Fifth Nawab Sahib HAMIDKHAN II.....1840 A.D. to 1851 A.D. On the death of the Nawab Sahib BahadurKhan, a dispute among his four sons about the succession. But HamidKhan being the eldest and having been appointed heir-apparent during his father life-time succeeded to the Gadi in 1840 A.D. The claims of the others, except MahabatKhan, not being tenable they accepted some villages as Jagir. But MahabatKhan persisted in his claims. He claimed to be descended from a Babi mother. But this time he has to be disappointed. As the Nawab Sahib was 12 year old the administration was in the hand of his mother Dadibu Sahiba of Kutiana. But really the power was wielded by Jhabar Seth Bhatia and HabibKhan Sherwani of Kutiana. The latter’s brother NathuKhan exercised great influence in all the affairs. In household affairs he played the master. In 1841 A.D. the marriage of the Nawab Sahib with the daughter of the Talukdar of MANAVADAR and with that of the Nawab Sahib of Wadasinor was celebrated with great pomp and splendor.

An expense of seven lakhs of rupees was incurred. The Kathis Harsuvala and Bhuja began to plunder and ruin the State. To subdue them the Nawab Sahib sent troops. Bhuja was captured and Harsuvala’s apology was accepted. Thus the subjects got immunity from plunder and rapine.

MahabatKhan having still clung to his claims in 1842 the Nawab Sahib placed his friends under surveillance. Lalbhai and his wife Chehatboo were the chief confidents of Maji Sahiba. Mother of MahabatKhan. Both these loved MahabatKhan from his infancy. Therefore this time they also shared the hard treatment. But they spared neither life nor wealth. Sheikh Bahauddin began to go to Mahabat Khan with his paternal aunt Chehatboo both being of equal age such a strong friendship grew up between the two that they lived together night and day. Both were circumcised together. Gradually by his ability and goodness, Sheikh Bahauddin became a constant companion of MahabatKhan. Who could then divine the inscrutable ways of God that later on MahabatKhan would be the Nawab Sahib and Sheikh Bahauddin in the capacity of his Vazir would contribute so much to the happiness and prosperity of the subjects.

Nawab Sahib being a minor the administration was conduct by the people of his mother’s confidence. This caused a considerable deficit in the State treasury. The Nawab Sahib was duly apprised of the evil doing of these enemies of the state. He was himself very intelligent. Therefore he made-up his mind to banish the evildoers, in consultation with the Political Agent. When NathuKhan and Jhabar Seth came to know of this, they apposed the Nawab Sahib but were captured. They were however released later.

In 1851, A.D. Nawab Sahib visited the shrine of the DAVALSHA at Amran under Jamnagar State accompanied by large retinue. This visit was a great source of frame in Kathiawar. During his excursion, the Jamsahib of Jamnagar and the Thakor Sahib of Morbi treated Nawab Sahib with great hospitality.

Nawab Sahib conduct the administration ably and dealt impartial justice. He personally heard case and gave decisions. The cavalcade was stopped to give a hearing to complaint of the poor. Once the Nobel, men of the state made a petition that it was not proper to stop the royal cavalcade to listen to the complaints of the low. His Highness aid that it was the duty of the ruler to hear the complaints of his subjects; otherwise, he would be held responsible before God on the Day of Judgment.

Nawab Sahib was handsome, of imposing appearance and of a sparing constitution. He knew Persian, Urdu and Gujrati well. He loved to play chess and fly kites. He also loved shooting and was and excellent expert.