Sultan Ahmad Khan

Sultan Ahmad Khan b. Sardar 'Azim Muhammadzai<ref name=":0" /> (Template:Langx), also known as Sultan Jan<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> (Template:Langx) was the ruler of the Principality of Herat from September 1857 to April 1863. He was a nephew of Dost Mohammad Khan. In 1855-56, Sultan Ahmad Khan sent a petition to the Shah, Nasir al-Din.<ref name=":55">Template:Cite book</ref> If the Iranians would support Sultan Ahmad Khan with an army, he would overthrow the Amir-i Kabir and incorporate Afghanistan into the Guarded Domains. However, Sultan Ahmad Khan was intercepted by Dost Mohammad Khan, who exiled Sultan Ahmad Khan to Iran.<ref name=":55" />

After the conclusion of the Anglo-Persian War, he was installed as ruler of Herat by the Iranians. On May 24, 1857, Sultan Ahmad Khan arrived in Herat.<ref name=":0" /> The Iranians evacuated Herat in September 1857<ref name=":0">Template:Cite book</ref> in accordance with the Treaty of Paris.<ref name="balfour1">Edward Balfour. The cyclopædia of India and of eastern and southern Asia. Bernard Quaritch, 1885</ref> During Sultan Ahmad Khan's reign, he was completely dependent on Iran and not only minted coins in the Shah's name, but also given assistance against the Muhammadzais to the east.<ref name=":0" /> Naser al-Din Shah bestowed the title of Sirkar (Template:Langx) on Sultan Ahmad Khan and gave his son, Shah Nawaz Khan, the title of Amir Panji (Template:Langx).<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

Khan captured Farah soon after in March 1862. Farah had been a Muhammadzai possession since their occupation of the town on October 30, 1856.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref name=":0" /> This became Dost Mohammad Khan's casus belli to launch an attack on Herat. On June 29<ref name="balfour1" /> or July 8<ref name=":1">Template:Cite thesis</ref> Farah was captured by the Muhammadzais. On July 22,<ref name=":1" /> Sabzawar was captured. By July 28, Herat was besieged.<ref name="balfour1" /> During the 10-month siege Ahmad died on March 6, 1863,<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2">Template:Cite book</ref> being succeeded by his son Shah Nawaz Khan. Shortly before his death, he had been affected by a disease that causes limb paralysis.<ref name=":2" /> On May 27, 1863, Herat would finally fall to the Amir.<ref name="balfour1" />

See also

• Principality of Herat
• Herat Campaign of 1862-1863
• Anglo-Persian War
• Dost Mohammad Khan
• 1st Anglo-Afghan War
• Sher Ali Khan