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Durrani and Sikh rule

era

Ahmad Shah Durrani's Afghan state claimed Peshawar, Kashmir and much of the Punjab from 1747. Sikh misls consolidated under Ranjit Singh, who took Lahore in 1799 and ruled the Punjab until his death in 1839. British annexation after the Anglo-Sikh wars ended independent rule in 1849.

Period
1747 CE to 1849 CE
Focus
Between two empires

Last updated

Quick facts about Durrani and Sikh rule
Period1747 CE to 1849 CE[1]
FocusBetween two empires[1]

Durrani and Sikh rule: overview

Ahmad Shah Durrani's Afghan state claimed Peshawar, Kashmir and much of the Punjab from 1747. Sikh misls consolidated under Ranjit Singh, who took Lahore in 1799 and ruled the Punjab until his death in 1839. British annexation after the Anglo-Sikh wars ended independent rule in 1849.

Timeline

  1. 1747

    Durrani empire founded

    Ahmad Shah Durrani is proclaimed ruler at Kandahar.

  2. 1799

    Ranjit Singh takes Lahore

    The Sikh empire is established with Lahore as its capital.

  3. 1849

    Annexation of the Punjab

    The Punjab passes to British control after the second Anglo-Sikh war.

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Sources

  1. [1]Ahmad Shah Durrani — Encyclopaedia Britannica. Accessed 2026-08-30.
  2. [2]Ranjit Singh — Encyclopaedia Britannica. Accessed 2026-08-30.
  3. [3]Punjab, history — Encyclopaedia Britannica. Accessed 2026-08-30.
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