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Ghazi Mohammad Jan Khan Wardak [1](fl. 1879–1880) was an Afghan military leader and tribal chief of the Wardak tribe, known for his role in the Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878–1880). He emerged as a prominent figure in the Afghan resistance following the massacre of British envoy Sir Pierre Cavagnari in Kabul, which marked the beginning of the war's second phase in September 1879.
After the assassination, Mohammad Jan gathered a large tribal army in the region north of Kabul, rallying forces primarily from the Wardak, Logar and Ghilzai tribes. Rejecting the authority of Amir Mohammad Yaqub Khan, whom the British had installed as ruler, Mahomed Jan declared **Musa Jan**, a member of the Afghan royal family, as the rightful amir of Afghanistan. This marked the beginning of a significant uprising against British occupation.
Ghazi Mohammad Jan Khan Wardak is best known for leading the Siege of Sherpur Cantonment[2] in December 1879. His forces, which numbered between 10,000 to 15,000 tribal fighters, besieged the British garrison under the command of Major-General Frederick Roberts. The siege lasted from December 15 to December 23, when a final attempt to storm the British defenses failed due to the arrival of British reinforcements under Brigadier General Charles Gough. Despite their numerical advantage, Mahomed Jan's forces were unable to overcome the British fortifications, leading to the dispersal of his army and the failure of the siege.
Though his efforts were ultimately not successful, Mohammad Jan’s leadership played a crucial role in uniting various Afghan tribes against the British, making him a significant figure in Afghan resistance history during the 19th century. The lack of detailed personal records, such as his birth date, education, or early life, means that much of Mahomed Jan's legacy is tied to his military campaigns during the war.[3]