Amir Dost Mohammed Khan of Kabul (1793-1863) was ruler of Afghanistan in 1826-39 and 1842-63 and founder of the Barakzai dynasty. The work is based on documents and information provided by members of the Amir’s family and court. The supporting documents were lost in the insurrection of 1841 and the manuscript of the book itself seized by Mohammed Akbar Khan, forcing Mohan Lal to rewrite the entire work. In addition to being a vivid portrait of Dost Mohammad Khan, this biography is a valuable primary source for the study of the First Anglo-Afghan War. It also brings to light Amir’s diplomatic and political skills in maneuvering between Persia, Russia, and Great Britain, all of which were seeking to exert influence over his policies and control, directly or indirectly and his country. About the Author Mohan Lal Kashmiri (1812-1877) was an Indian traveller, diplomat, and author. He played a central role in the First Anglo-Afghan War of 1838-1842. His biography of Dost Mohammad Khan is a primary source on the war. Mohan Lal’s wife, Hyderi Begum, was a Muslim scholar. During the Indian Rebellion of 1857, she maintained a diary of events in Delhi. The British Government later seized and confiscated it.