Babrak Khan, a formidable figure from Afghanistan’s turbulent tribal history, remains a name of both reverence and mystery. A chieftain of the Zadran tribe and a military leader who navigated shifting loyalties and rebellion, Babrak’s legacy is entangled with Afghan statecraft, frontier politics, and the legacy of his warrior sons. This article explores the life, leadership, and contested death of Babrak Khan — a man who stood at the crossroads of tradition and modernization in early 20th-century Afghanistan.
Early Life and Tribal Roots
Born in Almara, Babrak Khan was the son of Mazar Khan. Despite his tribal status, Babrak spent much of his early life in poverty — a common experience in the mountainous tribal regions of eastern Afghanistan. He rose through his leadership capabilities rather than wealth or inheritance, and by the turn of the 20th century, he had established himself as a chieftain among the Zadran, a powerful Pashtun tribe in the Khost region.
Rise to Power: Tribal Leadership and Military Service
By 1898, Babrak commanded five companies of Zadran Khasadars (tribal militia), contracted under Emir Abdur Rahman Khan. Though these militias were eventually replaced by regular Afghan troops, Babrak had proven himself as a capable and influential tribal leader.
Despite the rebellious reputation of the Zadran tribe, Babrak often aligned with the Afghan government:
- 1912 Khost Rebellion: Some sources claim he helped suppress this uprising, though conflicting reports suggest the Zadran were among the rebels.
- 1913 Retaliation: His tribe burned his tower, possibly as punishment for siding with the central government.
- 1917 Diplomacy: Babrak led a Zadran delegation seeking peace with British forces, indicating his interest in regional stability.
Third Anglo-Afghan War and Recognition
During the Third Anglo-Afghan War in 1919, Babrak Khan stood with Emir Amanullah Khan. He traveled to Kabul to pledge loyalty and took part in military action near Matun and Thal. His efforts were rewarded with an honorary promotion to Brigadier and the title Naib Salar (Deputy Commander).
This alignment with the monarchy distinguished Babrak as a rare tribal leader who sought collaboration over conflict — even when it meant opposing his own tribe’s interests.
The Controversial Death of a Chieftain
Babrak Khan’s death during the Khost rebellion of 1924–1925 remains a subject of historical debate:
- David B. Edwards and Ludwig Adamec agree he died fighting for the Afghan government, opposing the Zadran revolt.
- George Fetherling claims the opposite — that Babrak led the Zadran in revolt and died fighting against the government.
- Rhea Talley Stewart disputes both, suggesting that Burland Khan, not Babrak, led the Zadran during the rebellion.
These conflicting accounts highlight the murky nature of Afghan tribal politics and oral history. What remains clear is that Babrak Khan died amid one of Afghanistan’s most significant tribal uprisings of the early 20th century.
Family and Legacy
Babrak Khan left behind a large and complex family. Estimates of his sons range from 2 to 18, but at least five are historically documented:
- Mazrak Zadran – Led tribal revolts against the Afghan monarchy in the 1940s.
- Said Akbar Babrak – Assassinated Pakistan’s first Prime Minister, Liaquat Ali Khan, in 1951.
- Sher Muhammad Khan, Izmair, and Dilawar Khan – Played various roles in tribal and regional politics.
His grandson, Muhammad Umar Babrakzai, would later emerge in the political landscape during the 1980s.
Despite the controversy surrounding his death, Babrak Khan’s influence reverberated through his descendants, many of whom became central figures in Afghan and regional conflicts.
A Warrior’s Legacy
Babrak Khan’s life embodies the complexities of Afghan tribal leadership during a time of imperial pressure, internal rebellion, and national transformation. Whether viewed as a loyal servant of the state or a rebel chieftain, Babrak remains a legendary figure in Wazir and Zadran history — a warrior whose story captures the spirit of resistance and resilience in Afghanistan’s tribal belt.
Conclusion
Babrak Khan was more than just a tribal leader — he was a symbol of shifting allegiances, cultural survival, and the rugged autonomy of Afghanistan’s frontier warriors. His legacy, though clouded by conflicting accounts, continues to provoke debate among historians and inspire interest in the rich, tumultuous history of the region.