Abstract

This review focuses on administrative changes and governmental system that were introduced during the reign of Ahmad Shah Durrani (1747-1773), the founder of the Durrani Empire, especially in regard to its organization and consolidation of the Durrani state. The review critically evaluates current historical work and primary and secondary sources that relate to provincial, military, judicial, administrative and financial institutions during this time frame. The literature reviewed shows that the consolidation of Durrani authority went hand in hand with military expansion and political conquest, as well as the organization and adaptation of administrative institutions to the political and social environment of 18th century Afghanistan. The Permanent Council, Diwan Begi, Diwan-e Insha and Qazi al-Quzat were the institutions and offices that helped with governmental coordination, financial and administrative management, judicial affairs and in exercising royal authority. But the treatment of institutional development, effective operation and interaction of these administrative structures in the existing literature are not uniform. An in-depth study of these institutions at the provincial level and the overall changes in administrative practices during different eras of Ahmad Shah Durrani's rule is particularly needed, however. The review also suggests that comparative historical study and archival materials are needed to better understand the role and impact of the Durrani administrative institutions in the process of state formation in Afghanistan in the long-run.

Keywords

Afghanistan Ahmad Shah Durrani Administrative Reforms Durrani state Government Institutions