Capture of Peshawar (1834)

The Capture of Peshawar took place on 6 May 1834, when the Sikh Empire formally annexed the territory. Peshawar was governed by the Barakzai Sardars — Yar Mohammed Khan, Sultan Mohammed Khan, Sayeed Mohammed Khan and Pir Mohammed Khan. They were collectively referred to as the Peshawar Barakzais.^[1] The Peshawar Barakzais had broken free of their half-brothers ruling Kabul.^[2]

Capture of Peshawar (1834)
Part of Afghan–Sikh Wars
Date 6 May 1834 Location Peshawar Result Sikh victory Capture of Peshawar by the sikhs Territorial changes Peshawar captured by the Sikh Empire
Belligerents
Sikh Empire	Peshawar Sardars
Commanders and leaders
Hari Singh Nalwa Maharaja Ranjit Singh Mahan Singh Hazarawala Khushal Singh Jamadar Tej Singh Misr Sukh Raj	Sultan Mohammad Khan

Charles Masson, pseudonym of a deserter from the army of The East India Company was an eyewitness to the event and has left a detailed account.^[3]

Events

Following the collapse of the Durrani Empire, Afghanistan split into many different states to where virtually every city was autonomous or independent in some shape or form, with states like the Principality of Qandahar and the Emirate of Herat being formed. Maharaj Ranjit Singh sent General Hari Singh Nalwa and Mahan Singh Hazarawala as Nalwa's deputy commander to capture Peshawar. After brief fighting, Hari Singh Nalwa captured the city. The news of the capture of Peshawar quickly reached Kabul and Dost Mohammad Khan, learning of his deposed brothers defeat.^[4] Hari Singh Nalwa was appointed as governor of the city by Maharaja Ranjit Singh.^[5]