Nawabs of Baroda

Long before the Gaekwads of Baroda rose to prominence, the city was under the governance of the Babi Nawabs, who served as officers and governors under the Mughal Empire.

An Esteemed Heritage

The Nawab family of Baroda traces its lineage back to the Holy Prophet Muhammad through his grandson, Hazrat Imam Husain. In the early 1500s, descendants of Imam Husain migrated from Arabia to Herat. The first to arrive in India was Sayed Abdullah.

Quazi (Kazi) Sayed Nuruddin Husain-Khan, the fifth descendant of Sayed Abdullah, was a notable figure. Employed in the Delhi Court, he was honored with titles such as Nawab Bahadur and Khan (Chief), as well as Quazi (Judge) by the Emperor of Delhi. A distinguished literary figure, his Persian manuscripts are preserved in institutions like the British Museum.

Rise to Prominence

In 1780, while on a pilgrimage to Mecca, Quazi Sayed Nuruddin Husain-Khan was employed by the British in Surat. By 1789, he was appointed Native Agent to the Peshwa’s Court in Poona alongside an English officer. His contributions were recognized by Anand Rao Gaekwad, the Maharaja of Baroda, who appointed Sayed Nuruddin’s sons as Nawabs of Baroda.

Legacy in Pratapgunj

The Nawabs’ property included Pratapgunj, an area rich with trees, grazing land, and a specially constructed Kabristan (cemetery). Historical accounts suggest there was also a large residential bungalow surrounded by gardens. However, details about this property have faded over time.

A Neglected Heritage

Quazi Sayed Nuruddin Husain-Khan passed away in 1799, making the Pratapgunj burial site over 222 years old as of 2019. The grave of Nawab Saiyyid Sadr-ud-Din Husain Khan, a descendant of Nawab Saiyyid-ud-Din Husain Khan Saheb Bahadur, is also located at Pratapgunj.

Despite their significant role in Baroda’s history, much about the Nawabs remains obscure. The cemetery, an integral part of Baroda’s heritage alongside the Gaekwads and Akota Bronzes, remains neglected, reflecting the broader loss of recognition for this important chapter in the city’s past.

Partial Source: Edge of a Fringe