Syed Meer Khan (ancestor of Bollywood actor Naseeruddin Shah), Meerut, 1861

Syed Meer Khan, Meerut, 1861. 

Source: "The People of India" by Watson and Kaye. 

Syed Meer Khan belonged to the Shia Musavi Syed family from Paghman near Kabul who had roots from Mashad in Iran. His uncle Syed Muhammad Shah (titled Jan Fishan Khan) and other relatives colloborated with British during First Anglo-Afghan and they accompanied the defeated British Army to India. 

The British author of the above-mentioned book writes: "Syed Meer Khan, member of a family expatriated from Cabool for their fidelity to us in 1840-42"...[..]..."Syud Meer Khan is thirty-four years of age, and six feet in height, with a dark olive complexion. He bears the appellation of Khan, probably from Afghan descent, or by special creation ; and his services to the Government of India in a military capacity, have gained for him the title of " Sirdar Bahadoor," to which is attached a pension and other privileges. The Syud is a fine specimen of his race : a very powerful man, with a good expression of features."

Historical background of the Qizilbashs of Lahore

Kanhaiya Lal in his "Tarikh-i-Lahore" (completed in 1882) gives description of six wealthiest families among Muslims of Lahore city. On the top of the list, is a Shia Qizilbash by name of Nawab Ali Raza Khan "Kabuli" who corroborated with British invaders during First Anglo-Afghan war (1839-43). 

Ali Raza Khan Qizilbash fully supported General Polluck's army (which was sent to avenge the earlier defeat of British in Afghanistan). He persuaded Qizilbash chiefs to betray Muhammad Akbar Khan and join British side. He accompanied the returning British army with his sixty sawars and settled in India. 

Ali Raza Khan Qizilbash, his brothers and his sixty sawars fought for British in the Anglo-Sikh wars. In the 1857 war of independence, he sent his contingent to help British on his own expenses. For his services in 1857's war in support of British, he received the title of Nawab and a large estate in Awadh (comprising of 147 villages). He died in 1865 and his body was sent to Karbala (in Iraq) for burial. 

Nawab Nawazish Ali Khan Qizilbash (son of Ali Raza Khan Qizilbash) and cousin, India, 1890.

Sayyid Meer Khan, a Shia Farsiwan (Tajik) from Paghman, 1861

Sayyid Meer Khan, a Shia Farsiwan (Tajik) from Paghman, 1861.

He collaborated with British invaders during First Anglo-Afghan War (1839-42). "Meer Khan, member of a family expatriated from Cabool for their fidelity to us in 1840-42". ("People of India", Vol-3, plate 154).

He was nephew of Sayyid Muhammad Shah (titled Jan Fishan Khan). They were Musavi or Mashadi Sayyids and resided at Paghman (50 miles west of Kabul).

Taziahs in the Muharram at Peshawar, 1909. Photo on Postcard

 

Recommended Books