'Nawab of Bhopal had signed Instrument of Accession even before Independence'

Shams Ur Rehman Alavi

NewsBits.in

BHOPAL: In a bid to present a true picture about history and clear the events around independence, especially, the merger of erstwhile princely state of Bhopal, an event was organised.

Eminent personalities including authors, historians, prominent personalities attended the seminar and informed the audience about Nawab of Bhopal's role and the facts regarding the merger of Bhopal State.

The fact that Nawab of Bhopal Hamidullah Khan had an important role in--using his influence to ensure that Bhopal became state capital, when Indore and Jabalpur were much bigger cities, and his closeness with Gandhi, Nehru and other major leaders of the independence movement, came up for discussion.

It was mentioned that the last ruler of the princely state, Nawab Hamidullah Khan, had had already signed the Instrument of Accession. He had, in fact, signed it, even a day before independence. The confusion created in recent years was due to lack of information and failure of people to read books and the lack of interest in consulting historic documents.

Advocate Shahnawaz Khan said that Nawab Hamidullah Khan had already signed the document to include Bhopal in Indian union. Khan is nephew of the great freedom fighter and leader of Bhopal, late Khan Shakir Ali Khan. Advocate Shahnawaz Khan has written an important book about Bhopal's history. 

Former Bhopal Mayor Deep Chand Yadav said that the the rulers of the princely state were inclusive and took care of the citizens, without differentiating on caste, creed or religion, but it was in recent years that the divisive politics reared its head and as a result, communal elements vitiated atmosphere.

The former Mayor recalled contribution of the rulers, especially, women rulers of Bhopal, and said that Bhopal has been an abode of peace. He said that Bhopal's residents would ensure that the attempts to create a religious divide, would not succeed. The participants said that in recent years, false narratives spread about the events, though everything is fully recorded and known.

The participants expressed dimay at the Bhopal municipal corporation's (BMC) recent proposal to change names of buildings that are named after the last ruler of Bhopal state, Nawab Hamidullah Khan. Anas Ali recalled the role of Nawab Hamidullah Khan when he went to Round Table Conference  in London and took a strong stand in support of the countrymen's rights, and had also organised Mahatma Gandhi's programme at the Benazir Ground in Bhopal.

Confusion cropped up as a claim was made as if Bhopal became integral part of the country only after 1949, though this is not the fact. Ashar Kidwai said that merger document is testimony to the fact and he also stressed on the fact that Nawab of Bhopal gave his buildings for use to the State, later.

Focusing on historical aspect, Syed Khalid Ghani said that the Nawab of Bhopal looked after affairs of the state all by himself and he had long ago, invited Gandhi to Bhopal, which was unique. Rizwan Ansari said that it was absolutely wrong to portray Nawab of Bhopal, in negative light. 

Advocate Mohammad Mahir, Shawez Sikandar, Syed Sajid Ali and many other citizens attended the programme. This seminar was organised at the Iqbal Library in the State capital. The documents and photographs were also put on display on the occasion to create awareness among citizens.