On May 6, 1834, Peshawar, once considered Afghanistan’s winter capital, was permanently separated from the country. Many historians regard this day as one of the greatest tragedies in Afghan history and a turning point that marked the beginning of prolonged misfortunes for the Afghan homeland.
Nearly 192 years ago, as internal power struggles among the descendants of Ahmad Shah Baba intensified, the decline of the Durrani Empire began. During the same period, Ranjit Singh, the ruler of Punjab, defeated Afghans and Pashtuns in the battles of Nowshera, Attock, Multan and Kashmir, and later captured Peshawar as well.
Afghans did not lose these territories easily. They fought bloody wars against the Sikhs and later the British in an effort to retake them, but despite repeated attempts, they were unable to regain Peshawar and other lost regions. The British later took control of these areas, and the issue eventually became part of the three major Anglo-Afghan wars.
Today, we discuss the historical tragedy of Peshawar’s loss with historian Dr. Syed Alam Mehsud and Dr. Omar Sharifi, professor at the American University of Afghanistan and anthropologist. We invite you to watch.
#Peshawar #Afghanistan #AfghanHistory #DurraniEmpire #RanjitSingh #Pashtuns #History
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