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Afghan Rule in Kashmir — 1753 to 1819 AD

Afghan Rule in Kashmir — 1753 to 1819 AD

Afghan Rule in Kashmir
Figure 1: Afghan Rule in Kashmir — frequently tested in JKSSB and UPSC examinations.

1. Introduction — Afghan Rule

  • Afghan Rule in Kashmir is often referred to as the Dark Age of Kashmir.
  • Characterised by atrocities, loot, plundering, and tyrannical rulers.
  • No prosperity during this period.
AFGHAN RULERS IN KASHMIR

  • Ahmed Shah Abdali — 1752 - 1772
  • Timur Shah Durrani — 1772 - 1793
  • Zaman Shah — 1793 - 1801
  • Shah Mahmud — 1801 - 1803
  • Shah Shuja — 1803 - 1809
  • Mahmud Shah — 1809 - 1819
KEY NOTES

  • During Afghan rule, Kashmir was ruled by Governors.
  • Total Afghan Governors: 28
  • 1st Governor: Abdullah Khan Ishaq Aqsai (1753 - 1754)
  • 2nd Governor: Raja Sukh Jiwan Mal
  • Last Governor: Jabbar Khan
  • The main idea of the Afghan rulers was to extract money from Kashmiris.

2. Ahmed Shah Abdali (1753 - 1772 AD)

  • Founder of the Afghan Kingdom in 1747.
  • Established Afghan rule in Kashmir in around 1752 - 1753.
  • 1st invasion: 1748
  • Invaded India 6-7 times.
TITLES OF AHMED SHAH ABDALI

  • Ahmed Shah
  • Abdali
  • Durrani
  • Durr-i-Durrani (pearl of pearls)
KEY EVENTS

  • Ahmed Shah Abdali had risen from the ashes of Nadir Shah's Kingdom in Persia.
  • Mir Muqim Kant & Khawaja Zahir Dedamari (Kashmiri nobles) invited Ahmed Shah Durrani to take over Kashmir.
  • Ahmed Shah Abdali sent a huge army under the command of Abdullah Khan Ishaq Aqsai to Kashmir.
  • Ahmed Shah Abdali died in: 1772 A.D.
KEY NOTES

  • 1st Afghan Dynasty in India: By Bahlol Lodhi in 1451 A.D.
  • Before Ahmed Shah Abdali, Nadir Shah invaded India in 1738 and defeated Mughal forces.
  • Sher Shah Suri (1540 - 1545) was an Afghan ruler.

3. Governors of Ahmed Shah Abdali

ABDULLAH KHAN ISHAQ AQSAI (1753 - 1754)

  • 1st Afghan Governor in Kashmir.
  • Ruled for one year.
  • Symbol of tyranny.
  • Economic condition of Kashmir deteriorated.
  • People revolted against him.
  • He left the valley, sensing danger.
  • He appointed his Deputy, Khawaja Mohd Khan, as in-charge.
SUKH JIWAN MAL (1753 - 1762)

  • 2nd Governor of Afghan rule in Kashmir.
  • He killed Khawaja Mohd Khan and proclaimed himself as Governor.
  • Abdul Hasan Banday: Revenue Officer
  • He declared his allegiance to the Mughal Emperor of Delhi and was given the title 'Raja'.
  • Famine of 1752 occurred. He managed well.
DECLINE OF RAJA SUKH MAL

  • Ahmed Shah Abdali (after the 3rd Battle of Panipat, 1761) sent a large force against Sukh Mal under the command of Nur-ud-Din Khan Bamzai.
  • Raja Ranjit Dev (ruler of Jammu) conspired against Sukh Mal and supported Nur-ud-Din.
  • Bhakt Mal, commander of Sukh Mal, also deserted him.
NOOR-UD-DIN KHAN BAMZAI

  • Remained Governor for 3 times.
  • Appointed by Ahmed Shah Abdali.
  • He left administration in the hands of: Buland Khan Bamzai.
  • Shia-Sunni conflict was common.
  • In 1764, he was again appointed as Governor, but handed over administration to: Mir Muqim & Pandit Kailash.
  • 1765: Ahmed Shah Abdali's 7th invasion of India. Noor-ud-Din joined him.
LATER DEVELOPMENTS

  • Lal Khan Khattak declared himself ruler of Kashmir and began looting and plunder.
  • Abdali sent Khurram Khan to chastise Khattak.
  • Khurram Khan assumed charge as Governor of Kashmir.
  • Ahmed Shah Abdali died in 1772.
  • Timur Shah Durrani became the next Afghan Ruler.

4. Timur Shah Durrani (1772 - 1792 AD)

  • 2nd Afghan Ruler.
  • Followed the same policy on Kashmir as his predecessor Ahmed Shah Abdali.
AMIR KHAN JAWANSHER (1772 - 1776)

  • Appointed by Timur Shah Durrani.
  • He was Shia. Tyrannised Sunnis.
  • Works:
    • Built Amira Kadal (bridge)
    • Built Shergarhi Fort
    • Built Nallah Amir Khan Canal (links Anchar & Dal lakes)
  • Later, he declared his own independence.
  • Timur Shah Durrani sent a huge force under Haji Karim Dad Khan against Amir Khan Jawansher. Jawansher was defeated.
  • New Governor: Karim Dad Khan
HAJI KARIM DAD KHAN (1776 - 1783)

  • 1779: Ranjit Dev (Raja of Jammu) attacked Kashmir; but failed to succeed.
  • 1780: Severe earthquake.
  • Karim Khan levied unjust taxes.
  • Next Governor: Azad Khan (Karim's son)
AZAD KHAN (1783 - 1785)

  • Son of Governor Haji Karim Dad Khan.
  • Tyrannical governor.
  • Invaded Poonch.
  • Broke allegiance with Timur Shah Durrani.
  • Declared Sultan of Turkey as his sovereign.
  • Declared himself "Second Nadir Shah".
  • Committed suicide.

5. Zaman Shah (1792 - 1801 AD)

  • 3rd Afghan Ruler.
MIR HAZIR KHAN

  • Appointed as Governor of Kashmir by Zaman Shah.
  • Later he declared his independence.
  • Tyrannised Shia & Hindus.
  • Zaman Shah defeated Mir Hazir.
  • New Governor: Rahmat-ullah Khan

6. Shah Shuja & Mahmud Shah (1803 - 1819 AD)

  • Shah Mahmud (1801 - 1803): 4th Afghan Ruler. Could NOT devote his attention to Kashmir.
  • During this time period, two brothers ruled Kashmir: Abdullah Khan Alokzai & Atta Mohd Khan.
ATTA MOHD KHAN

  • Efficient / tolerant governor.
  • Restored peace.
  • Promoted agriculture, trade, handicrafts, etc.
  • Declared his independence.
  • Built Koh-i-Maran fort on Hariparwat hill in Kashmir.
  • Fortifications at Sopore and Baramulla.
  • Issued coins in the name of Sheikh Noord-ud-Din Reshi.
FATAN KHAN

  • Struck a deal with Ranjit Singh of Punjab against Atta Mohd Khan.
  • Finally able to occupy the throne.
JABBAR KHAN — LAST AFGHAN GOVERNOR

  • Last Afghan governor of Kashmir.
  • During his time, Ranjit Singh occupied Kashmir in 1819 A.D.
  • Marked as the end of 500 years Muslim rule in Kashmir.

7. JKSSB Previous Year Questions

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

Q1. Afghan rule in Kashmir began in:

  • A) 1748 AD
  • B) 1753 AD
  • C) 1752 AD
  • D) 1754 AD

Q2. Ahmed Shah Abdali is also known as:

  • A) Durrani
  • B) Abdali
  • C) Durr-i-Durrani
  • D) All of the above

Q3. The first Afghan Governor of Kashmir was:

  • A) Abdullah Khan Ishaq Aqsai
  • B) Sukh Jiwan Mal
  • C) Noor-ud-Din Khan Bamzai
  • D) Amir Khan Jawansher

Q4. The second Afghan Governor of Kashmir was:

  • A) Abdullah Khan Ishaq Aqsai
  • B) Sukh Jiwan Mal
  • C) Noor-ud-Din Khan Bamzai
  • D) Amir Khan Jawansher

Q5. Sukh Jiwan Mal was given the title 'Raja' by:

  • A) Ahmed Shah Abdali
  • B) Mughal Emperor of Delhi
  • C) Timur Shah Durrani
  • D) Zaman Shah

Q6. The 3rd Battle of Panipat took place in:

  • A) 1752 AD
  • B) 1761 AD
  • C) 1765 AD
  • D) 1772 AD

Q7. Amira Kadal was built by:

  • A) Haji Karim Dad Khan
  • B) Amir Khan Jawansher
  • C) Azad Khan
  • D) Noor-ud-Din Khan Bamzai

Q8. Shergarhi Fort was built by:

  • A) Haji Karim Dad Khan
  • B) Amir Khan Jawansher
  • C) Azad Khan
  • D) Atta Mohd Khan

Q9. The Nallah Amir Khan Canal links which two lakes?

  • A) Dal and Mansabal
  • B) Anchar and Dal
  • C) Wular and Dal
  • D) Mansabal and Wular

Q10. A severe earthquake struck Kashmir in:

  • A) 1776 AD
  • B) 1779 AD
  • C) 1780 AD
  • D) 1783 AD

Q11. Ranjit Dev was the ruler of:

  • A) Poonch
  • B) Jammu
  • C) Rajouri
  • D) Kishtwar

Q12. Azad Khan was the son of:

  • A) Noor-ud-Din Khan Bamzai
  • B) Haji Karim Dad Khan
  • C) Amir Khan Jawansher
  • D) Mir Hazir Khan

Q13. Azad Khan declared himself as:

  • A) Sultan of Turkey
  • B) Second Nadir Shah
  • C) Durrani
  • D) Abdali

Q14. Koh-i-Maran fort was built by:

  • A) Jabbar Khan
  • B) Atta Mohd Khan
  • C) Fatan Khan
  • D) Amir Khan Jawansher

Q15. Atta Mohd Khan issued coins in the name of:

  • A) Ranjit Singh
  • B) Sheikh Noord-ud-Din Reshi
  • C) Ahmed Shah Abdali
  • D) Timur Shah Durrani

Q16. The last Afghan Governor of Kashmir was:

  • A) Atta Mohd Khan
  • B) Fatan Khan
  • C) Jabbar Khan
  • D) Mir Hazir Khan

Q17. Ranjit Singh occupied Kashmir in:

  • A) 1818 AD
  • B) 1819 AD
  • C) 1820 AD
  • D) 1821 AD

Q18. The end of Afghan rule in Kashmir marked the end of:

  • A) 400 years Muslim rule
  • B) 500 years Muslim rule
  • C) 600 years Muslim rule
  • D) 700 years Muslim rule

Q19. Ahmed Shah Abdali died in:

  • A) 1761 AD
  • B) 1772 AD
  • C) 1780 AD
  • D) 1792 AD

Q20. The total number of Afghan Governors in Kashmir was:

  • A) 25
  • B) 26
  • C) 28
  • D) 30

Q21. The 7th invasion of India by Ahmed Shah Abdali took place in:

  • A) 1761 AD
  • B) 1765 AD
  • C) 1772 AD
  • D) 1748 AD

Q22. Who invited Ahmed Shah Abdali to take over Kashmir?

  • A) Ranjit Dev
  • B) Mir Muqim Kant and Khawaja Zahir Dedamari
  • C) Bhakt Mal
  • D) Abdul Hasan Banday

Q23. The Afghan rule in Kashmir is often referred to as:

  • A) Golden Age
  • B) Dark Age
  • C) Renaissance Period
  • D) Cultural Age

Q24. Timur Shah Durrani became the Afghan Ruler in:

  • A) 1748 AD
  • B) 1772 AD
  • C) 1792 AD
  • D) 1801 AD

Q25. The 3rd Afghan Ruler of Kashmir was:

  • A) Ahmed Shah Abdali
  • B) Timur Shah Durrani
  • C) Zaman Shah
  • D) Shah Mahmud

8. Summary: Afghan Rule at a Glance

Ruler/Governor Period Key Achievements/Events
Ahmed Shah Abdali 1753-1772 AD Founder of Afghan rule; Durr-i-Durrani
Abdullah Khan Ishaq Aqsai 1753-1754 AD 1st Afghan Governor; symbol of tyranny
Sukh Jiwan Mal 1753-1762 AD 2nd Governor; title 'Raja' from Mughal Emperor
Amir Khan Jawansher 1772-1776 AD Built Amira Kadal, Shergarhi Fort, Nallah Amir Khan Canal
Atta Mohd Khan - Efficient governor; built Koh-i-Maran fort
Jabbar Khan - Last Afghan Governor; Ranjit Singh occupied Kashmir in 1819
Key Takeaways for JKSSB & UPSC

  • Afghan Rule: 1753-1819 AD — Dark Age of Kashmir
  • Ahmed Shah Abdali: Founder; also called Durrani, Abdali, Durr-i-Durrani
  • 1st Afghan Governor: Abdullah Khan Ishaq Aqsai
  • 2nd Afghan Governor: Sukh Jiwan Mal (title 'Raja' from Mughal Emperor)
  • Amir Khan Jawansher: Built Amira Kadal, Shergarhi Fort, Nallah Amir Khan Canal
  • Atta Mohd Khan: Built Koh-i-Maran fort; issued coins in name of Sheikh Noord-ud-Din Reshi
  • Jabbar Khan: Last Afghan Governor
  • Ranjit Singh: Occupied Kashmir in 1819 — end of 500 years Muslim rule
  • Total Afghan Governors: 28
  • 3rd Battle of Panipat: 1761
High-Yield Interactive UPSC & JKSSB Quiz (Afghan Rule)

Q1. Afghan rule in Kashmir began in which year?

Correct Answer: B. Afghan rule in Kashmir began in 1753 AD under Ahmed Shah Abdali. The first Afghan Governor was Abdullah Khan Ishaq Aqsai.

Q2. Ahmed Shah Abdali is also known as:

Correct Answer: D. Ahmed Shah Abdali is also known as Durrani, Abdali, and Durr-i-Durrani (pearl of pearls).

Q3. The first Afghan Governor of Kashmir was:

Correct Answer: B. Abdullah Khan Ishaq Aqsai was the first Afghan Governor of Kashmir, ruling from 1753-1754. He was a symbol of tyranny.

Q4. Sukh Jiwan Mal was given the title 'Raja' by:

Correct Answer: B. Sukh Jiwan Mal declared his allegiance to the Mughal Emperor of Delhi and was given the title 'Raja'.

Q5. Amira Kadal was built by:

Correct Answer: B. Amir Khan Jawansher built Amira Kadal, Shergarhi Fort, and Nallah Amir Khan Canal during his governorship.

Q6. A severe earthquake struck Kashmir in:

Correct Answer: C. A severe earthquake struck Kashmir in 1780 during the governorship of Haji Karim Dad Khan.

Q7. Koh-i-Maran fort was built by:

Correct Answer: B. Atta Mohd Khan built Koh-i-Maran fort on Hariparwat hill in Kashmir and also fortified Sopore and Baramulla.

Q8. The last Afghan Governor of Kashmir was:

Correct Answer: C. Jabbar Khan was the last Afghan Governor of Kashmir. During his time, Ranjit Singh occupied Kashmir in 1819 AD.

Q9. Ranjit Singh occupied Kashmir in which year?

Correct Answer: B. Ranjit Singh occupied Kashmir in 1819 AD, marking the end of 500 years of Muslim rule in Kashmir.

Q10. The total number of Afghan Governors in Kashmir was:

Correct Answer: C. There were 28 Afghan Governors in Kashmir during the Afghan rule from 1753 to 1819 AD.

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