Afghanistan: 'Dost Mahomed Family', photograph by John Burke (1843-1900), c. 1879-1880

Dost Mohammad Khan (1793-1863) was Emir of Afghanistan and the founder of the Barakzai dynasty. Son of the chief of the Barakzai Tribe, Dost Mohammad served under the Durrani dynasty until his elder brother was assassinated by Mahmud Shah Durrani in 1818, the previous Emir of Afghanistan, whom they had just restored to the throne. This action incurred the enmity of the tribe, who overthrew Shah Durrani.

Mohammad Khan rose to power with the decline of the Durrani dynasty, first ruling from 1826 until he was overthrown by the British in 1839, at the start of the First Anglo-Afghan War. He was exiled to Musoorie, but returned to rule in 1842, after Shah Shuja Durrani, his replacement, was murdered. He eventually made peace with the British, and even invaded Persia in conjuction with the Empire in 1857. He died suddenly in 1863 after a great victory, leaving a significant legacy behind in the region.

Copyright:

Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

John Burke (1843-1900)

Credit:

Pictures From History