Mahdi Ali Khan Bahador and British Politics in Iran

Late 18th and early 19th centuries are one of the most important eras in the history of Iran and the world. Most of the world including Iran were under the effects of European colonialism and subject to their politics. Napoleon’s conquest, specifically in Egypt (1798), threatened Britain and its colony in India. When invasions from eastern frontiers of Iran for example by Zaman Shah reached to India, Iran as a neighbor found a crucial position in British colonialism policy. Meanwhile Russian expansionism was another treat for British India. It was in this context that Mirza Mahdi Ali Khan, EIC’s agent and Iranian distinguished politician, played a prominent role which has not been considered adequately. Present article investigates his role and his delegation to Fath Ali Shah’s court.