Muhammad Ahmad al-Mahdi vs Pratap Singh of Jammu

Muhammad Ahmad publicly proclaimed himself the Mahdi, the Islamic redeemer, on June 29, 1881. He called for a jihad against Ottoman-Egyptian rule and British influence, gaining widespread support among Sudanese tribes.

Mahdist forces under Muhammad Ahmad defeated a 10,000-strong Egyptian army commanded by British officer William Hicks at El Obeid. The victory eliminated Egyptian military presence in Kordofan and established Mahdist control over central Sudan.

Mahdist forces besieged Khartoum from March 1884 to January 1885. The city fell on January 26, 1885, resulting in the death of British General Charles Gordon. This victory gave the Mahdi control over Sudan's capital and most of the country.

Following the fall of Khartoum, Muhammad Ahmad established a theocratic state with its capital at Omdurman. He implemented Islamic law, abolished taxes, and organized a centralized administration based on religious principles.

Pratap Singh became Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir after the death of his father Maharaja Ranbir Singh. His reign lasted 40 years, during which he ruled as a British vassal under the Treaty of Amritsar.

The British suspended Pratap Singh's ruling powers due to allegations of misgovernment and corruption. A council of regency was appointed to administer the state, and he was restored only after agreeing to reforms.

Pratap Singh established Pratap Park in Srinagar, a public garden that became a landmark. The project reflected his interest in urban development and public works during his reign.