The Aristocracy of Southern India/Chapter 1
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H. H. The Nawab of Banganapally. C. S. I.
HIS HIGHNESS THE NAWAB
SAIYID FATEH ALI KHAN BAHADUR, c. s. i.,
OF BANGANAPALLI
(KURNOOL DISTRICT.)
Banganapalli, one of the Native States under the control of the Governor of Madras, is ruled by a Nawab whose claims to eminence are founded not upon any daring adventure or extraordinary learning, hit upon the successful administration of his State, his steadfast loyalty to the British Crown, his increasing benificence to his subjects and his enlightened co-operation in movements for public good. Naturally noble-minded, his pursuits are just, his views are formed after mature reflection, and he is incapable of sentiments derogatory to the character of impartial and upright men. These exemplary qualities are just those which leave their lasting mark on the State, and entitle the ruler to the heartfelt gratitude and intelligent admiration of the people. There is no denying the fact that the State of Banganapalli has a very bright future before it, and it is with great pleasure that we give the first place in this series to a biography of His Highness the Nawab Saiyid Fateh Ali Khan Bahadur c. s. i., the present ruler of Banganapalli.
The area of Banganapalli is about 275 square miles, and the population according to the Census of 1901, is 32,279. There are 13 Sub-Jaghirs in the State, and the annual income including them is a little more than 2½ lakhs of Eupees. The Sub-Jaghirdars have no more powers within their own villages than taking measures to prevent the removal of the crops in cases of non-payment of kists, and then seeking the help of the Nawab for serving the defaulters with demand notices. They possess neither civil nor criminal powers. Suits arising within their jaghirs are exclusively triable by the Nawab's Courts, for the maintenance of which the Jaghirdars contribute.
In order to trace the history, from its origin, of the illustrious family to which His Highness the Nawab belongs, it is necessary to go back more than three centuries, to the year 1051 (Hijri) or about 1633 A. D., when Sha Abbas II sat on the throne of Persia, assisted in Government by Saiyid Mahomed Khan Ruzvi, his Minister, who had two sons Saiyid Hussain Ali Khan, and Saiyid Thaher Ali Khan. On the death of this Minister, the Sha, who had been following with interest the progress made by Saijad Thaher Ali Khan the younger son in education and culture, and appreciating his quick intelligence and comprehensive practical genius, conceived the idea of making him his Minister in preference to the elder, as a worthy successor to their father. When Saiyid Hussian Ali Khan, the elder son, heard this news, his rage knew no bounds and with determined spite, he commenced to plot against the life of Thaher Ali. But in all conspiracies where a number of persons have to be let into the secret, there is always the danger of some one of them proving a betrayer. So it was in this case. Somebody who knew the state of affairs informed their mother of the contemplated murder of her younger and better loved son. Thereupon, acting with a quickness of purpose and resolution rare among women, she lost no H. H. THE Nawab of Banganapalli. 3
time in providing Thaher Ali with a well-filled purse, and informing him that his life was seriously in danger, succeeded in persuading him to leave the kingdom in secrecy and without the least delay.
About this time the Moghul Empire was at its zenith in wealth and power. The Moghul Emperor, who was a ruler of a very enlightened and liberal-minded type, had thrown open the high appointments of his State, both civil and military, to men of intelligence, culture, tact and integrity, irrespective of the place from which they might hail; and consequently all responsible appointments were at the time filled by the best educated ilaen whom Persia could furnish.
Ali Adil Sha, who was then the ruler of Bijapur, in 'the Dekhan, and who had the intelligent co-operation of his Minister, Saiyid Asad Ali Khan, was a suzerain lord, and also a great patron of learning. On a certain evening, while the Minister was out in his palanquin, some Persians, who were among the retinue, oil seeing a person in the coarse garb of a mendicant seated on a pial, left their lord, hastened to the pial, and paid their most respectful homage and reverence to the,seemingly poverty-stricken personage seated there. As soon as the Minister reached home, he demanded from them, half in anger and half in surprise, an explanation regarding their stran^ behaviour and asked them to tell him what they knew about the dervish, whom they had run so eagerly to respect, leaving alone their own master. Then they told him that the man who was dressed like a dervish was the younger son of the late Minister of Persia, that for a long time he was given up for lost, nothing being, known as to his fate, but that on that day they found him in gthe wretched plight The Aeistocbacy of Southern India.
that the Minister saw him in, and recognised him at once. Hearing this almost romantic story, Saiyid Asad Ali Khan sent one of them to fetch Thaher Ali, which was soon done. The coarse dress was removed and a rich dress suitable to his birth was at once put on. The respect due to a Minister's son was cheerfully accorded to him, while he himself showed that he fully deserved such esteem by his courtly manners, his witty conversation, his abundance of thought and his great eloquence. The Minister was delighted at his having found such a noble companion, and very desirous of cementing the connection more closely, allowed the friendship to rise to kinship by giving his daughter in marriage to Thaher Ali. Sometime after, Saiyid Asad Ali Khan died, and the ruler of Bijapur had to appoint a suitable successor. The former had sons, but his son-in-law, Thaher Ali, had had frequent occasions to impress the King with his nobility of behaviour, his uprightness and administrative capacity. The King naturally wished to confer the vacant ministership on Thaher Ali. This roused the malice and hatred of the sons of the deceased, and in their envy, they coolly shed the blood of their brother-in-law, attacking him in the night in a most cowardly manner. The Hindustani chronicler here characteristically adds that the heavens wore a gloomy countenance for sometime as if in keeping ^v'ith the dark motives of the atrocious murderers, or as if in harmony with the darkness of the deed that was perpetrated on one, who, in life, slied light around him by his cheerful courtesy and kindliness of address. Poor Thaher Ali's wife, mad with grief at the murder of her husband, and exasperated by the cruel insults which her own brothers had heaped upon her, left the place at once with her two sons, Saiy-'d Asad Ali Khan and Saiyid Mahomed H. H. THE Nawab of Banganapalli.
Khan Nnghdi, and found her way to a remote part of the world, Arcot, in Southern India, where she sought for, and obtained the bountiful help and powerful protection of the Nawab Sadut-ulla- Khan. The mind of Saiyid Ali was unhinged by the violent calamity that happened to his father, and his whereabouts were not known. The other, Saiyid Mahomed Khan Nughdi, was made a Munsubdar, and by dint of courage, resourcefulness and tact, he soon rose to be the Commander of a thousand horse in the service of the Nawab of Arcot. He subse- quently married the grand daughter of the then Jaghirdar of Banganapalli, Fazle Ali Khan, who was a descendant of the grand Vizier of Aurangazeb.
Banganapalli was originally under the sway of a , chief named Kaja Nanda Chakravarthi and his descen- dants. Ismail Adil Sha, the ruler of Bijapur, attacked and conquered, in 1643, Banganapalli and the surrounding Zamindaries, of which he gave Banganapalli as a Jaghir, in reward for services rendered, to his General, Siddu Simbul. At this time, Raja Gopal, the Zamindar of Kurnool, was a source of disturbance and annoyance to the surrounding Mahomedan Jaghirdars, and the King of Bijapur hearing of this, asked the Nawab of the Carnatic to proceed against Eaja Gopal and subdue him. This was done, and in recognition of this useful service, Abcul Wahab Khan, the Nawab of the Carnatic, had the Kurnool Zamindari conferred on him. Later on, however, the whole of the Dekhan was conquered by Aurangazeb, and the Kingdoms of Golconda and Bijapur lost their independence and fell, and with these, Banganapalli and-^ the surrounding Jaghirs passed directly under the sway of the Moghul Emperor, Aurangazeb. He appointed 6 The Aristocracy of Southern India.
Mahomed Beg Khan, a relation of his Minister, Mubaraz Khan, as Jaghirdar of BanganapalH, an appointment which was held by him in fealty till the dismemberment of the Moghul Empire. When, however, Asaf Jah (Nizam-ul- Mulk), the Viceroy of Hyderabad, assumed sovereign- power, Mahomed Beg Khan, declared his independence and constituted himself a petty Chieftain or Nawab. In the course of his southern tour, Asaf Jah recognised Mahomed Beg Khan's title, and granted to him the territory in Jaghir. Mahomed Beg Khan and his descendants held the Jaghir till 1758. «■
From the union of Saiyid Mahomed Khan Nughdi with the grand-daughter of Fazle Ali Khan came two sons, Saiyid Hussain Ali Khan and Saiyid Asad Ali Khan. In 1150 Hijri, or about 1732 a.d., Gulam Ali Khan, a relation of Fazle Ali Khan succeeded him as Jaghirdar of Bangana- palli, and his sister-in-law was given in marriage to Saiyid Asad Ali. On the death of Ghulam Ali Khan, Saiyid Hussain Ali became Jaghirdar, and desirous of obtaining some military distinction, applied to Hyder Ali, then in the zenith of his power and glory, for an appoint- ment under him, in the military service. For long, until the death of his patron Hyder, Hussain Ali Khan served in that capacity in Mysore, with benefit to the State a!: id credit to himself. When Tippu succeeded, Hussain Ail who had become an invalid, took leave of his master and started for his native place, Banganapalli. But, unfortunately, he died on the way, and had not the pleasure of seeing again his native home. Tippu, on hearing of this ^ sudden calamity, sent for the widow of Hussain Ali Khan and his children, who were four, named Saiyid Ghulam Ali Khan, Saiyid .jFateh Ali Khan, Saiyid Ahmed Ali H. H. THE Nawab of Banganapalli. 7
Khan and Saiyid Mustafa Ali Khan. But as the children were then of tender age and in poor health, the widow did not wish to subject them to the trying hardships which a long journey to Mysore would entail, and so delayed paying her respects to Tippu at his capital. This, the over-exacting and impulsive Tippu Sultan, construed into a deliberate slight, and instantly ordered the confiscation to the State, of the Jaghir of Banganapalli. A sense of her helpless position and misery struck her as if a keen shaft had pierced her brain, and her usual strength of mind and firmness under trial which had hitherto so often stood her in good stead now failed her, and in despair, she went away to Furrooknagar with her children. 'There, it so happened that on a certain day when Nizam Ali Khan, the then Nizam of Hyderabad, set out on a walk, he saw the four boys (her sons), who, though dressed so shabbily as to evidence their extreme destitution, deported themselves with much sober dignity falling in a line and making their obeisance to the sovereign in a manner which only the sons of noblemen learn as a part of their training. The Nizam who was struck by this inconsistency between their noble deportment and their needy appearance, called the boys to him, and asked them to tell him who they were. They related their melancholy history; on hearing which, the Nizam was moved with compassion for them, and directed them to appear the I next day before the Minister, Musheer-ul-Mulk. They ' did so, and were told that they w^ould be the recipients of an annual allowance of Eupees 3,000 each. Saiyid Hussain Ali Khan, their paternal uncle, who was in hiding at the time to escape the anger of Tippu against his family was sent for by the Nizam, and had much wealth and honor conferred upon him. » Of the four sons 8 The Aristocracy op Southern India.
of Asad Ali Khan mentioned above, the youngest, Mustafa, was distinguished for his manl}- behaviour and refined courtesy — qualities which among men of his nation are passports to eminence. The Minister considering him therefore a suitable husband for his grand-daughter made him his grand-son-in-law. Saiyid Ahmed Ali Khan, another of the brothers, married the daughter of a Munsubdar, and remained in Hyderabad for sometime. Saiyid Hussain Ali Khan, the uncle, by his talents and devotion to service won the esteem of the Nizam who conferred on him the title of Mazafar-ul-Mulk with a present of 800 sowars. At the head of this small army, he proceeded to Banganapalli accompanied by his nephews, attacked the place, and defeated the Sultan's army in the battle of Thammadapalli in 1205 (Hijri), or 1787 A. d., at which, one of his nephews, Saiyid Fateh Ali was killed. When everything was over, Saiyid Hussain Ali Khan, celebrated the wedding of his daughter with Saiyid Ghulam Ali Khan, nis eldest nephew, who was placed on the Musnud of Banganapalli as the rightful heir, though Hussain Ali Khan, the uncle, continued to reside at Banganapalli. Subsequently Ghulam Ali Khan remained for the most part of his time at Hyderabad, fought the battles of the Nizam, side by side with the English, against their common enemies, and distinguished himself for (hersonal valour, on many a battle field. In recognition of these services, the Nizam conferred on him the title of Mansuriod-daulah Bahadur. In a battle against the Maharattas, he lost the fingers of his right hand, and, as must happen among people who do most of their fighting with the sword, this put an end to his military career. Meanwhile, the uncle, Hussain Ali Khan, who was in Banganapalli, wa^ suddenly taken ill, and ou the news H. H. The Nawab of Banganapalli.
reaching Ghulam Ali Khan at Hyderabad, he left for BanganapalH, but before he reached the place, Hussain Ali Khan had died. Saiyid Ghulam Ali Khan had two sons and several daughters. He conferred the Jaghir of Banganapalli on his eldest son Saiyid Hussain Ali Khan, his second son Saiyid Fateh Ali Khan being already in possession of a Jaghir in Hyderabad. Saiyid Ghulam Ali Khan died three years later in 1822 A. d. Hussain Ali Khan, having no male issue, adopted the younger son of Saiyid Fateh Ali Khan, gave his daughter in marriage to him and made him heir-apparent. Saiyid Ghulam Ah Khan ascended the Musnud after the death of his uncle and father-in-law, Hussain Ali Xhan. But Ghulam Ali Khan having died issueless, his elder brother Saiyid Asad Ali Khan's son Saiyid Fateh AU Khan, the present ruler of Banganapalli, ascended the Musnud.
In 1800, the Nizam transferred his control over Banganapalli to the British Government, when he ceded the Districts of Cuddappah and Bellary. In the Schedules attached to the Partition Treaty of Seringa- patam, the territory of Ban^anaplli had been rated at 45,000 Canteroy Pagodas, or Kupees 1,31,250; but at the request of the Nizam who pleaded that the Jaghir had been granted for the maintenance of the numerous members of a noble family, the tribute was remitted by the British Government.
Mansurud-daulah, the Great, during his lifetime, with a view to prevent f utm^e disputes among his relations about property, made a settlement by which he assigned certain villages called sub-jaghirs to his cousins and the members of his family subject to the condition, that in the case of any one dying without heir, the sub-jaghir 10 The Aristocracy of Southern India.
should revert to the ruling Nawab with the moveable and immoveable property of the deceased ; and in cases of disloyalty among Sub-jaghirdars their property, both moveable and immoveable, should be confiscated, and the offenders deported beyond the limits of the State.
The family, however, was burdened with debt origi- nally incurred chiefly by Saiyid Asad Ali Khan, brother of Muusurud-daalah, while he was Subadar of Cuddappah, and in consequence of embarrassments resulting from the Nawab Hussain Ali Khan's inability to satisfy his creditors, the Madras Government at the request of the Nawab himself undertook the management of the State from 1825, and after clearing the debt restored the Jaghir in 1848. Before the issue of the Sunnud of restoration Hussain Ali Khan died, leaving behind, as his adopted heir, his nephew Saiyid Gulam Ali Khan, who was also his son-in-law, having married his daughter Imdad Hussainee Begum. Both by matrimonial relation- ship and by right of descent, Saiyid Ghulam Ali Khan was recognised Jaghirdar by Government, and a Sunnud was issued to him in 1849, renewing the grant conferring civil and criminal jurisdiction unlimited, except in regard to capital punishments which alone require the special sanction of the Madras Government.
The following is the Sunnud:—
"Whereas the Eight Honourable the Governor in Council of Fort Saint George was pleased, on the 12th July 1848, to confer upon Hoossain Ali Klian and his heirs for ever, in Jaghir, the lands of BanganapaUi, free of peshcush and pecuniary demand ; and w^hereas the said Hoossain Ali Khan has demised before the issue of a H. H. The Nawab of Banganapalli. 11
Sunnud to confirm the same, and Ghnlam AH Khan has been recognised and acknowledged by the Government of Fort Saint George as his successor and representative : this Sunnud is granted to the said Ghulam Ali I^an as the present Jaghirdar.
The Jaghir of Banganapalli, conferred as aforesaid upon Hoossain Ali Khan and his heirs for ever free of peshcush and pecuniary demand, is hereby confirmed to you, Ghulam Ali Khan, as the representative of the said grantee Hoossain Ali Khan, now deceased.
You, therefore, shall have the general management of the revenue and police of your Jaghir, ancl also the duty of administering civil justice subject to the under-mentioned conditions : —
You shall at ail times maintain faith and allegiance to the Honourable Company ; their enemies shall be your enemies, and their friends shall be your friends ; you shall assist the Honourable Company to the utmost of your power against foreign and domestic foes ; you shall maintain a strict watch over the public peace in your Jaghir ; you shall not afford an asylum to offenders from the Company's Districts, but shall either deliver them up, or assist the Officer of the Company who may be sent in pursuit of them ; you shall cause justice to be rendered to inhabitants of the Company's Districts and others whk may have pecuniary claims on any of the inhabitants of Banganapalli.
In the administration of criminal justice within your Jaghir, you will abstain from the punishment of muti- lating criminals, and will not sentence capitally, or execute persons capitally convicted, without the sanction 12 The Aeistocracy of Southern India.
of Government previously obtained ; but will refer all cases appearing to you to call for such punishments, for the consideration and orders of the Governor in Council.
You shall he answerable to the Honourable Company for the good government of your Jaghir ; and if ever it should happen that in consequence of misgovernment, the interposition of the Honourable Company should become necessary, the Governor in Council of Fort Saint George will, in such case, take such measures as may appear just and proper for restoring order, and providing for the security of the people.
On every occasion of your alienating any part of your lands, either rent free or on pajmient of favourable quit rent, you shall notify the particulars and conditions of such alienation to the Agent to the Governor of Fort Saint George, at Kurnool, or to any other officer who may from time to time be appointed by the Madras Government for the purpose, and you shall not confer any such inam lands, except under a written document, in which the terms and duration of the grant shall be distinctly specified, which duration is under no circumstances to extend beyond the enjoyments of the Jaghir by the grantee.
Given under the seal of the Honourable Company (nd signature of the Eight Honourable the Governor in Council, in Fort Saint George, this twentieth day of March, one thousand eight hundred and forty-nine."
In 1862, the Jaghirdar received a Sunnud guarantee- ing that the Government of India would permit any succession legitimate according to Moslim law, nnd it is as follows : — H. H. The Nawab of Banganapalli. 13
"Her Majesty being desirous that the Government of the several Princes and Chiefs, who now govern their own territories, should be perpetuated, and that the representation and dignity of their Houses should be continued ; in fulfilment of this desire, this Sunnud is given to you to convey to you the assurance that, on failure of natural heirs, the British Government will permit and confirm any succession to your State which may be legitimate according to Mahomedan Law.
Be assured that nothing shall disturb the engage- ment thus made to you, so long as your House is loyal to the Crown and faithful to the condition of the treaties, grants or engagements, which record its obligations to the British Government."
In 1861 Saiyid Ghulam Ali Khan Bahadur was made a Campanion of the Star of India. He died in 1868 without male issue, and succession to the Jaghir was contested by his widow, Imdad Hussainee Begum and his nephew and son-in-law Fateh Ali Khan Bahadur, the present Naw^ab, whom the deceased had, during his life, nominated his heir.
His Highness the Nawab Saiyid Fateh Ali Khan Bahadur, r.s.T.. the son of Saiyid Asad Ali Khan Bahadur, the elder brother of Saiyid Ghulam Ali Khan Bahadur, C.S.I., the forme]- Nawab of Banganapalli, was born ft Banganapalli in 1S48. Dissensions arising between the father and the uncle of the present Nawab, the family of Saiyid Asad Ali Khan Bahadur was compelled to leave the limits of the Jaghir, and betake itself to Hyderabad, by virtue of the Sunnud given by Mansurud-daulah, the ' founder of the State. The greater portion ol the youth of the Nawab was spent in Hyderabad, though he and 14 The Aristocracy of Southern India.
the other members of the family retained their hold on their sub-jaghir in Banganapalli. He was placed under the tuition of two competent Moulvis, who taught him Persian, Arabic and Hindustani. Riding, shooting and instruction in other branches to suit the tastes and needs of a member of a highly respectable and ruling family, were not neglected. During the time he stayed at Hyderabad, he greatly distinguished himself by his intelligence, attainments, strong common sense and urbanity. A few years after, he married the daughter of his uncle Saiyid Ghulam AH Khan Bahadur, but she was not destined to enjoy the pleasures of her wedded life long, the cruel hand of death snatching her away after three years. The Nawab then married a lady from the well-known family of Nurul-umra Bahadur of Hyderabad. By the first wife the Nawab has three sons, namely Saiyid Ghulam Ali Khan Bahadur, Saiyid Asad Ali Khan Bahadur, Saiyid Hussain Ali Khan Bahadur, and a daughter. When the news of the death of his uncle reached Hyderabad, the Nawab accompanied by his father arrived in Banganapalli. There was a strong contest for succession between Imdad Hussainee Begum, the shadi- ividow of Saiyid Ghulam Ali Khan Bahadur ; Nazimud- daulah, who was not related by blood to the late Jaghirdar, but was married to Shahar Bano Begum, j^is eldest nicka-daughter, and Saiyid Fat^h Ali Khan Bahadur, the present ruler. But the Government of India recognised the title of the third contestant in the following terms : —
1. " Nawab Ghulam Ali Khan, c.s.i., Jaghirdar of Banganapalli, having died on the 7th October 1868, it has become necessary for the Governor-in-Council to H. H. The Nawab of Banganapalli. 15
determine who shall be declared to be the successor of the deceased Nawab in the Jaghir of Banganapalli.
2. From the correspondence above recorded, it appears that Ghulam AH Khan died, leaving no direct lineal male heir, and that there are claimants to the Jaghir. These are : — 1st. Imdad Hussainee Begum, shadi-widow of Ghulam Ali Khan, the recently deceased Jaghirdar, and shadi-daughter of Hussain Ali Khan, the predecessor in the Jaghir, and uncle of the said Ghulam Ali Khan.
^nd. Nazimood-daulah, who is not related by blood to the late Jaghirdar, but who -is married to Shahar Bano Begum, his eldest nicka-daughter. 3rd. Fateh Ali Khan, a son of Asad Ali Khan, elder brother of the late Jaghirdar. This claimant is married to Abasi Begum, the second nicka-daughter of the late Jaghirdar.
3. Imdad Hussainee Begum, the shadi-widow of the late Jaghirdar, claims on two grounds : — 1st. As nearest heir to her father Hussain Ali Khan, the predecessor in the Jaghir, ana uncle of her late husband. 2nd. As co-partner in the Jaghir, which she pretends to have enjoyed in common with her late husband. The Government are unable to recognise as valid the grounds advanced by this claimant.
- . 1(3 The Aiustocragy of Southern India.
4. It is observed that the Sunnud of 1849 under which the late Jaghirdar held the State of Banganapalli, was not issued to Hussain Ali Khan, his immediate pre- decessor and his heirs, but to Ghulam Ali Khan himself and his heirs.
5. It is true that Imdad Hussainee Begum's father was put in possession of the Jaghir by an order of Govern- ment, dated r2th July 1848, that he would, except for his untimely death have in due course received a Sunnud confirming the Jaghir to him and his heirs, but such a sunnud was never actually issued and in deciding the present question of succession to the Jaghir, the Govern- ment must be guided by the Sunnud of 1849, which conferred the Jaghir on the late Ghulam Ali Khan and his heirs and in this document no allusion whatever is made to Imdad Hussainee Begum. On the other liand- her husband Ghulam Ali Khan, the nephew of the late Jaghirdar, is clearly recognised as the successor and representative of that dignitary.
6. When in 1849, the Government preferred Ghulam Ali Klian to his elder brother Asad Ali Khan, as successor to their uncle, ^the Jaghirdar, they were doubtless influenced by the consideration that Ghulam Ali Khan was son-in-law as well as nephew to the late Hussain Ali 'JLhan. There were other cogent reasons for the selection in his relationship Ijy blood to the last Jaghirdar, his experience in revenue matters and his favor with his father-in-law.
7. The Government are also unable to recognise the alleged co-partnery right with her late husband, and which is advanced by Imdad Hussainee Begum as furnishing a H. H. The Nawab of Banganplli. 17
ground for her claim to the succession. No such right is stated in the Sunnud of 1849, nor has it ever been recog- nised by Government,
8. For the reasons above adduced, the Governor-in- Council is of opinion that Imdad Hussainee Begum has failed to establish any claim to succeed to the Jaghi:*-.
9. The second claimant to the Jaghir, Nazimood- daulah who married Shahar Bano Begum, the eldest nicka-daughter of the late Jaghirdar Ghulam Ali Khan, is not by blood related to the late Jaghirdar. His claim rests solely on a document executed jointly by the late Jaghirdar and his wife Imdad Hussainee Begum at the time of the claimant's marriage with the late Jaghirdar's nicka-daughter in 1863, by which the Jaghirdar engaged to make Nazimood-daulah his heir in the Jaghir, in case he should die without male issue, and solemnly declared that he would make no other settlement of the Jaghir to the prejudice of this engagement.
10. The Government are unable to recognise this document as being of any effect in supporting Nizamood-daulah's claim. Such a deed is, in their opinion, null and void. • 1st. Because it never received the assent of Government. 3nd. Because it contemplated a departure from the sense of the Sunnud of 1849, by which the Jaghir was secured to the heirs of Ghulam Ali Khan. Under these circumstances the claims of Nazimood- daulah is inadmissible. » 3 18 The Aristocracy of Southern India.
11. The third applicant for the Jaghir of Bangana- palli is Fateh AH Khan, eldest son of Saiyid Asad All Khan, the elder brother of the late Jaghirdar, Ghulam All Khan. He is married to a nicka-daughter of the late Jaghirdar.
12. The Governor-in-Council is of opinion that this claimant is, after his father Asad Ali Khan who advances no claim to the succession, the nearest heir in the sense of the Sunnud of 1849 to the deceased Jaghirdar Ghulam Ali Khan.
In addition to his near relationship by blood, and his connection by marriage, Fateh Ali Khan was designated by the late Jaghirdar as his successor in a deed executed on the 22nd June 1866, in the presence of the Collector of the Kurnool District.
Although this deed is of no effect without the confirm- ation of the Government, it was formally communicated to the Civil Officer representing the Government, as expressive of the selection of a successor made by the late Jaghirdar, and in conformity with the intention of the Sunnud of 1849.
13. After a careful consideration of the claims above described. His Excellency the Governor-in-Council resolves to direct the issue of a Sunnud conferring on Fateh Ali Khan and his heirs for ever, in Jaghir, the lands of Banganapalli free of peshcush and pecuniary demand in the same conditions as those contained in the Sunnud of 1849.
14. From the letter received from the Collector of Kurnool, dated 7th January, it appears that under the arrangements made by the late Jaghirdar Ghulam Ali Khan, in which arrangements,. Fateh Ali Khan concurs, provision has been made for the late Jaghirdar's family. H. H. The Nawab op Banganapalli. 19
15. The Collector of Kiirnool is directed to communicate this order to Fateh Ali Khan, to Imdad Hussainee Begum, and Nazimood-daulah."
That a member of the illustrious family of the Banganapalli Nawabs should by right of descent assume the rulership of the State was in itself a very popular event. It was an augury of prosperity to the subjects of Banganapalli. Personally the Nawab had inspired the people of the place with love, admiration and esteem for him. He was proclaimed Nawab with the usual solemnities. Mr. Chase, the then Collector of the Kurnool District, installed him on the guddi of his, ancestors, offering him his sincerest congratulations and wishing him many years of health, prosperity, and usefulness in the position to which he had succeeded.
Three years after the above Sunnud was issued the widow of the late Nawab again commenced to annoy the present ruler by defying his authority. The Collector of the District proposed to constitute a punchayet to consider the dispute and bring about a reconciliation between the present ruler and the widowed Begum. The subject came up for consideration before the Government of Madras when the following proceedings were passed : —
"The Government observe that subject to the sovereign authority of the British Gevernment, the NawpjD of Banganapalli possesses under Sunnud limited criminal jurisdiction in his Jaghir, but has the uncontrolled administration of civil justice, and of revenue matters, and is answerable for the good government of the Jaghir. There are certain obligations imposed upon him in regard ' to his general management, but nothing which in any way whatever invests the Collector of Kurnool with any > J i 20 The Aeistocracy of Southern India,
appellate authority or requires the interference oJ' Government, except in cases of niisgovernraent.
2. In the present instance it is evident that ill feeling on the part of the v/idow of the late Nawab who claims the succession is inducing her to set the Nawab in defiance, but she must be given to understand that his authority must be respected and the Government cannot sanction any proceeding which would have the appearance of weakening that authority.
3. On these principles the Government cannot approve Mr. Chase's proposal to constitute a punchayat, presided over by a Government _ ofiicer to determine the disputes between the Nawab and the widowed Begum, and would be unable to sanction any such arrangement. They regret that Mr. Chase should have taken the step of suggesting it to the Nawab and the opposite parties without previous reference to Government.
4. They desire that Mr. Chase will take an early opportunity of visiting Banganapalli and impressing on the Begum kindly but firmly that she must accept the present state of things, and refrain from defying the Nawab's authorit^% but that if she persists in her present line of conduct, it may be necessary to arrange for her residing beyond the limits of the Jaghir at either Kurnool ^r Hyderabad.
5. Mr. Chase will also inform the Nawab that his authority in the matter will b<? supported by Government so long as he behaves with justice and consideration to the Begum."
The first wife of the Nawab was a highly talented lady ; she was conversant with Persian, Aiabic and H. H. The Nawab of Banganapalli. 21
Hindustani. She took an active interest in female education. Her noble disposition, her generous instincts, her dislike of ostentation, her respect of all that is true and good, were some of the characteristics calculated to raise her in the estimation of those who had known her personally and render her an object of admiration, gratitude and love to her dependants. In 1886 she obtained the Naw^ab's permission to visit Palestine. She, accompanied by her children, went on a pilgrimage to Karbala and other holy places. The Nawab being anxious about the safety of his family sought the assist- ance of Government, through the Political Agent, when they issued the following general letter : —
Letter TO ALL BRITISH AUTHORITIES WHOM IT MAY CONCERN.
"The bearer, who is the Begum of the Nawab of Banganapalli, a native State, within the jurisdiction of the Government of Madras, is proceeding with her children and suite, consisting of about 30 followers, on a pilgrimage to Ninevah (Karbala in Irak Arabi), and expects to pass through Basurah, Bagdad, Najef, Samrah, and Kazmeen. It is requested that the Begum may be treated with due respect, and that such help may be afforded to her, both on her forward and return journe;(i> as she may be in need of "
It is hardly necessary for us to say that the Begum was treated with due respect and attention in her travels, and while at Bagdad an escort of eight sowars was furnished to her by the Turkish Governor of that place. She died one year after her return from Karbala. 22 The Aristocracy of Southern India.
There are different grades of reception accorded to Native Princes witfiin the jurisdiction of a Governor. In order that we may give a full idea of the Nawab's position as the Ruler of a State, we give below the ceremonies obeserved when he visited, and was visited by, H. E. the Governor of Madras, and H.E. the Viceroy and Governor-General of India : —
RECEPTION BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR OF MADRAS, OF THE NAWAB OF BANGANAPALLI.
"At 4-45 P.M., on Thursday, the 30th December, 1895, H. E. the. Governor received a visit from the Nawab of Banganapalli, at Government House, Madras.
The Under-Secretary to Government in the Depart- ments under the Chief Secretary and an Aid-de-Camp, to His Excellency proceeded in one of the Governor's carriages from Government House, at 4-10 p.m., for the purpose of escorting the Nawab, from Moore's Gardens,
The deputation was received at the Nawab's house, by his eldest son. The Nawab and the deputation then drove to Government House in the Governor's carriage, the Nawab's eldQst son, and an Officer of the Nawab's Staff following in one of the Nawab's carriages.
On alighting from the crriage, the Nawab was met by the Military Secretary to His Excellency the Governor, who, with the deputation led him up the stairs. The Nawab was received at the top of the stairs by the Private Secretary to His Excellency, who conducted him to the Reception room.
The Governor received the Nawab seated, and showed him to a seat at l's right hand. H. H. The Nawab of Banganapalli. 23
On the right of the Nawab was seated the Under- Secretary, the Private and Military Secretaries to the Governor, and His Excellency's personal staff.
After a short conversation the Nawab 's attendants were introduced by the Aid-de-camp.
At the close of the interview, attar and pan were given by the Governor to the Nawab, and .by the Under- Secretary to the Nawab's attendants.
The ceremonies at the Nawab's departm'e were same as those observed at his arrival. -»
The Nawab was escorted to and from Government House by a party of the Body Guard, consisting of one Non-commissioned Officer, and eight sowars.
The Entrance Hall of Government House was lined by an armed party of the Body Guard (twelve).
A Native Officer's mounted party (sixteen) of the Body Guard with a trumpeter proceeded in front of the grand entrance and also the House-guard of Native Infantry ; these together saluted on the arrival and departure of the Nawab. ,
RETURN VISIT OF H. E. THE GOVERNOR OF MADRAS, TO THE NAWAB OF BANGANAPALLI. »
His Excellency the Governor retui-ned the visit of the Nawab of Banganapalli, on Wednesday, the 4th Decem- ber, at 4-45 P.M.
A deputation consisting of the Nawab's eldest son, and an officer of the Nawab's Staff waited on the Governor, at Government House, at 4-30 p.m. I^. E. the Governor ' i i 24 The Aristocracy of Southern India.
started under a salute of seventeen guns, and was attended by the Under-Secretary in the Departments under the Chief Secretary, and two Aides-de-camp.
The Nawab received the Governor at the step of the carriage at the Nawab's residence, and conducted him to a seat at his right hand.
On the right of the Governor sat the Under-Secre- tary, and the Aid-de-camp. On the left of the Nawab sat his attendants.
After a short conversation, the Nawab's attendants were received by him.
At the close of the interview, attar and pan were presented by the Nawab to the Governor, and by the Nawab's principal attendants to the British Officers present.
The ceremonies which attended the Governor's arrival were repeated at His Excellency's departure.
A guard of honor was drawn up at the Nawab's residence, and saluted the Governor on his arrival and departure.
RECEPTION BY HIS EXCELLENCY THE VICEROY AT MADRAS, ^ OF THE NAWAB OF BANGANAPALLI.
At 12-15 p.m., on Friday, the 25th November, 1892, His Excellency the Viceroy and Governor-General, received a visit from the Nawab of Banganapalli, at Government House, Madras.
The Political Officer on duty with the Nawab, accompanied him to Government House. H. H. The Nawab of Banganapalli. 25
On alighting from his carnage, the Nawab was met by an Aid-de-camp to the Viceroy, and was received at the top of the stairs by the Officer on Special duty in the Foreign Department, who conducted him to His Excellency's presence.
The Viceroy received the Nawab seated, and motioned him to a seat at his right hand.
On the right of. the Nawab was seated the Political Officer, and beyond him such of the Chief's attendants, not exceeding two in number, as are entitled to a seat in Durbar.
On the left of the Viceroy were seated iflie Ofhcer on Special duty in the Foreign Department, and His Excellency's personal staff.
After taking his seat, the Nawab rose and presented a nazar of 31 gold mohurs, which were touched and remitted.
After a short conversation, the Nawab's attendants were introduced by the Political Officer, and offered nazars of one gold mohur each, which were also touched and remitted.
At the close of the interview, a!tar and pan were given by the Viceroy to the Nawab, and by the Officer on Special duty in the Foreign Department to his attendants.
THE CEREMONIES AT THE NAWAB'S DEPARTURE WERE THE SAME AS THOSE OBSERVED AT HIS ARRIVAL.
When H. R. H. the then Prince of Wales, now King Edward VII, visited Madras, the Nawab was » one of those introduced to His Koyal Highness, at the Government House. After a short conversation with the 1 26 The Akistocuacy ui' Southekn India.
Nawab, His Koyal Highness presented him with a silver medal, and a double-barrelled revolver of excellent work- manship.
The following Simnud, dated Fort William, 24th January 1876, signed by His Excellency Lord Northbrook, the then Viceroy, was given to the Nawab, conferring upon him as a hereditary distinction the title of Naioab : —
"In recognition of your position as the Jaghirdar of Banganapalli, I hereby confer upon you the title of Naivab as a hereditary distinction to be assumed by your successors iDn formal recognition of their succession."
On the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of Her Majesty the late Empress of India, the Political Agent for Banganapalli, communicated the following to the Nawab with compliments and best wishes for his long life, wealth and prosperity : —
"Your Highness,
On the auspicious occasion of the celebration of the Jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen, Empress of India, I address Your Highness, whose loyalty to the British Throne and Government is unquestioned, with the desire of associating you with the expression of joyfulness at this event, which is general throughout India, and of conveying to you an expression of my high consideration, and of my best wishes for the continued prosperity of Your Highness, and of Your Highness's State."
The Jubilee was celebrated in Banganapalli with the greatest enthusiasm. All the buildings in the Town of Banganapalli -having been previously whitewashed, the festivities commenced by a banquet given by the Nawab Syed Fateh Ali Khan Bahadur, c.s.i., to the H. H. The Nawab of Banganapalli. 27
Mohammedan population, which lasted until 2-30 p.m. At 3 P.M., the Nawab held a Durbar, which was attended by all the nobles of the Court, and the representatives of the agricultural community. At 5-30, a congratulatory address was read in English and Hindus- tani, and received with cordial cheers. This was followed by prayers in the Durbar Hall for the long life and pros- perity of Her Majesty, the Queen Empress. After this, followed the release of eight prisoners from the State Jail, and a reduction in the sentences of four others. This was succeeded by a salute of 31 guns from the ramparts of the Fort, and a distribution of attar and betel. From 6 p.m., till the dawn of the following day, 'the palace, public buildings, and the houses generally were illuminated with coloured and plain lights, whilst fireworks, music, and dancing continued during the night. On the morning of the 17th, a distribution of food was made to about 8,000 persons, including visitors to the festival from the outlying districts ; and at night a similar feasting took place, and there was another display of fireworks. During both the celebration days, prayers were offered in the temples and mosques for Her Majesty's long life and prosperity, and a distribution of alms was made to the poor. The Nawab defrayed a^l the charges.
The Nawab was made a Member of the Central Committee of the Imperial Institute in 1887, when 4he following correspondence took place between the Chief Secretary to the Government of Madi'as, and the Nawab: —
"Sir, I am directed to inform you that, since the receipt of your letter expressing willingness to serve on the Central Committee of the Imperial Institute, and to subscribe towards that institution, a telegram has been received from the Government of India to the effect that the subscription qualifying for membership of the Committee will, in ordinary cases, be Bs. 500 and upwards; but as you have been specially selected by His Excellency the Governor in Council on the ground of your general qualifications, I am to state that there will be no objection on yom' part to subscribe the above amount. The Government, would, however, like to be informed of the sum you propose to subscribe."
"Dear Sir,
With great pleasure I acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 1132, dated 12-8-87, and state that I feel fully sensible of the high honor conferred on me by His Excellency the Governor in Council in adding my name to the list of subscribers to the Imperial Institute, which honor I gratefully acknowledge. I beg to express my regret that my limited means do not permit me to subscribe to the noble and laudable object which the Institute represents, more than the very limited sum of Rs. 4,000. I request you will kindly try to make this acceptable to the Government of India conveying, at the same time, my heart-felt thanks for the very benevolent intentions cherished by Her Imperial Majesty towards her loyal Indian subjects."
When the news of the death of the Queen was received at Banganapalli, the Nawab ordered the closing of all Public Offices at once, and mourning was observed for eight days. Prayers were offered in all mosques and temples. The Nawab sent a message of condolence, H. H. The Nawab of Banganapalli. 29
through the Potitical Agent to the Governor of Madras, to be communicated to the bereaved members of the Eoyal Family.
It will not be out of place if we should give here some of the most important reforms effected by the Nawab in the interests of his subjects.
Formerly there was only one Amildar under the immediate directions of the Jaghirdar (as he was then known). All the civil and criminal cases would be taken before him and he would hear and dispose of them, without any particular procedure, the Amildar helping him as an interpreter. The Nawab has now introduced a new system by which the State is administrated on modern principles. A Tahsildar, assisted by a suitable establishment, is appointed. He is in charge of the State Treasury under the direct supervision of the Nawab. The Tahsildar is responsible for the due collection of revenue, and also for the settlement of boundary disputes, and other cases connected with land tenure. There is a Magistrate exclusively entrusted with criminal powers. The Munsiff is empowered to decide civil suits involving a sum up to Paipees 3,000. The Sac^ar Court presided over by the Nawab is the final appellate authority over the decisions of the above said courts. Besides being the Appellate Court, the Sadar Court exercises original civi> and criminal jurisdiction : in civil suits of above Kupees 3,000 and in grave criminal offences. The law in vogue in the British territory is observed here.
The Jail building is a new one on improved sanitary principles. There is a Eurasian in charge of it, and the local ISTedical officer is the ex-ofiicifj Superintendent. There is also a garden attached to the Jail for the prisoners to work in.
The State has now a well -trained Police force under the able supervision of a Police Inspector, who had had good experience in the Madras Police Force. There are also three out-stations for the convenience and the safe- guarding of the villages belonging to the State.
The State dispensary is worked on English lines under a well-experienced and diplomaed Medical Officer of the Civil Medical Department, Madras. The hospital is resorted to not only by the inhabitants of the capital, but also by "those living in the surrounding British tracts. The Medical Officer has a competent assistant, besides three compounders. It is satisfactory to observe that a diplomied midwife is also employed on the staff of the dispensary. The supply of medicine is quite ample, and the instruments are kept in very good order.
There are schools for boys in the head quarters and also in the principal villages. At head quarters there is an English school which teaches up to the Primary Standard.
In October 1873, Saiyid Ghulam Ali Khan Bahadur, the heir-apparent was born. When the news of his birth was announced, it was received with pleasure and delight ' every^vhere, and the people were very jubilant over the event. Proper arrangements were made for the Prince's education, and the services of a suitable tutor were secured to teach him English, Hindustani, Persian and other subjects. He has grown to be an intrepid rider, and a capital huntsman, and bears a very good character. He married the daughter of his uncle, Saiyid Murtuza Ali Khan I Bahadur, on the 7th December, 1900. He has a taste <
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H. H. The First Prince of Banganapalli.
H. H. The Third Prince of Banganapally.
H. H. The Second Prince of Banganapally.
The second Prince, Saiyid Asad AH Khan Bahadur, is a great reader. He has a large collection of standard works, and his taste for English literature has been growing from day to day. His wife, whom he married seven years ago, comes from the well-known family of Nurul-umra Bahadur of Hyderabad. The third Prince, Saiyid Hussain Ali Khan Bahadur is very intelligent and painstaking in the acquirement of knowledge.
The Nawab must be proud of his sons. They are all noble, generous, and gentlemanly, and they pay particular attention to the fact that their household ought to be sober and well-governed. They do not love show, but everything from their dress to their equipage, is simple and nice. Such are their distinguishing traits, and these amiable features leave their impress upon all who come in contact with them.
As soon as the Nawab was installed on the Guddi, he found out, as most essential things to peace and good government, the instilling into public officers an adequate sense of their responsibility, and a diligent enquiry into and an early redress of all grievances and abuses. To establish his reputation as a just and enlightened ruler, the Nawab has had to study carefully the important changes in public opinion, and to found his judgment on public affairs on a minute and elaborate consideration of the arguments for and against. He is sincerely religious-minded and God-fearing, and in matters, great or small, he never allows any prejudices to warp his judgment, and in all circumstances keeps his temper equable and unruffled. He is a devout believer in the teachings of Mahomed the Prophet, and profoundly learned in the Koran. To understand the truths mentioned in it, he is of opinion, that one needs not a capacious intellect, a disciplined mind or a great store of what the world calls learning, but a heart so humbled by the spirit of God as to receive them as His Testimony in "the love of the truth." Suffice it to say that as an administrator, he exercises a decided influence for good upon his subjects, and that he is held in the highest estimation by people in and around Banganapalli, for his sterling character, impartial justice, and rigid honesty of purpose. All these qualities claim a due recognition at the hands of Government and a Knighthood from the Government of India, all right-thinking people must grant, will prove but a deserved reward. From what has been said of the Nawab, it is evident that he will always retain the confidence of the paramount power, and be the protector of the rights, privileges, and liberties of his subjects, who form the backbone and sinews of his State; and his sincere convictions and sound practical applications of them are of such value that it is impossible to over-estimate their worth. As constancy of conduct and fixity of principle are the characteristics of the Nawab, characteristics which claim their attention by their very rarity, they are sure to impress any student of the history of our times with a feeling of high esteem for the illustrious personage in whom such virtues are united.