Dost Mohammed Khan (1791 – 9.6.1863), son of Painda Khan, the chief of Barkzai clan of the Pathans, was a ruler of Kabul and Kandhar (Afghanistan). In June 1813, he fought an unsuccessful battle against the army of Lahore Darbar, at Attock. In 1823, he captured Kabul. In 1835, he fought another unsuccessful against the army of Lahore Darbar. In 1837, he fought again against the Lahore Darbar at Jamraud. In this battle general Hari Singh Nalwa was killed. In 1839, he was defeated by Shah Shujah (a descendant of Ahmed Shah Durrani). The British sided with Shah Shujah. Dost Mohammed Khan was arrested and exiled to Calcutta. In November 1842, he was set free. He became the ruler of Kabul again. After this, he established friendly relations with the Sikhs. The Sikhs helped him in his disputes with the British. He also helped the Sikhs during Anglo-Sikh wars. Later, when Bhai Maharaj Singh launched struggle against the British occupation, he promised to help. He died at Herat in 1863.
(Dr Harjinder Singh Dilgeer)