The khanate was founded by Qizilbash tribes, especially Amirli clan of Afshars, following the assassination of Nader Shah in 1747.

[1] Founder of the khanate was Amir-Guna Khan (1747-1782), a former governor of Gilan.

His younger son Muhammad Hussein Khan, retained power until the establishment of the Qajar state in the region, when Agha Muhammad Shah Qajar (1796-1797) was proclaimed shah.

Khalkhal khanate was ruled by nobles entitled khans, but after Qajar takeover their rulers title demoted to hakims.

[1] The khanate was divided into Khalkhal, Ţārom, Huna (modern Aqkand, Kaghazkonan District) and Hir mahals.