories.

Ahmad, the son of Muhammad Zaman Khan, secured Afghanistan after the death of Nader Shah Afshar in 1747. He expanded the empire’s influence by taking key cities and changing his tribal name from Abdali to Durrani upon ascending the throne. The Mughal Empire ceded northwestern India to the Afghans in 1749, and Ahmad further solidified his rule by asserting control over Mashhad and territories north of the Hindu Kush.

Under Ahmad’s leadership, the Durrani Empire conducted multiple invasions of India, subjugating regions like Kashmir and Punjab. In 1757, Ahmad sacked Delhi, allowing Mughal emperor Alamgir II nominal control over territories south of the Indus River until the Sutlej River. Ahmad’s death in 1772 marked a transition to his son Timur Shah Durrani, who moved the capital to Kabul.

The empire faced territorial losses in the early 19th century, eventually leading to the deposition of the Durrani dynasty by Dost Muhammad Khan and the Barakzai dynasty. This event resulted in the establishment of the Emirate of Afghanistan, with the Durrani Empire being recognized as the foundational polity of modern Afghanistan, and Ahmad Shah Durrani credited as its Father of the Nation.

Rulers of Durrani Empire

Here’s a more detailed overview of the rulers of Durrani Empire:

1. Ahmad Shah Durrani (1747–1772):
   • Ahmad Shah, also known as Ahmad Shah Baba, was the founder of the Durrani Empire. He ascended to the throne in 1747 after the Battle of Panipat and established the empire, which encompassed parts of modern-day Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, and northern India. His reign was marked by efforts to consolidate power and maintain stability in the region.
2. Humayun Mirza (1772):
   • Humayun Mirza briefly ruled in 1772, but his reign was disputed with Timur Shah, leading to a power struggle.
3. Timur Shah Durrani (1772–1793):
   • Timur Shah succeeded his father Ahmad Shah and faced challenges in maintaining the empire’s unity. His reign saw internal conflicts and external pressures from neighboring powers.
4. Zaman Shah Durrani (1793–1801):
   • Zaman Shah, another son of Ahmad Shah, faced internal strife and external threats. His rule was marked by struggles with his brothers for control over the empire.
5. Mahmud Shah Durrani (1801–1803 and 1809–1818):
   • Mahmud Shah had two separate reigns, the first from 1801 to 1803 and the second from 1809 to 1818. His rule witnessed power struggles and disputes, including challenges from within the royal family.
6. Shujah Shah Durrani (1803–1809):
   • Shujah Shah, another son of Timur Shah, ruled during Mahmud Shah’s absence. His reign faced internal challenges and external interference, especially from the British.
7. Abbas Mirza Durrani (1810–1810):
   • Abbas Mirza’s brief reign in 1810 was disputed, indicating ongoing political instability and rivalries within the Durrani Empire.
8. Ali Shah Durrani (1818–1819):
   • Ali Shah ruled for a short period from 1818 to 1819. His reign was marked by internal conflicts and power struggles.
9. Ayub Shah Durrani (1819–1823):
   • Ayub Shah succeeded Ali Shah and ruled from 1819 to 1823, facing continued internal strife and external pressures.
10. Shujah Shah Durrani (1839–1842):
    • Shujah Shah was reinstated in 1839 with British support but faced resistance from local leaders. His rule lasted until 1842 when he was deposed, marking the decline of the Durrani Empire.

Throughout this period, the Durrani Empire faced challenges such as internal dissent, tribal rivalries, and external pressures from neighboring powers, including the British and the Russians. These factors contributed to the eventual fragmentation and decline of the empire.