English: Illustration of Nawab Sher Muhammad Khan Bahadur of Malerkotla (alt. spelt as Maler Kotla) State (born 1640, died 1712, reigned 1672–1712 [some sources give his death year as 1710]). He is celebrated in Sikh history for protesting against the extrajudicial executions of Guru Gobind Singh's two young sons at the court of Wazir Khan in Sirhind.
"1672 - 1712 Nawab Sher Muhammad Khan Bahadur, Sher Jang, Nawab of Malerkotla. b. at Fort Kotla, 1640, elder son of Nawab Firuz Khan, Nawab of Malerkotla, educ. privately. Succeeded on the death of his father, 1672. Granted the titles of Bahadur and Sher Jang, and a Sword of Honour, by the Emperor. Held in near veneration by the Sikhs because he appealed to Aurangzeb to spare the lives of Guru Gobind Singh's two young sons, when captured at Sirhind. He declared that their execution contravened the dictates of Islam and the laws laid-down by the Prophet. According to the Mahan Kosh, when told that the Nawab of Malerkotla had raised his voice, the Guru blessed the house of the nawab, declaring that its "roots shall remain forever green." He d. at Maler Kotla, 1712 (bur. there at the Shahi Muqbara), having had issue, eight sons:
1) Nawab Ghulam Husain Khan, Nawab of Malerkotla.
2) Sahibzada Mirza Khan.
3) Sahibzada Muhammad Azim Khan.
4) Nawab Jamal Khan, Nawab of Malerkotla
5) Sahibzada Fateh 'Ali Khan. He was k. (s.p.) in battle against Maharaja Ala Singh of Patiala, 1732.
6) Sahibzada Akbar 'Ali Khan. He d.s.p.
7) Sahibzada Ghulam 'Ali Khan. He was k. (s.p.) in battle against Maharaja Ala Singh of Patiala, 1732.
8) Sahibzada Ghulam Rasul Khan. He was k. (s.p.) in battle against Maharaja Ala Singh of Patiala, 1732." (description taken from: link)
An image of this artwork can also be found at:
[1],
link