Glimpses of Bengal by A. Claude Campbell-Chapter 8

The Nawabs of Dacca
HOUGH now so thoroughly identified with Eastern Bengal as to be regarded as the

premier zemindars of that part of the province, the ancestors of the Nawabs of Dacca
were not residents of Eastern Bengal, but came original l y 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 M ECCA . H e n e v e r
reached the holy city, but died on the way.
195
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.
N a w a b B a h a d u r S ir A h s u n o lla h , K ..C .I.E .
OF DACCA
trips, of which he was very fond.

Sir Ahsunollah Bahadur,
in 1846, inherited the He was, since the year 1881,
benevolence of his father's greatly harassed and worried by
position, and emulated the constant litigation which was.
in the bounteousness of forced upon him by the members
charities and in his wisdom of his family ; and although a
and judgment in the settlement was arrived at with the
management of his, large majority of them, the peace and
properties. Sir Ahsunollah,
harmony which previously had
before succeeding to his
father's estates, was for some existed, in the family, was
years a Municipal Commissioner, considerably disturbed.
and also an Honorary During the short time that he
Magistrate of Dacca. He survived his father, Sir
took over from his father Ahsunollah being present at
the practical management the opening ceremonv
of estate so long ago as presented Dacca with an electric
1868. He unfortunately
installation, at a cost of over four
only survived his father six
years. lakhs of rupees. Sir John
During the later years, Woodburn was, un-fortunately
of his father's life the old prevented, by the illness to which
Nawab could scarcely bear he ultimately succumbed, from as
his son to be out of sight, he had first intended, and the
the consequence being that Hon Mr. Bolton very kind went
the late Nawab had to give from Calcutta especially for
up his shooting and pleasure
the occasion in 1901.
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
T h e H o n 'b le N a w a b B a h a d u r S a lim o
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 Govern-
ment House.
Amongst the most interesting-
heirlooms of the family is the col-
lection of Oriental jewels, some of
which are unique, while others
are of historical interest.
197

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The Nawabs of Dacca

HOUGH now so thoroughly identified with Eastern Bengal as to be regarded as the

KHAJEH ABDUL HAKIM

trips, of which he was very fond.

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