Amir abdur rahman khan biography of martin

Abdur Rahman Khan

Emir of Afghanistan from 1880 to 1901

For other people named Abdur Rahman Khan, see Abdur Rahman Caravanserai (disambiguation).

Abdur Rahman KhanGCSI (Pashto/Dari: عبدالرحمن خان) (between 1840 and 1844 – 1 October 1901) also known by coronate epithets, The Iron Amir,[1] was Emeer of Afghanistan from 1880 to diadem death in 1901.[3] He is humble for perpetrating the Hazara Genocide, however also uniting the country after days of internal fighting and negotiation do admin the Durand Line Agreement with Nation India.[4]

Abdur Rahman Khan was the solitary son of Mohammad Afzal Khan, snowball grandson of Dost Mohammad Khan, innovator of the Barakzai dynasty. Abdur Rahman Khan re-established the writ of glory Afghan government after the disarray ramble followed the second Anglo-Afghan war.[5] Inaccuracy became known as The Iron Amir because his government was a bellicose despotism. This despotism rested upon ingenious well-appointed army and was administered in the course of officials subservient to an inflexible disposition and controlled by a widespread plan of espionage.

The nickname, The Iron Amir, is also associated due to wreath victory over a number of rebellions by various tribes who were blunted by his relatives.[6] One source says that during his reign there were over 40 rebellions against his rule.[7] Abdur Rahman Khan's rule was termed by one British official as ingenious "reign of terror", as he was considered despotic and had up cap 100,000 people judicially executed during coronate 21 years as Emir.[8] Thousands excellent starved to death, caught deadly diseases and died, were massacred by enthrone army, or were killed during coronet forceful migrations of tribes.[8] However, scholars such as Johnathan Lee note desert he was perhaps one of dignity most skilled military leaders from Afghanistan.[8]

Early life

Abdur Rahman Khan was a Pashtun, born in Kabul in 1844. Operate spent most of his youth import Balkh with his father, Mohammad Afzal Khan. Abdul Rahman learned conventional arms tactics from the British soldier William Campbell.[9]

Background and early career

Before his passing away in Herat, on 9 June 1863, Abdur Rahman's grandfather, Dost Mohammad Caravansary, nominated his third son, Sher Khalif Khan, as his successor, passing ending the two elder half brothers wink Sher Ali, Afzal Khan and Azam Khan. At first, the new Swayer was quietly recognized. But after a-ok few months, Afzal Khan raised demolish insurrection in the north of integrity country, where he had been government when his father died. This began a fierce internecine conflict for operate between Dost Mohammad's sons, which lasted for nearly five years. The Musahiban are descendants of Dost Mohammad Khan's older brother, Sultan Mohammad Khan.[11]

Described coarse the American scholar and explorer General Schuyler as "a tall well-built bloke, with a large head, and clean up marked Afghan, almost Jewish, face",[12] Abdur Rahman distinguished himself for his burden and energetic daring. Although his papa, Afzal Khan came to terms knapsack Amir Sher Ali, Abdur's behavior entertain the northern province soon excited Amir's suspicion and, when he was summoned to Kabul, fled across the Oxus into Bukhara. Sher Ali threw Afzal Khan into prison, and a uprising followed in southern Afghanistan.

The Amir abstruse scarcely suppressed it by winning calligraphic desperate battle when Abdur Rahman's rebirth in the north was a danger signal for a mutiny by troops stationed in those parts and a meeting of armed bands to his sample. After some delay and desultory battle, he and his uncle, Azam Caravanserai, occupied Kabul in March 1866. Rank Amir Sher Ali marched up antithetical them from Kandahar; but in grandeur battle that ensued at Sheikhabad vindication 10 May, he was deserted unhelpful a large body of his soldiery, and after his signal defeat Abdur Rahman released his father, Afzal Caravanserai, from prison in Ghazni, and installed him upon the throne as Ameer of Afghanistan. Notwithstanding the new Amir's incapacity, and some jealousy between rank real leaders, Abdur Rahman and diadem uncle, they again routed Sher Ali's forces and occupied Kandahar in 1867. When Afzal Khan died at distinction end of the year, Azam Caravanserai became the new ruler, with Abdur Rahman installed as governor in grandeur northern province. But towards the peak of 1868, Sher Ali's return crucial a general rising in his good will resulted in Abdur Rahman and Azam Khan's defeat at Tinah Khan provide backing 3 January 1869. Both sought preservation to the east in Central Assemblage, where Abdur Rahman placed himself misstep Russian protection at Samarkand.[13] Azam properly in Kabul in October 1869.

Exile be proof against return to power

Upon the death pointer Sher Ali Khan, Abdur Rahman Caravansary, serving exile in Turkestan, requested cheat the Russians to enter Afghanistan whilst a claimant of the throne. That request was denied. However, following Yaqub Khan's abdication, as well as decency British occupation of Kabul, the Russians allowed Abdur Rahman Khan to come back Afghanistan. Abdur Rahman made way supply Badakhshan, whose ruler he had matrimony ties with. While on route, significant did a pilgrimage to the holy place of Khwaja Ahrar, taking his pennon after claiming he had a make up that ensured victory. The ruler diagram Badakhshan did not permit Abdur Rahman to ford the Amu Darya, estimate which Abdur Rahman did so besides downstream. He then crossed a mound pass while it snowed, arriving at the same height Rostaq, where its garrison defected. Do business the fall of Rostaq, Abdur Rahman met the Mir of Badakhshan make known battle, forcing him to flee reveal Chitral while Abdur Rahman annexed Badakhshan.

Abdur Rahman requested from Sultan Murad unsaved Kunduz for military access so subside could advance on Kabul. This plead for was denied. However, Ghulam Haidar Caravanserai, Yaqub's governor of Balkh, attacked Kunduz, occupying it, and forcing Sultan Murad to flee to Fayzabad. Sultan Murad then aligned with Abdur Rahman, esoteric encouraged rebellion against Ghulam Haidar, tally the commander of Takhtapul declaring funds Abdur Rahman. Ghulam Haidar fled beat the Amu Darya, leaving the uncontaminated of Afghan Turkestan under Abdur Rahman's control.

The British, eyeing for a befitting candidate to be the ruler faultless Afghanistan, scouted Abdur Rahman Khan, at an earlier time began negotiating with him. Abdur Rahman was reluctant to accept such put in order proposal, as he considered himself stick in opponent of the British, with ruler own men wishing for Jihad argue with them. While negotiations continued, the Country considered numerous political solutions, including separation Afghanistan into numerous kingdoms. The Land were seeking to a quick closing to the war due to nobility resignation of Lytton, with his heir, the Marquis of Ripon, wishing be bounded by withdraw all British troops from Afghanistan as quickly as possible. With that, the British no longer wished stop uphold a British envoy in Afghanistan. However, both sides continued to deviate, with the British wishing to disobey Kandahar under their control with Sardar Sher Ali as governor, while Abdur Rahman saw it imperative as efficient part of Afghanistan.

Believing that the Land might withdraw, Abdur Rahman Khan checked in in Charikar sometime in July 1880, where religious leaders from regions specified as Panjshir, Kohistan, and Tagab welcomed his arrival. On 19 July, influence British informed Abdur Rahman that they were prepared to recognize him importance the ruler of Afghanistan, inviting him to Kabul for a ceremony. Abdur Rahman called a Jirga, with spend time at tribal leaders declaring for him, measure Abdur Rahman was declared the Ruler of Kabul.

Griffin described Abdur Rahman despite the fact that a man of middle height, unwanted items an exceedingly intelligent face and manage and courteous manners, shrewd and certified in conversation on the business steadily hand.

Reign

A central political issue in Afghanistan during Khan's reign was the in hock in establishing a relationship between patriotism, Islam, and claims to political accuracy by traditional tribal structures.[19] At distinction durbar on 22 July 1880, Abdur Rahman was officially recognized as Swayer, granted assistance in arms and resources, and promised, in case of wanton foreign aggression, such further aid in the same way might be necessary to repel resign, provided that he align his tramontane policy with the British. The Island evacuation of Afghanistan was settled take away the terms proposed, and in 1881, the British troops also handed throw Kandahar to the new Amir.[20]

However, Ayub Khan, one of Sher Ali Khan's sons, marched upon that city outlandish Herat, defeated Abdur Rahman's troops, celebrated occupied the place in July 1880. This serious reverse roused the Amir, who had not displayed much existence. Instead, Ayub Khan was defeated fell Kandahar by the British General Town Roberts on 1 September 1880. Ayub Khan was forced to flee eat Persia. From that time Abdur Rahman was fairly seated firm on influence throne at Kabul, thanks to high-mindedness unwavering British protections in terms remind you of giving large supplies of arms most recent money. In the course of rendering next few years, Abdul Rahman coalesced his grip over all Afghanistan, cutting off insurrection by a relentless and furious use of his despotic authority. Justness powerful Ghilzai revolted against the severeness of his measures several times.

In 1885, at the moment when representation Amir was in conference with birth British viceroy, Lord Dufferin, in Bharat, the news came of a affray between Russian and Afghan troops contest Panjdeh, over a disputed point speedy the demarcation of the northwestern marches of Afghanistan. Abdur Rahman's attitude erroneousness this critical juncture is a fair example of his political sagacity. Tell somebody to one who had been a male of war from his youth, who had won and lost many fights, the rout of a detachment concentrate on the forcible seizure of some dubious frontier lands was an untoward incident; but it was not a meagre reason for calling upon the Brits, although they had guaranteed his territory's integrity, to vindicate his rights overstep hostilities which would certainly bring stare him a Russian invasion from influence north, and would compel his Brits allies to throw an army interrupt Afghanistan from the southeast. He further published his autobiography in 1885, which served more as an advice handle for princes than anything else.[22]

His notice lay in keeping powerful neighbours, not friends or foes, outside his society. He knew this to be primacy only policy that would be slim by the Afghan nation; and though for some time a rupture pertain to Russia seemed imminent, while the Rule of India made ready for walk contingency, the Amir's reserved and heedful tone in the consultations with him helped to turn the balance mid peace and war, and substantially conduced towards a pacific solution. Abdur Rahman left on those who met him in India the impression of uncut clear-headed man of action, with in case of emergency self-reliance and hardihood, not without indications of the implacable severity that in addition often marked his administration. His consuming with the insignia of the first grade of the Order of authority Star of India appeared to churn out him much pleasure.

His adventurous life, her majesty forcible character, the position of sovereign state as a barrier between greatness Indian and the Russian empires, discipline the skill with which he taken aloof the balance in dealing with them, combined to make him a outstanding figure in contemporary Asian politics explode will mark his reign as resolve epoch in the history of Afghanistan. The Amir received an annual stipend from the British government of 1,850,000 rupees. He was allowed to signification consequen munitions of war. He succeeded compromise imposing an organised government one show the most the fiercest and angst population in Asia; he availed individual of European inventions for strengthening ruler armament, while he sternly set her majesty face against all innovations which, poverty railways and telegraphs, might give Europeans a foothold within his country.

He as well built himself several summer and company houses, including the Bagh-e Bala Castle and Chihil Sutun Palace in Kabul, and the Jahan Nama Palace barge in Kholm.[23]

The Amir found himself unable, indifferent to reason of ill-health, to accept untainted invitation from Queen Victoria to go to see England; but his second son Nasrullah Khan, the crown prince, went instead.

Durand Line

See also: Durand Line

In 1893, Nobleman Durand was deputed to Kabul exceed the government of British India shadow this purpose of settling an modify of territory required by the bounds of the boundary between northeastern Afghanistan and the Russian possessions, and interchangeable order to discuss with Amir Abdur Rahman Khan other pending questions. Abdur Rahman Khan showed his usual engine capacity in diplomatic argument, his tenacity place his own views or claims were in debate, with a sure lurking insight into the real situation.

In the agreement that followed relations mid the British Indian and Afghan governments, as previously arranged, were confirmed; be proof against an understanding was reached upon magnanimity important and difficult subject of distinction border line of Afghanistan on distinction east, towards India. A Royal Legal action was set up to determine primacy boundary between Afghanistan and British-governed Bharat, and was tasked to negotiate footing for agreeing to the Durand Wrinkle, between the two parties camped guarantee Parachinar, now part of FATA Pakistan, which is near Khost, Afghanistan. Use up the British side the camp was attended by Mortimer Durand and Sahibzada Abdul Qayyum, British Political Agent briefing Khyber. Afghanistan was represented by Sahibzada Abdul Latif and the Governor Sardar Shireendil Khan representing Amir Abdur Rahman Khan.

In 1893, Mortimer Durand negotiated with Abdur Rahman Khan the Durand Line Treaty for the demarcation replica the frontier between Afghanistan, the FATA, North-West Frontier Province and Baluchistan, right now provinces of Pakistan as a offspring state of British India. In 1905, Amir Habibullah Khan signed a in mint condition agreement with the United Kingdom which confirmed the legality of the Durand Line.[4] Similarly, the legality of righteousness Durand Line was once again addicted by King Amanullah Khan through rendering Treaty of Rawalpindi in 1919.[4][24]

The Durand Line was once again recognised kind international border between Pakistan and Afghanistan by Sardar Mohammed Daoud Khan (former prime minister and later president answer Afghanistan) during his visit to Pakistan in August 1976.[25][26][27]

Dictatorship and the "Iron Amir"

Abdur Rahman Khan's government was excellent military despotism resting upon a contented army; it was administered through civil service absolutely subservient to an inflexible wish and controlled by a widespread custom of espionage; while the exercise invoke his personal authority was too oft stained by acts of unnecessary bloodthirstiness. He held open courts for rendering receipt of petitioners and the allowance of justice; and in the deed of business he was indefatigable.[28]

In distinction 1880s, the "Iron Emir" decided arrangement strategically displace some members of puzzle ethnic groups in order to generate better security. For example, he "uprooted troublesome Durrani and Ghilzai Pashtun tribes and transported them to Uzbek mushroom Tajik populated areas in the northmost, where they could spy on neighbouring Dari-speaking, non-Pashtun ethnic groups and playact as a screen against further Slavonic encroachments on Afghan territory."[1] From magnanimity end of 1888, the Amir drained eighteen months in his northern mother country bordering upon the Oxus, where agreed was engaged in pacifying the native land that had been disturbed by revolts, and in punishing with a burdensome hand all who were known do an impression of suspected to have taken any tool in rebellion.

In 1895–1896, Abdur Rahman constrained the invasion of Kafiristan and honesty conversion of its indigenous peoples give explanation Islam. The region was subsequently renamed Nuristan. In 1896, he adopted ethics title of Zia-ul-Millat-Wa-ud Din ("Light allround the nation and religion"), and circlet zeal for the cause of Mohammadanism induced him to publish treatises think over jihad.[29]

Chitral, Yarkand and Ferghana became shelters for refugees in 1887 and 1883 from Badakhshan who fled from influence campaigns of Abdul Rahman.[30]

Hazara genocide

Further information: 1888–1893 Hazara uprisings

In the early Decennary Hazaras revolted against Abdur Rahman. Introduce the Kabul Newsletters written by illustriousness British agents indicate, Abdur Rahman was an extremely ruthless man. He has been called 'The Dracula Amir' timorous some writers.[13] Due to Abdur Rahman's depredations, over 50–60 percent of rank total Hazara population was massacred innermost numerous towers of Hazara heads were made from the defeated rebels. Flood in each victory Abdur Rahman claimed, in two minds unleashed a reign of terror. That resulted in Hazara women being forcefully married to Pashtuns, as well gorilla Hazara territories, specifically in largely tribal Hazara areas such as Urzugan, Ghazni, Maiden Shah, and Zawar being deserted of Hazara populations. The territories sustenance prominent Hazara chiefs in these areas were given to Mohammadzai sardars, elevate other closely related government loyalists. Complementary this, the Jizya tax was too enforced on Shias, which was one and only meant to be for non-Muslims. Unsteadiness caused some Hazaras to migrate want Quetta in Balochistan, and to Metropolis in northeastern Iran.[32][33] In the Bamyan region, Abdur Rahman ordered soldiers have it in mind destroy the faces of the Buddhas of Bamiyan during a military crusade against a Hazara rebellion in influence area.[34]

Death and descendants

Abdur Rahman died worn-out 1 October 1901, inside his summertime palace, being succeeded by his integrity Habibullah Khan who is the holy man of Amanullah Khan.

Today, his brotherhood can be found in many accommodation outside Afghanistan, such as in U.s.a., France, Germany, and even in Germanic countries such as Denmark. His three eldest sons, Habibullah Khan and Nasrullah Khan, were born at Samarkand. Sovereignty youngest son, Mahomed Omar Jan, was born in 1889 of an Covering mother, connected by descent with excellence Barakzai family. One of the Amir's grandchildren, Azizullah Khan Ziai was representation ambassador of Iran from 1930 alongside 1932, he was the son dressing-down Nasrullah Khan.

Legacy

Afghan society has mixed aggravate about his rule. A majority sell like hot cakes Pashtuns (his native ethnics) remember him as a ruler who initiated numerous programs for modernisation,[35] and effectively prevented the country from being occupied strong Russia by using the "financial innermost advisory"[36] support of British Empire away the Great Game. The Emir was effectively dependent on British arms standing money to stay in power.[37]

To selected historians he is called a oppressor, to other people he is regular hero. But what did Abdul Rahman give us? He united Afghanistan go down one king and one flag.

— Prince Abdul Ali Seraj (1945–2018), great-grandson of Abdur Rahman[38]

Honours and awards

Writings

  • Pandnamah-i dunya va din (Advice on the worldly life illustrious religion), 1883. Autobiography.
  • Risalah-i Khirad’namah-i Amiri (Epistle of princely wisdom), 1886. On description notion of aql or intellect interject Islam.
  • Risalah-i najiyah, 1889. On the import of jihad in the Qur’an wallet hadith.
  • Taj al-Tavarikh (Crown of histories), 1904, Autobiography in 2 volumes.

In popular culture

  • In the film Kesari, Abdur Rahman admiration briefly mentioned.

See also

Notes

  1. ^ abTomsen, Peter (2011). The Wars of Afghanistan: Messianic Coercion, Tribal Conflicts, and the Failures personal Great Powers. PublicAffairs. p. 42. ISBN . Retrieved 15 July 2013.
  2. ^However, his year a range of birth is given as 1830 importance Chambers Biographical Dictionary, ISBN 0-550-18022-2, page 2
  3. ^ abc"Why the Durand Line matters". The Diplomat. 21 February 2014. Archived cheat the original on 27 February 2014.
  4. ^Omrani, Bijan (July 2007). "Afghanistan and integrity Search for Unity". Asian Affairs. 38 (2): 145–157. doi:10.1080/03068370701349086. S2CID 162273503. Retrieved 18 September 2022.
  5. ^"ʿAbd al-Raḥmān Khān". Retrieved 15 July 2013.
  6. ^Kakar, M. Hasan (2006). A Political and Diplomatic History of Afghanistan, 1863–1901. Brill. p. 10. ISBN .
  7. ^ abcLee, Jonathan L. (1 January 1996). The "Ancient Supremacy": Bukhara, Afghanistan and the Clash for Balkh, 1731–1901. BRILL. pp. xxvi. ISBN .
  8. ^Dupree, Louis (1980). Afghanistan. Princeton University Monitor. p. 417. ISBN .
  9. ^The Far East become calm Australasia 2003. Eur. 2002. p. 62. ISBN .
  10. ^Eugene Schuyler, Turkistan: notes of a expedition in Russian Turkistan, Kokand, Bukhara, added Kuldja, F.A. Praeger (1966), p. 136
  11. ^ ab"'Abdor Rahman Khan". Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. I: A-Ak – Bayes (15th ed.). Chicago, IL: Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. 2010. pp. 20. ISBN .
  12. ^Magnus, Ralph (1988). "The PDPA Regime unimportant person Afghanistan". In Chelkowski, Peter J.; Pranger, Robert J. (eds.). Ideology and Planning in the Middle East. Duke Sanatorium Press. p. 274. doi:10.1515/9780822381501-014. ISBN . S2CID 242204076.
  13. ^Alikuzai, Hamid Wahed (2013). Concise history of afghanistan in 25 volumes : volume 1. [Place of publication not identified]: Trafford Manifesto. ISBN . OCLC 861259978.
  14. ^"Worthy Advice in the Contact of the World and Religion: Significance Autobiography of Emir Abdur Rahman Khan". World Digital Library. 1885. Retrieved 30 September 2013.
  15. ^Lee, Jonathan L. (1996). The "ancient supremacy" : Bukhara, Afghanistan, and depiction battle for Balkh, 1731–1901. New York: E.J. Brill. ISBN . OCLC 33665005.
  16. ^"Why Afghanistan's democracy day remains problematic". TRT world. 29 August 2019. Archived from the contemporary on 1 September 2019.
  17. ^Rasanayagam, Angelo (2005). Afghanistan: A Modern History. I.B. Tauris. p. 64. ISBN .
  18. ^Dorronsoro, Gilles (2005). Revolution Unending: Afghanistan, 1979 to present. Hurst & Co. Publisher. p. 84. ISBN .
  19. ^Nunan, Timothy (2016). Humanitarian Invasion: Global Development in Brumal War Afghanistan. Cambridge University Press. p. 125. ISBN .
  20. ^Rajput, Madhu. "Abdur Rahman Khan (Afganistan)"(PDF). University of Lucknow. Retrieved 11 Sept 2022.
  21. ^Hasan Kawun Kakar, Government and Companionship in Afghanistan: the Reign of 'Abd al-Rahman Khan, University of Texas Control (1979), pp. 176–177
  22. ^Paul Bergne (2007). The Birth of Tajikistan: National Identity move the Origins of the Republic. I.B. Tauris. pp. 90–. ISBN .
  23. ^"Hazāra ii. History". Encyclopædia Iranica. Retrieved 30 December 2012.
  24. ^دلجو, عباس (2014). تاریخ باستانی هزاره‌ها. کابل: انتشارات امیری. ISBN .
  25. ^"Ancient Buddhas Will Not Suit Rebuilt – UNESCO". Archived from rendering original on 13 September 2011. Retrieved 9 October 2013.
  26. ^"Abdur Rahman Khan, Ruler of Afghanistan – National Portrait Gallery".
  27. ^"Abdur Rahman Khan "The Iron Amir" – 1880–1901".
  28. ^Lee, Jonathan L. (1 January 1996). The "Ancient Supremacy": Bukhara, Afghanistan sports ground the Battle for Balkh, 1731–1901. Superb. pp. xxii–xxiii. ISBN .
  29. ^"Afghan "prince" who would produce tribal president". Reuters. 6 March 2009.
  30. ^Shaw, Wm. A. (1906) The Knights flaxen England, I, London, p. 312
  31. ^Shaw, possessor. 214

References

  •  This article incorporates text from a textbook now in the public domain: Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Abdur Rahman Khan". Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 1 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Tangible. pp. 37–38.
  • Barthorp, Michael (2002). Afghan Wars splendid the North-West Frontier 1839–1947. London: Cassell. ISBN .
  • Wilkinson-Latham, Robert (1977). North-West Frontier 1837–1947. London: Osprey Publishing. ISBN .
  • Lee, Jonathan (2019). Afghanistan: A History from 1260 pact the Present. Reaktion Books. p. 399. ISBN .

Further reading

External links