The Guiding Lights of Vaniyambadi - Recipients of the Titles Khan Sahib, Khan Bahadur and Sir

The Guiding Lights of Vaniyambadi

Recipients of the Titles Khan Sahib, Khan Bahadur and Sir

 

By: K. Ehsan Ahmed (Vaniyambadi, Tamil Nadu)

In the present era, the Government of India confers honors such as Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, and Bharat Ratna upon ordinary citizens. Similarly, during the period of British rule, the British government bestowed various honors upon individuals who rendered outstanding services in administration, the judiciary, education, public service, and social work. Separate honors were designated for followers of different religions for example, Muslims were awarded titles such as Khan Sahib, Khan Bahadur, Nawab, Nawab Bahadur, etc., Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains were given titles such as Rai Sahib, Rai Bahadur, Raja, Maharaja, etc., Sikhs were awarded Sardar Sahib and Sardar Bahadur and Christians were conferred titles such as Knight Commander, etc. Likewise, honors such as Sir, C.I.E. (Companion of the Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire), C.S.I. (Companion of the Most Exalted Order of the Star of India), K.C.S.I. (Knight Commander of the Order of the Star of India), and K.C.I.E. (Knight Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire) were awarded to individuals of all religions, with no restriction based on faith.

 

In the fertile town of Vaniyambadi in Tamil Nadu as well, there have been such personalities whose achievements were recognized by the British government through the conferment of titles such as Sir, Khan Sahib, and Khan Bahadur. This article mentions five such individuals who rendered invaluable services to the community and the nation, in recognition of which the government of that time honored them with various distinctions. Naivasal Abdul Wahab Sahib was awarded the title of Khan Sahib, while Malang Hayath Basha Sahib, T. Ameenuddin Sahib, and Takdi Badruddin Sahib were conferred the title of Khan Bahadur. Khateeb Ahmed Hussain Sahib, popularly known as Ameen Jung Bahadur, was awarded the titles of CSI, KCIE, KCSI and Sir.

 

Takdi Badruddin Sahib, Malang Hayath Basha Sahib, and T. Ameenuddin Sahib were philanthropists, visionaries, and persons of strong character, who played a highly significant role in laying the strong foundation of Islamiah High School and in the construction of its historic building.

 

Naivasal Abdul Wahab Sahib (Died 1942)

Naivasal Abdul Wahab Sahib was a renowned and large-hearted personality of Vaniyambadi, whose generosity and public service remain exemplary to this day. Vaniyambadi Government Hospital, which stands as a shining symbol of benevolence, public service, and farsighted leadership, is in fact a practical manifestation of his spirit of charity and noble intentions. In accordance with his wish and plan, in 1948, motivated by the ideals of public health and social welfare, the school building established on his personal property was converted into a hospital and handed over to the Vaniyambadi Municipality. The primary objective of this initiative was to provide essential medical facilities, especially to poor and needy women and children.

 

From 1948 to 1958, the hospital was administered under the supervision of the Vaniyambadi Municipality. In 1958, recognizing its public importance, the Government of Tamil Nadu took over its administration and named it the Government Women and Children Hospital. Since then, this hospital has been continuously serving the public.

 

Naivasal Abdul Wahab Sahib’s services were not limited to the hospital alone, he also donated the building of the Vaniyambadi Municipality Office. In addition, the municipal school located in the Fort (Qila) area of the city of Vaniyambadi is also his donation. The Naivasal Abdul Wahab Ladies Park, exclusively for women, was likewise dedicated by him for public use.

 

In 1914, a large public gathering was held under the presidency of Takdi Badruddin Sahib, in which a national and reformist institution named the “Muslim Society” was established. Malang Hayath Basha Sahib and Naivasal Abdul Wahab Sahib were also present at this gathering, and both were included among the founding members of this institution.

 

He was also deeply associated with the Anjuman-E-Khyr Khah-E-Aam, Vaniyambadi, and continued to play a prominent role in social services. From 1935 to 1942, he served as the Trustee of Anjuman-E-Khyr Khah-E-Aam, Vaniyambadi. From 1933 to 1938, he continuously rendered services as the Vice President of the Anjuman. From 1938 until his death in 1942, he served as the President of the said Anjuman.

 

When Anjuman-E-Khyr Khah-E-Aam established the Madrasa-e-Niswan and fundraising began for its construction, he participated wholeheartedly and donated generously. His name is also included among the special benefactors of Anjuman-E-Khyr Khah-E-Aam, who supported the Anjuman from its very inception and provided it with strong foundations. Not only did he extend his support, but his wife also fully supported the Madrasa-e-Niswan. His wife was among those distinguished women who were always at the forefront of national and social service.

In recognition of his outstanding services, the British Government conferred upon him the title of Khan Sahib in June 1941.

Naivasal Abdul Wahab Sahib passed away in 1942. Following his demise, condolence resolutions were passed at the meeting of Anjuman-E-Khyr Khah-E-Aam held on 21 December 1942.

 

Even today, the Naivasal family continues to carry forward his vision and mission by providing land and resources for various public welfare projects and by giving top priority to the well-being of the people of Vaniyambadi.

 

Naivasal Abdul Wahab Sahib was truly a great, kind-hearted, and magnanimous human being. His selfless services and works for public welfare will always remain alive in the hearts and history of the people of Vaniyambadi.

 

Malang Hayath Basha Sahib (Died 1917)

Malang Hayath Basha Sahib is counted among those distinguished personalities of Vaniyambadi whose tradition of generosity and public service is still alive today. He was one of the founders of the Vaniyambadi Muhammadan Educational Society, which is now known as the Vaniyambadi Muslim Educational Society. From 1905 until his death in 1917, he served as a trustee of the Vaniyambadi Muslim Educational Society.

 

In 1912, Malang Hayath Basha Sahib and Malang Haji Abdul Rahman Sahib donated 15,000 rupees for the construction of the first floor of the iconic red building of Islamiah High School. The building was named “Malang Manzil” after the donors.

 

In 1914, Malang Hayath Basha Sahib donated five houses located in the Kolar Gold Fields. In 1915, the Lord Pentland Memorial Building was constructed, for which Malang Hayath Basha Sahib, T. Ameenuddin Sahib, and Takdi Badruddin Sahib donated 2,500 rupees each, respectively.

 

The generosity and open-handedness of himself and his uncle and father-in-law, Malang Abdul Rahman Sahib, were mentioned by Khateeb Khader Basha Sahib in the following poem:

 

حاجی ملنگ عبدالرحمٰن جو باوقر ہیں

نواسی کا عقد ان کے ہے جس کی یہ بشاشت

داماد حاجی صاحب یعنی حیات پاشا

ہمزلف کی ہے ان کے دختر یہ نیک طینت

داماد اور خسر کی توصیف کیا کریں ہم

مشہور خلق ہر جا دونوں کی ہے تجارت

خلق و کرم میں دونوں عالم میں ہیں یگانہ

منظور اُن کو ہر دم ہے قوم کی حمایت

تعلیم کے لیے وہ روپے دیے ہزاروں

والا ہے بذل ان کا عالی ہے ان کی ہمت

اہل وطن ہیں ان کے مالوف جان و دل سے

ہے نقش ان کے دل میں اپنے وطن کی الفت

یہ انجمن ہماری ہے خیرخواہ اُن کی

محسن ہیں وہ ہمارے ہم پر ہے ان کی منت

تعریف محسنوں کی ہے فرض انجمن پر

ان کے ہر اک خوشی میں لازم ہے اپنی شرکت

 

These verses describe the honor, mutual relationships, and social services of Malang Haji Abdul Rahman Sahib, Malang Hayath Basha Sahib, and their family. The poet praises their business acumen, generosity, financial support for education, and love for the community and the homeland. Overall, the poem presents them as benefactors of the Anjuman and as esteemed members of society.

 

He was also associated with Anjuman-E-Khyr Khah-E-Aam, Vaniyambadi. In 1914, he was a member of the Executive Committee of Anjuman-E-Khyr Khah-E-Aam, Vaniyambadi. From 1915 until his death in 1917, he served as the Trustee of the Anjuman. His role in strengthening the Anjuman during its early years was particularly significant.

 

The Madrasa-e-Niswan established by Anjuman-E-Khyr Khah-E-Aam, Vaniyambadi continued until the end of 1914 in the form of various branches housed in rented buildings, because at that time there was no large permanent building that could accommodate all the students. From the very beginning, the office bearers of the madrasa were concerned about constructing a permanent building for it. Allah Almighty showed a glimpse of the fulfillment of this wish when Malang Hayath Basha Sahib, with the intention of conveying spiritual reward (Isal-e-Sawab) to his respected uncle, the late Malang Haji Abdul Rahman Sahib, granted a stipend of two and a half thousand rupees. By adding six hundred rupees as a donation to this amount, a spacious house was purchased and endowed at a total cost of three thousand one hundred rupees on Iqbal Road, on the western side of the madrasa land (where a hostel for students currently exists). The main branch of Madrasa-e-Niswan was shifted to this building.

 

In 1914, a substantial amount was received for the madrasa’s capital fund, which included a donation of 2,000 rupees from Malang Hayath Basha Sahib. On 31 January 1915, a meeting was held in which a permanent list for the Madrasa Construction Fund was opened, and it also included a donation of 2,000 rupees from Malang Hayath Basha Sahib.

In recognition of his services, the British Government conferred upon him the title of Khan Bahadur in June 1915, on which occasion Khateeb Khader Basha Sahib composed a poem that was presented on behalf of Anjuman-E-Khyr Khah-E-Aam, Vaniyambadi:

 

تاجر ذی وقار ہو تم اے حیات بادشاہ

باعث افتخار ہو تم اے حیات بادشاہ

نیک صفات نیک دل نیک مزاج نیک خو

اوروں کو شعار ہو تم اے حیات بادشاہ

قوم کی خدمتیں ادا تم نے کئے ہیں بے حساب

قوم کے غمگسار ہو تم اے حیات بادشاہ

خان بہادری خطاب تم کو ملا بجا ملا

اس کے ہی سازوار ہو تم اے حیات بادشاہ

شک نہیں اس میں کچھ ذرا بحر عطا وجود کے

گوہر شاہوار ہو تم اے حیات بادشاہ

جود و عطا کو دیکھ کر کہتے ہیں خادمانِ قوم

رحمت کردگار ہو تم اے حیات بادشاہ

رنگ سے بو سے جس کے ہے تازہ ہر اک دل و دماغ

وہ گلِ نو بہار ہو تم اے حیات بادشاہ

صدق سے تہنیت ادا کرتی ہے آج انجمن

خلق میں نا م دار ہو تم اے حیات بادشاہ

وصف ہو کس طرح رقم خامۂ بادشاہ سے

لائق و شاندار ہو تم اے حیات بادشاہ

 

This poem is a tribute to the personality, character, and services of Malang Hayath Basha Sahib. The poet describes his integrity, noble character, service to the community, and regards the conferment of the title Khan Bahadur as a result of his merit. Overall, the poem presents him as a source of pride for society and a role model worthy of emulation.

On the epitaph present on his grave, the following chronogrammatic verses are inscribed, from whose final line the year of his death, 1335 Hijri, corresponding to 1917, is derived:

 

عیدالضحیٰ کے روز وہ واصل جان بحق ہوا

یعنی ملنگ خوش سیر خادم قوم و خیرخواہ

چھوٹا جو قلب نبض تو ہاتف غیب نے کہا

سایہ قرب حق میں ہے آج حیات بادشاہ

 

From these verses it appears that his death occurred on the day of Eid al-Adha, from which it can be inferred that he passed away on Friday, 28 September 1917.

 

Upon his death, the famous poet of Madras, Ismail Seth Maghmoom Sahib, composed the following chronogram, from whose final line the year of his death, 1335 Hijri, i.e., 1917, is indicated:

 

حکم قضا نہ ٹل سکا آہ جہاں سے چل بسا

رحمت حق ہو چارہ ساز اور حیات بادشاہ

میری ہے التجا یہی سالِ وفات بھی یہی

وقف ہو لطف بے نیاز اور حیات بادشاہ

 

On the death of Malang Hayath Basha Sahib, my grandfather Kishingari Haidar-ul-Hasan Haidar Sahib’s elder brother, Kishingari Mahmood-ul-Hasan Mahmood Sahib, composed the following poem:

 

نالۂ پر درد سے ہے لب پہ فریاد و فغاں

فرط غم سے شق جگر ہے اور آنکھیں انہلال

کس کے غم میں آج سر پر خاک اُڑاتی ہے زمیں

کیوں نظر آتا ہے ہر پیروجواں آشفتہ حال

اُٹھ گیا ہے وہ سخی ابن سخی ابن سخی

وانمباڑی یہ جس کے دم سے تھا فرخندہ فال

شان رحمت سے تری ہرگز نہیں ہے یہ بعید

نعمت فردوس سے کر بہرہ ور اے ذوالجلال

برمحل محمودؔ کو ہاتف سے آئی یہ ندا

لکھ سن ہجری – حیات بادشاہ کا انتقال

 

These verses were composed on the death of Malang Hayath Basha Sahib. In this poem, the poet describes the atmosphere of grief prevailing in Vaniyambadi, the restlessness of the people, and the heartbreak felt in their hearts. The deceased is portrayed as a great benefactor, kind-hearted and generous, whose presence was a symbol of prosperity for Vaniyambadi. The poet concludes with a prayer to Allah Almighty to bestow upon the departed the blessings of Jannat al-Firdous, and then, through a divine indication, points to the year of death with the words “Hayath Basha ka Intiqal.”

 

Upon his death, condolence resolutions were passed at the meeting of Anjuman-E-Khyr Khah-E-Aam held on 4 October 1917.

 

Even after his demise, his family continued to carry forward the mission of his services.
Malang Hayath Basha Sahib was a man of lofty character, a man of heart, and a generous human being, whose public services will always be remembered in the history of Vaniyambadi.

 

T. Ameenuddin Sahib (Died 1927)

T. Ameenuddin Sahib was counted among the respected and renowned individuals of Vaniyambadi whose generosity and service to humanity are cited as examples even today.

 

From 1905 to 1921, he served as a trustee of the Vaniyambadi Muslim Educational Society. On 4 September 1907, when donations were announced for the construction fund of the red building of Islamiah High School, T. Ameenuddin Sahib offered a donation of 3,500 rupees. He further donated 5,000 rupees to the construction fund and, in addition, handed over to the Society a property worth approximately 20,000 rupees, which generated a monthly income of 75 rupees. Apart from these donations—whose total amounted to nearly 30,000 rupees—he also regularly paid a monthly contribution of 100 rupees for several years.

 

At the 1912 meeting of the Vaniyambadi Muslim Educational Society, presided over by the respected Justice Abdul Rahim Sahib, a resolution was passed to give the hostel the status of a permanent institution and to construct a suitable building for it. On this occasion, an announcement was made to raise 10,000 rupees, of which 8,000 rupees were received immediately. This included a donation of 1,003 rupees from T. Ameenuddin Sahib, a donation of 1,000 rupees from Takdi Badruddin Sahib, along with contributions from other gentlemen.

 

He was also associated with Anjuman-E-Khyr Khah-E-Aam, Vaniyambadi. He took an active part in the establishment and consolidation of the Anjuman. In 1914, he was a member of the Executive Committee of Anjuman-E-Khyr Khah-E-Aam, Vaniyambadi. From 1922 to 1927, he also served as the President of Anjuman-E-Khyr Khah-E-Aam. A few verses from a poem written by Khateeb Khader Basha Sahib for one of the Anjuman’s gatherings are given below, in which the generosity of T. Ameenuddin Sahib is praised:

 

چندہ دس روپے ماہوار دیے

ایک عالی نشان گوئندپور

نام اسکا ہے ٹی۔ امین الدین

زبدۂ تاجران گوئندپور

اور بھی حسب حوصلہ چندہ

دیے سب عمدگان گوئندپور

 

In 1910, when Anjuman-E-Khyr Khah-E-Aam established the Madrasa-e-Niswan, T. Ameenuddin Sahib not only pledged an annual donation of one hundred and twenty rupees for the madrasa but also endowed a new house for its use.

 

On 12 October 1912, the foundation stone of the new construction was laid, on which occasion many gentlemen of the city contributed generously to the construction fund. On this occasion, T. Ameenuddin Sahib also presented a donation of 750 rupees.

 

At the meeting held on 11 February 1923, when it was decided that the capital collected was insufficient to complete the building, the proposal was approved to immediately obtain interest-free loans (qarz-e-hasanah) from members and begin the work. On this occasion, T. Ameenuddin Sahib stepped forward and provided 5,000 rupees.

 

In 1925, T. Ameenuddin Sahib donated 1,000 rupees to the construction fund, and in 1927, he donated 250 rupees to the same fund.

 

In addition to T. Ameenuddin Sahib, the women of his family also rendered notable services to Anjuman-E-Khyr Khah-E-Aam. His respected wife also made a substantial contribution to the construction fund for the new building of Madrasa-e-Niswan under the Anjuman and deposited an amount of eight thousand rupees in 1913. When the prize giving ceremony of Madrasa-e-Niswan was held on 13 November 1911, it was presided over by his respected mother. Besides this, several other gatherings were also held under the presidency of his respected mother.

In recognition of his distinguished services, the British Government conferred upon him the title of Khan Bahadur in January 1917. On this occasion, my elder grandfather Mahmood-ul-Hasan Mahmood Sahib composed a congratulatory poem in Persian, from whose final line the year 1917 is derived:

 

جناب صاحب جودوکرم امین الدین

کہ ہست ثبت بہ باغ جہاں نکو نامش

خطاب آنچہ عطا شد بخدمتِش شائع

بجا عنایت برٹش شدست برحالش

نوشتہ خامۂ محمودؔ عیسوی تاریخ

ہمایوں خان بہادر خطاب زیبائش

 

These verses praise the generosity, good name, and services of T. Ameenuddin Sahib. The poet writes that his good name is inscribed in the garden of the world, and that the title conferred upon him was fully appropriate to his services. This honor was a fitting bestowal by the British Government in accordance with his status and condition. The poet recorded this event as a Gregorian date and stated that the auspicious title of Khan Bahadur became an adornment for him. This poem was published in the famous Madras daily, Jarida-e-Rozgar, on 9 January 1917.

He passed away in 1927. On this occasion, Ismail Seth Maghmoom Madarasi wrote a poem from whose final line the year of his death, 1346 Hijri, is derived, which corresponds to 1927 in the Gregorian calendar:

 

ناصح مشفق جو تھا اور راست باز و نیک خُلق

آخر اس دنیا سے رحلت کرگیا وہ پاکااز

ہے زروئے التجا مغموم سال انتقال

ٹی۔ امین الدین ہو اور قرب سبحاں دل نواز

 

These verses mention the death of T. Ameenuddin Sahib. The poet pays tribute to him as a virtuous, upright, and well-mannered person and also indicates the year of his demise.

 

Upon the death of his wife, condolence resolutions were passed at the meeting of Anjuman-E-Khyr Khah-E-Aam held on 16 July 1922, and upon his own death, condolence resolutions were passed at the meeting of Anjuman-E-Khyr Khah-E-Aam held on 26 September 1927.

 

Even after his passing, his family kept alive the tradition of his welfare work and carried forward his enduring services.

 

T. Ameenuddin Sahib was a man of strong character, large-heartedness, and generosity, whose public services became a luminous chapter in the history of Vaniyambadi.

 

Takdi Badruddin Sahib (Died 1925)

Among the renowned benefactors of Vaniyambadi, the name of Takdi Badruddin Sahib is mentioned prominently, and his welfare services are still cited as exemplary even today.

 

From 1905 until his death in 1925, he served as a trustee of the Vaniyambadi Muslim Educational Society, and from 1917 to 1925 he also served as the General Secretary of the Vaniyambadi Muslim Educational Society. Takdi Badruddin Sahib played a prominent and important role in the establishment of Islamiah School and Islamiah College.

 

In March 1907, Takdi Badruddin Sahib expressed his willingness to donate to the Society his mundi, valued at 5,500 rupees. Along with this, he also donated a nearby plot of land valued at 9,000 rupees. Furthermore, he offered to bear two-thirds of the construction cost of the building to be erected on this land for the madrasa. The Society decided that the portion of the building constructed through his donation would be named after Takdi Badruddin Sahib and called “Badruddin Manzil”. The ground floor of the school was completed in 1910. The total value of Takdi Badruddin Sahib’s assistance for the school building and the capital fund amounted to approximately 25,000 rupees.

 

When a delegation of the Vaniyambadi Muslim Educational Society was sent to obtain financial assistance from the Asaf Jahi Government, and the Nawab desired that the institution be named “Osmania,” which was not acceptable to the people of Vaniyambadi, a meeting of Anjuman-E-Khyr Khah-E-Aam was convened under his presidency on 11 May 1917. In this meeting, it was decided that since the Vaniyambadi Muslim Educational Society had already converted its Madrasa-e-Islamiah into a college, establishing another college in the town without the Society’s supervision would certainly cause displeasure and opposition among the Muslims of Vaniyambadi. Consequently, it was decided to send a telegram to His Exalted Highness the Nizam, respectfully requesting that Osmania College be established in some other city.

 

He was also associated with Anjuman-E-Khyr Khah-E-Aam, Vaniyambadi. In 1914, he was a member of the Executive Committee of Anjuman-E-Khyr Khah-E-Aam, Vaniyambadi. From the very beginning, the Anjuman enjoyed his support and patronage. He served as the President of Anjuman-E-Khyr Khah-E-Aam, Vaniyambadi from 1913 to 1922, and from 1915 until his death in 1925, he performed the duties of Trustee of Anjuman-E-Khyr Khah-E-Aam, Vaniyambadi.

 

During his presidency, at a meeting of Anjuman-E-Khyr Khah-E-Aam held on 7 October 1917, it was decided that a telegram should be sent to the Government of India regarding the release of Maulana Mahmood-ul-Hasan Sahib Muhaddith Deobandi (RA), Maulana Muhammad Ali (RA), Maulana Shaukat Ali (RA), Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (RA), and other detained muslim leaders, and that this proposal should also be presented at the public meeting to be held in Madras on 8 October 1917.

 

In 1912, at a meeting of Anjuman-E-Khyr Khah-E-Aam held under his presidency, it was decided that since the Ottoman Empire was facing severe hardships, it was extremely necessary to assist the wounded and the fighters, and to support orphans and widows. Accordingly, it was resolved that, as in other cities, the public of Vaniyambadi should be encouraged—through the motivation and exhortation of religious scholars—to contribute donations. Due to the impactful speeches of the scholars and the religious zeal and enthusiasm of the city’s elders, a powerful donation campaign spread throughout the city, and thirty thousand rupees were collected from Vaniyambadi alone. This entire amount was handed over to Takdi Badruddin Sahib, who dispatched it to Constantinople on 22 December 1912.

 

Ghani Asmat Basha Sahib has recorded the history of New Town Mosque, Vaniyambadi, in which he has given a detailed account of Takdi Badruddin Sahib. He wrote that Takdi Badruddin Sahib took responsibility for the construction of New Town Mosque and, under his supervision, had a magnificent mosque built, which was completed in 1925. At that time, this mosque was more beautiful and prominent than other mosques in Vaniyambadi. He himself proposed the name of the mosque and handed it over to the residents of the locality. It is noteworthy that after the completion of the mosque, he not only did not participate in its inauguration but also never offered prayers in that mosque. He believed that if, during prayer, the thought of the mosque’s construction were to cross his mind, he might be deprived of the ongoing reward (sawab-e-jariyah) of that deed.

In recognition of his services, the British Government conferred upon him the title of Khan Bahadur in January 1916.

Takdi Badruddin Sahib passed away in 1925. Upon his death, condolence resolutions were passed at the meeting of Anjuman-E-Khyr Khah-E-Aam held on 6 July 1925.

 

Even after his demise, his family continued to carry forward his ideals.
Because of his piety, generosity, and public service, Takdi Badruddin Sahib will always remain alive in the hearts and history of the people of Vaniyambadi.

 

Khateeb Ahmed Hussain Sahib (Ameen Jung Bahadur) — (Born 1863, Died 1950)

Sir Ameen Jung Bahadur’s original name was Khateeb Ahmed Hussain. He was a distinguished scion of the well-known Khateeb family of Vaniyambadi. His father’s name was Khateeb Muhammad Khasim Sahib, who was a prominent trader. His lineage is traced as follows: Khateeb Ahmed Hussain Sahib, son of Khateeb Haji Muhammad Khasim Sahib, son of Khateeb Khader Hussain Sahib, son of Sheikh Haidar Sahib, son of Sheikh Ahmed Faqih Sahib. Sheikh Ahmed Faqih Sahib belonged to Bijapur and was appointed to the post of Khateeb in Vaniyambadi during the period of the Nawabs of Arcot, it was for this reason that the family came to be known by the title “Khateeb.”

 

His eldest brother, Khateeb Khader Basha Sahib, was a renowned poet and had the distinction of being the first poet of Vaniyambadi to publish a diwan (compilation of his poetry).

 

He was born in Vaniyambadi on 11 August 1863. He received his early education in Urdu, Arabic, and Persian in Vaniyambadi. He passed his matriculation from the Church of Scotland Mission Institution in Madras. He enrolled in Miller College (present-day Madras Christian College) and obtained his B.A. degree with distinction in 1885. Among all the candidates of the University, he secured second position. In this way, he became the first graduate from Vaniyambadi. In 1888, he obtained his B.L. degree from Presidency College and completed the initial stages of legal practice in Madras under the supervision of the well-known barrister Yardley Martin of that time. During this period, he also rendered services as an examiner in Urdu, Persian, and Arabic at Madras University. In 1890, he passed the M.A. examination from Madras University with distinction. He was the first Muslim to obtain a Master’s degree from Madras University, and in the same year he also began practicing law at the Madras High Court. In 1891, he was appointed to the posts of Deputy Collector and Deputy Magistrate of Chittoor District. However, after a short period, he resigned from government service and once again took up the legal profession.

 

In 1893, he appeared before the Nizam’s High Court in Hyderabad in connection with a case. Impressed by his services, he was appointed Assistant Peshi Secretary to Asaf Jah VI, Mir Mahboob Ali Khan, in the Nizam’s government. In 1896, when Sarwar Jung retired from the post of Peshi Secretary, Sir Ameen Jung was appointed to that position. Asaf Jah VI had complete confidence in Sir Ameen Jung, and he served the Nizam devotedly. In 1905, he was appointed Chief Secretary to the Nizam. In 1911, when Mir Mahboob Ali Khan passed away, Sir Ameen Jung submitted his resignation, but Asaf Jah VII, Nawab Mir Osman Ali Khan, persuaded him to continue in service. He won the full trust and confidence of the Seventh Nizam as well. In 1917, he was awarded the title of “Nawab Ameen Jung Bahadur.”

 

On two occasions, he was offered membership of the Madras Executive Council, but on the instructions of the Nizam, he did not accept these offers. From the British Government, he received the title of C.S.I. (Companion of the Order of the Star of India) in 1911, and the title of K.C.I.E. (Knight Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire) in 1922. Osmania University conferred upon him the honorary degree of LL.D. Advancing further, he was appointed to the post of Sadr-ul-Maham (Prime Minister’s Secretariat) in 1914. After the retirement of Salar Jung III, the entire responsibility of the Prime Minister’s work was entrusted to him.

 

In 1902, as the Peshi Secretary of Asaf Jah VI, he attended the Delhi Durbar, where the accession of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra as Emperor and Empress of India was celebrated. In 1911, he attended the Delhi Durbar as the Chief Secretary of Asaf Jah VII. This Durbar was held in commemoration of the coronation of King George V and Queen Mary in Britain a few months earlier, and all the Governors of India and the rulers of all princely states were invited to attend. In 1930, he participated in the Round Table Conference held in London as a member of the delegation representing the Nizam of Hyderabad. Mahatma Gandhi also attended this conference.

 

His elder brother, Khateeb Khader Basha Sahib, wrote in the preface of his book Gulzar-e-Badsha, published in 1918, while mentioning his brother Sir Ameen Jung Bahadur, that at that time his salary was three thousand rupees.

 

In 1935, he retired from the service of the Nizam’s government. He passed away on 28 August 1950 in Hyderabad.

 

He possessed an exceptionally pleasant disposition, was a lover of knowledge, noble in character, and a loyal and devoted servant of his master. He had a deep interest in books and maintained a personal library known as the “Ameen Manzil Library,” which was famous throughout Hyderabad. It contained all the books he had collected since his childhood. The printed catalogue of this library is still available on the internet, it was published in 1941 and consists of 396 pages. At its beginning, Sir Ameen Jung wrote: “School books, college textbooks, and some books that were received as prizes formed the beginning of this library 55 years ago. These books were collected ‘to know something about everything and to know everything about one thing (namely philosophy and law).” After his death, his sons donated this library to the Urdu Hall Association of Hyderabad.

 

He authored two books that were published in both English and Urdu. The first book, The Philosophy of Faqirs, was translated into Urdu by Sir Ameen Jung himself, its subject is Sufism. The second book, Notes on Islam, was translated by Maulvi Ali Shabbir Sahib and describes the virtues of Islam.

 

References:

 

1.     Seth Muhammad Ismail Sahib Maghmoom, Kulliyat-e-Maghmoom, 1929

2.     Dastoor Baraye Ahl-e-Sunnat wal Jamaat, Masjid Mohalla New Town, Vaniyambadi, second edition with additions and revisions, 2013

3.     Khateeb Khader Basha Sahib Basha, Gulzar-e-Badsha, 1918

4.     Anjuman-E-Khyr Khah-E-Aam, Annual Report, 1998–1999

5.     Maulvi Khateeb Muhammad Abdul Jameel Sahib Baqavi, Aayina-e-Vaniyambadi, 1970

6.     M. K. Akbar Basha Sahib, History of Islamiah College (1919–1977), unpublished manuscript

7.     Akbar Zahid Sahib, Nuqoosh-e-Aslaf, 2013

8.     Manuscript of the poetry of Mahmood-ul-Hasan Mahmood Sahib (currently in my possession)

9.     An unpublished article on Naivasal Abdul Wahab Sahib written by Chalamkar Muhammad Nauman Sahib, shared on social media

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The author can be contacted at ehsanahmed000@gmail.com