Draft:Nawab Sheikh Abdullah


Nawab Sheikh Abdullah, was a Nawab of Ghazipur, during the time of Awadh dynasty. He was a powerful man of his time. Sheikh Abdullah was a notable figure of his time, known for his administrative abilities and significant contributions to the region of Ghazipur. Originally from the town of Dharwara in pargana Zahurabad,. His father, Sheikh Muhammad Qasim was a zamindar of Dharwara (later Kasimabad) . Abdullah was well-educated, having pursued his studies in Delhi, where he later joined the imperial service, quickly demonstrating his competence. He served in the court of Mughal emperor, Farrukhsiyar and later became Nawab of Ghazipur in 1738.[1][2][3]

Nawab Sheikh Abdullah, urf Abdul Khan
Nawab
Reign1738–1744
PredecessorPosition established
SuccessorFazal Ali
Bornc. 1680
Qasimabad,
Died1744
Ghazipur
Burial
Nawab Bagh
Issuefour sons
FatherNawab Muhammad Qasim

Biography

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Nawab Sheikh Abdullah, was a son of Nawab Qasim Khan of Dharwara , later known as Qasimabad . Sheikh Abdullah studied at Delhi and leaned about the Mughal court and other administrative works , he served in the court of Mughal emperor, Farrukhsiyar. In 1717, Sarbuland Khan, the then-governor of Bihar, appointed Sheikh Abdullah as his deputy. He served in this position with distinction for many years, earning a reputation for his skill and integrity. However, his success and rising influence attracted the jealousy of Fakhr-ud-daula, which eventually led to his expulsion from Patna. Seeking refuge, Abdullah turned to Saadat Ali Khan, the Nawab of Oudh, who entrusted him with the governorship of Gorakhpur, Bahraich, and Khairabad, (Mau) thus solidifying Abdullah’s standing in the region. Sheikh Abdullah's father Nawab Muhammad Qasim died in year 1739 and .after his death, Abdullah build a fort at his native place, and named the place as Kasimabad in year 1739 the fort is known as Qasimabad fort , which is mostly ruined now.[1][4][2]

Because of the close relationship with Saadat Ali Khan, Abdullah gained the favor of Safdar Jang, Saadat Khan’s son-in-law, who later appointed him to govern his native district of Ghazipur. During his tenure, Abdullah left an enduring legacy by constructing numerous architectural monuments, including forts at Jalalabad in pargana Shadiabad and at Qasimabad, which he named after his father. He also built a bridge over the Mangas River leading to Qasimabad, as well as a palace known as the Chihal Satun, a mosque, an imambara, a masonry tank, and the extensive Nawab’s Bagh garden in Ghazipur. These constructions were intended to enhance the infrastructure and religious heritage of the region.[1][4]

He also established a fort and a bazar, at a place named as Abdulpur (after his name)in year 1742, situated on the banks of a river, but later the place got the name Bahadurganj. His legacy continued in his family. He had four sons , among whom the eldest was Fazal Ali Khan, and the second was was Karam Ullah Khan, the rest wto lived at the town of Kasimabad. Abdullah passed away in 1744, and his tomb remains near his garden in Ghazipur. His legacy continued through his sons, especially his eldest, Fazl Ali, who succeeded him. However, as Fazl Ali was absent from Ghazipur at the time, Abdullah’s younger son, Karam-ullah, initially took over the governorship. Fazl Ali soon returned and appealed to Safdar Jang, who granted him the district, albeit with the condition of an additional tribute.[1][4]  

Fazl Ali’s rule was marked by oppression and mismanagement, leading to his eventual removal in 1747. Karam-ullah was reinstated, only for Fazl Ali to later regain the position due to Safdar Jang's Karam Ullah died in year 1748. Although Fazl Ali lost control of Ghazipur briefly to Muhammad Amin Khan during a campaign by the Bangash Nawab of Farrukhabad, But Fazal Ali was was able to reclaim it without resistance.[1][2]

Later, Fazal Ali's family ended and the power was shifted to his remaining two, brother or younger Sons of Sheikh Abdullah. [1][4][3][5]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f SRIVASTAVA, ASHIRBADI LAL (1954). THE FIRST TWO NAWABS OF AWADH,ED.2ND. SHIVA LAL AGARWALA,AGRA.
  2. ^ a b c Nevill, H. r (1909). Ghazipur A Gazetteer Vol.29.
  3. ^ a b Ansari, Saiyad Hasan (1986). Evolution and Spatial Organization of Clan Settlements: A Case Study of Middle Ganga Valley. Concept Publishing Company.
  4. ^ a b c d "नवाब कासिम का किला बदहाल". Amar Ujala (in Hindi). Retrieved 8 November 2024.
  5. ^ SRIVASTAVA, ASHIRBADI LAL (1954). THE FIRST TWO NAWABS OF AWADH,ED.2ND. SHIVA LAL AGARWALA,AGRA.