
19th-century Afghan monarchy
The 19th-century Afghan monarchy was a period marked by attempts to unify and modernize Afghanistan amid external pressures from Britain and Russia, known as "The Great Game." The monarchy was characterized by a series of rulers who relied on tribal alliances and often struggled with internal stability. Leaders aimed to maintain independence while balancing traditional customs with limited modernization efforts. The monarchy’s power was challenged by regional leaders and external forces, leading to periods of instability, reforms, and short-lived leadership changes, shaping Afghanistan’s national identity and its relations with neighboring imperial powers.