Afghanistan: 'Kohat Pass'; photograph by John Burke (1843-1900); c. 1878-1880. The Second Anglo-Afghan War was waged between the British Raj and the Emirate of Afghanistan from 1878 to 1880. A consequence of the Great Game between Britain and Russia; the conflict was instigated by the latter sending an uninvited diplomatic mission to Kabul; despite the wishes and protestations of Sher Ali Khan; the Amir of Afghanistan.