Miangul Jahan Zeb

Miangul Jahan Zeb(ميانگل جهان زيب ؛ اردو) (1987–1908), Gujar, formally Miangul Abdul-Haqq Jahan Zeb was former ruler of the princely state of Swat currently part of Pakistan and formally titled the Wāli. He served as the Wāli of Swat between 1949 and 1969, taking over from his father, Miangul Abdul Wadud(Badshah Sahib). He is remembered for the hard work he put into building schools, hospitals and roads for his people, but also for his absolute rule over the region, which ended when Pakistan took control after local unrest.^[1] Jahan Zeb was also a conscienscious protector of the landmarks of previous cultures.^[2]

Early Life and Education

Major-General His Highness. Miangul Abdul Haq Jehanzeb, Ghazi-i-Millat, Wali of Swat, born at Saidu-Sharif, on 5 June 1908, was the eldest son of H.H. Miangul Gulshazada Sir Abdul Wadud, Wali of Swat. He was educated in Islamia Collegiate school and Islamia College, Univ. of Peshawar. 1923. He has four sons and one daughter.^[3]

1)H.H. Miangul Aurangzeb, WaliAhad of Swat,(Former Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,&Governor of Balochistan)

2)Miangul Shahzada Alamzeb.(father of Miangul Akbarzeb, Pakistani High Comminissioner to Canada)

3)Miangul Shahzada Amirzeb.Member of the National Assembly of Pakistan 1977.

4)Miangul Shahzada Ahmedzeb

Political career

H.H Miangul Jahanzeb was appointed as successor (Wali Ahad)" in 1933. His father,Miangul Abdul Wadud(Wali of Swat) abdicated in favour of his eldest son(Miangul Jahanzeb), whom he had carefully educated . along modern lines, and gradually trained up to assume the full burdens of government. He was enthroned as Wali of Swat on12th June,1949.and granted the title of Ghazi-e-Millat(1951) and a hereditary salute.

His system of Administration

The Wali headed each department of his administration.^[4] His role was that of king and religious leader, chief minister and commander-in-chief, chief exchequer and head qazi. He ensured that his government provided: 1) good administration and productive revenue collection; 2) a judicial system that provided quick and free justice to all. 3) A qala(forts) system that provided security and protection to the people; 4) Grassroots developments, centered on jobs, welfare, education and health services to all; Finally 5) instant communication through roads, bridges, and telegraph and penal codes provided complete rule of law; and telephones and informers that kept the Wali informed of the latest developments. This was a unique system of administration.^[5]

Patronage of Education

He surpassed the other contemporary rulers in the field of education. Before Jahanzeb’s era, Swat did not have a modern education system. Bacha Sahib laid the foundations of the modern education system in Swat, which was rapidly developed by his son later on. The Wali founded a girls’ high school in Saidu Sharif which is the first female educational institution in swat. Jahanzeb College for Men has the importance of Alligarh College in the entire Malakand division. He also established a missionary school at Sangota for girls.^[6] For his unending love for knowledge he was given the title of Sultanul Uloom (master of knowledge) by the people of Swat.

Preservation of civilization and culture

Jahan Zeb was also a conscienscious protector of the landmarks of previous cultures.^[7] In the era of the last Wali of Swat State Miangul Abdul Haq Jahanzeb, the ruins were protected and preserved. The ruler had also signed an agreement with the Italian government for exploring ruins. The Swat Museum was also built under his rule in 1959. The museum contains some of the finest collections of Gandhara art, including magnificent pieces of Buddhist sculpture. The Wali knew the importance of culture and heritage and during his time, cultural dance shows and festivals on Eid were conducted under the government’s patronage.The architectural style unique to Swat was maintained and the buildings were provided with all basic facilities.^[8]

Foreign Relations

Foreign Heads of State and VIPs became regular visitors to the valley, and the Wali became a frequent player on the national stage. In 1961 the Queen of England- Elizabeth II, as a guest of the Wali, had loved Swat and called it “The Switzerland of the East”.^[5] The first prime Minister of Pakistan Liaqat Ali Khan also visited Swat to attend the coronation ceremony of the Wali.

Honours and Awards

^[9]

• Hon, Major Geneneral, Pakistan Army, 1955

• Hon. LL.D. (Univ. of Peshawar) 1965

• Pakistan Independence (1948) medals

• The Orders of Pakistan 2nd class (Hilal-i-Pakistan) (1961)

• Great Leader (Hilal-i-Quaid-i-Azam) (1959)^[10]

• Hilal-i -Humayun 1st class of Iran

• GO of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Italy

• Silver Jubilee (1935)

• 15 Guns solute(1958)

Death

He died on september14,1987 at Saidu Sharif.^[11] His funeral was attended by the then Prime Minister of Pakistan,Muhammad Khan Junejo, Governor, NWFP and other high officials.He was buried in his ancestral graveyard at Saidu Sharif.

References

See also

• Swat (princely state)
• Wali of Swat
• Miangul Aurangzeb

Further reading

• Dr. Sultan-I-Rome, Swat State under the Walis (1917–69), Ph.D. Dissertation, P 28-35

• Miangul Jehanzeb, The Last Wali of Swat, as told to Fredrik Barth. Norwegian University Press/Universitetsforlaget AS, Oslo, 1985