Return of hostages at end of first Afghan War
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Return of hostages at end of first Afghan War
The return of military and civilian British hostages towards the end of the first Afghan War. They had been held by Akbar Khan. Date: 1842
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Media ID 14230363
© The Sharp Illustration Collection / Mary Evans Picture Library
1840s 1842 Adults Afghan Civilian Civilians Heroes Horseback Hostage Hostages Hugging Release Return Reunion Reunited
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative image captures the poignant moment of the return of British military and civilian hostages towards the end of the First Anglo-Afghan War in 1842. The conflict, which began in 1839 as an attempt to secure Afghanistan as a British protectorate, had taken a devastating turn for the British when their forces were ambushed and defeated in Kabul, resulting in the capture of hundreds of men, women, and children by Akbar Khan and other Afghan leaders. The image shows a group of weary yet relieved British soldiers and civilians, many of whom had been held captive for months, making their way back to British lines on horseback. The soldiers, dressed in their red coats and bearskins, are a stark contrast to the rugged terrain and Afghan horsemen who accompany them. Among the civilians, children cling to their parents, their faces etched with the signs of hardship and separation. As the group approaches, a heartwarming scene of reunion unfolds. A soldier embraces a loved one, while another man is seen lifting a child up in his arms. The image captures the sense of relief and joy that comes with the end of a long and arduous ordeal. This powerful illustration is a testament to the human spirit and the enduring bonds of family and community, even in the midst of war and conflict. It offers a glimpse into the past, transporting us back to the 1840s and the complex history of British-Afghan relations. The image is a poignant reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of peace and reconciliation.
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