Amir Abdur Rahman, 1880

Photograph, 2nd Afghan War (1878-1880), 1880.

After spending several years in exile in Russia, Abdur Rahman (1840-1901) returned to Afghanistan following the British overthrow of his uncle Sher Ali and installation of his cousin Yakub Khan as Amir. British suspicion that their newly chosen ruler was complicit in the deaths of Cavagnari and his staff, along with the subsequent Afghan uprising, made Yakub Khan's position untenable and he was forced to abdicate.

The British then considered several rival claimants for the throne but chose Abdur Rahman who subsequently confirmed the Treaty of Gandamak (1878), leaving the British in control of the territories ceded by Yaqub Khan and ensuring British control of Afghanistan's foreign policy in exchange for protection and a subsidy. He remained on fairly good terms with the British until his death in 1901.

From album of 46 photographs, 1880. Associated with Sir F S Roberts, Commissariat Department.