The first of his name; Image Source: Wikimedia Commons

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GhaniKhwajaAbdul.jpg

The title of the Nawab was borne out of the Mughal administrative apparatus. These noblemen often acted de jure kings in their lands but still operated under the umbrella of the throne at Delhi. Long after the collapse of the Mughal empire, the office of the Nawab continued.

> These Nawabs were essential for the British in controlling the local populace, for the Queen remained a distant figure for many Indians and their loyalties lay with the local rulers and Zamindars. While the men on the throne kept changing according to the whims and fancies of the English, the position of the Nawab remained intact.

In the operation to control India, many Zamindaris, Iqtedaaris and Nawabshahis were sanctioned by the colonial regime- one of them being that of Dhaka.

The history of the Nawabs of Dhaka can be traced back to Kashmiri Mughal merchants who stalled in the region. They rose in prosperity and status due to their gold and leather trade. Marital ties with eminent families further elevated their standing in the social hierarchy and they eventually brought huge tracts of land, becoming its masters.

Khwaja Abdul Ghani was the first of this family to officially adorn the title of the Nawab of Dhaka in 1875 after getting officiated by Queen Victoria. With the stamp of the crown, this position was made hereditary.

> Born on 30 July 1813, Nawab Bahadur Sir Khwaja Abdul Ghani was a learned man, an able administrator, and a patron of arts under whom Dhaka reached new heights of prosperity.

Ghani was a scholar who was well-versed in many languages and had a tolerant attitude towards all religions. He commissioned multiple architectural works- both ornamental and utilitarian alongside many literary compositions in Persian and Urdu.

It was during his regime that his family reached the zenith of fame and success. 

> As a ruler with a vision, Nawab Bahadur ushered in a new age by introducing running water, gaslight streetlights, asylum and high school in Dhaka.

Often, he sponsored these public levels from his personal finances.

This dedication towards developing his estate and making life for his subjects easy only became possible after Ghani gained the confidence of the British.

> During the revolt of 1857, he sided with the colonial regime and also served in the municipality. After getting into the good books of high-profile English men, he was bestowed with the title of the Nawab of Dhaka.

Although his power was a result of his alignment with the British crown, the love he received from his people stemmed from his considerate and empathetic persona that was also reflected in his attitude. In 1886, Khwaja Abdul Ghani abdicated his throne for his son but did not stop doing what he loved the most- using his powers to help his people.

Being a good ruler involves easing the life of your subjects and developing arts and culture. The bar is low but not many are able to touch it. Khwaja Abdul Ghani, born on 30th July in 1813 crossed this bar with great ease.

The Benevolent Builder