Hotaki Dynasty

The Hotaki dynasty was established in April 1709 by Mir Wais Hotak after leading a successful revolution against the Persian Safavids in Kandahar. It was an Afghan monarchy that lasted until 1738 when Nader Shah of Khorasan defeated Hussain Hotaki during the long siege of Kandahar. At its peak, the Hotaki dynasty ruled over a wide area which is now Iran, Afghanistan, and northwestern Pakistan.

In 1715, Mir Wais died of a natural cause and his brother Abdul Aziz succeeded the monarchy. He was quickly followed by Mahmud who conquered Persia in 1722 and ruled it until his death in 1725. Ashraf Hotaki took over but was defeated at the Battle of Damghan in 1729 by the Afsharids. Hussain Hotaki became the last ruler until he was also defeated in 1738.