Anglo-Afghan relations have a long and complex history, marked by diplomatic maneuvering, military conflicts, and shifting alliances. These interactions between the British and the Afghan rulers have had significant implications not only for Afghanistan but also for the broader geopolitical landscape of South Asia and Central Asia. Understanding the dynamics of Anglo-Afghan relations is crucial for comprehending the region’s historical context and its contemporary challenges.
In the early 1800s, the British became worried about Russia’s growing power in Persia (modern-day Iran), as it threatened their plans to establish a new trade route to India through the River Euphrates. The Treaty of Turkomanchai in 1828 increased British concerns about Russia’s intentions in India.
To protect their interests in India, the British wanted a friendly ruler in Afghanistan, as the northwest passes could be used for invading India. So, they started getting involved in Afghan politics, trying to install rulers who would support them and keep the region stable. This led to the First Anglo-Afghan War (1839-1842), where they removed Dost Mohammad Khan and put Shah Shuja in charge. But this occupation faced strong opposition from Afghan tribes, and the British had to retreat from Kabul.
Even after the failed war, the British kept influencing Afghan politics through alliances and maneuvers. The Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878-1880) strengthened British control over Afghan foreign affairs, though Afghanistan still had internal independence.
Throughout history, Anglo-Afghan relations have been complicated, with times of cooperation, tension, and conflict. Afghanistan wanted to stay independent and resist foreign interference, while the British aimed to protect their interests. Their interactions were also shaped by the rivalry between Britain and Russia, known as the Great Game.
Forward Policy of Auckland
Governor-General Auckland, in 1836, wanted to protect British India from possible Russian attacks. He proposed the “forward policy,” which meant taking active steps to secure borders, like making treaties or taking over neighboring areas.
The British thought about joining forces with Afghanistan’s Amir, Dost Mohammed, who wanted to be friends with them. But they refused his condition to help him regain Peshawar from the Sikhs.
So, Dost Mohammed looked to Russia and Persia for help, which worried the British. This led them to push forward with their plan and sign a Tripartite Treaty in 1838. This treaty involved the British, Sikhs, and Shah Shuja, a former Afghan king living under British care in Ludhiana.
Main points of the treaty:
- Shah Shuja would be put back on the Afghan throne with the Sikhs’ help, while the British supported financially.
- Shah Shuja would handle foreign affairs with advice from the Sikhs and the British.
- Shah Shuja would give up his control over the Amirs of Sindh in return for money.
- Shah Shuja would agree that the Sikh ruler, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, had rights over Afghan lands on the Indus River’s right bank.
These moves were part of a bigger power game between Britain and Russia in Central Asia called the Great Game. But they led to big problems, like the First Anglo-Afghan War (1839-1842), where the British struggled against Afghan tribes and had trouble keeping control of the region.
First Anglo-Afghan War (1839-1842)
The First Anglo-Afghan War (1839-1842) happened because the British wanted to create a barrier against possible attacks from the northwest, even though the threats from Persia and Russia had eased. They installed Shah Shuja as the ruler of Afghanistan in 1839, but his rule faced strong opposition from the Afghan people. When the British left, a rebellion erupted, leading to a treaty in 1841, agreeing to leave Afghanistan and restore Dost Mohammed to power. However, the British had to reoccupy Kabul in 1842. This war cost India a lot in terms of money and soldiers.
After the disastrous First Afghan War, John Lawrence, who was the Viceroy of India from 1864 to 1869, introduced a policy called “masterly inactivity.” This policy aimed to learn from past mistakes and avoid getting involved in costly wars. Instead, it focused on maintaining a peaceful relationship with Afghanistan, respecting its independence, and being cautious in dealing with the region.
Lytton and the Policy of Proud Reserve
During his time as Viceroy of India from 1876 to 1880, Lord Lytton introduced a foreign policy called the “policy of proud reserve.” This policy aimed to clearly define the borders of British India and protect British influence in neighboring areas. Lytton wanted to strengthen Britain’s control over its territories and nearby regions, which was different from the previous policy of staying out of other countries’ affairs. He believed that having clear boundaries and asserting British power would keep things stable and prevent conflicts.
However, Lytton’s policy faced criticism and didn’t always work as intended. It caused tensions with Afghanistan and led to the Second Anglo-Afghan War from 1878 to 1880. The policy also had difficulties during the Great Famine of 1876-1878, where Britain’s response was seen as not good enough.
Overall, Lytton’s policy of proud reserve was a change to a more active and assertive foreign policy approach, aimed at protecting British interests and keeping the region stable.
Second Anglo-Afghan War (1870-80)
- During Lord Lytton’s time as Viceroy of India, tensions between Britain and Afghanistan increased, leading to the Second Anglo-Afghan War. The war started because of misunderstandings and power struggles.
- Sher Ali Khan, the Afghan Amir, tried to balance British and Russian influences in the region. But when he refused to let a British envoy into Kabul while allowing a Russian one, Lord Lytton got upset.
- Things got worse when Sher Ali turned down a treaty proposed by the British. So, the British decided to attack Afghanistan. Sher Ali’s army couldn’t stop the British, and he had to leave the country.
- Then, in May 1879, the Treaty of Gandamak was signed with Sher Ali’s son, Yakub Khan, who became the new Amir. According to the treaty, Afghanistan gave up land and let the British control its foreign affairs. The British also got the right to have a representative in Kabul.
- But the treaty didn’t last long because Afghan tribes rebelled against it. This rebellion turned into the Second Anglo-Afghan War, where the British faced many challenges and suffered heavy losses.
- In the end, the British pulled their troops out of Afghanistan in 1881, and they decided to take a less involved approach in Afghan matters. This war showed how hard it was to control Afghanistan and the limits of British power in the region.
The history of Anglo-Afghan relations is a testament to the complexities of international diplomacy and the enduring challenges of navigating the geopolitical landscape of South Asia and Central Asia. From the heights of cooperation to the depths of conflict, these relations have left an indelible mark on the history of both nations. As Afghanistan continues to grapple with internal strife and external pressures, the lessons of the past remain relevant for shaping the future trajectory of Anglo-Afghan relations.
Also read about Conquest of Sindh.