Durrani Empire facts for kids
The Durrani Empire was a powerful kingdom that started in 1747. It was founded by a great leader named Ahmad Shah Durrani in a city called Kandahar in what is now Afghanistan. This empire was very large. It covered areas that are now Afghanistan, Pakistan, parts of eastern Iran, and western India.
Many people see the Durrani Empire as the beginning of modern Afghanistan. Ahmad Shah Durrani, often called Ahmad Shah Baba, is known as the "Father of the Nation" because of his role in creating this empire.
The Durrani dynasty, which was Ahmad Shah's family, became less powerful in the early 1800s. At that time, Afghanistan had to fight to protect its borders from Persia on one side and British India on the other. Another family, the Barakzai dynasty, then took control. However, they lost many of Afghanistan's lands by the end of the 1800s.
Afghanistan became the country we know today after the Anglo-Afghan Treaty of 1919. This treaty officially recognized Afghanistan as an independent state by major countries around the world.
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Ahmad Shah Durrani: The Founder
Ahmad Shah Durrani was a strong and smart leader. He brought together different groups of people in the region. In 1747, he was chosen as the king in Kandahar. He quickly expanded his new empire. His goal was to create a united Afghan state. He is remembered for his military skills and for setting up a stable government.
Where Was the Empire?
The Durrani Empire was located at an important crossroads. It connected Central Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East. This location made it a center for trade and culture. The empire's main cities included Kandahar, Kabul, and Peshawar. These cities were important centers for trade and royal power.
Important Battles and Decline
The Durrani Empire was known for its strong army. One of its most famous victories was the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761. In this battle, Ahmad Shah Durrani and his allies won a big victory against the Maratha Confederacy in India. This battle helped to show the power of the Durrani Empire.
After Ahmad Shah Durrani passed away, his successors faced many challenges. The empire began to shrink as different groups fought for control. Neighboring empires also tried to take parts of its land. This led to the decline of the Durrani dynasty.
Legacy of the Durrani Empire
Even though the Durrani Empire eventually became smaller, its impact was huge. It laid the groundwork for the modern nation of Afghanistan. The empire helped create a sense of national identity among the Afghan people. Its history is an important part of Afghanistan's past.
Related pages
Images for kids
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City of Kandahar, its principal bazaar and citadel, as seen from the Nakkara Khauna
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Ahmad Shah Durrani and his coalition decisively defeat the Maratha Confederacy, during the Third Battle of Panipat and restored the Mughal Empire to Shah Alam II.
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The Bala Hissar fort in Peshawar was one of the royal residences of the Durrani kings.
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The main street in the bazaar at Kabul, 1842 James Atkinson watercolour painting.
