Abdur Rahman Khan becomes Emir of Afghanistan (1880)

Abdur Rahman Khan, a Barakzai rival of Sher Ali, was recognized as Amir at a durbar in Kabul on 22 July 1880. He received British arms and money in exchange for aligning his foreign policy. His authority was contested by Ayub Khan's capture of Kandahar, which was later retaken by British forces.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. Abdur Rahman Khan, known as the Iron Emir, was a Barakzai rival of Sher Ali Khan. Following the Second Anglo-Afghan War, the British considered installing him as Amir. The exiled Afzalids who had fled to Samarkand under his authority had been given asylum by the Russian government, raising British worries about a future pro-Russian claimant to the Afghan throne.

Accession. Believing the British might withdraw, Abdur Rahman arrived in Charikar in July 1880, welcomed by religious leaders. At a durbar on 22 July 1880, he was officially recognized as Amir. He was granted assistance in arms and money, provided he aligned his foreign policy with the British.

Contested Authority. Ayub Khan, a son of Sher Ali, marched from Herat and defeated Abdur Rahman's troops, occupying Kandahar in July 1880. This challenge to the new Amir's authority was resolved when British General Frederick Roberts defeated Ayub Khan in Kandahar on 1 September 1880.

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Sources

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