AHMAD SHAH DURRANI (1722-1772), the first of the Saddozai rulers of Afghanistan and founder of the Durrani empire, belonged to the Saddozai section of the Popalzai clan of the Abdali tribe of Afghans. In the 18th century the Abdalis were to be found chiefly around Herat. Under their leader Zaman Khan, father of Ahmad Khan. they resisted Persian attempts to take Herat until, in 1728, they were forced to submit to Nadir Shah. Recognizing the fighting qualities of the Abdalis, Nadir Shah enlisted them in his army.
Explore the Tarikh-i-Muzaffari, a Persian manuscript by Muhammad Ali Khan Ansari documenting the Indian Timurides and later Mughals. Rich in Sikh history.
Discover the historical Tazkirah manuscript by Anand Ram Mukhlis, revealing 18th-century Punjab's events and invasions including Nadir Shah's 1739 incursion.
