Bhopal British Relations (1844-1947 A.D.)

About the Book The founder of Bhopal State was an adventurous Afghan, Dost Mohammad Khan who belonged to Tirah, a village on the eastern border of Afghanistan. During the period covered in this work i.e. from 1844 to 1947 four Begums ruled the Bhopal State viz. Nawab Siyanda Bagum (1844- 1868), Nawab Shah Jahan Begum (1868- 1901), Nawab Sultan Jahan Begum (1901- 1926) and Nawab Hamidullah Khan (1926- 1949). The above Begums of Bhopal State maintained cordial relations with the British government and the British government honored them from time to time for their services. The political agents during the above rulers played very important role not only in the administration of the State but also in the relations between State and the British power. It is to be noted that 42 Political Agents stayed at Bhopal and contributed immensely in the diplomatic relations between the British Government and the rulers of the Bhopal State.

About the Author Dr. Kishwar Jahan did her Post graduation in History from Govt. M.L.B. Girls P.G. College, Bhopal in 2005 and Ph.D. from Barkatulla University, Bhopal in 2012. She has published many research papers relevant to Bhopal History in different research journals. Presently she teaches History in Government Colleges as guest faculty and is engaged in research work.

She stays in Bhopal.

Preface The founder of Bhopal state was an adventurous Afghan, Dost Mohammad Khan who belonged to Tirah, a village on the eastern border of Afghanistan. From the date of its foundation till its merger in the Indian Union, thirteen rulers ruled over the State, among which; for a considerable period, Begums ruled the State as Nawabs. During' the period covered in this thesis i.e. from I 844 to 1947 four Begums ruled the Bhopal State viz. Nawab Siyanda Bagum (1844- 1868), Nawab Shah Jahan Begum (1868- I 90 I), Nawab Sultan Jahan Begum (1901-1926) and Nawab Hamidullah Khan (1926-1949).

The above rulers of the Bhopal State maintained cordial relations with the British government which honored them from time to time for their services. Siyanda Begum, for her assistance during the great uprising of 1857, was given Berasia pargana and was conferred the title of GC.S.I. Nawab Sultan Jahan Begum was also conferred different honors by the British government, viz. GC.I.E in 1904, GC.S.I. in 1910 and C.I. in 1911. The last ruler was pro British and was the Chairman of the Chamber of Princes. He was conferred GC.S.I and GC.I E., by the British Government.

The political agents during the above rulers played very important role not only in the administration of the State but also in the relations between the Bhopal State and the British power. It is to be noted that 42 Political Agents stayed at Bhopal and contributed immensely in the diplomatic relations between the British Government and the rulers of the Bhopal State.

I have consulted the relevant files preserved in the National Archives of India, Bhopal, which has a huge collection of documents pertaining to the Bhopal State vis-à-vis British rule. I am thankful to the authorities of the National Archives of India for their unstinted cooperation. I am also thankful to Mr. G...M. Khan, Archivist, State Archives and Archaelogy Department, Mr. Ateeque Ahmad, ex- in charge, Urdu section of Maulana Azad Central Library Bhopal, Mr. Umar Ansari of Iqbal Library Bhopal and the Librarian of Sapre Sangrahalaya, Bhopal for their assistance. I am also grateful to Dr. Rahman Ali of Bhopal who came to my rescue by his suggestions.

I will remain indebted to my respected mother Mrs. Sugra Bi and my elder brother Mr. Aminuddin, who not only encouraged me to undertake this research study, but also supported me by all means to complete my work. Without their support I could not have completed this venture. Finally I thank Dr. Suresh Mishra, a historian of repute, who was instrumental in the publication of this work. Mr. Nitin Garg of Radha Publication, Delhi was nice enough to bring out this work in a short time.

Book's Contents and Sample Pages