Sher Dil Khan
Sher Dil Khan Barakzai was the first ruler and founder of the Principality of Kandahar, who ruled from 1818 until his death in 1826.
Early life
Sher Dil was born in Kandahar into a Barakzai Pashtun family, to his father Payandah Khan, and to an Idu Khel Hotak Pashtun mother, alongside his full-brothers, also known as the 'Dil Brothers': Pur Dil Khan, Kohan Dil Khan, Rahim Dil Khan and Mehr Dil Khan.Rise to power
To avenge Payandah Khan's execution by Zaman Shah Durrani in 1800, Fateh Khan Barakzai pledged allegiance to Mahmud Shah Durrani during his visit to Persia, and engineered the blinding of Zaman Shah to overthrow him. This united all half-brothers and sons of Payandah Khan to support one another, and partake in overthrowing Zaman Shah, to which Mahmud Shah was installed to the throne on 25 July 1801.Sher Dil was appointed as the Governor of Ghazni, while his brothers were appointed to be governors of different cities, and again during the restoration of Mahmud Shah Durrani.
Reign
After Kamran Mirza Durrani executed Fateh Khan Barakzai in jealousy, the Barakzai half-brothers united again, in order to avenge his death by deposing Kamran's father, Mahmud Shah Durrani. The Barakzai brothers got their own share of land, whereas the Sadozai were deposed to Herat.In 1818, the Dil brothers seized Kandahar and its surroundings and declared independence. Sher Dil Khan was in charge of the military in the principality.