Wednesday 6 March 2019

Jan Fishan Khan (ancestor of Nasiruddin Shah, the Bollywood actor)


Sketch of  Syud Mahomed Khan or Jan Fishan Khan of Paghman,  by James Aktkinson ,c.1840


Sayyid Muhammad Shah, the ancestor of Nasiruddin Shah (actor), was from Afghanistan. He collaborated with British invaders during First Anglo-Afghan War (1839-42). He accompanied the defeated British army to India. 

Mrs.Colin Mackenzie (whose husband fought in the First Anglo-Afghan War), describes Sayyid Muhammad Shah (titled Jan Fishan Khan) as the staunch friend of the British invaders. Two of his sons died fighting against Wazir Akbar Khan.






Sayyid Muhammad Shah made himself of use to British even in India. During 1857 war of independence, he raised a lashkar of his dependents, followers and relatives, and went to help the British against Indians. As a reward for his services, he received the title of Nawab from the British.





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