Description

Since Nawab Ibrahim Ali Khan’s mental condition was not stable, so the British government appointed his son Ahmad Ali as the Nawab and the Nawab of Luharu Ryasat was appointed as Superintendent to help him. But after the death of Nawab Ibrahim Ali Khan in 1908, Ahmad Ali was formally coronated on 5 January; 1909A.D.and was permanently given the title of Nawab.

His Highness Nawab Sir Muhammad Ahmad Ali Khan ‘Shaida’ was born on 10 September, 1881A.D. He was a very intelligent, educated and an aware ruler. He was very skilled in sports and shooting. In the first world war of 1914, he not only sent his army to the battle field but also helped the centre with ammunitions. The results of all these could be seen after the victory of Britishers in the First World War. The British gave special Sanads and Raits to the Nawab and his state. The Nawab received the rank of K.C.S.I and K.C.I.E. He was the only Nawab of Malerkotla who got the privilege of getting his name written on the coin of the state.

To make his kingdom glorious he paid special attention towards the industry. The steel industry was greatly expanded, cotton industries and industries manufacturing parts of cycles were established. With these many people of Malerkotla got employment. The progress done by him can be seen even today. He modernized the system of police and court. The Royal fort ‘Mubarak Manzil’ which was initially started by Nawab Ibrahim Ali Khan was completed by Nawab Ahmad Ali Khan. Its magnificent design was made by a British architect. Moti Bazar, Lal Bazar, Sadar Bazar etc. were made for the beautification of the city.

After 1945, no effect of religious fanaticism could be seen in Malerkotla. The developments done by Nawab Sahib were appreciated even after Independence. Pleased with his services His Imperial Magesty King Emperor gave him the title of Nighthood of Order of the State. The Nawab Malerkotla sent many army troops to help the British during the Second World War also. Showing his loyalty to the British he became a permanent part of the history.

Nawab Ahmad Ali Khan was a well educated man. He had deep interest and respect for education. He built many government Schools and a college for the common masses of Malerkotla. Many schools and Madrasas were opened in the villages of the state.

Along with being a well educated man he was also a great poet, so he held great respect for the poets. In the world of poetry he was known with the pen name “Shaida”. As soon as he took the reign of the state on 17 September 1906, he held a big Mushaira in the city.

It is told that during the partition of India and Punjab, he had seen many incidents of murders and atrocities with his own eyes and many other heart wrenching scenes passed through his eyes, which he could not bear. During all this he fell severely ill and could not recover after that. In such situation he passed away on 16 October, 1947 A.D.