the "amir" had to, as in the previous year, meet a serious rebellion, the khost rebellion, due to discontent with the reforms which he was seeking to introduce. the centre of the revolt was the khost district, and the chief tribe engaged was the mangals. the rebels threatened matun, and a considerable force was sent by the "amir" to relieve it. a sharp engagement took place near the city in may, with indecisive result. the revolt gained strength, and in july the rebels proclaimed abd-al karim as "amir", professing to be a grandson of "amir" shir ali. the indian government, however, claimed he was the illegitimate indian-born son of "amir" yakub khan, who disowned him as a disgrace to the afghan community.