The Nawabs of Dacca

HOUGH now so thoroughly identified with Eastern Bengal as to be regarded as thepremier zemindars of that part of the province, the ancestors of the Nawabs of Daccawere not residents of Eastern Bengal, but came original ly from the far-famed lovely valley of Kashmir. To the natural energy of this more northern race the success of the family since they settled in Bengal is no doubt due. As an example of self-made men in India, few families can compare with that of the Nawabs of Dacca, the present representative of which is Nawab Salimullah Bahadur.

KHAJEH ABDUL HAKIM

Khajeh Abdul Hakim was the first member of the family who migrated from Kashmir, where he had been Governor. The Emperor, Muhmud Shah, wishing to depose him, sent an-army from Delhi against him. But Hakim, collecting the forces at his disposal, defeated this army, which was led by the new governor elect. The Emperor, however, sent a second and larger force against him, before which Abdul-Hakim had to rly to Delhi. But when Nadir Shah conquered the Moguls, the fortune of Abdul Hakim suffered-with those of others, and he determined to retrieve his losses in other parts of he country, Collecting what remained to him of his former wealth, he, with his family, took what was at that lime the long and perilous journey to Sylhet, Finding that matters prospered with him in the new home, he built houses on the spot where the Collector's Office now stands, and resolved to make that station the home of his family. The tomb of Addul Hakim is to be seen in Sylhet to this date. Meanwhile, to avoid the persecutions of the new Governor of Kashmir Abdul Kadir determined to follow the example of his kinsman, Abdul Hakim. Setting out with his- two sons; Moulvie Abdala and Moulvie Wahab, be first settled in Sylhet and afterwards, moved to Dacca.

MOULVIE ABDALA

Moulvie Abdala became the head of the family on the death of Abdu Hakim, and, with a view

to improve his condition, he removed with his establishment, from Sylhet to Dacca, where he

settled

in Begum Bazar..

MOULVIE AHSUNULLA

Moulvie Ahsunulla succeeded Abdala, but being of a devout disposition and preferring retirement and the practice of religious excercises to worldly pursuits , he made over all the family property to Moulvie Hafizulla, finally starting on a pilgrimage to MECCA. He neve r reached the ho l y c i t y , bu t d i ed on t he way .

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Glimpses of Bengal

He has, however, left a name behind him, which is still revered in Dacca, and his, great learning

charity are not forgotten.

MOULVIE HAFIZULLA

Moulvie Hafizulla was also celebrated for his charities, and to him is due the establishment of the family as large landed proprietors. Up to his time the chief business of the family had been trading in skins and other produce, but Hafizulla acquired landed property in the districts of Dacca, Burrisal, …..pcrah, and Mymensingh, and abandoned trade altogether.

KHAJEH, ABDUL GUFFOOR

K.hajeh Abdul Guffoor succeeded Hafizulla, but on Guffoor's death the estates reverted to the family. of the elder brother, Moulvie Ahsunulla, the management of the property being chiefly in the hands of the youngest son, Khajeh Alimulla. His, name is still a household word in Eastern Bengal for his charities and wisdom, and under his judicious management the estates prospered, their resources were developed, and the ryots were happy and contented. It was during his life-time that the family Trust or the Wakf settlements were made, which it was thought by the lawyers of the day would have satisfactorily and permanently united the family interests and allowed the management to remain in the Nawab's own hands as Mutawali or trustee, but similar deeds of Wakf have, unfortunately, been lately declared by the high Courts of India to be invalid, and these rulings have led to the unfortunate litigation among the family members referred to-hereafter. For very many years, however, these deeds were acted upon, and a family remained united and prosperous during that time. Khajeh. Alimulla was also the first of the family members to show their natural appreciation and love of English sport which has been such a special feature of the family during later years. He purchased good kept elephants and racehorses, besides establishing the custom, continued by his successor and maintained to the present day, of entertaining generally and giving a ball during the Dacca Races and presenting handsome cups to be ran for at the Dacca Meeting. Nor was he unmindful of the intellectual culture of his family, for he had his children all taught English and European languages thoroughly.

Nawab Bahadur Sir Ahsunollah, K..C.I.E. OF DACCA

trips, of which he was very fond. He was, since the year 1881, greatly harassed and worried by the constant litigation which was. forced upon him by the members of his family ; and although a settlement was arrived at with the majority of them, the peace and harmony which previously had existed, in the family, was considerably disturbed.

During the short time that he survived his father, Sir Ahsunollah being present at the opening ceremonv presented Dacca with an electric installation, at a cost of over four lakhs of rupees. Sir John Woodburn was, un-fortunately prevented, by the illness to which he ultimately succumbed, from as he had first intended, and the Hon Mr. Bolton very kind went from Calcutta especially for the occasion in 1901.

Sir Ahsunollah Bahadur,in 1846, inherited the benevolence of his father'sposition, and emulatedin the bounteousness ofcharities and in his wisdomand judgment in themanagement of his, largeproperties. Sir Ahsunollah,before succeeding to hisfather's estates, was for someyears a Municipal Commissioner, and also an HonoraryMagistrate of Dacca. Hetook over from his fatherthe practical managementof estate so long ago as1868. He unfortunatelyonly survived his father sixyears. During the later years, of his father's life the oldNawab could scarcely bearhis son to be out of sight,the consequence being thatthe late Nawab had to give

up his shooting and pleasure

In December, 1901, the Nawab died suddenly from failure of the heart’s action, and was succeeded by his eldest son, the present Nawab Salimullah Bahadur. 198

The Hon'ble Nawab Bahadur Salimollah

The present head of the Dacca house, Nawab Salimollah Bahadur,

succeeded his father in December, 1901, He ban already shewn himself a public-Spirited man, taking an interest in whatever is for the benefit of his fellow men, and, in particular, displaying masterly judgment in managing his estates and intricate family affairs, The late Lieutenant-Governor of Bengal, Sir John Woodburn, during his last visit to Dacca opened the new Engineering College, the gift of Nawab Salimollah to the town.

Nawab Sallimollah Bahadur was one of the nobles from Bengal invited to attend, the Proclamation Durbar at Delhi, and his name appeared in the list of honours, he having received (the title of Nawab Bahadur. Lately he has been appointed to the Lieutenant-Governor's Council.

He is proving himself a worthy successor to his illustrious ancestors, and his many friends look forward to a bright and prosperous future for one who has begun so well, and whose charity and kindly and genial disposition bid fair to mark out for him a career of usefulness and honour.

The Nawaba of Dacca have the right of the private entry to Government House.

Amongst the most interesting-heirlooms of the family is the collection of Oriental jewels, some of which are unique, while others are of historical interest .

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