We can never feel much pity for the flesh-dealing Toorkistan, let it fall to
whom it may. As a question of politics, the more the Affghans [sic] take
the less there will be for either Russia or Persia.
herbert edwardes[Amir Sher ‘Ali Khan] should clearly realize our views of his position as
a weak power between two enormously strong ones, an earthen vessel
between two iron ones.
bartle frerehile the british occupation of Afghanistan was implod-
ing, Dost Muhammad Khan had not been idle. During his
exile in India he successfully petitioned for an audience with
Lord Ellenborough, now Governor General, and when the Amir reached
Calcutta, Ellenborough received him with great honour. Indeed his visit
was more like a royal progress: he was guest of honour at balls, had a
guided tour of the city and docks and an official reception was held in
his honour. When Dost Muhammad Khan fell ill, the Governor General
sent him to a hill station to recuperate. Dost Muhammad Khan’s visit to
Calcutta was far more effective in terms of winning over the future ruler
of Afghanistan than the costly invasion of his country. For the first time
a Durrani monarch saw for himself the extent of Britain’s technological
and industrial achievements and the economic and military might of its
Empire. He also learnt a great deal about the English themselves, their alien
civilization and religion. It was undoubtedly this experience that helped
to reinforce Dost Muhammad Khan’s belief that Afghanistan’s survival
depended on an alliance with Britain, for it was the only power capable of
guaranteeing his country’s frontiers against invasion by Persia or Russia.
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