Mutawassil Khan titled Rustam Jang Bahadur, was a Mughal general in the Deccan. He descended from a powerful aristocratic family, with his father being a prominent noble of Aurangzeb Alamgir and his grandfather one of the most famous Mughal Viziers. Mutawassil Khan rose to power under the patronage of his father-in-law who was also his maternal cousin Chin Qilich Qamaruddin Khan, Nizam-ul-Mulk, accompanying him in his campaigns in the Deccan and distinguishing himself especially at the Battle of Shakar Kheda.[1][2][3][4]
Career
editMutawassil Khan was an illustrious figure, patronized by Khan Firuz Jang. During Emperor Muhammad Shah's reign, he accompanied the eminent Nizam-Ul-Mulk Asaf Jah from Malwa to the Deccan, where he distinguished himself with remarkable valor in the battle against Sayyid Dilawar Ali Khan while leading one of the wings of the Nizam's army. His unwavering devotion was further exemplified in the battle with Alam Ali Khan, where he sustained two wounds. In recognition of his extraordinary bravery, he was bestowed with a prestigious rank of 3000, accompanied by 2000 horsemen, the exalted title of Bahadur, and the distinguished gifts of a flag and drums. His illustrious career saw him serve as the Deputy Governor of Aurangabad and later as the Faujdar of Baglana. Ultimately, he was honored with the title of Rustam Jang and appointed as the Governor of Bijapur, where he met his demise in 1744.[3]
Family
editMutawassil Khan hailed from a distinguished lineage of notable prominence. His father, Hifzullah Khan, was a prominent noble during the reign of Emperor Aurangzeb Alamgir. His grandfather, Sa'adullah Khan, was a much-revered Grand Vizier of the Mughals during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan. The esteemed Nizam was his cousin, and his own son, the 3rd Nizam Muzaffar Jang, succeeded him as the Nawab of Bijapur.[3][5]
References
edit- ^ Khan, Yusuf Husain (1963). The First Nizām: The Life and Times of Nizāmu'l-Mulk Āsaf Jāh I. Asia Publishing House.
- ^ Singh, Nagendra Kr (2001). Encyclopaedia of Muslim Biography: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh. A.P.H. Publishing Corporation. ISBN 978-81-7648-235-6.
Mutawassil Khan Bahadur Rustam Jang, son of Hifz Ullah, son of Sa'd Ullah Khan Shahjahani
- ^ a b c Awrangābādī, Shāhnavāz Khān (1979). The Maāt̲h̲ir-ul-umarā: Being Biographies of the Muḥammadan and Hindu Officers of the Timurid Sovereigns of India from 1500 to about 1780 A.D. Janaki Prakashan. p. 647.
- ^ Rao, Vasant D. (1968). Studies in Indian History: Dr. A. G. Pawar Felicitation Volume. Y. P. Pawar. p. 241.
- ^ Bernier, François (1826). Travels in the Mogul Empire. W. Pickering. p. 210.