Page 196

151 at Peshawar for the purpose of discussing ways and means of mutual defence against the threatened invasion of Afghanistan and India. The Mission was warmly received and resulted in the conclusion of a treaty of friendship (June 7, 1809). Hardly had the Mission left Peshawar when news was received that Kabul had been occupied by Mahmoud and Fateh Khan. The month of June had not come to a close before it was evident that the Shah's cause was hopeless. After a short encounter near Gandomak, Shah Shuja's forces were routed, while he, turning off, withdrew beyond the border to await a favourable opportunity. The Rise of the Barakzais: Shah Shuja, after making futile efforts to recover his throne, was at last imprisoned at Peshawar and carried off to Kashmir. In 1812, however, he was able to make good his escape. He came to Lahore hoping to get the help of Ranjit Singh, ruler of the Panjab, in regaining his lost throne. Contrary to his expectations, the Sikh ruler treated him badly and robbed him of the famous diamond, Koh-i-Noor. The fugitive monarch, after various vicissitudes, ultimately took refuge under the British at Ludhiana. The Barakzais were now dominant throughout the country. This incited the jealousy of Kamran, Mahmoud's eldest son. He began looking for an opportunity to bring ruin upon Fateh Khan and his influential brothers. In 1816, a powerful Persian army advanced on Herat. Haji Feroz-ud-Din, the Governor, appealed to his brother, Mahmoud for help. Fateh Khan set out in that direction. The Haji was made a prisoner and sent to Kabul under a strong escort. Dost Mohammad, a younger brother of Fateh Khan, was appointed to seize the treasures. His intrusion into the princesses' quarters in search of the