Affairs in Herat

Content

Enclosure nos. 3-33 to a despatch from the Secret Department, Government of Bombay From c. 1668-1858, the East India Company’s administration in the city of Bombay [Mumbai] and western India. From 1858-1947, a subdivision of the British Raj. It was responsible for British relations with the Gulf and Red Sea regions. [Mumbai]. The enclosures consist of copies of correspondence relating to events in Herat, and its status after the withdrawal of Persian occupation at the end of the Anglo-Persian War of 1856-57. Subjects covered include:

• An unsuccessful rebellion in Herat
• A Russian envoy arriving at Candahar [Kandahar, Afghanistan] with the intention of continuing to Herat
• The importance of improving Herat’s defences if it is to remain independent
• A Persian [Iranian] attack on Merv, successfully defended by the Takkeh Toorkomans [Teke Turkmen]
• Competing claims over Seistan [Sistan] by the rulers of Candahar, Herat and Persia [Iran]
• The dissolution and final report (included on ff 471-480) of the British Commission to Herat.

The primary correspondent is the Chief Commissioner, Herat. Other correspondents include: Dost Mahomed, Ameer of Cabul [Dūst Muḥammad Khān Bārakzāy, Amīr of Afghanistan]; Nawab An honorific title; an official acting as a provincial deputy ruler in South Asia; or a significant Muslim landowner in nineteenth century India. Foujdar Khan [ Nawwāb An honorific title; an official acting as a provincial deputy ruler in South Asia; or a significant Muslim landowner in nineteenth century India. Fūjdār Khān], British Vakeel [agent] at Cabul [Kabul]; HM Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary A diplomatic representative who ranks below an ambassador. The term can be shortened to 'envoy'. to Persia; and the Government of India.

Extent and format

1 item (110 folios)

It is part of

Enclosures to Secret Letters from India, Vol 172

1104 images

Ref: IOR/L/PS/5/253

Written in

English in Latin script

Type

Archival item

Access & Reference

Original held at

British Library: India Office The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors. Records and Private Papers Documents collected in a private capacity.

Access conditions

Unrestricted

Archive reference

IOR/L/PS/5/253, ff 373-482

History of this record

Date(s)

18 Sep 1857-22 Jan 1859 (CE, Gregorian)

Subjects

Territorial disputesDiplomacyInsurrectionsAnglo-Persian War (1856-1857)Reports

Places

Emirate of HeratMervSeistan

People & organisations

Government of IndiaHM Ambassador to IranKing of AfghanistanCommissioner

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Affairs in Herat, British Library: India Office Records and Private Papers, IOR/L/PS/5/253, ff 373-482, in Qatar Digital Library <https://www.qdl.qa/archive/81055/vdc_100126288473.0x000002> [accessed 17 July 2026]

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