Rohilla dynasty

The Rohilla dynasty is an Indo-Afghan dynasty of Arab origin that ruled over much of North-West South Asia in the form of Rohilkhand, Kumaon, and later until 1947, the Princely State of Rampur. At the height of their power the dynasty jointly ruled over the Kingdom of Rohilkhand and the Kingdom of Kumaon, held suzairnty over the Kingdom of Garhwhal, and held the imperial viceroyalty of Punjab an area comparable in size to Germany, Denmark and Austria. The head of the dynasty in the form of the Nawab of Rohilkhand, held several kings subservient to himself, and is sometimes referred to as the Indo-Afghan emperor while his domains are referred to as the Indo-Afghan Empire. Though nominally under the suzerainty of the Indian emperors, with their borders reaching the edge of Delhi and Agra, the dynasty had almost complete control over the affairs of the Indian emperors. The dynasty is a senior branch of the ancient Barha dynasty, which itself is best known for being de facto rulers over much of South Asia at the start of the 18th century, as well as being agnates to the 15th century emperors of India.

History

The dynasty rose to prominence with the first nawab of Rohilkhand, Nawab Ali Mohammad Khan. It is a branch of one of the influential Barha dynasties best known as ''de facto'' rulers of South Asia during the early 18th century and agnates of the 15th century emperors of India.

The dynasty descends in the male line from the fourth Rashidun caliph, Ali, through his younger son Hussain, who married Shahrbanu, herself a daughter of the Sassanian emperor of Persia, Yazdegard III. Due to Ali's status as an Adnanite, the dynasty can trace its ancestry to the biblical Prophet Abraham through his eldest son Ishmael.

As a boy, Ali Muhammad Khan was adopted by the chief of the Barech tribe, Sardar Daud Khan Rohilla. The term ''Rohilla'' refers to Pashtun settlers of India and was adopted by the family in consequence to their election as chiefs of the Rohilla.

He was a member of the Barha dynasty by birth.

The Barha dynasty arrived from Arabia, where constant rebellions against various caliphs had led to heavy persecution. Barha dynasty founder Abul Farah al Wasti and his four sons entered the military service of Sultan Muhammad of Ghor and received twelve fiefdoms in Punjab, then a part of the Ghor Empire, as a reward. Thus the dynasty became quickly established as Nobles of the Sword in ancient India, a status they held under several different empires. They held a particularly high status under the Sultanate of Delhi. The chief of the Barha, who was also the diwan of the empire, was granted the fiefdom of Saharanpur due to his relationship with the imperial family. They also enjoyed prominent positions under the reign of the Sur. They eventually defected during the last days in the reign of Sikander Sur of the Sur Empire, to Emperor Akbar of the Mughal Empire in the course of the siege of Mankot.

The Barha dynasty, with the Rohilla branch, maintains a unique status as the only dynasty to have participated in all three Battles of Panipat, seminal battles that shaped Indian history. They fought under the Lodi in the First Battle. In the Second Battle they gained victory under Bairam Khan, and finally in the Third Battle, the sons of Nawab Ali Muhammad Khan Rohilla fought with Ahmed Shah Abidali against the Maratha.

By the time of Emperor Aurangzeb, the Barha dynasty was firmly regarded as "Old Nobility" and held the premier realms of Ajmer and Dakhin, which were usually reserved for members of the imperial family.

Formation

Ali Mohammed Khan attracted many Afghan adventurers by virtue of his great reputation and became the most powerful man in Katehir. Conscious of his own power and the failing state of the Mughal Empire, he neglected imperial mandates and irregularly paid tax to the central government. Using the income from his lands to raise troops, purchase artillery and military stores and curry favour with political persons of interest, he used the same tactic to gain favour with the lower rungs of society. By his invasion of Nadir Shah in 1739 he strengthened his position, with many Afghans joining him. By 1740 he was officially recognised by the Emperor Muhammad Shah as governor. For the subsequent five years, his authority was unchallenged.

In 1745 a quarrel arose between Ali Mohammed and Safdar Jang, the subedar of Oudh. Ali's retainers seized the property of servants belonging to Safdar. Safdar was already jealous at Ali's growing power. He went to Emperor Muhammad Shah, and through him ordered the return of the confiscated property as well as the arrest of the Rohillas in charge of the confiscation. After Ali's refusal, Safdar led an imperial expedition together with the emperor. Ali's men deserted and he was captured and taken to Delhi.

He was treated respectfully by the emperor, in large part due to his influence among his many adherents. Ali was propitiated by an appointment as Governor of Sirhind (the area between Jummuna and Sutlej).

In 1748 an invasion by Ahmed Shah Abidali allowed Ali the opportunity to return to Katehir and re-establish his rule. Upon his return, he was rejoined by most of his men and became virtually independent in his control of Rohilkhand. To ensure loyalty almost all positions of power were given to Afghan and several including Najib-ad-daula received land grants.

Second generation

On his deathbed, Ali Mohammad anointed his foster uncle Rehmat Khan as "Hafiz" (protector) of Rohilkhand and Dundi Khan as Chief of Army. He had already planned the division of his realm among his sons and received Rehmat Khan and Dundi Khan's solemn oaths that they would execute his will and protect the interests of his children. A council was created of the Rohilla chiefs in part to keep a check on Rehmat Khan and Dundi Khan and to provide a government that would safeguard Rohilkhand from invasion. All carried out solemn promises to carry out their duty, but they all reneged and sought to establish their own autonomy. This led to a confederation-like structure of government with the nawab of Rohilkhand at its head and the Rohilla chiefs in charge of individual Rohilla states answering to him, especially in regards to military engagements.

Ali's realm was divided in such a way so as to create discord. Nawab Abdullah Khan and Nawab Murtaza Khan were given shared rule over Badaun. Nawab Alah Yar Khan and Nawab Saadullah Khan were given shared rule over Moradabad, Nawab Faizullah Khan was given rule over Rampur and Nawab Muhammad Yar Khan was given rule over Barielly. In 1754 Hafiz Rehmat Khan orchestrated an argument within the royal family and used it as a pretext to usurp the power and wealth of the orphans. Disgusted, Muhammad Yar Khan along with his older brother Abdullah Khan and younger brother Allah Yar Khan left for Oojanee. Nawab Alah Yar Khan died of consumption, and Nawab Murtaza Khan left for Secunderabad, where he died. Nawab Saadullah Khan was appointed nawab of Rohilkhand. Later, Nawab Abdullah Khan and Nawab Muhammad Yar Khan were granted land again. Nawab Muhammad Yar Khan was given rule over Aonla, and his court at Tandah was famed for poets such as Qaim and Mushafi.

Relations with the British

The dynasty was highly regarded by the British for their "determined bravery". The Rohilla Wars were the most costly for the British against any Indian kingdom. The ensuing guerrilla war forced the British to grant the Rohillas a princely state wheresoever they willed, leading to the creation of Rampur. Their bravery, tolerance and progressive rule gained them admiration. They were called upon by the British for aid in the Anglo-French Wars. Burke described the Rohillas as "the bravest, the most honourable and generous" and the nawab of Rampur became the first Indian sovereign to meet Queen Victoria along with several other European monarchs.

References

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Dynasties of India