This article covers the Anglo-Afghan relations, focusing on the Treaty of 1838 and the First Anglo-Afghan War. Learn about British policy, Afghanistan's role, and the impact of these events on regional geopolitics.
Anglo-Afghan Relations: Key Events and Policies
Background and the Forward Policy
In the early 19th century, Russian influence in Persia replaced British influence, disrupting British plans for a new route to India via the River Euphrates.
Following the Treaty of Turkomanchai (1828), Britain grew concerned about Russian intentions toward India and sought a "scientific frontier" on the Indian side.
The British aimed to establish Afghanistan under a ruler friendly to their interests.
Lord Auckland, Governor-General from 1836, promoted a forward policy to protect India's borders from Russian threats through treaties or annexations.
The Amir of Afghanistan, Dost Mohammed, sought British assistance to reclaim Peshawar from the Sikhs. The British rejected his plea, prompting Dost Mohammed to turn to Russia and Persia for support.
This led to the British implementing their forward policy and signing the Tripartite Treaty (1838) with the Sikhs and Shah Shuja, the deposed Afghan ruler.
The Tripartite Treaty (1838): A Strategic Alliance
The treaty outlined the following:
Shah Shuja would be reinstated as ruler with Sikh support, with the British managing finances in the background.
Shah Shuja would manage foreign affairs under advice from the Sikhs and the British.
He would renounce his sovereign rights over the Amirs of Sindh in return for a significant monetary sum.
Shah Shuja would acknowledge Maharaja Ranjit Singh's claims over Afghan territories on the right bank of the River Indus.
First Anglo-Afghan War (1839–1842): The Cost of Expansion
Following the 1838 treaty, the geopolitical situation changed with Persia lifting its siege of Herat and Russia recalling its envoy from Kabul.
Despite these changes, the British persisted with their forward policy, resulting in the First Anglo-Afghan War to establish a barrier against northern threats.
An English army entered Kabul in August 1839, and Dost Mohammed surrendered. Shah Shuja was installed as Amir but was rejected by the Afghan populace.
After British withdrawal, the Afghans rebelled, killing the garrison commander in Kabul. A treaty was signed in 1841 with Afghan chiefs for British evacuation and the reinstatement of Dost Mohammed.
In 1842, the British launched a fresh expedition, re-occupying Kabul in September. A settlement was reached recognizing Dost Mohammed as Afghanistan's independent ruler, and the British withdrew from Kabul.
The war cost India one-and-a-half crore rupees and nearly 20,000 men.
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