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Afghan War: signing the treaty of Gundamuk
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Afghan War: signing the treaty of Gundamuk
The Afghan War: the Ameer Yakoob Khan and Major Cavagnari signing the treaty of Gundamuk, 1879
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Media ID 23420376
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
1879 Afghan Amir Anglo Anglo Afghan Emir Feb21 Khan Major Mohammad Peace Pierre Signing Treaty Ameer Cavagnari Gandamak Gundamuk Yakoob
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures a pivotal moment in the Anglo-Afghan War of 1878-1879, as Amir Yakub Khan of Afghanistan (1820-1879) and Major Henry B. Cavagnari (1833-1879) of the British Indian Army sign the Treaty of Gundamak on February 21, 1879. The treaty was intended to establish peace between the two parties, following years of conflict and mistrust. The scene is set against a backdrop of rugged terrain and a makeshift tent, with the two men seated at a small table, surrounded by their respective interpreters and advisors. Amir Yakub Khan, dressed in traditional Afghan clothing, sits to the left, his expression serious and determined. Major Cavagnari, wearing the uniform of the British Indian Army, sits to the right, his gaze fixed on the document before them. The Treaty of Gundamak was a significant turning point in the Anglo-Afghan Wars, which began in 1839 and continued intermittently until 1919. The treaty granted the British certain concessions, including the right to maintain a diplomatic mission in Kabul and to build a telegraph line through Afghan territory. However, it also contained provisions that were deeply resented by many Afghans, including the requirement that the Afghan government pay an indemnity to the British and allow them to maintain a garrison in Kabul. Despite the initial signing of the treaty, tensions continued to simmer, and in May 1879, a group of Afghan soldiers assassinated Major Cavagnari and his entire mission, sparking a renewed outbreak of hostilities. The Second Anglo-Afghan War lasted until 1880, resulting in a British victory but at great cost to both sides. This photograph is a poignant reminder of the complex and often fraught relationship between Afghanistan and the British Empire during the late 19th century, and the challenges of forging lasting peace in a region marked by cultural and political differences.
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