Durrani Empire

The Durrani Empire, also known as the Sadozai Kingdom or colloquially the Kingdom of Afghanistan, was a Pashtun empire founded in 1747 by Ahmad Shah Durrani.[5] The empire spanned parts of Central Asia, the Iranian plateau, and the Indian subcontinent.[5]

Foundation by Ahmad Shah Abdali

The empire was established by Ahmad Shah Durrani, also known as Ahmad Shah Abdali, who declared his rule in 1747.[6] The dynasty belonged to the Durrani tribe, a branch of the Sadozai clan.[5] As the founder, Ahmad Shah Durrani is often cited as the first ruler of the sovereign state.[9]

Succession and internal conflicts

The lineage of rulers included Timur Shah Durrani, Mahmud Durrani Shah, Shuja Shah Durrani, and Ali Shah Durrani.[4][7] The transition of power was frequently marked by internal strife, most notably the fratricidal wars that preceded the reign of Shuja Shah Durrani in 1803.[8]

Decline and dissolution

The decline of the empire is closely associated with the turbulent reigns of Shuja Shah Durrani. He ruled first from 1803 to 1809 before being deposed and forced into exile.[2][8] He returned to power in 1839 with British support, an alliance that triggered the First Anglo-Afghan War.[1][2] Shuja's second reign ended in 1842 when he died in Kabul.[2][3] Following his death, the empire's authority fractured, leading to a period of instability and the eventual rise of local leaders such as Dost Muhammad Khan.[2][3]

Sources

  1. شاه شجاع درانی - ویکی‌پدیا، دانشنامهٔ آزاد
  2. Shuja Shah Durrani - Wikipedia
  3. شجاع شاه الدراني - ويكيبيديا
  4. Shah Shujah Durrani - Wikidata
  5. Durrani Empire - Wikipedia
  6. درانی - ویکی‌پدیا، دانشنامهٔ آزاد
  7. شجاع درانی شاه - ویکی‌پدیا
  8. Shāh Shojāʿ | Afghan Ruler, Reformer & Warrior | Britannica
  9. احمدشاه درانی - ویکی‌پدیا، دانشنامهٔ آزاد