Sher Ali Khan, Amir of Afghanistan
1824/5–79
Afghan potentate and reformer. Amir of Afghanistan, 1863–6; 1868–79. His succession was disputed by his half-brothers, leading to a period of civil war. Implemented administrative and military reform. The Second Afghan War followed his refusal to accept alterations to the border between India and Afghanistan and a permanent British military presence in the country. British and Indian troops invaded in November 1878. Fled Kabul, but failed to secure Russian assistance and died from illness in February 1879.
Source
Robson 1986.
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