Burnes, Alexander: Travels into Bokhara: containing the narrative of a voyage on the Indus from the sea to Lahore, ... and an account of a journey from India to Cabool, Tartary and Persia ; performed by order of the supreme government of India, in the years 1831, 32, and 33 (Band 3) (London, 1835)

235

book ii.

HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE COUNTRIES
LYING BETWEEN THE INDUS AND THE
CASPIAN SEA.

chapter'l

sketch of events in afghanistan since the
year 1809.

Before entering upon the affairs, of Cabool, it
becomes necessary that I should speak of the events
which have happened in that kingdom since the year
1809,'when Mr. Elphinstone closed his history.

During this period the monarchy has been to-
tally dismembered ; the provinces have either de-
clared themselves independent under different chiefs,
or been seized by the Seiks. Two kings of Cabool
live as exiles in a foreign land ; and of the exten-
sive empire of Ahmed Shah Dooranee, the city of
Herat alone remains in the possession of his de-
scendants. This speedy dissolution of a power
which was so formidable merits attention, since
these political changes, in a country which borders on
British India, may ultimately influence her destinies.

Shah Shooja ool Moolk lost his throne on the
field at Neemla in the year 1809, immediately after
the British mission recrossed the Indus. His power