The Glorious Reign of the Durrani Empire: Conquering Lands and Uniting Pashtun Peoples.

5 min readMar 26, 2023

The Glorious Reign of the Durrani Empire:

The Durrani Empire was a state that existed from 1747 to 1842. It was founded by Ahmad Shah Durrani, a Pashtun warrior who united several Afghan tribes and created a powerful empire in South Asia. The empire was known as the largest and powerful Muslim empire after Ottoman Empire, stretching from eastern Iran to northern India and from the Amu Darya to the Arabian Sea.

Map of the Durrani Empire at its peak.

The Rise of the Durrani Empire:

Ahmad Shah Durrani was born in 1722 in Multan, now in present-day Pakistan. He was a member of the Abdali clan of the Pashtun tribe, and his family had a long tradition of military leadership. In 1738, he joined the army of Nader Shah, the ruler of Persia, and fought in his campaigns in India. Popular history has it that the Shah could see the talent in his young commander. Later on, according to Pashtun legend, it is said that in Delhi Nader Shah summoned Durrani, and said, “Come forward Ahmad Abdali. Remember Ahmad Khan Abdali, that after me the Kingship will pass on to you’’.

Coronation of Ahmad Shah Durr-i-Durrān by Abdali chiefs in Loya Jirga at Kandahar in 1747.

Under the Reign of Ahmad Shah:

When Nader Shah was assassinated in 1747, Ahmad Shah was appointed as King of the Afghans by a loya jirga in Kandahar, where he set up his capital with the support of the Pashtun tribes. After becoming the King of the Afghan nation, he defeated the Mughal Empire in the Battle of Panipat, near Delhi, and established his own kingdom, which he called the Durrani Empire. He then expanded his empire by conquering Punjab, Kashmir, and parts of Iran and Central Asia. He also waged several successful campaigns against the Marathas, who had established a powerful Hindu empire in northern India.

Flag of The Durrani Empire

Early Victories of the Durrani Empire:

Ahmad Shah invaded the remnants of the Mughal Empire a third time, and then a fourth, consolidating control over the Kashmir and Punjab regions, with Lahore being governed by Afghans. He sacked Delhi in 1757 but permitted the Mughal dynasty to remain in nominal control of the city as long as the ruler acknowledged Ahmad Shah’s suzerainty over Punjab, Sindh, and Kashmir. Leaving his second son Timur Shah to safeguard his interests, Ahmad Shah left India to return to Afghanistan.

The Durrani Empire was at its peak under the reign of Ahmad Shah. He ruled for 37 years, and during this time, the empire became a center of trade and culture, and it was a hub for merchants and travelers. Ahmad Shah was a patron of the arts and literature, and he encouraged the growth of the Pashto language literature and art.

Other Durrani rulers in the Empire:

A few months before his death, Ahmad Shah summoned Timur Shah from Herat and publicly declared him heir to the Durrani Empire. Ahmad Shah made this decision without consulting with his tribal council, as a result the authority of the Durrani Emperor was put into question and created a growing rift that would toil the Durrani empire for years to come, as the tribal council had in majority, supported Ahmad Shah’s eldest son and Timur Shah’s brother, Sulaiman, the governor of Kandahar. After Ahmad Shah Durrani’s death, he fought his brother Humayun Mirza for the throne, with Humayun supported by Shah Wali Khan. Shah Wali was killed by Timur Shah as he attempted to ride into his camp and beg for peace and mercy. Timur Shah then marched to Kandahar, forcing Humayun to either flee or stay as a devout supporter for Timur Shah.

Fall of the Durrani Empire:

After the death of Ahmad Shah, the Durrani Empire began to decline. His successors were not as capable as he was, and they were unable to maintain the unity of the empire. The empire was divided into smaller states, and rivalries emerged among the ruling elites.

In the early 19th century, the Durrani Empire faced several challenges. The British Empire was expanding its territory in India, and it began to encroach on the Durrani Empire’s borders. The Sikhs, a powerful military force in the Punjab region, also posed a threat to the empire. The Durrani Empire was weakened by internal conflicts, and it was unable to resist the external pressures.

In 1839, the British invaded Afghanistan and installed a puppet ruler, Shah Shuja. This led to a series of conflicts between the British and the local tribes. The British were eventually forced to withdraw from Afghanistan, but the country was left in a state of chaos.

Disclaimer:

The above article is intended to provide information about historical events, people, and concepts. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and impartiality, it is important to note that history is often subject to interpretation and revision. Views and opinions expressed in this article may not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of all individuals or groups associated with the events and topics discussed. Please use your own judgement and discretion when reading and interpreting historical information, and consult multiple sources for a comprehensive understanding.