Khagan Expedition facts for kids

The Khagan Expedition in 1852 was a military campaign by the British. They went to the Kaghan Valley to fight against the Sayyids. The Sayyids were a group of people who lived there and were friends with Sayyid Ahmed Barelvi.

Why the British Went to Khagan

The Khagan Valley is a beautiful mountain area in northern Hazara. People called Sayyids and Gujjars lived there. Their neighbors were the Kohistanis and Swatis.

Before the British, a group called the Sikhs had tried to control the Sayyids. The Sikhs sent a large army of about 10,000 soldiers. But in the end, the Sikhs let the Sayyids rule their own land. The Sayyids thought the British would do the same.

However, the British had other plans. They said they were going to Khagan because the Gujjars and Sayyids were fighting. But the real reason was that a British official, Deputy Commissioner Abbott, was suspicious. He thought the Sayyids were helping a group called the Hindustani Fanatics. This group was causing trouble with other tribes, like the Dhund people in Hazara.

What Happened During the Expedition

The British sent a strong force to the Khagan Valley. It included six regiments, six cannons, and many local fighters. In total, there were 5,320 men. They marched against the Sayyids.

The Sayyids retreated to areas near Sum, Paras, and Jaraid. The leader, Syed Zamin Shah, was sent away from the valley. After this, the British took control of the Khagan Valley.