Dear aspirants, if you are preparing for JKSSB, JKPSC or other J&K competitive exams, Afghan Rule in Kashmir is an important part of Medieval History of Kashmir. In this article, Exam Waves Academy provides short and simple notes based on the most important facts.
Afghan Rule in Kashmir (1753–1819)
The Afghan period lasted from 1753 to 1819, approximately 66 years. The notes describe this period as the “Darkest Period of Kashmir.”
- Afghan Governor Abdullah Khan Ashkasi invaded Kashmir and laid the foundation of the Durrani Empire in 1753.
- Mughal Governor Qasim Khan declared himself an independent ruler of Kashmir.
- Kashmir had 28 Afghan governors.
- Important governors included Lal Khan and Atta Mohammad Khan.
Important Facts About Afghan Rule
Heavy taxation was an important feature of this period. Some important taxes mentioned in the given table:
| Tax/Term | Related to |
|---|---|
| Zari Niyaz | Mansabdars |
| Zari Ashkhan | Merchants |
| Zari Hubab | Grain |
| Dag-i-Shawl | Department of Taxing and Stamping |
Amir Khan Jawan Sher
Amir Khan Jawan Sher was an important figure during Afghan rule.
- He built Amira Kadal.
- Shergarhi Fort is mentioned as the place presently associated with the old Secretariat.
Atta Mohammad Khan
Atta Mohammad Khan was another important Afghan governor.
- He built the present structure of Hari Parbat Fort.
- He issued coins in the name of Sheikh Noor-ud-din.
- He declared himself independent of Kabul.
Jabbar Khan
Jabbar Khan was the last Afghan governor of Kashmir.
His rule ended following the Battle of Shopian in 1819.
Battle of Shopian – 1819
The Battle of Shopian was fought on 3 July 1819 between the Sikh Empire and Durrani Empire.
- The Sikh Army was led by Hari Singh Nalwa.
- He defeated the Afghan forces led by Jabbar Khan.
- The notes state that it ended around 600 years of Muslim rule.
- Kashmir was subsequently annexed to the Sikh Empire.
Quick Revision
- Afghan Rule: 1753–1819
- Duration: 66 years
- Beginning of Durrani rule: 1753
- Number of Afghan governors: 28
- Amira Kadal: Amir Khan Jawan Sher
- Hari Parbat Fort: Atta Mohammad Khan
- Last Afghan Governor: Jabbar Khan
- Battle of Shopian: 3 July 1819
- Sikh Commander: Hari Singh Nalwa
- Result: End of Afghan rule and annexation to the Sikh Empire
Conclusion
The Afghan period in Kashmir (1753–1819) is important for competitive exams because of its governors, taxation system and the Battle of Shopian.
Important MCQ’s on Afghan Rule in Kashmir for all Competitive Exams
Q1. Consider the following statements regarding Afghan Rule in Kashmir:
- Afghan rule in Kashmir lasted from 1753 to 1819.
- The period lasted for approximately 66 years.
- Abdullah Khan Ashkasi is associated with the establishment of Durrani authority in Kashmir in 1753.
- Jabbar Khan was the first Afghan governor of Kashmir.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A) 1, 2 and 3 only
B) 1, 2 and 4 only
C) 1, 3 and 4 only
D) 2, 3 and 4 only
Answer: A
Q2. Match the following taxes/terms of the Afghan period with their correct associations:
| List-I | List-II |
|---|---|
| A. Zari Niyaz | 1. Grain |
| B. Zari Ashkhan | 2. Mansabdars |
| C. Zari Hubab | 3. Department of Taxing and Stamping |
| D. Dag-i-Shawl | 4. Merchants |
Select the correct answer:
A) A-4, B-2, C-3, D-1
B) A-2, B-4, C-1, D-3
C) A-1, B-3, C-4, D-2
D) A-3, B-1, C-2, D-4
Answer: B
Q3. Consider the following statements regarding Amir Khan Jawan Sher:
- He built Amira Kadal.
- Shergarhi Fort is associated in the notes with the old Secretariat.
- He was the last Afghan governor of Kashmir.
- He defeated Hari Singh Nalwa in the Battle of Shopian.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A) 1 and 3 only
B) 2 and 4 only
C) 1 and 2 only
D) 3 and 4 only
Answer: C
Q4. Which of the following combinations regarding Atta Mohammad Khan are correct?
- He built the present structure of Hari Parbat Fort.
- He issued coins in the name of Sheikh Noor-ud-din.
- He declared himself independent of Kabul.
- He commanded the Sikh army at the Battle of Shopian.
Select the correct answer:
A) 1, 2 and 4 only
B) 2, 3 and 4 only
C) 1, 3 and 4 only
D) 1, 2 and 3 only
Answer: D
Q5. Match the following personalities with the facts associated with them:
| List-I | List-II |
|---|---|
| A. Abdullah Khan Ashkasi | 1. Last Afghan governor |
| B. Amir Khan Jawan Sher | 2. Built Amira Kadal |
| C. Atta Mohammad Khan | 3. Associated with Durrani authority in 1753 |
| D. Jabbar Khan | 4. Declared himself independent of Kabul |
Select the correct answer:
A) A-3, B-2, C-4, D-1
B) A-2, B-3, C-1, D-4
C) A-4, B-1, C-3, D-2
D) A-1, B-4, C-2, D-3
Answer: A
Q6. Consider the following statements regarding the Battle of Shopian:
- It was fought on 3 July 1819.
- It was fought between the Sikh Empire and the Durrani Empire.
- The Sikh forces were led by Hari Singh Nalwa.
- The Afghan forces were led by Atta Mohammad Khan.
Which of the statements given above are correct according to the notes?
A) 1, 2 and 4 only
B) 1, 2 and 3 only
C) 1, 3 and 4 only
D) 2, 3 and 4 only
Answer: B
Q7. Arrange the following developments in their correct chronological order:
- Battle of Shopian
- Beginning of Afghan rule in Kashmir
- End of Afghan rule in Kashmir
- Establishment of Durrani authority in Kashmir
Which of the following gives the correct sequence?
A) 4 → 2 → 1 → 3
B) 1 → 2 → 4 → 3
C) 2 → 4 → 3 → 1
D) 2 → 1 → 4 → 3
Answer: A
Q8. Consider the following pairs:
- Zari Niyaz — Mansabdars
- Zari Ashkhan — Merchants
- Zari Hubab — Grain
- Dag-i-Shawl — Military recruitment department
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
A) 1, 2 and 4 only
B) 1, 3 and 4 only
C) 2, 3 and 4 only
D) 1, 2 and 3 only
Answer: D
Q9. With reference to the end of Afghan rule in Kashmir, consider the following statements:
- Jabbar Khan was the last Afghan governor.
- His forces were defeated by the Sikh army led by Hari Singh Nalwa.
- The decisive Battle of Shopian took place in 1819.
- The battle resulted in Kashmir becoming part of the Mughal Empire.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A) 1, 2 and 4 only
B) 1, 3 and 4 only
C) 1, 2 and 3 only
D) 2, 3 and 4 only
Answer: C
Q10. Match the following dates/numbers with the correct events or facts:
| List-I | List-II |
|---|---|
| A. 1753 | 1. Battle of Shopian |
| B. 1819 | 2. Approximate duration of Afghan rule |
| C. 66 years | 3. Beginning of Afghan rule |
| D. 28 | 4. Number of Afghan governors |
Select the correct answer:
A) A-1, B-3, C-4, D-2
B) A-3, B-1, C-2, D-4
C) A-2, B-4, C-1, D-3
D) A-4, B-2, C-3, D-1
Answer: B
