SIXTH NAWAB SAHIB SIR MAHABAT KHAN II from 1851 A. D. to 1882 A. D. When Nawab Hamid Khan died, Mahabat Khan was at Radhanpur On the day Hamid Khan died, Mahabat Khan saw a dream that his brother the Nawab had died. This area was related to his constant companion Lalbhai, who was then with him. As the deceased Nawab Sahib had no offspring, COL. LANG, the Political Agent of Kathiawar, was called and requested to stay at Junagadh during his illness. As the next hear to the Gadi was Mahabat Khan, his mother Maji Sahiba who was then at Junagadh sent messengers to fetch him. Among those dispatched for the purpose were Hussain Sawar and Virji Luhana.

The latter was then a dooli-bearer, but afterwards he attained to great power. With his help his brother Keshavji also attained to great influence. Immediately on the receipt of the message Mahabat Khan came to Junagadh and ascended the Gadi. He was then 14 years old. Therefore a Council of Regency was appointed, with the advice of the Political Agent, COL. Lang. The council consisted of Muhammad, Talukdar of Bantva, Anantji Diwan and Habib Khan Sherwani. Jamadar Saleh Hindi was appointed to superintend the deceased Hamidkhan’s palaces. Although the State was administered under the above arrangement, the household affairs were governed independently by the mother of the Nawab Sahib. The Nawab Sahib now appreciated the past services of his old attendants and Sheikh Bahauddin was appointed Chief of the personal Risala (Bodyguards.)

The Nawab Sahib was a strong advocated of education. In 1852 he established an efficient Gujarati school. The practice of giving villages on contract then prevalent was the source of great hardship to the poor Ryot. The Nawab Sahib abolished this system and appointed Vahivatdars in the place of contractors. The Nawab Sahib was married with great pomp to Ladli Begum Sahiba sister of Sheikh Bahauddin in 1753 A. D. Previous to his coming to the Gadi, the Nawab Sahib was married to Kamalbakhte Sahiba, the daughter of the Nawab Sahib of Radhanpur. As a result of the anxious desire of the Nawab Sahib to spread education among the masses, he started an Urdu school and a Sanskrit Pathshala in 1854 A. D. In 1856 A. D. Ladli Begum Sahiba bore to him a son named BAHADUR KHAN, but form his infancy to the time he attained the throne, he was called by the name of Bapumian. In 1858 A. D. the Nawab Sahib had another son named RASUL KHAN by his other Begum Noorbibi Sahiba. In 1858 when the Nawab Sahib attained his majority, the Council of Regency was terminated and the full authority of the state was handed over to him. Anantji, who was Diwan previously and a member of the Council was appointed as Diwan. After sometime Syed Ahmed Edroos was appointed Co-Diwan. Subsequently a native of Cutch named Dungersi Khatri was appointed Diwan in 1860 A. D.

During 14 months of his administration only for four months, matters went on pretty well. Afterwards he was removed for not being able to manage affairs satisfactorily. He was succeeded in 1861 A. D. by Nagar named Gokalji Jhala. At that time sole power was in reality in the hands of Keshavji Luhana. Keshavji brother Virji was Khanji Karbhari. Both these brothers conducted the administration according to their will. Their relatives who were formerly dooly-bearers were placed in charge of big Talukas ( Mehal. ) They allowed in-adequate allowance even to the Nawab Sahib. They were devising schemes to disturb the relations between the Agency and the States. These Lubana brothers were ignorant of the method of keeping the account. Therefore their accounts were kept irregularly. They were in secret alliance with the Waghers who made depredations in the States in those times. These doings of theirs displeased the Nawab Sahib. The Political Agent was also indignant. Therefore Keshavji was summoned to Rajkot and kept under surveillance, and was sentenced to ten years imprisonment for having assisted the Waghers dacoits. Virji committed suicide while in confinement at Junagadh Uperkote by throwing himself down from a window and thus escaped trial.

The State and Agency authorities were so disgusted at this State of things that at last the Nawab Sahib determined to assume the reins of Government himself. Therefore arrangements were made with the help of the Agency to take away all the power form the Nawab Sahib's mother. As soon as the Nawab Sahib assumed the powers he dismissed all the Luhana from the State service. At this time the Political Agent was also at Junagadh. Sheikh Bahauddin rendered useful help to the Nawab Sahib in this matter, upon which the Nawab Sahib was pleased to confer upon him the office of the VAZIR and the village of AGATARAI as a Jagir in the year 1862. And later on in 11868 A. D. in appreciating of faithful and responsible services, he was given Bhiyal as a Jagir. With a view to encourage female education in the estate, H. H. opened a Girls school at Junagadh and gave it the name of his Begum Ladli Begum Sahiba. For the purpose of dispensing impartial justice courts were established on the model of the British courts and they were named the Hazur Adalat and Sardar Adalat, and many other improvements were also introduced. The Waghers who were a turbulent race and lived upon plunder were the inhabitants of Dwarlka under Gaekwad territory, In the year 1858 they rose in rebellion and created a disturbance in the whole of Kathiawar. Two or three years after they took refuge in the Gir forest. Some British officers with the Vazir and Saleh Hindi captured the Waghers alive. Subsequently this disturbance was quelled, in which His Highness rendered valuable help to the British Government .

Shortly after this the Mianas declared hostilities against Junagadh but the State and the Agency presented such a bold front that they were compelled to surrender. In 1864 A. D. the ceremony of the circumcision of Shahzada BahadurKhan was celebrated with becoming show at an expense of three lakhs of Rupees. A new Mehal was formed of the territory obtained at the termination of inquiries in a suit between the State and Jetpur Kati's. The village of Nayagadh or Nayagadh was fixed upon as the headquarter of this Mehal. In the year 1879 A. D. a wall was built round it and Police Lines were also built there. In order to afford facility of communication to the subjects the Sourashtra Post was established in 1864 A. D. on Saleh Hindi was a loyal servant of the State, He rendered useful services to His Highness the Nawab Sahib by displaying bravery against the Waghers. He was at once a soldier and a statesman. In appreciation of his services. His Highness conferred upon him the village of HANDALA as a Jagir. And later on in 1868 A. D. Wanda Val was granted as a Jagir. In 1866 A. D. the Registration and Municipal Departments were founded for the extension of trade noteworthy improvements were made in the port of Vera Val. A European Engineer was appointed, One the shore a wall 1846 ft. long and 11 ft. high was erected and a lighthouse 50 ft. high was built. These works cost more than four lakhs. In 1866 A. D. an Agricultural Exhibition was held at Rajkot. His Highness the Nawab Sahib attended it.

The Nawab Sahib was married to Sardar Bakhte, daughter of the Talukdar of Ranpur in 1866 A. D. In 1867 A. D. the Nawab Sahib had a third son Adilkhan by his Begum Choti BIBI Sahiba. In this year while passing from Karachi to Bombay, the Governor of Bombay halted at Vera Val for a day. At this time the Nawab Sahib, the Heir-apparent BahadurKhan and the Vazir were present there. The distinguished guest was by the Nawab Sahib. The examination of pleaders was started and orders were issued for the appointment of Vakil of Seven years standing to the post of Munsif. A library known as BAHADUR KHANJI LIBRARY after the name of the Prince BahadurKhan was established. A printing press was also founded and the publication of the State Gazette called the DASTURAL-AMAL was started every month containing official orders, appointments etc. In 1867 Munshi Khairatali Khan who was a Vakil of the Jodhpur state was appointed Tutor to the Shahzada. He was well versed in English, Persian, Arabic and Urdu. He had spent 7 years of his life in London. His salary was R.S. 800 per month which exceeded that of the then Diwan. There was an exhibition at Broach. It was attended by the Gaekwad and the other Ruling Chiefs. His Highness sent Shahzada BahadurKhan as his representative. The Shahzada on his outward and return journey was treated with great honor by the Jagirdars and Talukdar. In 1869 A.D. His Highness being invited by the Political Agent went to Rajkot to witness the horse races. In 1870 A. D. Darbar was held at Bombay in honor of his Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh the second son of Her Imperial Majesty Empress Victoria. His Highness accompanied by the Shahzada, Vazir and others set sail from Vera Val to attend this Darbar. Among the States of Kathiawar Junagadh being then the only First Class State, the Prince honored His Highness with the privilege of a private visit. At Bombay His Highness gave large sums of money in charity. His Highness the Aghakhan and others entertained the Nawab Sahib at large parties In commemoration of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh’s visit to India, Nawab Sahib placed a munificent sum of a lakhs of Rupees at the disposal of the Governor of Bombay for works of public utility in Kathiawar, For this act of generosity, the Government warmly thanked the Nawab Sahib. In 1870 A. D. a Rajkumar College was opened at Rajkot for the education of the Kumar's, out of funds collected from the Chiefs of Kathiawar, His Highness contributed the largest amount towards this fund. The opening ceremony was performed by His Excellency the Governor of Bombay, before a large and distinguished gathering on 16th December 1870 A. D. where the Nawab Sahib was also present. Immediately afterwards His Excellency visited Junagadh, where he was richly entertained by the Nawab Sahib. Then His Excellency went to the Gir Forest where he bagged five large lions.

Upon this, His Highness deputed the Vazir Sahib to congratulate His Excellency. In 1871 A. D. Shahzada BahadurKhan joined the Rajkumar College at Rajkot. In appreciation of his successful administration, Her Imperial Majesty the Empress was pleased to confer upon His Highness the exalted title of K. C. S. I. The ceremony of the investiture, was performed at Rajkot before a large Darbar, which was attended by the Ruling Chiefs and the British Officers. The people of Junagadh celebrated the occasion with befitting splendor. In 1873 A. D. the Heir-apparent was appointed Police Commissioner of the State. He organized the State Police on the model of the British Police. His marriage with the daughter of the Bantva Talukdar and with that of the Ranpur Talukdar was celebrated with great éclat at a cost of 7 lakhs of Rupees. In 1874 A. D. Saleh Hindi was appointed Diwan. In December 1874 A. D. Nawab Sahib visited Rajkot as he was invited to a Darbar convened by the Governor of Bombay. Afterwards on the 11th January 1875 A. D. the Governor of Bombay paid a visit to Junagadh. In 1875 A. D. on a visit of His Royal Highness the Prince Edward to India, His Highness the Nawab Sahib went to Bombay accompanied by a party including the Vazir and Diwan. The third marriage of the Shahzada was contracted with the daughter of the Nawab Sahib of Wadasinor. Late Diwan Gokalji Jhala was appointed Co-Diwan. In 1877 A. D. Her Imperial Majesty the Empress Victoria assumed the exalted title of KAISER-E-HIND. An imposing Darbar was held in honor of the occasion at Delhi, ( on the 1st January 1877 ) in which among other Indian Chiefs, His Highness the Nawab Sahib attended and appointed the Heir-apparent as Regent at Junagadh during his absence. From Delhi he went on a tour through India and returned from Bombay to Vera Val by Steamer. His return was marked with great rejoicings at the capital. The Government of India was pleased to enhance the honor of the Nawab Sahib from 11 to 15 guns and to confer upon him a gold medal and a Royal flag. Diwan Saleh Hindi was invested with the title of KHAN BAHADUR and Diwan Gokalji Jhala with that of RAO BAHADUR,.

His Excellency the Governor of Bombay visited Junagadh on the 20th November and halted for 2 days. The reception was a grand one. In 1878 A. D. the marriage of Shahzada RASULKHAN Sahib was celebrated with the daughter of Sarbulandkhan Babi of Bantva with fitting show. Shahzada Edulkhan joined the Rajkumar College for study. On the death of Rao Bahadur Gokalji Jhala, Saleh Hindi was appointed the sole Diwan. As a reward for his faithful services to the State Diwan Saleh Hindi was decorated with the insignia of C.I.E., in 1879 A. D. His Highness the Nawab Sahib invested the Sheikh of Mangrol with the powers of 2nd class Chief under the Junagadh State. In 1880 A. D. His Excellency the Governor’s visit was marked with due respect. The bridge outside the Kalva gate was named Fergusson Bridge after him. In 1881 A. D. Shahzada SHERZAMANKHAN was born to Shahzada RASULKHAN. The Political Agent visited Junagadh. In 1882 A. D. His Highness the Nawab Sahib after a rule of 31 years died. A fine mausoleum called the MAHABAT MAKBARA was erected over his tomb. The Nawab Sahib was a strict observer of prayers and fasts. He was magnanimous and liberal. He loved to see wrestling and was an excellent rider. He frequently came out on horse back. If he noticed a stranger in the town, he made inquiries about his name and whereabouts. If he found him worthy, he would help him.

He was very bold. He confronted an infuriated elephant with only a light cane. He kept a tiger cub near his bed. When it grew up and made mischief it was quieted and made to couch by the Nawab Sahib from the wild nature of the animal. Therefore they frequently reasoned with him to keep it away from him. To this he replied that it was his pet and would not harm him . One day it grew savage and uncontrollable and upon urgent entreaties of the nobles was put into a cage. He was very just. After his death he was honored as a saint and acquired the epithet of Mahabat Saint, His tomb is even now decorated with offerings and his death anniversary is celebrated every year as that of a saint. He conducted the administration admirably and gave considerable encouragement to agriculture and commerce. He got many mango trees planted through out the State. The prosperity of the capital advanced. Rest-houses, hospitals and roads were constructed. The narrow streets were broadened. A large square and a clock tower were put up opposite to the Aina Mehal. Buildings like court houses, Sardarbagh Banglow, Jail, BahadurKhan High School and Public offices were erected. These cost 40 lakhs of Rupees.

During his absence from Junagadh the administration was conducted by his wives LADLI BEGAM and AMINA BEGAM. Sherkhan died in 1758 and was buried in the Mausoleum opposite the CHITAKHAN Mosque in Junagadh. Sherkhan served for 30 years at various places in Gujarat. That time was very critical, because many battles were then fought between the Muslims and Marathas, and every officer was aiming at the highest authority. In the beginning Sherkhan obtained the FOUJDARI and JAGIR of JUNAGADH because of his having rendered valuable services to the Emperor. At Junagadh he established order, the country was prosperous and the subjects happy. Through his own efforts he subjugated all the states in Kathiawar and exacted a tribute from them since called “ZORTALABI” which continues to this day. He was religious, just and magnanimous. He gave Jagirs to Syeds, learned men and others deserving them. He was so impartial that he also bestowed Jagirs upon Hindus. He accorded permission to a Kathi named WALA WIRA to construct a fort and assigned him the Paragna of Jetpur as Jagir on condition of remaining faithful. It still continuous in his family.

He gave KOYLI as Jagir to the Mahant of Koyli. Upon his brothers SHERZAMANKHAN and DILERKHAN he bestowed the Taluka of BANTWA as Jagir. It is now divided into three smaller Talukas. Of these two BANTWA and SARDARGADH (or Ghidar) are in the possession of the descendants of SHERZAMANKHAN. Each consists of twelve villages. But BANTWA is now subdivided into many small parts. The third, MANAVADAR, is in the hands of the descendants of DILERKHAN. It consists of 24 villages. Nawab Sherkhan had two Begams ( wives ). One of them was AMINA BEGAM, daughter of Muhammad Khan, Jagirdar of Kaira and the other LADLI BEGAM, daughter of Sardar Muhammad Khan Ghori, Foujdar of Baroda. The Nawab Sahib had four sons. The eldest of these MAHABATKHAN, became the Nawab Sahib of JUNAGADH and the second, SARDAR Muhammad KHAN, Nawab of WADASINOR.