Under The Absolute Amir of Afghanistan

With the rise of two rival European powers Britain and Russia in Asia, Afghanistan became the focal point of Anglo-Russian rivalry in the 19th century. However, Amir Abdur Rahman tried to use this rivalry to his benefit and to consolidate his authority over the whole of Afghanistan. His son and successor Habibullah too followed a cautions policy of equidistance between Britain and Russia. He pursued the policies of friendly relations with the British in India, at the same time taking all steps necessary to preserve sovereignty of Afghanistan. The book presents an indepth investigation of geographical, social, political, economical and cultural situation of Afghanistan under the absolute monarchy during the reigns of Amirs Abdur Rahman and Habibullah. This authoritative account begins with the road journey of the Afghan Prince and won of Amir Abdur Rahman, Shahzada Nasrullah Khan from Kandahar to Kabul during which the author himself accompanied him. The journey took place in the summer of 1895 when Nasrullah Khan was returning from London after spending three to four months as guest of the British government. Once in Kabul, the author narrates his experience during his journey in Afghanistan giving details about the Kabul city and the country’s trade and commerce, the manners and customs of the people as well as the police and military system during the priod. Besides, the book describes Amir Abdur Rahman, his lifestyle, system of government, treatment of his sons and his death. Life of Europeans in Kabul have also been dealt with. The political situation of Afghanistan during the reign of Amir Habibullah, was more or less same as during Amir Abdur Rahman’s time. The book deals with the political situation in Afghanistan both internal as well as external. A road journey from Kabul to Peshawar undertaken by the author after spending several years in Kabul has been described in such a way that it covers many things hitherto unknown to many readers".