Kalat Rebellion

The Kalat Rebellion was a revolt by the Khanate of Kalat against the Durrani Empire that occurred between 1758 and 1759. Following the Maratha conquest of the Punjab, Nasir Khan, the ruler of Kalat, declared independence from Afghan suzerainty.

Attempts by Ahmad Shah Durrani to diplomatically reconcile with Nasir Khan failed, prompting Ahmad Shah to dispatch a force under Shah Wali Khan. This force was defeated at Pringuez and forced to retreat to Quetta.^[1][2][3]

Upon learning of the defeat, Ahmad Shah personally led an army against Kalat in the summer of 1758.^[4] He encountered Nasir Khan at Mastung, where the Kalat forces were defeated. Nasir Khan withdrew to Kalat, which was then besieged by Ahmad Shah.^[5]

The siege lasted for forty days, during which several storming attempts by Afghan forces failed.^[6][7] Eventually, Nasir Khan, trapped within his capital, initiated peace negotiations. He apologized for his rebellion and agreed to reaffirm his loyalty to Ahmad Shah. In return, Ahmad Shah allowed Nasir Khan to retain his rule over Kalat.

A treaty was signed stipulating that Nasir Khan would recognize Durrani suzerainty, but would pay no tribute. Instead, he would provide troops for Afghan military campaigns when requested, to be paid by the Shah. Following the treaty, Ahmad Shah married a cousin of Nasir Khan.^[8][9][10]

Several months later, a dervish led a new revolt by proclaiming a man named Mir Khush Khan Durrani as king. The rebellion was quickly crushed: the dervish was executed and Mir Khush Khan was blinded.^[11]