Description

Nawab Ahmad Ali Khan had six sons. After his death in 1947, his eldest son Iftikhar Ali Khan became the Nawab of Malerkotla for some time. Iftikhar Ali Khan was born on 20 May, 1904A.D. He was a well educated ruler. He was brought up in European style. He was a scholar in English, who also liked hunting. He used to go hunting not only in the villages of Malerkotla but also with the Nawab- Kings of the other princely states as well as the British officials.

Shortly after Iftikhar Ali Khan ascended the throne, the partition of India took place which deteriorated the conditions and situations of the country. The Ryasats had been broken down. Showing his great wisdom in such a situation, he gave up all the rights and privileges of Nawabs and feudal lords, which increased his repute, but spread pessimism in the feudal lords. On 20 August, 1948 A.D. he handed over the administration powers to PEPSU.

During his short tenure, Nawab Iftikhar Ali Khan worked towards the welfare of the common masses as the result of which he had a grand victory in Pepsu assembly elections in the year 1952 and 1954.

After 1947, Nawab Iftikhar Ali Khan also got the fortune of becoming the first MLA. After him Nawab Sahib’s wife Begum Yusuf Zumma and later Sajida Begum also won the elections of MLA. All these victories are a proof of the masses’ love for the last Nawab. On 20 November, 1982 without leaving a heir, the the Nawab left this mortal world. Like many other Nawabs, he was also buried in the royal Makbras of the city.