Ahmed Shah Abdali

After the assassination of Nadir Shah, Abdali was elected as the leader of the Abdali Pashtuns at a loya jirga in Kandahar. He founded the Durrani Empire, uniting Pashtun tribes and establishing the modern state of Afghanistan.

Abdali established the Durrani dynasty and consolidated Pashtun rule over Kandahar, Herat, and Kabul. He implemented a centralized administration and expanded the empire's borders to include parts of modern-day Pakistan, Iran, and Uzbekistan.

Abdali launched multiple invasions of India between 1748 and 1767, plundering Delhi, Mathura, and other cities. These campaigns brought immense wealth to the Durrani Empire but also caused widespread destruction and depopulation.

Abdali led Afghan forces to a decisive victory over the Maratha Empire at the Third Battle of Panipat. The battle shattered Maratha power in northern India and established Afghan dominance in the region for decades.