Mohammad Khan

Background

He was son of Raja Sir Mohammad Amir Hasan Khan (1849–1903), the Jagirdar of Taluq of Mahmudabad. He was born at Amrota in Sitapur district of Oudh, British India. After the death of his father in 1903, he became the.

Career

The estate of Mahmudabad was among the largest estates in United Province. The idea of starting a University at Lucknow was first mooted by him, who contributed an article to the columns of "The Pioneer" urging the foundation of a University at Lucknow. He and the Raja of Jahangirabad both donated one lakh rupees for the purpose of founding university in 1919 conference held by Sir Harcourt Butler, Governor of United Province, thus leading to foundation of University.

He was also appointed a trustee of MAO College in 1906 and had donated fifty thousand rupees for scientific educational development at MAO College of Aligarh.

On 17 December, when M.A.O. College became Aligarh Muslim University. The Governor General of India, Lord Chelmsford appointed him as its first ViceChancellor of Aligarh Muslim University with Begum of Bhopal and Sir Agha Khan, who were respectively appointed as Chancellor and Pro-Chancellor of the Aligarh Muslim University.

He immediately gave a generous donation of One Lakh rupees to College fund. He served as the Vice-Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University from 17 December 1920 to 28 February 1923.

When the Indian National Congress leaders, including Motilal Nehru were jailed in Lucknow during Non Company-operation Movement, the Raja sahib helped in their release.

Achievements

• He held the title of Khan Bhahadur and Maharaja Bahadur title was awarded to him as personal distinction. Further, he was created a Knight Commander of the Indian Empire in 1919 a Companion of the Order of the Star of India in 1921 and was promoted to style of Knight Commander of the Star of India in 1922.

Membership

Further, he served in various capacities as an Member of United Province Legislative Council from 1904-1909. Member of Governor-General"s Council 1907-1920 and was elected a member of the Imperial Legislative Council in 1908 and was a member for the years 1908–1912. In year 1927 he was elected unopposed as Member of Council of State.

Further, he served as the Home Minister for the years 1920-1926 and was the first Indian Member of The Administrative Council of Sir Spencer Harcourt Butler, Governor of United Province.