Amanullah Khan
The king who led Afghanistan to full independence and pursued radical modernization.
Life
Independence
Amanullah was the son of Emir Habibullah. He took the throne after his father's assassination in 1919 and immediately went to war with Britain (the Third Anglo-Afghan War), after which Britain recognized Afghanistan's full independence.
Reform
In 1926 he took the title of king. In 1927–1928 he toured Europe and the Soviet Union, and after returning home he pushed radical reforms: promulgating a constitution, founding schools for boys and girls, encouraging women to go unveiled, and requiring officials to wear Western suits.
Exile
The reforms angered conservative religious forces and the tribes; in 1929 revolts broke out across the country, and he was forced to abdicate. He went into exile in Italy and died in Switzerland in 1960.
Legacy
Amanullah is regarded as the father of Afghan independence, and his overly rapid reforms became a cautionary tale for many later reformers.
Did you know? His wife, Queen Soraya, was the first Afghan queen to appear in public and champion girls' education.
Key dates
- 1919Takes the throne; wins full independence
- 1923Promulgates the first constitution
- 1926Takes the title of king
- 1928Launches reforms after touring Europe
- 1929Abdication and exile
- 1960Died