BAGHPAT AND THE RAJ (hb)2008

Mr Jinnah was a man of progressive and enlightened outlook and had a decided opinion of what was essential to raise the status of his country in the modern world Feudalism was never to be regarded as a jewel in the crown of national glory In January 1946, elections were held for the UP Provincial Legislative Assembly and my father won a seat as a Muslim League candidate That same January the British government awarded him a knighthood These were happy events not only for the family and but also for the people of Baghpat, who rejoiced at the honours We had been the landlords of Baghpat and the surrounding areas for over a hundred years and our relationship with the peasantry, the notables, and people of all religions and castes in the area remained one of mutual respect and cordiality Our countryside was inhabited by volatile Jats and Gujars, warrior races who could be lawless if not handled firmly My ancestors had subdued them, checked their criminal activities resolutely, and ensured that they lived within the parameters of the law There are on record a number of testimonials from the British government dating from the time of the famous Indian Mutiny of 1857 and even earlier, expressing appreciation of the excellent service rendered by the family in curbing the activities of the marauders and looters who roamed the countryside with impunity Author: Shahid Ali Khan is the son of the late Sir Nawab Jamshed Ali Khan of Baghpat, a principality located in the Meerut District of the United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh) in India The Nawab Sahib’s family hailed originally from the Punjab and was influential also in the UP and today’s Haryana Western UP had several principalities (such as Chattari, Sadabad, and etcetera) which were owned by Muslim Rajput landlords, most of whom were related to one another