ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on tactics, technology and logistics of conventional and sub-conventional warfare conducted by the British and Indian troops in Afghanistan and the north-west frontier. It examines the rise of Afghan monarchy on the ruins of the Mughal Empire which ultimately would lead to British intervention. The faction-ridden Mughal government despite Nadir's repeated requests failed to cooperate with the Persians against the rebellious Afghans in Kandahar. The Mughal Empire had disintegrated into a series of semi-independent nawabis and the Marathas had emerged as the premier power in the subcontinent. The successful conclusion of the Third Anglo-Maratha War bought the whole of the subcontinent, except Punjab, under British control. Britain like the Mughals maintained a permanent power base in southern Asia for conducting warfare in Afghanistan. The British found out that it was logistically difficult and financially expensive to maintain a large force in Afghanistan for a long period.
