The real particulars of the treaty between Nasir Khan (ruler of Kalat) and Ahmad Shah Durrani in 1758

Treaty of Kalat 1758 with fake details

No treaty on those terms in the following screenshot was signed between Mir Naseer Khan of Kalat and Ahmad Shah Durrani. The treaty with those particulars in the screenshot, is forgery by Baloch nationalists. An attempt has been made by them to pass off Kalat as a sovereign state, with no subservience to Ahmad Shah Durrani. However all historical facts point towards the truth that Kalat was a vassal state of Durrani empire in second half of 18th century. The 'Khan' of Kalat did not assume the royal title of 'Shah'. He neither struck coins in his name nor the Friday khutbas in Kalat were read in his name.

 

The real particulars of the the treaty of Kalat in 1758

Naseer Khan did try to get independence from Durrani empire in 1758 but he failed in his endeavour. So he entered into the vassalage of Ahmad Shah Abdali by concluding a treaty with the following terms : 

1- "The Brahui chiefs are not to interfere in the internal feud of the Saddozais, and are to be subservient to the reigning king. 

2- Should an Ahmadzai Brahui take refuge in the Durrani country, the Saddozais are not to support him against the Ahmadzai chief of Kalat; they are either to give him up to the latter or employ him about their persons.

3- The Saddozais are not to pursue any of their tribe who take refuge in the Brahui country." 

The above three clauses of the treaty are not from an Afghan source. It is from a Persian manuscript recorded by Mian Sibghatullah (a resident of the Kalat town) in 1838, translated into English by Robert Leech of East India Company. 

Naseer Khan was exempted from the tribute payment but as a vassal he was obliged to furnish his quota of troops in the campaigns of the Saddozai emperors. Note that other vassals of Ahmad Shah Durrani (rulers of Khurasan, Patiala, Jammu etc.) and many Pashtun tribes also enjoyed independence in their internal matters. 

Note that Afghan sources do not mention any such treaty occurring between Kalat and Kandahar.

Historical background of the Qizilbashs of Lahore

Kanhaiya Lal in his "Tarikh-i-Lahore" (completed in 1882) gives description of six wealthiest families among Muslims of Lahore city. On the top of the list, is a Shia Qizilbash by name of Nawab Ali Raza Khan "Kabuli" who corroborated with British invaders during First Anglo-Afghan war (1839-43). 

Ali Raza Khan Qizilbash fully supported General Polluck's army (which was sent to avenge the earlier defeat of British in Afghanistan). He persuaded Qizilbash chiefs to betray Muhammad Akbar Khan and join British side. He accompanied the returning British army with his sixty sawars and settled in India. 

Ali Raza Khan Qizilbash, his brothers and his sixty sawars fought for British in the Anglo-Sikh wars. In the 1857 war of independence, he sent his contingent to help British on his own expenses. For his services in 1857's war in support of British, he received the title of Nawab and a large estate in Awadh (comprising of 147 villages). He died in 1865 and his body was sent to Karbala (in Iraq) for burial. 

Nawab Nawazish Ali Khan Qizilbash (son of Ali Raza Khan Qizilbash) and cousin, India, 1890.

Shia Qizilbashs of Kabul corroborated with British invaders during 1st Anglo-Afghan war

Qizilblashs (قزلباش), Shia Turkmen from Iran, were planted in Kabul and Peshawar by Ahmad Shah Durrani. They had their own quarter in Kabul city, known as Chindawal which was heavily fortified. In general, the Sunni Pashtuns and Shia Qizilbashs hated each other because of sectarian differences. Qizilbashs and other Shias of Afghanistan supported British invaders against Pashtuns during the First Anglo-Afghan war.

1-Muhammad Naib Sharif, a chief of the Qizilbashs of Kabul, fully supported the British invaders during the First Anglo-Afghan (1839-42). James Rattray (maker of the following painting) writes: 

"Among their chiefs is Mahommed Naib Shurreef, who has always stood the firm friend of the British from 1831, when Sir Alexander Burnes, whom he then conducted from Peshawur to Caubul, made his journey to Bokhara, up to the date of our final evacuation of Afghaunistaun in 1842. He compromised himself so much with us, during our palmy days at Caubul, again during the massacre, and also when we regained the country in the last campaign, that he was constantly threatened with death. Indeed, one devoted act of his alone would have ensured his destruction. He rescued the dishonoured corpse of his poor friend, Sir Alexander Burnes, from the hands of the infuriated fanatics, and carrying it away in the dead of night, bestowed on it a decent burial. Leaving his adopted country with our armies, he is now in the enjoyment of a handsome stipend for his services, as a pensioner of the Indian Government. "

 

Muhammad Naib Sharif Qizilbash (sitting on left), 1840 (c). Painting by James Rattrey

Muhammad Naib Sharif Qizilbash died in Peshawar on February 20, 1848. Delhi Gazette of British reported his death in following manner: 

“At Peshawur, on the 21st December, very deeply regretted, Naib Mahommed Shurreef, the the Kuzzilbaushe, one of the few staunch supporters from first to last of British interests in Afghaunistaun, and first known as the friend and companion of the late Sir A. Burnes on his visit to Caubul in 1831. During our occupation of that city, he was extensively employed by the Commissariat, and his house and table were ever open to all officers; from the Envoy to the youngest Ensign, at different times, all partook of his hospitality, which was as open as day: in those times he lived freely indulging in the forbidden juice of the grape, but, for some years before his death, had forsworn it, and, as he said ‘taba kurred.’ On the breaking out of the insurrection, he was one of the first who rallied round the late Captain Trevor ; and the writer of this brief tribute to his memory has reason to believe that, had his advice been taken, far otherwise would have been the result of that at first petty outbreak. He never ceased, during the two months the troops held the cantonments, to assist the force in every possible way, advancing large sums of money from his private purse, and at much personal risk kept up communication with the captives, sending them clothes and money. From him emanated the scheme of their release, for which another took all the credit and reaped the benefit. The writer is convinced that there is not one of the survivors among the captives but will read this notice with deep regret.” [Naib Mahommed Shurreef, for his eminent services, enjoyed a pension of 400 Rs. a month from Government, which it is hoped may be continued to his family.―. ED. Delhi Gazette.]

2- Kanhaiya Lal in his "Tarikh-i-Lahore" (completed in 1882) gives description of six wealthiest families among Muslims of Lahore city. On the top of the list, is a Shia Qizilbash by name of Nawab Ali Raza Khan "Kabuli" who corroborated with British invaders during First Anglo-Afghan war (1839-43). 

Ali Raza Khan Qizilbash fully supported General Polluck's army (which was sent to avenge the earlier defeat of British in Afghanistan). He persuaded Qizilbash chiefs to betray Muhammad Akbar Khan and join British side. He accompanied the returning British army with his sixty sawars and settled in India. 

 

Ali Raza Khan Qizilbash, his brothers and his sixty sawars fought for British in the Anglo-Sikh wars. In the 1857 war of independence, he sent his contingent to help British on his own expenses. For his services in 1857's war in support of British, he received the title of Nawab and a large estate in Awadh (comprising of 147 villages). He died in 1865 and his body was sent to Karbala (in Iraq) for burial. 1

 

Amir Dost Muhammad Khan, whose mother was a Shia Qizilbash, was on good terms with Qizilbashs of Kabul before the First Anglo-Afghan war. However, due to their role in the war, the Amir developed a deep mistrust of them. In 1847, he threatened them with expulsion from Kabul and an attack on their stronghold. At the same time, he ordered (in consequence of his distrust) certain sums to be deducted from their pay. Consequently, a pitched battle was fought between them and the Amir's men, in which some eighty men were killed and wounded. Two of the Amir’s sons took part against the Qizilbashs, and beheaded several with their own hands.

 

 

Related posts:

• The role of Hazaras during the First Anglo-Afghan War (1839-42)
• Collaboration of Hazaras with British invaders during the Second Anglo-Afghan War

Mangal tribe of Pashtuns

Dervishes from the Mangal tribe of Pashtuns, 1915 (c). Photo by Emil Rybitschka. Source

A Mangal Pashtun and his son from Paktia province of Afghanistan, 1970. Source: 'Physical Anthropology of Afghanistan' by G. F. Debets

Pashtuns from the Mangal tribe engaged in a close combat with the British and Gurkha troops of 5th Gurkhas of British-Indian Army, Kurram, December 13, 1878. Second Anglo-Afghan war. From London Illustrated News, Janaruy 2, 1879. According to the Newspaper, a mixed party comprising of Mangals, Jajis and Turis, attacked the baggage train of the General Roberts on his return from Peiwar to the Kurram fort, near 'Koruh'. The 5th Gurkhas detachment, commanded by Major Fitzhugh and Captain, were protecting the baggage train and they came under the attack. The Mangals charged them with swords and managed to kill two British officers, Captain Powell of the 5th Gurkhas and Captain Goad of the Transport Service. As usual, the particulars about the losses of their Indian or Gurkha troops are skipped by the British.

A portrait of Barakzai Durrani lady, 1840 (c)

 

Source

Kandahar lady of rank, 1840 (c)

The name of that lady of rank in the above painting was Begum Jan and she belonged to the Barakzai branch of Durrani Pashtuns. James Rattrey (the painter) writes: "In continuation of the description of the dress and peculiarities of the women of Afghaunistaun, I take advantage of the opportunity offered, to introduce the portrait of a Baurikzye lady, by name Begum Jan." 

Rattray does not tell us more about the subject of this portrait but adds that these ladies wore white shuttlecock Burqas when out of doors or taking horse exercise. 

"When out of doors, or taking horse exercise, these ladies don an immense white sheet, reaching from the top of the skull-cap to the feet; a long square veil, attached by a clasp of gold or jewels to the back of the head, conceals the face, across which is an opening of net-work, to admit light and air. This dress is called a “Boorkha.” It conceals the whole figure, all outline of which is so entirely lost, that a stranger, on first viewing a party of these shrouded beings flitting about him in the streets, might well be at a loss to guess to what class of creatures they belonged. In addition to the winding-sheet, they wear long loose white boots of calico, fastened by a silken garter (Dulakbund), above the knee, and turned back like a falling collar, in order to display the lining. The soles of these bag-like leggings are of shawl, and the garters, “in their glitt’ring tissues bear imblaz’d Holy memorials, acts of zeal and love Recorded eminent,” from the Koraun, with scrolls and birds; the loose boots and veils also are embroidered in white and coloured silks. They sit astride on horseback, generally behind their own husband, or one of their own sex―if alone, a man leads the horse."

Pashtuns in the armies of Sultan Shahabuddin Ghori and Prithviraj

According to Gulshan-i-Ibrahimi (written in 1612 AD), Afghans (Pashtuns) and Khaljis formed the vanguard of the army of Sultan Shahabuddin Ghori. The Pashtun and Khalji commanders of the vanguard (مقدمة الجیش), who always boasted of their valour and prowess, fled from the battlefield (along with the right and left wings of the army) in the first battle of Tarain (1191), leaving the Sultan with the centre of Army (لشكر قلب).

Another interesting detail from Gulshan-i-Ibrahimi (or Tarikh-i-Farishta) is that after the defeat in the first battle of Tarain, Sultan Shahabuddin severely punished and humiliated his nobles from Khalj, Ghor and Khorasan who fled the battlefield, but he spared Afghan (Pashtun) Amirs out of prudence. 

In the second battle of Tarain (1192 AD), the 107,000 strong army of Sultan Shahabuddin of Ghor was comprised of Turks, Tajiks and Afghans (Pashtuns).

The 300,000 strong cavalry of Rai Pithora (Prithviraj) in the second battle of Tarain (1192 AD), was comprised of Rajputs and Afghans (Pashtuns).

So Pashtuns were fighting on both sides. For this reason, Sultan Shahabuddin exercised caution in his dealings with his Pashtun amirs. He did not punish and humiliate Afghan (Pashtun) amirs for fleeing from the battlefield in the First battle of Tarain, perhaps fearing that the latter may switch allegiance to Rai Pithora. 

The above snippets are taken from an Urdu translation of Gulshan-i-Ibrahimi (popularly known as Tarikh-i-Farishta). Its author Muḥammad Qasim Hindu Shah was born in Astarabad in northern Persia around 1550 AD. Farishta was his pen name.

Exterior of the tomb of Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni, 1840 (c)

Exterior of the tomb of Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni, 1840 (c). Painting by James Atkinson. 

The tomb was desecrated by British invaders in 1842 with the view that it will upset the sentiments of Afghans and gratify the Hindus of India.

James Atkinson writes: 

The interior of the building, which contains the tomb of this far-famed conqueror, is about twenty-four feet in length by fourteen in breadth. The tomb itself is of polished white marble, and of the usual Mahomedan shape. The inscription on it gives the date of the Monarch’s death A.H. 421, or A.D. 1005. At each end is a wooden post adorned with peacock’s feathers, supporting a silken canopy of pale blue, variegated with gaudy colours, but now faded and in a tattered condition. Upon the white washed walls are written distichs in Arabic and Persian. Priests dare daily in attendance reading the Koran in honour of the illustrious dead. All sorts of votive offerings are hung up and spread out on the wall: among them is the preserved skin of a large tiger. The door, said to be made of sandal wood, and to be that brought by Mahmood from the Hindoo Temple of Somnath in Kattywar, when he sacked and desecrated that shrine, is in panels, carved and well joined. Each half is formed of two folds hinged together. In height it is about fourteen feet, and the entire width nine. This is the relic which the Sikh Chieftain Runjeet Sing so much coveted as to wish to make its restoration a condition to his affording aid to the cause of Shah Shoojau, but that Monarch replying that his compliance with the demand would disgrace in the eyes of his nation, the request was not insisted on. It has now, however, been brought to India under orders from the Governor General, Lord Ellenborough, by Major General Sir William Nott’s force, as a record of the triumph of the British arms, and the humiliation of the Afghans. It is to be restored to the Temple whence it was originally taken.

Prince Inayatullah Khan (elder brother of the king of Afghanistan), his wife (sister of Queen Soraya) and their children. Kabul, October 13, 1927

Prince Inayatullah Khan (elder brother of the king of Afghanistan), his wife (sister of Queen Soraya) and their children. Kabul, October 13, 1927.

The Pashtun squad of Major George Broadfoot at Mudki , 1845

The Pashtun squad of Major George Broadfoot at Mudki (Ferozpur district, Punjab, India), 1845. Painting by Waldemar von Hohenzollern. Source

The Battle of Mudki was fought on 18 December 1845, between the forces of the East India Company and the Sikh Khalsa Army of the Sikh kingdom of the Punjab during First Anglo-Sikh War.

Kabuli woman, Kabul, Afghanistan, 1840 (c). Painting by James Atkinson

 

British dictating terms to Orakzais, Tirah, 1897

Richard Udny announcing the British Government's terms to the Orakzai chiefs assembled in William Lockhart's camp at Maidan in Tirah, 1897.

Small arms factory in Jamrud , 1947

Small arms factory in Jamrud where gunsmith is working on a lathe to make barrel of an artillery gun for the Kashmir war, December 1947.Photo by Margaret Bourke-White. 

I am told that this factory was located in Braj Kalay Mania Khel of Jamrud and was owned by Ustaad Noor Ahmad and Aku Ustaad.

A Siah-posh Kafir from Katar (Nuristan) with a Pashtun from Swat, 1874

 

A Siah-posh Kafir named Jamshed from Katar (Nuristan) with a Pashtun from Swat, 1874. From The Illustrated London News, 26 September 1874.

The London Illustrated News has shared the following info about them:

"The name (Siah-posh Kaffir) denotes nothing more than 'Black dress infidels', as they are called by their Mohammoden neighbours, referring to the shaggy tunic of black hairy goatskin in which these men are usually clothed. The bare-headed man in this attire, with a dagger in his right hand appears just as he did when he brought down to Peshawar. The one with an axe, standing by a small tree or bamboo, with a turbaned Swati seated below, is the identical person now with Dr. Leitner in London. His name is Jamshed from Katar, is the Hindoo Koosh; he has blue eyes and reddish hair. He was captured in youth, with others of his family, by the Cabul slave-traders; and his uncle Feramore rose in the service of the Ameer of Cabul to high military rank, but was murdered in his camp near Herat in the civil war against the Ameer's rebellious son, Prince Yakub Khan."

                        Nuristani dancer in the video is wearing black goatskin vest. Source

📖 Related Posts

The people of Panjshir and Andarab were tributary to Siah Posh Kafirs (of present-day Nuristan) in medieval times

Sketches of Afghans and of Afghanistan made in 1879