Sher Ali Khan, Amir of Afghanistan (1824/5–79)

Afghan potentate and reformer. Amir of Afghanistan, 1863–6; 1868–79. His succession was disputed by his half-brothers, leading to a period of civil war. Implemented administrative and military reform. The Second Afghan War followed his refusal to accept alterations to the border between India and Afghanistan and a permanent British military presence in the country. British and Indian troops invaded in November 1878. Fled Kabul, but failed to secure Russian assistance and died from illness in February 1879.