Sind Affairs: Matters Relating to Afghanistan and Kelat

Content

This item comprises an enclosure to a despatch from the 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] Secret Department to the Secret Committee Pre-1784, the Committee responsible for protecting East India Company shipping. Post-1784, its main role was to transmit communications between the Board of Control and the Company's Indian governments on matters requiring secrecy. [Bombay Secret Letter], No. 4 dated 2 January 1856. The enclosure is dated 22 December 1855.

The papers comprise documents forwarded by Henry Bartle Edward Frere, Commissioner in Sind [Sindh], to the Governor and President in Council, Bombay, as follows:

• An extract of a letter from the Judicial Deputy Magistrate to the Collector, Upper Sind, reporting that: Dost Mahomed Khan [Dūst Muḥammad Khān Bārakzāy] has arrived at Kandahar with a force, obliged the Governor of Kandahar to vacate the town with his men, and taken possession of Kandahar, replacing all the amildars [revenue collectors] with his own; that the Governor’s eldest son who was approaching with a force has also fled on hearing of Dost Mahomed’s success; and that Dost Mahomed apparently intends to proceed to Herat ‘at the close of the season’ (f 25)
• Copies of letters written by the wakeel [ vakil Elected representative or attorney, acting in legal matters such as contracting marriage, inheritance, or business; a high-ranking legal official; could also refer to a custodian or administrator. ] of the Khan of Kelat [Kalat] and by Ameer [Emir] Dost Mahomed Khan (which had been forwarded by Lieutenant-Colonel John Jacob, Political Superintendent on the Frontier of Upper Sind), regarding the arrival of Dost Mahomed Khan at Kandahar.

Extent and format

1 item (7 folios)

It is part of

'ENCLOSURES TO SECRET LETTERS FROM BOMBAY', Vol 124

1014 images

Ref: IOR/L/PS/5/486

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/5/486, ff 24-30

History of this record

Date(s)

2 Jan 1856 (CE, Gregorian)

Subjects

Military occupation

Places

Kandahar

People & organisations

Khan of KalātCommissionerPresident and Governor of Bombay in CouncilKing of Afghanistan

Share this record

• Share on twitter
• Share on facebook

Cite this record in your research

Sind Affairs: Matters Relating to Afghanistan and Kelat, British Library: India Office Records and Private Papers, IOR/L/PS/5/486, ff 24-30, in Qatar Digital Library <https://www.qdl.qa/archive/81055/vdc_100129828683.0x000003> [accessed 2 July 2026]

Link to this record

https://www.qdl.qa/en/archive/81055/vdc_100129828683.0x000003

IIIF details

This record has a IIIF manifest available as follows. If you have a compatible viewer you can drag the icon to load it.https://www.qdl.qa/en/iiif/81055/vdc_100000000319.0x00012d/manifestOpen in Universal viewerOpen in Mirador viewerMore options for embedding images

Copyright: How to use this content