Conflict: | Capture of Peshawar |
Partof: | Afghan-Sikh Wars |
Date: | 6 May 1834 |
Place: | Peshawar |
Result: | Sikh victory |
Territory: | Peshawar captured by the Sikh Empire |
Combatant1: | Sikh Empire |
Combatant2: | Peshawar Barakzai Sardars |
Commander1: | Hari Singh Nalwa Maharaja Ranjit Singh Mahan Singh Mirpuri Khushal Singh Jamadar Tej Singh Misr Sukh Raj |
Commander2: | Sultan Mohammad Khan |
The Capture of Peshawar, or more appropriately, the Sikh occupation of Peshawar, took place on 6 May 1834, when the Sikh Empire formally annexed the territory. Peshawar was governed by the Barakzai Sardars — Yar Mohammed Khan, Sultan Mohammed Khan, Sayeed Mohammed Khan and Pir Mohammed Khan. They were collectively referred to as the Peshawar Barakzais.[1] The Peshawar Barakzais had broken free of their half-brothers ruling Kabul[2]
Charles Masson, pseudonym of a deserter from the army of The East India Company was an eyewitness to the event and has left a detailed account.[3]
Following the collapse of the Durrani Empire, Afghanistan split into many different states to where virtually every city was autonomous or independent in some shape or form, with states like the Principality of Qandahar and the Emirate of Herat being formed. Maharaj Ranjit Singh sent General Hari Singh Nalwa and Mahan Singh Mirpuri as Nalwa's deputy commander to capture Peshawar. After brief fighting, Hari Singh Nalwa captured the city. The news of the capture of Peshawar quickly reached Kabul. Learning of his deposed brothers defeat.[4] Hari Singh Nalwa was appointed as governor of the city by Maharaja Ranjit Singh.[5]