Ahmad Shah and the Durrani Empire (1747 – 1772)

[Darweshkhel]

The Ghilzai Pashtuns had risen in rebellion against Iranian rule early in the eighteenth century, but they had been subdued
and relocated by Nadir Shah. Although tribal independence would remain a threat to rulers of Afghanistan, the Abdali Pashtun established political dominance, starting in the middle of the eighteenth century with the rise of Ahmad Shah.

Thanks Pashtuna, great post.
Although southern Afghanistan was independent and Ghazay tribal chiefs were cooperating with Iranian Safavid dynasty. Political changes at the Safavid court did not affect Kandahar much. The Safavid then removed local governors in Kandahar and installed Gurgeen Khan, they tried to turn Kandaryan into shiites. Thats when Mirways Nika studied their military tactics and found out their weak points. They ambushed Safavid officials and murdered Gurgeen Khan, moving towards Isfahan. Decades later they took Isfahan, destroying the Safavid dynasty and the son of Mirways Neeka declared himself the Shah of Iran.

Ahmad was the second son of the chief of the Sadozai, which although small was the most honored of the Abdali lineages. Along with his brother, he had risen in rebellion against Nadir Shah and had been jailed by the Ghilzai in Kandahar.

Nadir Shah was not even around that time. Sadozay was located near Herat back then. Sadozay had a feud with the Ghalzay tribe and they were captured. Along with his brother and some others he was thrown in jail by the Ghalzay! Thats when he was 13. He spend several years in jail when he was freed by Nadir Shah.

Finally released by Nadir Shah in 1738 when he took the city from the Ghilzai, Ahmad rose in the personal service of the
Iranian monarch to the post of commander of an elite body of Afghan cavalry.

Nadir Shah had used the military force of Abdali tribes to drive Ghalzay out of Kandahar. Ahmad Shah was a military genuis. He was a commander of the Sadozay military contingent when he was 19.

Although his rivals for the post included Haji Jamal Khan-chief of the Muhammadzai, chief branch, of the Barakzai, which would be the other royal branch of the Abdali-and although only 23, Ahmad was finally chosen after more than a week of discussion and debate.

In fact, Haji Jamal was Ahmad Babas political adviser and close friend. After their death the son of Haji Jamal, Sardar Payenda Khan became the political adviser of Ahmad Babas son, Timur.
Haji Jamal and Ahmad Baba wanted to unite afghan tribes.

[Darweshkhel]

Kandahar was the capital and a silk route from India. Quetta - Chaman - Kandahar. The other one was Peshawar - Torkham - Jalalabad.

[Darweshkhel]

Anytime. From the east.