SOAS Research Online

Abstract

The subject of this thesis is the establishment and consolidation of the power of Amir 'Abd al-Rahman in Afghanistan between 1880 and 1896.;'Abd al-Rahman reappeared in Afghanistan from exile in Russian Turkistan at a critical time when the British were considering how to establish a government satisfactory to their interest, in Kabul. 'Abd al-Rahman showed skill in obtaining both the support of anti-British groups (who were committed to the former ruling family) and the British themselves. At first, he obtained only the reduced state of Kabul, the British being determined to retain control of the province of Kandahar. Later, following the defeat of their army in Kandahar, the British reversed their former policy and evacuated Kandahar which passed to 'Abd al-Rahman. Subsequently, 'Abd al-Rahman succeeded in expelling Mohammad Ayub (a brother of the former Amir) from Herat and thus establishing his rule over the whole of Afghanistan, (chapters 2 and 3).;'Abd al-Rahman then extended and consolidated his rule over the provinces at the expense of the authority of the tribal elders and dynastic governors. This led to conflict between him and the elders, who aroused the tribes against him. The several disturbances which ensued are described. They were all ultimately suppressed (chapters 4, 5 and 6). Further, the Amir brought under control the territories of the Hazarajat and Kafiristan (chapters 7 and 8). At the same time, the Government of India contained the extension of the Amir's authority into the territories beyond the frontiers which the Government of India was largely instrumental in establishing for Afghanistan during the reign of 'Abd al-Rahman.