ATA MUHAMMAD KHAN BARAKZAI

ATA MUHAMMAD KHAN BARAKZAI, son of Painda Khan Barakzai, became the governor of Kashmir in 1809. When Shah Shuja`, the king of Afghanistan, was dethroned, he fled towards the Punjab. At Attock he was captured by the governor, Jaharidad Khan. who sent him to Kashmir to be handed over to his brother `Ata Muhammad Khan. Kashmir was coveted by Fateh Khan, the Kabul Wazir, as well as by Ranjit Singh. 

Both set up a joint expedition and their armies defeated `Ata Muhammad Khan who was replaced by Fateh Khan`s real brother, `Azim Khan, as governor of Kashmir. Ranjit Singh`s prize was Shah Shuja` who was freed from `Ata Muhammad Khan`s custody by the Maharaja`s men and brought to Lahore as his guest. From him the Maharaja secured the celebrated diamond, Kohinur.

References :

1. Suri, Sohan Lal, `L/mdat-ut-Twankh. Lahore, 1885-89
2. Griffin, Lepel, Ranjit Singh. Delhi, 1957
3. Harbans Singh, Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Delhi, 1980