The Rest Is History 88. The First Anglo-Afghan War
Aug 19, 2021
William Dalrymple, an award-winning historian specializing in India and the East India Company, joins Dominic Sandbrook and Tom Holland to explore the First Anglo-Afghan War. They delve into the war's chaotic legacy and its absurd yet tragic moments, linking it to modern conflicts in Afghanistan. Key figures like George Rawlinson are discussed in the context of espionage, while the disastrous retreat of British forces reveals strategic miscalculations. The conversation also reflects on Afghan resilience and highlights ongoing challenges for refugees.
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A Recurring Tragedy
- Rev. George Gleig’s 1843 account described the First Anglo-Afghan War as a pointless disaster.
- It eerily mirrors modern events, highlighting the cyclical nature of conflict in Afghanistan.
Rawlinson's Discovery
- In 1837, George Rawlinson, an Orientalist and secret agent, witnessed Russian Cossacks entering Afghanistan.
- This sparked paranoia in the British, triggering the First Anglo-Afghan War.
Burns' Blunder
- Alexander Burnes, a British spy, documented his travels to Bukhara, inadvertently aiding Russian intelligence.
- The Russians used his information to dismantle his spy network, highlighting the unintended consequences of boasting.
