Missionary Sultanali Nazarali Walji traces his lineage from a certain dedicated person, called Uka, an origin of Badin, Sind. He migrated with his family in Kathiawar and adopted profession of cultivation. Uka had five sons, Savji, Vali, Abram, Jiva and Alibhai. It is related that once Imam Aga Ali Shah had gone to Kathiawar on a hunting excursion. The Imam stayed in the farm of Abram Uka in the village of Tithwa when he was tired, thirsty and hungry. The traditional curry as well as vegetable curry and rice with lassi and onions were served to the Imam and his entourage. Clean beds under the shade of trees with cool air blowing made the Imam and his retinue very restful and fresh. Upon departure, Uka and his son Abram made an offering. The Imam was much touched with their devoted hospitality and asked them to make a wish and blessed them.
Walji, the son of Abram Uka was an ordinary farmer, a man who worked, toiled and laboured on the small farm, a few acres with a few bullocks and cows. He was helped by his only son, Nazarali, who walked, sometimes rode on horseback with his father to school, a Gamthi School. Nazarali then joined Middle School in Vancaner.

Walji had also four daughters, Amarbai, Sakinabai, Manibai, Jenabai. Walji sent his son Nazarali in Moshi in Tanganyika, while himself went to Moshi in 1926 for a year. Nazarali had three daughters, Rabana, Mariam, Amina and six sons, Pyarali, Ramzan, Rajabali, Sultanali, Mohammad Ali and Sabzali.

Nazarali Walji travelled to Tanga by a sailing ship from Jamanagar and settled for a short time in Korogwe as a 24-hour worker with Seth Abdullah Nathoo. He was honest and active worker. Being a religious man, he would spend a lot of money in various religious causes from his monthly stipend of Rs. 30/- He left the job and went to Moshi and joined the school as a teacher, earning Rs. 60/- per month in 1918, where he became known as Master Nazarali. His hobby was reading and was steeped in mathematical calculations. He died in March, 1951. His wife Khatija Megji was an origin of district Than, near Chotila in Rajkot. She knew some 500 ginans by heart. She expired in March, 1953.

Sultanali, the son of Nazarali Walji was born on June 13, 1929 in Moshi, Tanzania. He was handsome and tiny in infancy. He was very sentimental, shy and timid, but raised to be a religious boy. He however did not like to go school and escaped several times from class. It sounds that the teaching of Master Ramzan influenced him a lot, who was a strict disciplinarian, highly devoted, moral and ethical person. Of the several teachers who visited Moshi from time to time, the visit of Pir Sabzali (1884-1938) left an indelible impact in the life of Sultanali Nazarali. He used to listen to him attentively and remained with him all the time. He still proudly claims that there was one person who had a total influence on his career in the community services who was beyond doubt Pir Sabzali. His parents however taught him most of the values and ethics at home.

Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah visited Moshi in 1937 when he was 8 years old. In 1945, he intended to study at a high school in Dar-es-Salaam in the Aga Khan Boarding House. He managed to obtain admission despite his economical hardship and stayed there for about 1000 days. In August 3, 1945, he presented a mehmani in Dar-es-Salaam with his mates, Sadruddin, Akbar and Mohammad. Each implored blessings for pursuing a career in the fields of medicine, engineering and architecture after completion of high school diploma. Sultanali however mentioned in his memorandum that he would like to become an honorary missionary. The Imam nerved him with immense support, blessings and guidance; and approved for him to become an honorary missionary. This was certainly an early brick of the foundation of his life-long itinerary of service and a search for the Truth.

In the meantime, the Mission Conference held at Dar-es-Salaam on July 20, 1945 in the auditorium of the Aga Khan High School, presided over by Count Nimji Zaver. The Imam addressed in its last session. Sultanali attended it as a scout, serving water and tea to the delegates. It was at this conference that he came into the contact of Maji Bachbai Tejpar, who inspired him a great deal when she learnt that he had candidated for becoming a missionary.

During the Diamond Jubilee in August, 1946, he served as a volunteer in the camp for a month and also participated to decorate the Upanga section of the city of Dar-es-Salaam. There were occasions when the Imam spoke to individual families. His family members received best blessings in their turn of mehmani. His father presented him to the Imam, saying that he wanted to give his child in service to the Imam and would train him as an al-waez, who would work for the Imam. The Imam blessed them too much for the enthusiasm being shown in the field of mission work. It will be interesting to learn that the Imam regretted for not visiting Moshi during the visit of 1946 due to a tight schedule. The Imam promised Nazarali that he would send his son, Prince Aly Khan in the near future in Moshi, who would lay foundation of their residential building. In 1950, Prince Aly Khan visited East Africa and when he visited Moshi on a hunting expedition, Nazarali approached the Council and reminded the words of the Imam given to him in 1946 in Dar-es-Salaam. After some discussion, the Council finally agreed to leave the matter for the Prince to decide. Prince Aly Khan readily accepted the proposal, and came to their plot and laid the foundation stone of their building in Moshi downtown.

In 1947, he completed his high school and joined the Religious Centre, whose Incharge was Missionary Abu Aly Aziz. When the Imam made a gracious visit of Nairobi in 1948, he sought an opportunity to recite a ginan in the presence of the Imam in the Jamatkhana. He also earned a chance to read a few verses he had just composed. The Imam and Mata Salamat were much touched and said, 'Who composed the poem in English?' He said, 'With your blessings, I have composed it.' The Imam said, 'Bravo! You are a poet of my house.' In Nairobi, he wrote to the Imam about his ambition of becoming an honorary missionary. He received a prompt reply from the Imam, who directed him to go back to Dar-es-Salaam and rejoin the Centre. He went Dar-es-Salaam in August, 1948.

He arrived in Lindi in 1948 with 30 shillings in his pocket. He approached the office of OFC, the groundnut scheme, which was hiring people. He got a job as a clearing and forwarding departmental clerk. He also became the Secretary of the Muslim Association and created a scout group in Lindi, where he stayed for a year and saved enough money to make a trip of England.

In August, 1949, his engagement took place with Gulie Bhatia, and then proceeded alone in London. Before boarding a ship for Dar-es-Salaam, he went to Moshi to bid farewell to his parents. His mother cried, 'Sultan, I allow you to go, but when you come back, I may be not alive. So this is our last meeting, but my blessings and prayers will always be with you.'

He sailed for London and reached Marseilles via Genoa, and finally arrived to Villa Yakimour in Cannes. The house-keeper phoned Mata Salamat for permission to show him the Villa. He saw it and left some non-perishable food items and dry fruits for the Imam and Mata Salamat with his London address, and a humble request for an appointment. He received a letter from the office of the Imam through his Secretary, Miss Blaine, confirming his appointment with the Imam at the Ritz Hotel on September 13, 1949. The Imam graciously gave him an audience at the Ritz Hotel. The Imam recognized him, accepted his offerings and gave blessings. He submitted his plan of qualifying himself as a lawyer or something as well as qualifying himself as an honorary al-waez. The Imam asked why did he come to England for becoming al-waez? He explained that he had no chance but to pursue his studies in England after he met and consulted with his Imam. The Imam said that becoming a lawyer was good, but why not become an honorary lawyer and an al-waez of the house of Hazrat Ali. He replied that he could go to al-Azhar University in Cairo. But the Imam said that he should go to Pakistan and he would give him a letter addressed to Wazir Dr. Pir Muhammad Hoodbhoy (1905-1956), the President of the Ismailia Association for Pakistan.

Accordingly, he wrote to Dr. Hoodbhoy in Karachi, reporting his arrival with Imam's letter. Varas Sherali Alidina received him at the seaport in Karachi. He stayed in the Kashmir Hotel in Saddar and went to Kharadhar on the same evening and met Dr. Hoodbhoy, whom he delivered the Imam's letter. Dr. Hoodbhoy read it five to six times and said, 'Sultanali, welcome to Pakistan, welcome to Karachi, welcome to the Ismailia Association, welcome to our family. We are honoured by the Imam to have you as our guest. We will look after you as a guest from the Imam.'

In sum, he came to live in a room at Hoodbhoy Villa in Garden area like a family member of Dr. Hoodbhoy. He had been given an office in the premises of the Ismailia Association. He began his study with great deal of interest and came into the contact of Prof. Jawad Muscati, Prof. A.M. Molvi and Hafiz Abdul Ghafoor. Missionary Alibhai Nanji and Jafferali K. Lalani helped him too much in his study in the farmans and ginans. He finally obtained a senior certification of an al-waez.

The Imam visited Pakistan for the first time after independence on February 4, 1950. The Imam wished to train 500 waezeens. Soon after Imam's departure, a programme of recruiting young boys and girls started. Dr. Hoodbhoy signed him up as a Waezeen Instructor. Thus, Sultanali exhorted to the students the important Islamic aspects and Ismaili history.

During his visit to Pakistan, the Imam also told the Ismailia Association to open a branch in Dacca. Dr. Pir Muhammad Hoodbhoy told him to go to Dacca. He arrived in Dacca and started his working by opening a branch of the Ismailia Association. With the help of his colleagues, he started the first religious centre in Dacca with a library. He also started the first Co-operative Society and launched a successful campaign of the Platinum Jubilee Fund collection. He used to send the report of his activities to the Ismailia Association in Karachi from time to time. He also travelled in Sylhet, Memonsingh, Barisal, Bogra, Chittagong, Khulna, etc., where he also availed an opportunity of doing some very pioneering works..

In 1951, he had gone to Rangoon, Burma as a representative of the Ismailia Association for Pakistan from Dacca. He started his assignments and worked round the clock. There were two points he submitted in his report to the Imam. One related to the artificial jewellery, on which the ladies used to spend a fortune. The Imam sent a message to this effect to the Burmese jamats, forbidding them not to waste money on artificial jewellery. The second point was to place a plaque on the loggia of Jamatkhana in Rangoon, commemorating the Ismaili martyrs who had been killed during the 2nd world war due to the bombardment, which also damaged the premises of Jamatkhana. On October 27, 1954, the Imam sent a message to the Council that he used to think for those bold persons who were martyred during the war. The Imam also advised to place a memorial plaque of their names outside the wall of the Jamatkhana or in the library.

U Ban Tin, U Chit Shwe, Rai Hussain Khan Mohammad, Hasanali Jasraj and Ko Khin Maung helped him tremendously in his assignments. He also established religious classes, a kindergarten school and a cooperative society for the needy persons. His sojourn was very productive for Rangoon jamat. Itmadi U Ba Maung also took him to see the Prime Minister, Thankin Nu for tea on two occasions.

He then visited Singapore from Rangoon, and was the first missionary to have gone as far as Singapore and Malaysia. Soon after his short visit, he returned to Rangoon. After completion of his assignments with great deal of dedication, he came back to Dacca and ultimately returned to Karachi.

The Imam visited Karachi and stayed at the Metropole Hotel, where he met with the Imam. He reported details of his visits and received best blessings on February 7, 1951. The Imam told him to go to Bombay, Poona and Hyderabad in India and see him in Delhi. He visited Bombay and delivered his waez and lectures before the concourse of the jamats. He then proceeded to Poona and Hyderabad. Khan Bahadhur Aladdin arranged his meeting with the Nizam of Hyderabad. At length, he came in Delhi and met the Imam at Imperial Hotel. On that occasion, the leaders of Agra and Kanpur jamats insisted him to pay visit among their jamats. Thus, he went to Agra and Kanpur and delivered waez.

He returned to Karachi via Delhi and resumed his services with the Ismailia Association for Pakistan. He also continued to work in refugee areas with the Hunza, Gilgit and Chitral people. The refugee rehabilitation work soon began to show results. The sewing machines, the larries and the small shop cabins were provided to the families.

On December 23, 1951, the 28th Mission Assembly organized by the Ismailia Association for Pakistan in Ranchhorline Jamatkhana, Karachi. He presided the function and said in his address that, 'We were the porters in the period of Imam Hasan Ali Shah, but now prospered beyond measure in the world. It is the need of the time to kill our great enemy, i.e., slander and enmity among us, the main weapons of disunity.'

His significant activities in the field of waez training program continued till the Association reached the target of 500 waezeens. Wazir Dr. Hoodbhoy wrote to the Imam that he had satisfied all requirements of Sultanali Nazarali alongwith a report of his services in Pakistan, India, Burma, Singapore and Malaysia; and also showed his readiness for any further assignments. He also wrote that he could return to East Africa via Syria, where he would get an intense course in Arabic. Within a few weeks followed a reply from the Imam that, 'Let him return to East Africa and continue his good work there. The knowledge of Arabic can be pursued later on.'

On the eve of his departure from Karachi to East Africa on July 2, 1952, al-waez Sultanali Nazarali was accorded a farewell party with four other African waezeens. He arrived in Bombay, where he was also given a warm reception. He left Bombay with his grandfather. Huzur Wazir Ali Muhammad Macklai (1894-1971) came to see him at seaport. He arrived at Mombasa after an absence of 1000 days from East Africa. He stayed with Count Kassam Jivraj. Soon afterwards, he came in Moshi where the jamat hailed him in a princely reception.

In the meantime, he got a part-time job at the East African Muslim Welfare Society. Soon after the birth of his first child, his wife also found a job with Guntzel and Schumaker, a Dutch firm in Mombasa.

He also worked tremendously in the campaign to generate funds for the Platinum Jubilee of the Imam and collected a princely sum. He worked closely with Count Kassim Ali Paroo (1906-1998) in mission field. Once Count Paroo offered him an agency of the Jubilee Insurance Company. He accepted it, which was crucial in changing his destiny. He visited Kampala for three months, where he also sold a large quantity of the life insurance policies, and broke all records in Jubilee's life portfolio - 5.5 million shillings, and procured 250,000 shillings as the commission. He returned to Mombasa and wrote the Imam about his record life insurance business with a merit certificate of the Company. In reply, the Imam granted him gracious compliments. He continued to sell life insurance policies in daytime and serve the jamat at evening till late night hour.

He opened his office, namely 'African Continent Assurance' in Mombasa and employed three persons. He also became an honorary General Secretary of the Muslim Welfare Society in Mombasa. It will be interesting to note an example of a donor, who wanted Sultanali to erect a clock tower in Mombasa to be called 'Aga Khan Tower' and offered a massive amount for it. When Sultanali wrote to the Imam, he declined the offer and said not to the clock tower, but the money be used for education purpose.

In 1957, the first visit of Hazar Imam took place in East Africa after assuming the Imamate. The Imam arrived in Nairobi at first, where Sultanali Nazarali and Jaffer Ali Sufi were active in their assignments. Both have also rendered valuable services in Nairobi during the bayt ceremony in 1958. He was bequeathed the duty in Dar-es-Salaam on October 19, 1957 during the occasion of the Takhat Nashini.

About 2700 Ismailis from 20 countries were gathered at Aswan to pay last tribute to the 48th Imam, whose official resting of body took place in a mausoleum on February 20, 1959. Sultanali Nazarali was also in Aswan with his wife. Soon after the ceremony, Mata Salamat summoned some members of the international jamats in her lounge. She went into a room and brought some clothes for the guests to be distributed. She gave him a silk shirt with an initial AK on the front left side and said, 'Make this to your size and wear it with pride. It will bring you lot of luck.'

In 1963, he got an offer by a business group in Zaire (Congo) to work with them in partnership to develop industries in Zaire. In the meantime, he visited Gastaad, Switzerland, where he got the company of Wazir Mukhi Mohammad Ali Pirbhai of Paris and his wife, Fatimabai. The Mukhi received a phone call from the office of the Imam for their appointment on next day on February 9, 1963. The Imam told him at the meeting to move to Zaire for good, and accept the offer of the business group. Hence, he went to Geneva and then to Zaire, Bujumbura and then drove back to Mombasa. He sold his business and left Mombasa by car for Kampala and boarded the plane to Zaire from Entebbe and settled there. He used to make trips to Brussels, Belgium, Milan and Stuttgart to study industries and earn for his livelihood in the money exchange business.

In 1974, he moved to North America and arrived in Vancouver, Canada. He came into the contact of Amin Dossani in Seattle, who spoke to him about the Travel Lodge in Pullman, Washington. He accepted the deal and purchased it. Soon afterwards, he also bought a motel from Richard Hanna in December, 1974, whose final deal executed in February, 1975. He came to Pullman and took possession of the Travel Lodge. His new enterprise however did not effect his religious activities both in United State and Canada.

He made a flying visit in Dacca in 1977 with his family during the didar programme of the Imam. He reached Dacca, where he was invited to go to airport with the leaders to receive the Imam. The Imam came ahead of the crowd towards the car and extended his hand to him and his wife and said, 'Missionary, I am glad you are here.' The Imam's visit in Dacca lasted for five days, and he got a chance to see the Imam during one of the ceremonies, where the Imam held his right hand and gave blessings.

Soon after his return from Dacca, he acquired another property of WIL-RU, i.e. Wilma-Ruth and William Rusty, the initial names of two principal owners of the property, where he shifted with his family. In sum, he had a real estate sale license and a unique exposure to motels, apartment complexes and business for sale.

In November, 1978, the Imam launched a historical visit of Canada. He worked hard in the jamat, and was deputed in Calgary on November 16, 1978, Edmonton and Winnipeg on November 18, 1978 for organizing and inspiring the jamats. He had an occasion to talk with the Imam. He took his two sons, Shafiq and Maqbool to the Imam to bless them to follow on his footsteps and become missionaries, just as his father had offered him to Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah in 1946. The Imam said, 'Missionary, let them make their own decisions.' So saying, the Imam blessed his sons. He had a point wandering in his mind to be clarified and said, 'Mawla, are you displeased with me?' The Imam said, 'Not at all.' So saying, he blessed him and said, 'I am with you all the time, every hour, every minute, every second of life. You are doing some very good work for me and my jamats. I am fully conscious of your work. Continue your work.'

During the historic Silver Jubilee of the Imam, two major fund collection drives took place, where he played significant role. He helped to raise donation for the Khadak Jamatkhana, Bombay as well as the silver jubilee fund. He pledged his resources and collected funds from Canada, United States and other jamats.

In 1985, the Imam made an opening ceremony of the Darkhana Jamatkhana in Vancouver at the hands of the Prime Minister Brian Malroney. He shared a large amount for the new Jamatkhana in Vancouver. With President Bahadhur M.M. Karim and his team, including Wazir Malick Lakha and others, they all became instrumental in raising of the colossal amount for the project.

There was a luncheon party in West Vancouver at the house of President Itmadi Farouk Verjee. He was standing with other persons when the Imam entered the small decorated tent. The Imam came before the standing persons and all of a sudden asked him, 'Missionary, what do you think of the Burnaby Darkhana?' He was flabbergasted and was taken by surprise and words gushed out from his lips that, 'Mawla, Pir Sadr al-Din said some 600 years ago in the ginan, 'Utar Khand mahe'n Shah'ni Jiyot jagewa' (the Light of the Imam will shine from the North).' The Imam laughed and said, 'You are right, Shahbash Missionary.' The Imam patted him on his back and said, 'But don't forget from the West also.'

Henceforward, it was a time of his intense travels, speeches, seminars and meetings. He was also appointed a Waezeen Coordinator for the United States.

In 1986, the Imam visited United States. He worked hard and travelled all over the United States. He had a moment with the Imam in his residence in Chicago. The Imam stayed at President Dr. Zul Ismail's antique heritage mansion.

In 1990, he visited India and delivered touching lectures and waez. In 1992, he secured a chance to visit Salamia and Damascus, Syria. He delivered waez in English, which was translated into Arabic by Ahmed Yaghi. He also made flying visit of the historical places in Syria, notably the fort of Masiyaf. He had been in New Zealand and Australia in 1998, where he prepared 13 new waezeens during his short stay.

His waez activities and multiple roles in welfare arena continued unaffected. He is a nominated Paul Harris Fellow, a benefactor of the Rotary Foundation. He also gives to the Salvation Army and United Way. His support also goes to Partnership Walk, the Aga Khan Foundation, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Institute of Ismaili Studies, London and Focus Canada for various charities. He is a regular donor of Vancouver Hospital, UBC and Royal Colombian Hospitals. He, along with others, became also involved in helping Boarding Houses in India and almost 40 years later, founded two Boarding Houses in Bhuj, Kutchh, Gujrat in India, one for boys and another for girls.

Recently, his family donated large resources to the Aga Khan University and Focus in Pakistan. To respond to the increasing number of outpatients and provide them with greater access to various medical services, the Aga Khan Hospital, Karachi approved the design and construction of a 24000 sq.ft. building, as a first phase of new Ambulatory Care Services at AKU. It will comprise of 31 consulting rooms for Cardiology, Medicine and Executive Clinics, and will have a blood specimen collection station, a basic radiology room and a pharmacy. Missionary Sultan Nazarali Walji and his family have very graciously pledged US 3 millions towards the total cost of $. 4.3 million for the Nazarali Walji Building. During his visit to Pakistan, the Imam and Begum Inara laid foundation stone of the building on October 20, 2000 at Karachi.

On the following day, the Imam said in his speech during the Annual Convocation that three new buildings were inaugurated on yesterday, bringing much needed facilities to the campus, the Juma Building, Ibn Ridwan Building and Nazarali Walji Building. The Imam said for the Nazarali Walji Building that, 'The foundation stone for the new Nazarali Walji Building was also laid yesterday. It is the first phase of new ambulatory care services at AKU in response to the increasing number of outpatients and give them greater access to various medical services. Those at AKU responsible for supervising their construction deserve our thanks.'

Al-waez Rai Sultanali Nazarali Walji is a born fund-generator and ever ready volunteer. He is a kind-hearted, articulate, witty and a humble man with great sense of humour. He rolled in a sea of generosity all his life almost in all parts of the world in knowledge and resources are credible. Pride he has none - he is a simple man in whom are embodied all the qualities of a prudent gentleman. His role as an al-waez has held first priority in his life, a sacred function he considers.

During last 50 years he has travelled over 55 countries with his wife, and delivered waez, lectures and trained new waezeens. He had delivered over 15000 lectures, spoke for hours in over 2000 different places, emphasizing the practice of Ismaili faith. He had a rare collection of 1000 tapes of waez he delivered during last 25 years.

Missionary Sultanali Nazarali had three sons, Maqbool, Shafiq and Altaf. He confesses without a shadow of doubt that his sons gave him happiness, comfort and satisfaction. They too share with his father in all virtuous works to leave a legacy that has been a tradition in the Ukani family. May Hazar Imam grant him long life, health and courage to serve the Ismaili world more and more till his last breath, Amen.

Maharao Khengar I (1510-1585), the ruler of Kutchh is credited to have flourished Mandavi in Kutchh with a port during 16th century. The Bhatia caste of Hindus in Thatta, Sind was a famous merchant class. For promoting trade in Kutchh, Maharao Khengar I invited a certain Bhatia Seth Topan in Bhuj and sought his advice. With the suggestions of Seth Topan, the city of Mandavi with a port was built with massive sum. Seth Topan employed expert carpenters of Sind to build ships. He imported wood from Malbar and formed the firnances in Bhachao to prepare iron-nails. He was thus responsible to lay foundation of trade and ship building in Kutchh. He also built many temples in Mandavi. In those days, the Ismaili vakil, Sayed Pir Dadu (1474-1596) had come in Kutchh from Sind in 1587 and converted a large number of the Hindus, including Seth Topan in the time of Rao Bharmal I (1585-1631). The descendant of Seth Topan continued the business in Kutchh for about two centuries, but the later generations began to reduce in extreme poverty.
Among the greatest Ismaili heroes of East Africa was Varas Sir Tharia Topan, one of the descendants of Seth Topan, who coming from India as a small boy and working for the firm, M/S Jairam Shivji for 6 shillings per month, rose to be known as The King of the Ivory Trade.

He was born on Wednesday, September 21, 1823 in Lakhpat, Kutchh and was a son of a small vegetable seller. No facility of the formal educational subsisted in Lakhpat, which made him unlettered. He worked with his father as a helper. When he was 12 years old, he noticed one evening a playmate stealing money from a shop. He caught the boy in the street, recovered money and as he went to the shop to return it, the owner who, without hearing anything, raised a hue and cry himself accused him of the theft. Poor Tharia was severely belabored by the crowd, which had gathered around him. Fearing the worst and not daring to face his parents, he fled and jumped into the sea, got into the nearest vessel he saw, and took refuge amidst the cargo. The fear of the thrashing he received, sent him to sleep and when he woke up he found that the vessel was on high seas and himself a stowaway. Compelled by hunger and thirst he revealed himself to the crew, and the Tandel, who took compassion on him when he related incidents leading to his refuge in the vessel, tended to his needs as there was no chance of being restored to his parents. This vessel landed him in Zanzibar, where an accountant, who was working with the prominent Indian firm of Jairam Shivji of Mundra, Kutchh and knew his father, befriended him and got him the job of a garden sweeper in the house of Ladha Damji, the owner of the firm. It is an admitted fact that most of the Indian Ismailis came in Africa with industry in their blood, business in their brains and immense calibre to labour in their muscles, but with empty pockets. This illustration richly emanated in the personage of Tharia Topan.

It is also recounted that he had borrowed a small loan from the government and purchased a donkey-cart. He drove his cart in the villages and purchased cloves and coconuts and brought them in the city of Zanzibar for sale. This was however a short-run business but he procured considerable profit from it and repaid the loan. His job with Jairam Shivji however continued.

Coming here at the age of 12 years, illiterate and penniless, Tharia Topan learnt for the first time to sign his name at the age of 13 years, and became a scribe very soon with elegant handwriting in the firm of Jairam Shivji at the age of 18 years, and rising rapidly, he was put in charge of the credit department at the age of 22 years because of his honesty. Thus, he won the heart of his boss, who gave him quick promotions one after another.

He made progress for period of 10 years; and got permission to see his parents in India, who became extremely delightful to find their son was not only alive but also rich. His parents arranged his marriage with a good match. He returned to Zanzibar with his wife.

In the meantime, his wife expired in 1847. His relatives forced him to come back to Kutchh for the second wedlock. In 1848, he went to his native land once again and got married. During his visit he prepared a large number of Ismailis to migrate to Zanzibar and brought many of them with his own expenses and employed them.

It must be known that he was regular in his attendance in the Jamatkhana of Zanzibar, which was built in 1838. He was appointed the 15th Mukhi of Zanzibar Jamatkhana for one year in 1852 with Daud Tejiani as a Kamadia.

In 1698, the Umani Arabs drove the Portuguese from Pemba and in 1710 garrisoned their troops on Zanzibar. From that time until the late 19th century the Arabs held firm foothold in Zanzibar. In 1832, Sultan Sayed Sa'id of Oman moved his capital from Muscat to Zanzibar. Soon after the death of Sultan Sayed Sa'id in 1856, one of his sons, Sayed Majid, acceded to power with British support, while the second son, Bargash was sent into exile to Bombay, where he became acquainted with the opulence and sophistication of the British rule.

Ladha Damji appointed him the Assistant Customs Master, which provided him several opportunities to come into contact with Sultan Sayed Majid of Zanzibar and the European consular officials.

With the death of Sultan Sayed Majid in 1870, Sayed Bargash returned to Zanzibar and, together with Tharia Topan, whom he appointed as honorary prime minister, was largely responsible for Zanzibar's urban and architectural development. When Sultan Sayed Bargash (1870-1888) of Zanzibar succeeded Sultan Sayed Majid, on account of his dissatisfaction with Ladha Damji and the firm of Jairam Shivji, he took away from him the custom monopoly and commissioned it to Tharia Topan, who became the Chief of Customs in 1876, and held the post for about three years. The customs being the principal source of revenue, he was now the chief confidential and right-hand of the Sultan.

Henceforth, he came into daily contact with the European officials, who also sought his interview on business and consular matters. The place where he used to sit and attend these guests has been preserved, known as the Barza Tharia.

Tharia Topan was now well set on the high road to fame and fortune. Stanley described him in 'Through the Dark Continent' (London, 1878, p. 63) as 'one of the richest merchants in town.' He also opened his office in Bombay, operating his business and also appointed his agents almost in all the European ports.

His second wife died in 1863 having no child. He married for the third time in 1864 to Lady Janbai, who was the mother of six children.

His services for the community were also invaluable. He secured some privileges for the Indian Ismaili settlers from the Sultan of Zanzibar and employed them in Africa. He also financed the local and the European merchants as a banker.

He played a key role in the Aga Khan Case of 1866 in Bombay. Imam Hasan Ali Shah invested him the title of Varas. According to the statement of Lady Ali Shah before the court during the Haji Bibi Case on July 4, 1908, Tharia Topan was also the religious tutor of his son, Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah like Gulu Haji, Mukhi Ladak and Kamadia Ismail. It must be known that as an official of the jamat, he was also present on the occasion of accession of Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah in 1885 at Bombay.

He had a distinction of entertaining Dr. Charles Livingstone (1821-1873) as a personal guest at his home, which is named Livingstone House. Dr. Livingstone was a Christian missionary and a traveler. On July 20, 1871, he started for Ujiji and was attacked in the forest, and for five hours he ran the gauntlet of the spears of his invisible enemies. He writes, 'I felt as if I was dying on my feet, at almost every step I was in pain, in my appetite failed, and little bit of meat caused violent diarrhea, whilst the mind, sorely depressed, reacted with the body.' He reached Ujiji on October 23, 1871, a living skeleton. Sir Tharia Topan happened to meet him, brought him at his residence, and entertained him.

In this desperate moment, H.M. Stanley who had been sent by James Gordon Bennett, the proprietor of the 'New York Herald' to find out Dr. Livingstone dead or alive. Stanley reached Zanzibar on January 6, 1872. He too met with difficulties and was captured by a savage native tribe, and it was Sir Tharia Topan who sent help to him in the form of Tipu Tib, his faithful Arab partner. Stanely also stayed at Sir Tharia's home. H.M. Stanley writes for Tharia Topan in his book, 'How I found Livingstone' (London, 1872, p. 8) that, 'One of the most honest man among all individuals , white or black, red or yellow, is a Mahometan Hindi called Tarya Topan. Among the Europeans at Zanzibar he had become a proverb for honesty and strict business integrity. He is enormously wealthy, owns several ships and dhows, and is a prominent man in the councils of Seyyid Burgash.'

Zanzibar was the great slave market, importing ten to fifteen thousand slaves annually, most of them re-exported to the Arab and Indian world. In 1861, Zanzibar became independent of Oman. Pressure from the British gradually strangled the slave trade, and in 1873, the Sultan ordered the closure of markets closed. Tharia Topan took severe measures to wipe out slave trade in Zanzibar. It was indeed by Tharia Topan's efforts that Sultan Bargash was able to ink an accord in 1873 for the suppression of the slave trade with Sir John Kirk, a British consular representative at Zanzibar from 1866 to 1887. His inestimable services in connection with the abolition of the slave trade were highly recognized by the Queen of England. He visited England in 1875 with Sultan Sayed Bargash, where the Queen Victoria conferred on him a Knigthood and again in 1890 in India, and became the first Indian to have been knighted both in Africa and India.

H.B.E. Frere writes in 'The Khojas: The Disciples of the Old Man of the Mountain' (MacMillian Magazine, vol. 34, 1876, p. 342) that, 'A leading member of the community of Khojas accompanied Seyyid Burgash of Zanzibar in his late visit to England, and attracted much notice wherever the Seyyid went. He was a tall, stout, good-humored, elderly man, whose fair complexion, red-dyed beard, and light-blue dress handsomely embroidered, were in strange contrast to the spare, wiry figures, bronzed features, grave expression, and plain somber garments of the rest of the Sultan's Arab suite. He spoke Hinustani fluently, and a little English, and made friends wherever he went. Nor was the interest he incited lessened when it became known that he was Tara Topun, the Khoja merchant of Zanzibar.'

He had generated close relation with Sir John Kirk, the British Consul and H.M. Stanley. Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah writes in his 'India in Transition' (London, 1918, p. 117) that, 'Commerce in every branch, the development of agriculture, the supervision of works of public utility, the higher forms of skilled labour, the exercise of no insignificant share of political influence amongst the chieftains - all these were in Indian hands for many a decades before Europeans began to work of thorough and scientific exploration of the East African mainland. And the pioneers of this great enterprise, Stanley, Kirk and others, were indebted to Indians, such as late Sir Tharia Topan, for the organization of their expeditions into the interior.'

He was a munificent donor for numerous causes. In 1881, Sir John Kirk established an English school in Zanzibar, in which Sir Tharia Topan donated Rs. 200,000/- In 1887, he built the Sir Tharia Topan Jubilee Hospital at a cost of 30,000 British pounds. The foundation stone of the Jubilee Hospital was laid on July 8, 1887 to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of Queen Victoria's reign. Prof. Abdul Shariff writes in 'Zanzibar Stone Town' (Singapore, 1998, p. 38) that, 'Indian architectural influence reached its apogee in the old dispensary, built on a ground scale by Tharia Topan, an ostentatious merchant prince, as a hospital on the occasion of Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee. It was built at a time when Sultan Barghash was building his palaces. The front of the building consists of an ornately carved two-story balcony in which the fretwork and fascia boards run wild. The door entrances and windows as well as many parts of the interior walls are copiously decorated with moulded plaster, and the large dinning room on the second floor has a hook in the ceiling to hang a chandelier. Topan died before the building could be completed, and it was bought by the trustees of Haji Nasser Nurmohamed, another prominent Indian merchant.'

In 1885, at the age of 62 years and already ailing, he travelled to Bombay to make the necessary arrangements for the construction of the Jubilee Hospital, but was never returned to Zanzibar. The foundation was laid by his nephew, Hashim Virji Patel. During this time, the gostling established a firm based in Bombay, Morris completed the design of the Jubilee Hospital, and supervised production of all the joinery, which Patel brought to Zanzibar in 1885. After a dispute between Tharia Topan and Patel, a new foreman, Haji Mistry was appointed, and he travelled to Zanzibar in 1890 with a crew of Indian craftsmen and masons from Kutchh to complete the project. Meanwhile, Sir Tharia Topan was seriously ill and had an eye operation in Bombay.

When the shadows of death were gradually closing upon him, he wrote in his will that, 'If there arises any dispute among my heirs after my death, the advices of my best friend Sir John Kirk must be sought, and his decision should be considered final.'

In sum, the runaway Tharia Topan of Kutchh became Varas Sir Tharia Topan of Zanzibar died on Wednesday, February 9, 1891 at the age of 68 years at Bombay. The Tharia Street in Zanzibar was named after him in his memory.

During his visit to East Africa, the Imam quoted him in Zanzibar on January 27, 1937 that, 'I don't understand why your youth class does not go in the villages of Tanganyika, Congo and Western Regions? Tharia Topan had migrated from a farthest place of Kathiawar and settled here, why you don't go as far as Atlanic regions?'

In his welcome speech during the opening session of the World Ismaili Socio-Economic Conference at Karachi on December 15, 1964, Varas Amir Aly Fancy, the President of the Federal Council for Pakistan, recalled the invaluable services of some of the great Ismaili leaders of East Africa in presence of Hazar Imam. He paid rich tribute to Sir Tharia Topan for his great role in trade, industry and the jamat.

His third wife, Lady Janbai was a very influential lady with a close business relation with the Consols, Sultans and other leading merchants. She expired on Monday, February 12, 1934 at Zanzibar. The street called 'Lady Janbai Seth' was named after her in Zanzibar.

It must be known that the death of Sir Tharia Topan resulted in further interruption of the construction of the Jubilee Hospital. Haji Mistry sent his crew home to India pending the outcome of a dispute over the terms of Topan's will. Due to the personal initiative of Sir Gerald Portal, the new British consul, Tharia's widow, Lady Janbai decided to resume the works, and in 1892, Haji Mistry was again sent out to Zanzibar with his crew of craftsmen. The budget set aside by Lady Janbai was exhausted in 1893, before completion of the building. After Portal's death in 1895, it seems that furnishing and staffing of the completed building became a problem, and the hospital could not open. Lady Janbai, living in Bombay, eventually decided to sell the building. It was bought in 1900 by the estate of another rich merchant, Haji Nasser Nur Mahomed, with the intention to use it as a charitable institution. Henceforth, it became known as 'The Khoja Haji Nasser Nur Mahomed Charitable Dispensary.' Haji Nur Mahomed's trustees set up a dispensary on the ground floor of the building, and subdivided the upper two floors into apartments. This mixed use of the building continued until the revolution in 1964, when the occupants fled the island and the dispensary fell into disuse. Thus, it passed into government control. A change in government policy in 1985 paved the way for a more liberal economic development policy. In October, 1990, the Aga Khan Trust for Culture leased this old dispensary from the government in order to restore this major landmark to its former splendour. In 1993, when the architect first spent time investigating the building, it appeared to be in a dreadful condition. After an initial phase of research, the construction contract for the restoration of the building was signed in April, 1994, exactly one hundred years after its first completion.

The old dispensary restoration was supervised by Cameron Rashti, the Project Manager of the Historic Cities Support Programme. This is the second major historic building following the restoration of Baltit Fort in Hunza. Zanzibar has now become an attractive tourists destination, and the Stone Town is subject to increasing pressure as a result of modern development. Since its inauguration about one hundred years ago, the old dispensary has been hailed as a symbol of multi-cultured Zanzibari architecture. Its design, its rich decoration, and its construction techniques were exceptional quality.

Rai Hirji was a famous for collecting religious dues in Indian villages during the period of Imam Hasan Ali Shah and visited Mahallat to deliver it. His son Varind was also a devoted and became the Mukhi of Kandi Mola Jamatkhana, Bombay and served in the period of three Imams. His devotion can be measured from the saying of Imam Hasan Ali Shah at Wadi, Bombay that, ' My son Aly Shah is my one eye, while Varind Mukhi represents my second eye.'
Varind Mukhi had three sons, Nanji, Ghulam Ali and Pir Muhammad. His elder son, Nanji was also the Mukhi, while his younger son Ghulam Ali was a scribe, who visited with the Imam in all places and noted down the farmans. The farmans that were published into the Khojki script in Bombay, were the original collection of Ghulam Ali. Nothing is known about the third son, Pir Muhammad.

Nanji (d. 1916), the elder son of Varind Mukhi, was a well-known personage. He left behind seven sons, viz. Kanji, Ramzan Ali (d. 1956), Hyder Ali (d. 1938), Rai Ghulam Hussain (d. 1960), Alijah Faizullah (d. 1937), Jaffer (d. 1938) and Rai Muhammad (d. 1968).

Kanji assumed the Burmese name, U Kan Gyi soon after the farman of the Imam in 1938. In Burma, a man above 25 years is called maung, from 25 to 40 years as ko and from 40 years and above as u, means the elder one. Thus, Kanji came to be known as U Kan Gyi.

Wazir U Kan Gyi was born in Kandi Mola, Bombay in 1870. In 1947, Wazir U Kan Gyi visited Paris for 40 days to see the Imam in the hospital. During his visit, the Imam asked him, 'Do you remember that once your grandfather (Varind Mukhi) had taken you in presence of my grandfather in Wadi, Bombay. My grandfather took you in his lap and fed you with his own hand.' Wazir U Kan Gyi engulfed into thoughts to recollect and said, 'Mawla, I remember that Imam Hasan Ali Shah took me in his lap and fed me one mouthful.' The Imam said, 'Not one, but two mouthfuls.'

He got his formal education in Bombay. He has related several times to his friends that Pir Shihabuddin Shah had taught him the old daily prayer at Wadi, Bombay. His relatives resided mostly in Porebandar, therefore, he had to visit it several times. His wedlock was solemnized with Varasiani Domia Sonbai on March 6, 1892 in Bombay. She was born in September 13, 1877 in the village of Jamrawal in Saurashtra. Soon after the marriage, both came in Rangoon in 1893 for business purpose. In those days, a handful Ismailis resided in Burma and most of them were the merchants of glassware, cutlery, grocery, etc. He started his own store in 1894, located at 559, Dalhousie Street in Rangoon, dealing in high power lamp, lanterns with spare parts, all kinds of glassware, aluminum ware, enamel ware, Ever-ready & Hong Kong torches, batteries, etc. He also ventured in dealing the real estates and imports. With his buying power, he could excel in importing large quantities at substantially lower price. He was also a landlord of prime properties - 68 of them in his portfolio in Rangoon - free and clear in outright ownership. He also owned several shops of lampware, patromax and glassware and procured rapid progress within few years.

He was an ordinary social worker and a missionary during the first visit of the Imam in Rangoon on June 6, 1900. When the Imam made his second visit on February 7, 1914, the Rangoon jamat humbly presented a sum of Rs. 10,000/- to the Imam for his motor car on February 8, 1914, in which Wazir U Kan Gyi also made his contribution. He also shared in the Memorial Funds for the annual majalis, which was also presented to the Imam. In appreciation of his inestimable services, the Imam graciously presented him a shawl and khilat on February 17, 1914.

Wazir U Kan Gyi was a devoted person and inherited the tradition of the service of his illustrated ancestors. He had also a tremendous potential for performing waez, and became an honorary missionary of the Recreation Club. He was a sparkling conversationalist and a brilliant orator. Besides, he was also appointed the member of the newly formed H.H. The Aga Khan Ismaili Council for Burma on January 8, 1910. In 1920, he became the managing member of the Ismaili Girls School in Rangoon, where the young girls were given training of embroidery, sewing and knitting.

Alijah Ali Muhammad, the member of the Ismaili Council once arranged a dinner party at his bungalow, called Noorani Bagh on March 27, 1921. He invited the prominent Burmese leaders, viz. Wazir Mukhi Jivabhai Bhanji, Alijah Alibhai Hakimji, Baghwan Mukhi Merali, Walji Ahmad, Fajula Mukhi Nanji, Ismail of Goa & Sons and Wazir U Kan Gyi, etc. Alijah Ali Muhammad made a speech soon after the dinner and spoke different measures to be taken for the progress of the Ismailis in Burma. Wazir Jivabhai Bhanji seconded his proposal and it was resolved to establish The Burma Ismaili Trading Company to help the petty dealers and poor Ismailis. On that occasion, a sum of Rs. 4,00,000/- was recorded as an initial capital for the project, in which Wazir U Kan Gyi contributed Rs. 5000/-

The Imam visited Bombay from Europe with Mata Salamat and Prince Aly S. Khan on December 14, 1933, where an elephantine concourse of the Ismailis flocked for having the didar. Wazir U Kan Gyi also arrived in Bombay with his family. He got the chance to participate in the mehmani ceremony at the Aga Hall, Nesbit Road on Wednesday, December 21, 1933. With his mehmani, the Imam also accepted the mehmani of Mukhi Jaffer Nanji of Merqui jamat and Alijah Faizullah Nanji of Mandalay jamat. Both Wazir U Kan Gyi and Mukhi Jaffer Nanji reverently submitted the accounts of the Merqui jamat and earned best loving blessings.

On that occasion, the Imam asked few questions to Wazir U Kan Gyi. The Imam said, 'What is your business and from where do you import the items?' He said, 'I import them from Germany and Japan.' The Imam asked, 'Which items are more cheap, Germany or Japan?' To this, he said, 'Japan is more cheaper than Germany' The Imam made the third question, 'Is the glassware of Japan durable?' He answered affirmatively. The Imam conferred on him with best loving blessings.

On that occasion, Mrs. Rehmatbai Mukhi Jaffer Nanji, Varasiani Domia Sonbai U Kan Gyi Nanji and Mrs. Mongibai Alijah Faizullah Nanji submissively presented the Imam the gold chains. The Imam graciously accepted, and returned a gold ring as a token of his own gift to Alijah Faizullah Nanji.

The Imam resumed his conversation with Wazir U Kan Gyi and asked, 'What is your opinion about the separation of Burma from India?' He said, 'I think that the separation will be far better.' The Imam said, 'Will the Burmese jamats get benefit of the separation?' He said, 'Of course!' The Imam blessed them with paternal maternal best loving blessings.

On January 1, 1939, Wazir U Kan Gyi humbly presented a mehmani to the Imam in Bombay. The Imam said, 'You are rendering much services and I tender you my compliments.' The Imam added, 'I want to make a farman for the people of Rangoon and will explain it now.' In his farman, the Imam said, 'Learn Burmese language and skills. Attract their hearts towards you. Live amicably with them. You have passed many years in prosperity and procured profit. It is the land of these (Burmese) people. Make your hearts big, not narrow. Tolerate the remaining few hardships. You always respect to your officers and behave in a manner they advised you to. Time is very critical. Maintain discipline. You must obey your officers instructions. If you find injustice, you write to me through the Council as per rule. Hooks and cooks subsisted in past, but the condition of Burma is not so ideal at present. It is necessary to maintain discipline and respect the officers while following their advices.'

On the occasion of the Diamond Jubilee in 1946, the Imam appointed him his Estate Agent for Burma in place of Rai Mukhi Hussain Ali Ibrahim Virji (1938-1946), and conferred upon him the title of Rai.

The British had launched heavy bombardment on Rangoon during the second world war, resulting a heavy devastation of the Jamatkhana, situated at Mughal Street with the innocent casualties of 31 Ismailis on April 19, 1943. The Imam crowned the martyrs with the title of Shahids. When the war ended, Wazir U Kan Gyi renovated the Jamatkhana in 1949 with his own expenses. When it was under renovation, the Ismailis offered the prayers at the residence of Mukhi Rai Muhammad Nanji, the younger brother of Wazir U Kan Gyi. On December 22, 1949, the Imam sent a message from Cairo, addressing to the Supreme Council, Rangoon, showing his happiness upon the completion of the Jamatkhana, and blessed Wazir U Kan Gyi for his great services. The Imam also told to get its opening ceremony by the hands of the President or Prime Minister of the Republic.

When the new Jamatkhana built up, Wazir U Kan Gyi and the Supreme Council for Burma humbly implored the Imam to visit Rangoon to perform its opening ceremony. The Imam sent his message on December 14, 1949 and told him, while conveying best blessings, that he would visit Burma soon after visiting Pakistan and India. Hence, the opening ceremony of the new Jamatkhana was performed on January 5, 1950 by Thakin Nun, the Prime Minister of Burma. The Prime Minister invited the Imam in his speech as a state guest. The Imam also sent a message on October 27, 1954 to the Council of Burma that he used to think for those bold persons who were martyred during the war. The Imam also advised to place a memorial plate, bearing their names outside the wall of the Jamatkhana or in the library.

In July, 1947, the health of the Imam impaired in Paris and was hospitalized. Wazir U Kan Gyi immediately left Burma and reached Paris. He stayed in Paris, for 40 days. The Imam summoned him daily and talked with him while being at the hospital. He is reported to have asked about 70 questions during his stay, which he related several times in his waez. Some of the questions are given below:-

He asked, 'Pir Sadruddin imparts in the ginan that the believers shall earn nav nand (nine boons) when the Imam is pleased upon them. Mawla, what are these nine boons?' The Imam said, 'Each nand contains one-fourth of the daily prosperity of the world. Pir Sadruddin had yet curtailed in his commitment. When I become happy, I shower upon the believers all nand, not nine.'

He again asked, 'What is an ideal diet to be healthy?' The Imam said, 'Do you have curd, milk and rice in Burma?' He said, 'These are plenty in our land.' The Imam said, 'Eat curd and rice and drink milk in your daily meal. You will conquer the world.'

He questioned, 'What measures should be followed to modernize the waez?' The Imam said, 'When you deliver waez, you must exhort to the jamat the importance of the health for few minutes.'

He asked, 'When we sip the holy water, we pray for ourselves, our relatives and the jamats. Each person in the line has a long list of prayer, resulting other persons behind the line to wait for their turns. What measure should be followed?' The Imam said, 'You must curtail and pray that, Ya Mawla, you may have mercy and become happy upon us and the Ismailis, because all the blessings of religion and world are contained in my mercy and happiness.'

When the health recovered, the Imam summoned him at his residence and invested him with the title of Wazir.

The Imam is reported to have said on one occasion that, 'Most of the Ismailis come to me and ask for their worldly problems, and none of them asked on religion matters or on spiritual progress. Whenever my one servant, my follower and my missionary come to me from Burma, he always inquires on religious matters only and takes away a heap of pearls. He is Wazir U Kan Gyi Nanji.'

The Imam visited Burma between January 20, 1951 and January 26, 1951. This was the last visit of the Imam in Burma during his Imamate period. Wazir U Kan Gyi humbly offered the Imam to let him bear his whole expenses from Europe to Burma with return expenses. The Imam said, 'Well, I allow you only to bear my expenses with return from Bombay to Burma. I will count it being the expenses from Europe to Burma and return too.'

The Imam summoned a conference of the Ismaili delegates in Cairo to review the occasion of the Platinum Jubilee upon the completion of 70 years of his Imamate. Wazir U Kan Gyi represented the Burmese jamats with his wife. They left Rangoon and arrived at Bombay and left for Cairo with the Indian leaders, Wazir Abdul Hamir Hasan Ali, Alijah A.C. Rahimtullah and Itmadi Mukhi Kassim Ali Giga. They reached Cairo on March 13, 1951.The delegates discussed mutually in the morning and met the Imam at evening on March 15, 1951 in Hotel Semiramese. The Imam emphasized that the program should be worked out on the pattern of Golden and Diamond Jubilees to improve the social and economical conditions of the Ismailis. The Imam, Mata Salamat and Prince Aly Khan invited them on next day for a lunch at Mohamedali Club and graced them with a photograph. He also obtained permission from the Imam to celebrate the token ceremony of the Platinum Jubilee in Rangoon, which was festivated on February 25, 1954. During his visit in Cairo, he also went to see Al-Azhar University, museum and other historical places of the Fatimid period with other leaders. The delegates also met Dr. Kamil Hussain, who showed them the historical places

The Imam left Cairo for France with Mata Salamat on March 17, 1951. Prince Aly Khan offered the Ismaili delegates to join him on his visit to Syria on March 18, 1851. Wazir U Kan Gyi accepted it with other 11 leaders and arrived in Salamia, where he learnt much about the Syrian Ismailis.

He also submitted a humble request to the Imam on behalf of the jamat to accord permission to raise funds for Platinum Jubilee in Burma. The Imam said in laughter, 'Why do you need Platinum Jubilee? I do not see a poor Ismaili in Burma. What will you do for such funds? I have never seen a single woman void of gold bangles in Burma.' It is also said that he made a request to fix a target of Rs. 20,00,000/- for Burma, in which he alone would its half. The Imam however reduced it and made the target of collecting Rs. 14,00,000/- and told him to contribute not more than Rs. 6,00,000/- and let the Burmese jamats to participate in it.

It is also to be noted that Huzur Mukhi Hashim Kassim Bhanji, the Hon. Secretary of The Aga Khan Legion Committee for Burma, attended the meeting of The Platinum Jubilee Celebration Committee at Bombay on February 25, 1954. He declared in the meeting the program of the jubilee celebration and the collection of the funds in Burma. He said, 'The Imam fixed a target of Rs. 14,00,000/- to be collected in Burma, which almost have been declared by the donors. One magnificent donor has alone contributed Rs. 6,00,000/- We have received so far Rs. 10,00,000/- out of Rs. 14,00,000/- For the welfare of about one thousand Ismailis residing in Burma, as per Imam's farman, the plan for establishing the cooperative societies has been made. One like society has been registered. Besides, the movement of erecting the societies for the scouts and the jamat is in operation.' ('Platinum Jubilee Bulletin', Bombay, March 15, 1954, p. 35)

With the kind permission of the Imam, he celebrated a Diamond Wedding Function upon completion of 60 years of his marriage. On that occasion, a grand majalis was organized at the Rangoon Jamatkhana on Sunday, March 22, 1953. Missionary Aziz Habib delivered a waez on the obedience of the Imam's guidance.

He had a scheme in his mind to organize a lunch party on the first Sunday of every month in Rangoon with a view to discuss the progress of the jamat. He worked out his scheme and sent his report to the Imam for approval. The Imam was highly delighted in his scheme and approved it through a message from Canes on March 30, 1953.

Wazir U Kan Gyi was also the Principal of the Mission Class in Rangoon and nerved the promising waezeens to serve the jamat. He also arranged Mission Assemblies in Rangoon and the last one on August 30, 1953. He presided the assembly, wherein 26 young waezeens of Rangoon and Thingangyun jamats had participated. He formed an examination committee of three persons, viz. Alijah M.K. Jamal, Ghulam Ali and Varas Sadruddin Faizullah.

The Platinum Jubilee of the Imam was celebrated with great pomp on Wednesday, February 3, 1954 at Karachi. Wazir U Kan Gyi attended the jubilee with his wife and returned to Rangoon on February 23, 1954. He submitted his services to the Imam through the Supreme Council for Burma on that day, reporting to have returned safely to Rangoon after attending the jubilee. The Imam sent his message from Canes on March 4, 1954 and gave best loving blessings for his safe return and the service.

In March, 1954, the health of his wife, Varasiani Domia Sonbai shattered. She was given necessary treatment in Rangoon. Meanwhile, Wazir U Kan Gyi sent her medical report to the Imam for gracious guidance. The Imam sent him the following message from Canes on March 27, 1954: -

My dear Vizir,

I send you and Varasiani my best paternal maternal blessings for Samar Chanta on her behalf. Also best loving blessings to you, Varasiani and your family for service on Norooz occasion.

I was very sorry to hear of the sad news about Varasiani's health and I pray for the restoration of her health. She should seriously follow the doctor's advice - only eat what he says and very little food at a time; not drink too much water during meals and drink at least one hour before.

My best loving blessings to you all and to all Burma beloved spiritual children; you are ever near my heart and thoughts.

With the gracious blessings of the Imam, Varasiani Domia Sonbai recovered within few days. Wazir U Kan Gyi sent her latest medical report to the Imam through the Supreme Council for Burma. The Imam sent his message from Canes on April 6, 1954, informing the Supreme Council to convey his best blessings to Wazir U Kan Gyi and his family for the services of the restoration of the health of Varasiani Domia Sonbai.

Unfortunately, Varasiani Domia Sonbai expired on April 24, 1954 in Rangoon at the age of 77 years. The Imam sent an urgent telegraphic message of blessing to the departed soul from Canes on April 27, 1954. She was a dedicated social worker and served as a Lieutenant for three years and a Captain for one year in H.H. The Aga Khan's Young Ladies Volunteer Corps for Burma. She was a patron of Bombay Volunteer Corps and was awarded a gold medal by the Imam for her valuable service. She had witnessed with her husband the Golden, Diamond and Platinum jubilees.

Wazir U Kan Gyi was destined twice to visit Europe with his wife, including East African countries in 1947 and 1954, and had the audience of the Imam, Mata Salamat and Prince Aly S. Khan and his two beloved sons.

He was also invited in Cairo to attend the token ceremony of the Platinum Jubilee on February 20, 1955. The ceremony was held in the Cleopatra Hall of Hotel Semiramese, attended by 62 delegates. It was a solemn spectacle of 20 minutes. The Ismaili leaders most humbly presented 70 gold ginnies to the Imam, which was graciously accepted. The Imam presented the same gold ginnies to the delegates.

He intended to visit Cairo to see the Imam and wrote an urgent letter, asking for kind appointment of the meeting. The Imam sent him a reply from Cairo on February 7, 1956 that, 'You may come when you like, but I am going to leave Cairo on 14th for Europe, and meanwhile I am very very engaged for the works of the African and Syrian murids and time is short for others.' He postponed his trip to Cairo and attended the first Ismailia Conference of Burma held on 18th, 19th and 20th February, 1956 at Rangoon. It was organized by the Council and attended by 45 delegates, including 6 ladies, who represented 17 villages of Burma

Prince Aly S. Khan visited Pakistan on February 22, 1956 and then in India on February 29, 1956. He proceeded to Colombo on March 3, 1956 and to Dacca on March 6, 1956. Rangoon was not included in his programme. Wazir U Kan Gyi wrote a letter to the Imam on January 20, 1956 and made a humble request to make programme of Prince Aly Khan in Rangoon. The Imam sent him a reply from Aswan on January 30, 1956 that, 'I have received your letter of 20th January. Prince Aly has to do much work and it is not advisable that he may go to Burma. I send you my blessings.'

Mukhi Alijah Ali Muhammad Ibrahim Virji donated a sum of Rs. 60,000/- in 1928 for the plot of the Jamatkhana in Rangoon. The Imam made a farman to place his photo with a marble plate in the Jamatkhana. The Imam allowed to place the photo of Mukhi Alijah Ali Muhammad in the Jamatkhana when he visited Rangoon in 1951. During the Ruhani Majalis of Mukhi Alijah Ali Muhammad on July 29, 1956, his photo was placed and unveiled with the hands of Wazir U Kan Gyi in a ceremony.

He also went to Aswan to attend the burial ceremony of Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah on July 18, 1957. He was present with other leaders to receive the coffin box. He left Cairo on July 21, 1957 and again visited Aswan with his son Alijah Zulfikar to attend the official resting of the body of Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah in a mausoleum on February 20, 1959. This time he was confined to the wheel chair due to weakness.

The Burmese delegation left Rangoon on January 19, 1958 and arrived in Karachi to attend the Takhat Nashini of Hazar Imam on January 23, 1958. The Delegation comprised of five leading persons, viz. Varas Sadruddin Faizullah, the President of the Council, Wazir U Kan Gyi, Mukhi Ghulam Hussain Alibhai, Dr. Mrs. Jenuma, Alijah Zulfikar Ali U Kan Gyi. The Imam graced them an audience, whom they humbly requested to visit Burma with his family.

Prince Sadruddin had been on a trip of Rangoon in October, 1959 and took a visit of the store of Wazir U Kan Gyi. Soon afterwards, Wazir U Kan Gyi wrote a letter to Hazar Imam on October 9, 1959 alongwith a beautiful album of the photos of the visit of Prince Sadruddin. The Imam graciously sent him a letter on October 22, 1959 and expressed his paternal maternal best loving blessings for the service and also delighted to get the above album.

Wazir U Kan Gyi Nanji wrote a letter in the beginning of 1960 to the Imam, requesting reverently to make a gracious arrival in Burma. In his message, the Imam said, 'I am free from March 16 to March 24. Is my jamat ready for my didar mubarak?' Upon receipt of the message, the leaders held a meeting at his residence to work out the programme. The Council made its reply to the Imam that the jamat would be very pleased for Hazar Imam's didar mubarak. Unfortunately, he lived no longer to behold the Imam in Rangoon.

Wazir U Kan Gyi Nanji died on February 26, 1960 in Rangoon at the age of 90 years. The Imam sent the following telegraphic message to the family members:-

L.T. Noorani

Rangoon

Gustaad : March 2, 1960

Learnt with deepest sorrow passing away of beloved Vazir U Kan Gyi. Late Vazir had served greatly to my grandfather and myself. Late Vazir will be missed by all my spiritual children of Burma. Pray for his eternal peace. Affectionate loving blessings to all his family members for devoted services.

The Imam also sent another telegraphic message to the President of H.H. The Aga Khan Supreme Council for Burma from Gustaad on March 2, 1960 and conferred paternal maternal best loving blessings and prayed for the eternal peace of the soul of Wazir U Kan Gyi. The Imam also sent one more message to the family members from Marseilles on May 19, 1960.

It should be known that the Imam made his first gracious visit to Rangoon very soon and gave the didar to the jamat on March 21, 1960 and March 24, 1960. On Monday, March 21, 1960, the Imam said at the conclusion of his farman that, 'Today, I want also to remind you of the many years of service, which the late Vazir U Kan Gyi has done for this jamat and take him also as an example, for he did many years of fine services.'

During his visit in Burma, the Imam used the old Humber car of late Wazir U Kan Gyi. It was of great sentimental value for his family.

Later on, the family members of late Wazir U Kan Gyi humbly sent an album, containing the photos of the Imam's visit to Rangoon. The Imam acknowledged receipt of the album and sent his message on June 27, 1960 from Gustaad and expressed his immense pleasure, and said,'This album is like a wonderful souvenir.'

Wazir U Kan Gyi had six sons, viz. Hussain (d. 1918), Alijah Suleman (d. 1972), Mukhi Ghulam Ali of Rangoon Jamatkhana (1945-1951) and a member of the Council (1946-1965), who died in 1988, Abdul Rasul (d. 1947), who had gone to London and became Bar-at-Law and was the President of the Supreme Council for Burma (1945-1947), Alijah Zulfikar (d. 1980) and Rai Manji, who is now an Estate Agent of the Imam in Rangoon. He had also a daughter, called Shireen, who died in 1998.

Virji Premji Parpiya traced his lineage from his ancestor, called Khoja Bhalo (d. 1607), who lived around 1154 at Lohgadh in Punjab, belonging to the Lohana class in the Rajput stock. He embraced Ismailism by Pir Dadu (d. 1596) and with the request of Rao Bharmal (1585-1631), the ruler of Kutchh, Pir Dadu left Sind and arrived in Kutchh with Khoja Bhalo in 1587. Bhalo was employed to a high post in the state administration. He was followed by his son Lakho (d. 1629), Khetasi (d. 1687) and Banno, who died in Delhi in 1715. His son was Jivo (d. 1752), whose son was Ebhalo (d. 1784) and henceforward, the whole family became known as the Ebhlani family. Ebhalo had five sons, viz. Chagalo, Tejasi, Bijal, Hamir and Punjo. The elder son Chagalo (d. 1814) had two sons, Kamadia Mannek and Aloo. Kamadia Mannek (d. 1880) had a son, called Mukhi Dhalla (d. 1889), who had three sons, Rahim, Hirji and Jaffer. On the other hand, Tejasi, the second son of Ebhalo, had a son called Alarakhia and whose son was Kamadia Bharmal (d. 1888). Kamadia Bharmal Alarakhia had two sons, Nur Muhammad (d. 1890) and Alauddin (d. 1914). Alauddin had two wives, Kajbai and Sakinabai. Kajbai had 14 children, in which 12 children were died in infancy and two daughters were survived, namely Mariambai and Sakinabai. Mariambai was the mother of Virji Premji Parpiya.
Virji Premji Parpiya was born in a rich and reknowned family on May 12, 1881 at Baroda, India. His mother, Mariambai died when he was hardly six months old, therefore, his upbringing came in the hands of the ignorant house-keepers and servants. Being a son of a wealthy father, his early life passed in luxury. His father was a leading trader of charcoal powder in Baroda, who got his son married in the early age of 14 years in 1895.

He was mostly interested to study the Vedic and Sufic literature. When Missionary Ibrahim Jusab Varteji had not yet embraced Ismailism and was studying the Sufism, he had a productive meeting with Premji Parpiya in Bombay in 1905 and was highly impressed with his knowledge. In memory of this meeting, Missionary Varteji advertised in his book, 'Hyder Hullas' that he would soon publish verses on Sufic thoughts with the penname, Prem Wali. When Missionary Varteji came in the fold of Ismailism at the end of 1914, he was encouraged by the Ismaili writers, including Virji Premji Parpiya.

He passed his life in the affluent class till he reached the age of 39 years, and during this period, he had become an addict of wine. On December 20, 1920, he abstained from wine all of a sudden and also abandoned smoking on March 21, 1921. He even left tea in 1923 and passed a sober life.

His public service began when he built a boarding, called Virashram, near the race-course ground in Baroda on August 21, 1921, where all people were allowed irrespective of cast and creed. It was supervised by the President Krashanrao Vinaik Sarangpani. This noble project made him eminent among the masses. Sayed Aminuddin Hussain Khan, the Collector of Kolaba district once wrote a letter on November 10, 1934, which reads: 'Mr. Virji Premji Parpiya is known to me for decades and the work he has been doing in his private institution, 'Virashram' has had the approval of all classes and creeds. Mr. Parpiya is desirous of continuing the educational philanthropic work, social economical and industrial development of rural population in the villages, which no doubt is the crying need of India. I have my hearty support in his selfless and sincere endeavours for the good of ignorant uneducated and superstitious masses. I am sure all those with whom he comes in contact will give him their best cooperation and assist him in achieving success in his mission.'

It is interesting to note that the government of Baroda had sought his services to exhort the prisoners once a month in Baroda Jail in 1924. He continued it for few months till another arrangement.

His appearance in the arena of community service began when he played a key role in establishing the 'Ismaili Literature Society' in 1911. He commanded good knowledge in Arabic, Persian, English and Gujrati. He encouraged the promising Ismaili writers to demonstrate their religious feelings through literature for the benefit of the community. He managed to compile some religious books through the Ismaili writers and got them published, such as 'Maqsad-i Haqiqat', 'Zauhar-i Haqiqat', 'Niband Prakash' (Part I & II), 'Silsila-i Imamate', 'Jasann Case', etc.

He was appointed the Hon. Secretary of the 'Ismaili Dharmik Library' in 1913 and also for the monthly 'Ismaili Sitaro' in 1914. In 1914, the library presented a humble mehmani before the Imam alongwith its progress report. The Imam said, 'Struggle with much patience, how the infirm people in India be prospered.' The guidance of the Imam inspired a new spirit in the members.

There were three groups of the Khojas in India, viz. the Khoja Ismailis, the Khoja Ithna Asharis and the Khoja Sunnis. Virji Premji Parpiya had a plan to bring these three groups on a platform on certain matters and established the 'Khoja Social Service League' in 1923. He also succeeded to bring the eminent persons of the three groups in this institution, but his plan could not be materialized.

In the month of Ramzan in 1925, he kept fast and past a whole month speechless. He studied the Holy Koran day and night, including the study of the world religions, Islam and Ismailism. He also published a monthly 'Khoja Social Reformer' in 1925, but discontinued after seven issues.

He was also appointed the Mukhi of Baroda Jamatkhana. On November 24, 1933, he sent a telegram to the Imam that, 'The jamat will rejoice for Your Highness's holy visit to India. Waiting anxiously for the didar.' The Imam arrived in India in December, 1933 and visited Baroda by Frontier Mail on January 28, 1934, where the Imam was accorded a rousing welcome at the station by Wazir Premji Parpiya, Murad Ali Hasan Ali, the deputy station master, Ratansi Kara of Indore, Mukhi Ibrahim Wali of Dabhoi jamat, etc. On that occasion, the Imam invested him the title of Wazir at the station for his meritorious services. Later on, the jamat hosted him a garden party to honour him, which was presided by Kamadia Merali Jivan on April 28, 1934.

The Imam had taken a visit of his bungalow in Baroda in 1913 and also in 1935. On February 3, 1935, the Imam graciously presented him a shawl and said, 'You wear it as my souvenir.' It is to be noted that Virji Premji Parpiya had no child and when a son was born at his nephew's house in 1926 and the mother of the child died after three days, he and his wife happily adopted the newly born child, named Mehboob Hussain. When the Imam visited his bungalow lastly in 1935, he told to the Imam how he adopted a son. The Imam said to the child, 'You will also serve in the same fashion as your father did.'

Wazir Mukhi Virji Premji Parpiya died on July 31, 1946.

He was a dedicated social worker, fluent orator, trenchant writer and journalist. He compiled and published several books, such as 'Kaba Timir Bhaskar' (1917), 'Tambaku Samvad' (1922), 'Pita'ni Putr pratiy'e faraj' (1924) 'Abhiyas ane Rahdaymanthan' (1936), 'Dua'ma samaili Namaz', 'Aam Varg'ne Appeal', 'Me'n Nisho sha mat'e chhodio', Dhan-Dharam'no hakdar kon?' (1940), etc.

He was also a posthumous writer of 'Illahi Sandesh' (Bombay, 1953), which he had completed a day before his death, but it could not be published. It was however published by his son, Mehboob Hussain.

The Agra Division comprises of the districts of Aligadh, Etah, Manipuri, Mathura and Agra city, covering an area of 8662 sq.miles. It is situated in Uttar Pradesh, India on the Jumna River. The Mughal emperor Akbar built the city of Agra in 1566, called Akbarabad, and it was a Mughal capital until 1658. Agra was one of those Indian cities, where the Ismaili settlers arrived in later period of British rule. It was famous for having a great deal of hustle and bustle, and the credit to form a small jamat in Agra for the first time goes to Varas Shivji Haji.
Varas Shivji traced his lineage from a certain Ismaili, called Essa in Kathiawar. Jetha was the son of Essa, and the son of the former in succession was Haji, the father of Shivji. Varas Shivji was born in the village of Tanna in Kathiawar in 1868. He had strong leaning towards Ismailism since childhood, and acquired religious education from his father. He left his native place and visited different cities in search of business opportunities. In 1898, he arrived in Agra at the age of 30 years when there were hardly two Ismaili families. He started his business on a small scale. He centered his attention to accelerate his business expansion and became one of the largest importers, exporters and stockists of patent, suedes, glucekid, calf, sambhur, morroccos, chrome, newbak and all kinds of fancy leathers. He was also a largest stockist of sole leathers, kattaies, buffallo- cutting, sheep skins and all kinds of other leathers. His Oriental Boot House in Agra had a branch in Calcutta and supplied military shoes to British India during the first world war. He built his beautiful building at Mantola Street, Agra.

He found insignificant population of the Ismailis in Agra, and it urged him to flourish a jamat in the city. He invited several people, but failed in initial attempts. He was not disheartened and continued his efforts as his mission as best as he possibly could. Gradually, few families from Kathiawar began to drift in Agra, and formed a small jamat.

He had an honour to build the first Jamatkhana in Agra. When it was being built, he looked after its construction from dawn to dust, but the local Muslims constantly demolished it at night. He showed no sign of nervelessness and braced himself to mess the situation as he had a natural knack to tide over the problems. He surmounted the hindrances with singular courage after a few teething problems. Eventually, he raised the Jamatkhana in 1901. Besides, the religious sentiments of the Ismailis had often been rudely shaken by the onslaught of anti-Ismailis, who were making best of their opportunities. Varas Shivji Haji therefore, procured fraternal relations with the Muslims before their hatred developed into a chronic disease. He indeed adroitly weathered the storms. He was the first Mukhi of the Agra Jamatkhana with Kamadia Suleman Ghulam Hussain. The new Jamatkhana attracted the business class to flock in multitude in Agra in search of green pasture.

His untiring and phenomenal services rightly earned for him the coveted title of Varas with best loving blessings when the Imam made a short stay in Agra. The Imam said, 'This location will become like a Kandi Mola (of Bombay).'

He also took few more resolute measure, especially in raising the Aga Khan Shia Imami Ismaili Sindhi & Gujrati School. He shared princely amount in its construction. It was inaugurated on October 1, 1918. Master Mohanlal Devji Jivan Babarawala was employed to teach 20 to 25 students.

In 1920, the Ismaili Council Committee for Agra Division came into existence, and he was appointed its first President. In sum, he served the jamat for 28 years between 1901 and 1929 as a Mukhi and President of the Council. The Imam appointed him as his Estate Agent, whose legal power of attorney was registered on February 3, 1921. This was the only office he executed till his last breath.

Varas Shivji Haji's gentility, loving kindness, desire to share, shoulder the burdens of others and restless work marked him out from the beginning of his career quite apart from others. He would never let a poor feel that he was poor. Indeed, the lowly would be given extra consideration. Kindness to others was like a mission of life to him. He would visit the houses of the Ismailis and impart to attend the Jamatkhana daily. He also visited the shops of the Ismailis and guided them to ward off their problems. He was a pioneer in education and encouraged secular and religious education. He always made surprise visit in the Ismaili school. He brought sweets for the students and gave cash awards to the teachers.

Varas Shivji Haji was famous for his dedication. Once he went to Bombay to invite the Imam in Agra. The Imam assured to come in future. His true love can be measured from the fact that he caught the hand of the Imam and said, 'Mawla! You will have to come in Agra.' The Imam laughed to see his zeal and ardent love and promised to visit Agra very soon.

On February 2, 1934, the Imam visited the Agra Jamatkhana and admired the excellent services of Varas Shivji Haji with best loving blessings.

On February 6, 1935, the Imam visited Delhi, where about 700 Ismailis from Agra, Kanpur, Ajmer, Lucknow, Kashi, Mirath and Banaras assembled to behold the Imam. The jamat was lodged in a big bungalow at Civil Lines area. Alijah Jivabhai Ismail, the President of Agra Council, Alijah Chhaganbhai Shamji and Huzur Mukhi Ahmed Punja had made an excellent arrangement for the jamat. The venue of the didar however was known as the Agra District Camp. The Imam made his gracious arrival in a decorated tent with Pir Sabzali and Alijah Varas Ibrahim. The Imam said, 'You have taken much pain to come here. I am much happy to see you. You got me here invited, which is a sign of your love and affection.' On that juncture, Varas Shivji Haji humbly presented a mehmani. The Imam said, 'The Council works calmly. You all are happy. How many villages exist in the Agra Division?' The President said that there were 18 villages. The Imam also extended the duration of the office of Mukhi Ismail and Kamadia Alauddin Shamji, and graciously presented the shawl to Varas Shivji Haji and other leaders. The Imam also graced the didar on 7th and 8th February, 1935 and departed for Delhi on next day.

Varas Shivji Haji died on June 12, 1942 at the age of 74 years. He left behind three sons, viz. Varas Mukhi Ismail (1888-1942), Dhanji and Devji.

Varas Mukhi Ismail followed the footsteps of his father by performing services. He was a prominent merchant in Bombay with branches in Calcutta and Madras. He rendered invaluable services at all the three centres of his business in various spheres of life. He founded the first library in Agra and became its founder President on June 25, 1927. He was the President of the Education Board in Madras, and the Mukhi (1929-1942). He was also the Hon. Secretary of the Council, and its President (1930-1942). He was the President of Ismailia Welfare and Domestic Science Class and Ismailia Cooperative Credit Society in Calcutta. He was a director of the Ismailia Cooperative Bank and the Chairman of the Diamond Jubilee Education Trust Committee in Bombay. In view of his outstanding services, the Imam conferred upon his the title of Varas in 1936.

Prince Aly Khan arrived in India on November 21, 1930. He started his flying visit of upper India on December 7, 1930. He travelled by Punjab Mail for Gwalior on December 8, 1930 and arrived in Agra for the first time in the period of Varas Mukhi Ismail on December 10, 1930. Prince Aly Khan graced an audience to the jamat. During his next historical visit of India on December 14, 1933, Prince Aly Khan launched his another flying visit in some places by airplane, including Agra. On behalf of the jamat, Varas Mukhi Ismail accorded a warm ovation to Prince Aly Khan.

Varas Mukhi Ismail expired on October 18, 1942. He was survived by two sons, Alijah Yusuf Ali (1915-1998) and Kassim Ali; and a daughter, Huzur Mukhiani Daulat (d. 1989). Alijah Yusuf Ali migrated towards Karachi in 1949, where he was appointed as the Mukhi for Ranchhoreline Jamatkhana (1964-1972). He was also the President of West Pakistan Mubarak Society (1970-1990), the B.D. Chairman, etc.

Varas Sadruddin Hashwani traces his descent from Mukhi Hashu Tharuani (1820-1915) of Lassi Jamatkhana, Karachi. It must be known that Mukhi Hashu married twice and had four sons, viz. Baledina, Jaffer, Ghulam Hussain, Muhammad and two daughters, Hira and Bhanari from his first wife, called Ha'ansi. His other children from his second wife, called Thari were Abdullah, Kassim, Bana, Hussain, Nazar Ali, Ali Muhammad and Ismail; and four daughters, viz. Sharafi, Jena, Chhati and Marium. The community services have always been a quintessential component of the family of Mukhi Hashu.
Abdullah, the son of Mukhi Hashu was born in Uthal in 1847 and arrived in Karachi with the family at the age of 5 years. He joined his father's business after formal education. After his father's death, he retained the agency of the Ralli Bros. Ltd. In 1920, he took key role in raising the first religious night school in Lassi with Mukhi Itmadi Hoodbhoy Shaluani. He also awarded cash prizes to the students, who attended the Jamatkhana in the morning. He also took important part in the mission of the conversion with the Recreation Club Institute, and is reported to have converted more than 85 persons from the depressed class in Sind and Baluchistan, and adopted few boys at his residence. To appreciate his outstanding contribution in the Ismaili mission, the Imam awarded him a gold medal in 1927.

On Thursday, May 6, 1920, the Imam appointed Abdullah as the Kamadia with Hoodbhoy Shalu as the Mukhi for Lassi Jamatkhana and said (to the jamat), 'I appoint Abdullah, the son of Mukhi Hashu as the Kamadia of the jamat.' (Then told to him that,) 'Kamadia Abdullah, your late father Mukhi Hashu had served the Imam and the jamat exceedingly well, and you also must serve the Imam and the jamat whole heartedly. Presently, I do not appoint you as the member of the Council. Your service in the jamati affairs is more important at present. I bless you too much.' Later on, he was however appointed the member of the Supreme Council (1921-29).

It must be known that Mukhi Hoodbhoy Shaluani had declared a donation of Rs. 35,000/- in Imam's presence on April 11, 1920 for a new Lassi Jamatkhana. Kamadia Abdullah shared his outstanding contribution in the construction work. The opening ceremony of the Jamatkhana was performed on December 25, 1924.

Kamadia Abdullah was a man of principle with strict leaning towards religion. He liked to host the poor and helped them with food and clothes. Sometimes, he would wash the utensils with others in the Jamatkhana. When asked, why he was doing so, he would answer, 'Like my father, I am also the custodian (munjaver) of the house of Mawla Ali.' It is to be noted that he died on October 30, 1929 at the age of 82 years, and when his ruhani mehmani was presented before the Imam on January 24, 1938, the Imam graciously blessed the soul and said, 'I know him and his father as well. Both were the custodians (munjaver) of my house.'

Kamadia Abdullah married to Zainab, the sister of Missionary Hussaini Pir Muhammad (1878-1951), who had no child; therefore, he adopted a converted boy, called Hyderali. He had however three sons from his second wife, viz. Mukhi Varas Hussain, Hussain Ali and Noor Muhammad.

Mukhi Varas Hussain was born in 1897 at Karachi. He also joined his father's business soon after his formal education. He inherited the agency of the Ralli Bros. Ltd. in 1929, which he retained till 1968. It implies that the Hashwani family enjoyed the agency for about 90 years (1878-1968), dealing with hides and skins, bones and cotton. He was the Chairman of the Hashwani Hotels Ltd. incorporated in 1971 with a paid-up capital of Rs. 60 million. It was converted into a Public Limited Co. in 1974. He was also the Promoter of Holiday Inn Hotels at Karachi and Islamabad, the Director of M/S Hasanali & Co. Ltd., the Senior Director of Quetta Textile Mills Ltd., etc.

In order to stem the rapid growth of illiteracy in the community, the leaders embarked upon a plan in 1940 to start an organization, called the Khoja Ismailia Lassi Students Union when the monetary plight of the people was deplorable. On that juncture, Mukhi Varas Hussain helped the Students Union and donated handsome amount. He was also the member of the Executive Committee of Golden (1936) and Diamond (1946) Jubilee Celebration Committees. He also served as the Mukhi and Kamadia of various Brotherhoods of Lassi Jamatkhana. He served as the Nandi Incharge for several years. He was also appointed the member of the Supreme Council for Karachi (1930-46) and the Local Council.

Mukhi Varas Hussain was appointed the Kamadia for the Lassi Jamatkhana (1930-1937), and ultimately the Mukhi (1942-1946) in place of Mukhi Hoodbhoy Shaluani. He rendered meritorious services as a Mukhi and followed by Mukhi Jaffer Nur Mohammad. He passed a saintly life, and was crowned with the title of Alijah in 1938, Itmadi in 1956 and Wazir in 1960.

It must be known that a deputation from Pakistan comprised of 20 leaders visited Aswan including Mukhi Varas Hussain, where the mortal remains of Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah were laid to rest on Friday, July 20, 1957. Thousand of Ismailis from all over the world attended this ceremony. In addition, the Ismailis from 20 countries gathered once again at Aswan, including Mukhi Varas Hussain to pay last tribute to the 48th Imam, whose bier was lifted and carried from Nur al-Salam to the newly built mausoleum on Friday, February 20, 1959.

Mukhi Varas Hussain died at the age of 80 years due to cardiac failure on Saturday, May 14, 1977 at 8.45 p.m. The Imam sent the following telegraphic message on May 20, 1977 to his sons:-

Have received your cable and have learnt with greatest sorrow passing away of your beloved father Vazir Hussain Abdullah Hashwani. I send my most affectionate paternal maternal special loving blessings for the soul of late Vazir Hussain Abdullah Hashwani and I pray that his soul may rest in eternal peace. I send my most affectionate paternal maternal loving blessings for services with my most affectionate loving blessings to all the members of your family for courage and fortitude in your great loss, which is also a true loss to the jamat and the Imam.

Mukhi Varas Hussain married to Varasiani Zaverbai, the daughter of Kassim Shalu. She rendered her invaluable services as the Kamadiani (1929-1937) and Mukhiani (1937-1946) in the Lassi Jamatkhana. She extended her inestimable services to Janbai Maternity Home for over 25 years and the Aga Khan Health Board for several years. Varasiani Zaverbai was also the member of the Supreme Council, Kharadhar Local Council and the Regional Council (1960-63). She was also the member of the Ladies Committee and the Young Ladies Volunteer Corps in Lassi jamat. She genersouly helped the poor in their treatment, marriages, education, etc. The Imam visited the Janbai Maternity Home on November 14, 1985 to attend its 60th anniversary. On that occasion, the Imam graciously presented her a memento for her longest services. In his speech, the Imam said, 'The role of our volunteers in keeping that spirit of service alive and in materially enabling our institutions to maintain their fabric and improve their facilities is beyond praise. Without their efforts, and the efforts of their predecessors, the institution would not be a thriving one it is today, nor would it be financially able to offer to families of the poor, facilities they could never otherwise afford.'

Varasiani Zaverbai expired on December 22, 1989 at the age of 72 years. The Imam sent following telex message to her sons:-

28th December, 1989

My dear spiritual children,

I have received your telex of 22nd December, and have learnt with very great pain and sorrow of the passing away of your beloved mother Vazir Saheba Zaverbai. I send my most affectionate paternal maternal loving blessings for the soul of the late Vazir Saheba Zaverbai, and I pray that her soul may rest in eternal peace.

The late Vazir Saheba Zaverbai's long and devoted services to my jamat of Pakistan will always be remembered by my jamat and by me, and she will be greatly missed by all. In addition to her outstanding services, however, she will also be remembered for her personal example of leadership, and her complete integrity and rigour in every aspect of her life and family to which she addressed her attention.

I send my most affectionate paternal maternal loving blessings to the family of the late Vazir Hussain and the late Vazir Saheba Zaverbai Hashwani for courage and fortitude in their great loss. You are all constantly in my heart and thoughts and prayers in this painful time of bereavement.

In his another message addressed to the Ismaili Council for Pakistan on December 28, 1989, the Imam also said, 'The late Vazir Saheba's outstanding and long devoted services to my Pakistani jamat in numerous jamati institutions, and particularly in the field of health care will always be remembered by my jamat and by me and she will be greatly missed by all.'

In her loving memory, his son Varas Sadruddin incorporated a project after her name, viz. Zaver Patroleum Corp. Ltd. in 1994.

Mukhi Varas Hussain had three sons and four daughters, viz. Akbar Ali, Hasan Ali, Sadruddin; and Malek Shamsuddin M. Dhanani, Amina Alijah Noor Ali Itmadi Kassim Jaffer, Nurbanu Ghul Mohammad Lakhani and Nazali Sultan Habib Shalwani.

Akbar Ali, the elder son of Mukhi Varas Hussain was born on June 6, 1932. Soon after his matriculation in 1949 at St. Patrick's School, he joined his father's business for a long period. He also launched the Hashwani Group of Companies in 1984, which included Hasan Ali Cotton Export Ltd., Hasan Ali Rice Exports, Syndicate Trading Co., Syndicate Mining, Regent Textile Mill, Landmark Spinning Mill, etc. In sum, he is now the Chairman of the Hashwani Group of Companies.

The record of his community services reveals that he was appointed the member of the Ismailia Federal Council (1980-87). He served as the Convenor of the Economic Development of the Aga Khan Hospital & Medical College (1984-87), the Director the Aga Khan Rural Support Program. He was also a member of the Governing Body of the Aga Khan Hospital and Medical College Foundation and the President of Economic & Planning Board for Pakistan (1980-87).

Varas Akbar Ali is also noted for his generosity in different causes, one of which is graciously acknowledged by the Imam when he donated a massive amount for the social development programmes of the Aga Khan Education Services. The Imam's message is quoted below:-

26th April, 1991

My dear spiritual child,

I was most happy to learn from the Chairman of the Aga Khan Education Service, Pakistan about your magnificent contribution towards the social development programmes of the Aga Khan Education Services.

You are aware that I attach the greatest importance to the improvement of the quality of life of members of the jamat and of the societies in which they live. Your generous support for this important cause is worthy of the greatest admiration and emulation, and I send you my warmest congratulations.

I give you and your family my most affectionate special paternal maternal loving blessings.

During the grand darbar on March 15, 1976, the Imam graciously announced the titles of five leaders, including Akbar Ali, who was granted the title of Itmadi. He was also invested the title of Varas in 1994. He virtually retired from the community services in 1987.

Varas Akbar Ali married on November 5, 1957 to Sultana, the daughter of Huzur Varas Dr. Ghulam Ali Allana (1906-1985). She is also a social worker and served as a member of the Aga Khan Health Board (1960-70) and the Aga Khan Education Board (1960-70). She is giving her valuable services as a member of the Education Unit of the Mohammadi Girls Academy since 1997. She is also a Board Member of the National Institute of Child Health of Jinnah Hospital for last five years, and the member of the Citizen Foundation for last four years. Varas Akbar Ali has three sons, Nizam, Abdullah, Amin and a daughter, Sherezad.

Hasan Ali, the second son of Mukhi Varas Hussain was born in 1933. After completing his Inter-Science, he joined the family brokerage firm. On December 29, 1960, he married to Dr. Laila. In 1961, he went to England with his wife and returned in 1963. On his return he established his firm, Hasan Ali & Co. Ltd. and went into cotton export business, where he earned the reputation of the 'King of Cotton.' He also established the Pak-Sri Lanka Friendship Association and was its 1st President. He was also the Vice-President of North Korea-Pak Friendship Association, and an active member of the Pak-China Friendship Association. He travelled worldwide in connection with his business and social activities.

Unfortunately, he underwent three major operations in January, 1974 and recovered his health. He proceeded to London after few months for his medical check-up in Kings College Hospital. On November 19, 1974, he sent a telex message to the Imam through the Mukhi of London Jamatkhana, reporting reverently that he was progressing well and arrived at London for medical check-up. In the meantime, the doctors examined him twice and certified that he was in good health. On November 27, 1974, he developed severe pain below his spinal cod. The doctors beffled and failed to diagonise its cause. The fatal disease was pronounced as Retroperiotoneal Haematoma, and he expired on December 2, 1974 at the age of 41 years. His body was brought to Karachi for interment on December 5, 1974.

Three sons, Arif, Altaf, Hussain and a daughter, Muneera, survived Hasan Ali Hashwani. In his loving memory, his family raised a Hasan Ai Hashwani Charitable Dispensary and Laboratory at Kharadhar, Karachi. The Ismailia Association for Pakistan launched a Manpower Training Scheme in 1975. The Hashwani family generously donated Rs. four lacs for the period of two years for 30 students of the first batch in loving memory of his late son Hasan Ali Hashwani. In his reply, the Imam sent following message:

28th April, 1975

My dear President and Members,

I have received your letter of 5th April and am very happy to know that the family of late Hasanali Hashwani and Vazir Husain Abdullah Hashwani have given a generous donation to the Ismailia Association for Pakistan for the Waezeen Training Scheme.

I send my most affectionate paternal maternal loving blessings to Vazir Husain A. Hashwani and family for their wonderful gift with best loving blessings for the soul of late Hasanali Hashwani. I pray that his soul may rest in eternal peace.

The gift of the Hashwani family is in the true spirit of Islam and deserves applause and emunation.

The Imam performed the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Aga Khan Maternity Home at Karimabad on March 17, 1976. Its construction began in November, 1977. The Imam performed its opening ceremony on March 24, 1979. In his speech, the Imam complimented the Hashwani family, who donated one million rupees to the Aga Khan Maternity Home, Karimabad in loving memory of late Hasan Ali. The name of the Outpatient Wing had been named after 'Late Hasan Ali Hashwani.'

It must be known that Laila, the wife of Hasan Ali Hashwani, is the daughter of A. Aziz Ghulam Hussain Reimoo of Sri Lanka. Mr. A. Aziz was a prominent person in Colombo, and was a member of Parliament. Dr. Laila is a peadtrician by profession and did her DCH from London in 1963. She worked at the Jinnah Hospital and with the Pakistan Medical Council. Dr. Laila was an active member of the Pakistan Medical Association and was on their Executive Committee at the Karachi, Sind and Centre level. She was the President of the International Soroptomist Organisation and a founder member of the SAARC Women's Association. She served on various jamati institutions. She was appointed on the Health Board in 1968 as a Chairperson of the Day Nursery Committee and later on as a Chairperson of the Janbai Maternity Home. She also worked in the field of Education and was on the Garden Education Board. In 1987, she was appointed on the Admission Committee of the Aga Khan University for Medical Students. She rejoined the Aga Khan Health Services as a Chairperson on the Garden Maternity Home and was also appointed on the Board of Directors of AKHSP (1990-1999). She was appointed the Vice-Chairperson (1996-1999) of AKHSP. She also was an Ex-officio member on the Regional Council (1996-1999). On retirement from AKHSP, she initiated an Income Generation Project for the Afghan refugee women, which was very successful.

Sadruddin, the third son of Mukhi Varas Hussain was born in Karachi on February 19, 1940. He spent the whole of his childhood, boyhood and youth in Lassi at Lea Market, Karachi. He did his matric in 1956 from N.J.V. High School. A self-made man, he has built his business empire in the last 17 years, seemingly stepping from success to success. But it has been a rocky road to the top. He had no ready-made business to step into and no family fortune to fall back on. After failing his Inter Science exam, he joined his brother-in-law in a small grain transporting company in 1958, travelling to the Makran coast and Kalat, often in temperatures below freezing. In trading, he worked 18 hours a day without caring for his health.

His next venture was small-time steel trading with his elder brother Hasan Ali in 1960, who set up a firm called, Hasan Ali & Co. In 1965, he began his career in cotton trading with a small order of 2900 bales. The cotton kings in the market reacted to the newcomer with disgust. But in three years, he was the number one exporter in cotton. His business flourished and he surfaced as an important business magnate in 1970. In the same decade, the Hashwani family was acknowledged as the 'Cotton Kings' for being front ranking exporter of cotton besides rice and other commodities. In 1973, came a setback: nationalization of the cotton trade in Pakistan. He turned to industry, and never looked back since. He made a bold decision to stay in Pakistan and bought a textile mill from the Fancys, but after five years, he sold it off in 1978. He diverted his resources towards other business avenues like the hotel industry, real estate, trading, property development and industrial ventures. In less than a decade, Sadruddin acquired the reputation of a highly successful hotelier and an eminent businessman. In 1973, he also ventured into the field of five-star hotel business with the beginning of Holiday Inn Hotel in Islamabad in 1978 and another at Karachi in 1981. In 1985, he made a successful bid for the majority shares of Pakistan Services Ltd., which at that time owned four Intercontinental Hotels in Pakistan. Soon after the takeover of the Company, Sadruddin changed the name of the Hotels to Pearl Continental Hotels. To upgrade the standards of Holiday Inn Hotels, his foresight and vision once again came into action, when he resolved to convert the Holiday Inns into Marriott Hotels - a wise decision that has procured sizable dividends. In 1995, he acquired 100% stocks of the US based Corporation, Occidental of Pakistan Inc. (now the Orient Petroleum Inc.), which is actively engaged in exploration and production of oil and gas in the country with a fleet of over 200 trained staff. This business is one of the major divisions of his business empire, called Hashoo Group. The Hashoo Group is a major shareholder of New Jubilee Insurance Co. Ltd, the fourth largest insurance company in Pakistan. Varas Sadruddin continues to be on the Board of Director of New Jubilee Insurance for many years. He also served as the Director of Al-Shifa Foundation. In sum, he is one of the most leading business magnates in Pakistan.

In recognition of his noble share in economic building of Pakistan, the Institute of Business Administration, Karachi honoured him an 'Outstanding Professional Contribution Award' in 1988. He was also awarded a Gold Medal at the Tourism Convention in 1993 in view of his outstanding services to the tourism industry of Pakistan.

The Hashoo Group has also made its mark in property development, construction and real estate business, such as Nadia Square, Hashoo Apartments, Hashoo Garden, Prince Apartments, Hashoo Terrace, Hashoo Centre, Bagh-e-Malir Housing Project, Millat Garden, Gulshan-e-Millat, Highway Housing Project, Bagh-e-Landhi, etc.

Despite his preoccupation in monitoring his vast business empire, Varas Sadruddin has maintained his family tradition of keeping the welfare of the people irrespective of cast and creed. He is equally known for his generous philanthropic activities and ameliorating the living condition of the destitute, both inside and outside the community. He shared a colossal amount to the institutions outside the community, such as he donated Rs. 25 lacs to the Asif Nawaz Memorial Hospital, Islamabad, Rs. 10 lacs to the Al-Shifa Eye Hospital, Rawalpindi, Rs. 10 lacs to the Shaukat Khannam Cancer Hospital, Lahore, Rs. 10 lacs to the Ibrar al-Haq Sahara Foundation, Lahore, etc.

The Hashoo Group has also floated its own philanthropic institution in 1985, called the Hashoo Foundation. He is also funding the Hasan Ali Hashwani Charitable Dispensary, Kharadhar, Karachi. He is the director of the Aga Khan Foundation, Pakistan Chapter, and a highly reputed NGO with international recognition. He is also an Honorary Consul General of Belgium.

He has deep leaning towards Ismailism since childhood. He served in the Scout Group and Volunteer Corps in the Lassi Jamatkhana, Karachi for several years. He also rendered his services as a Mukhi for a Brotherhood in Darkhana Jamatkhana (1977-85). He also served as the founder Chairman of the Silver Jubilee Development Agency, the member of the Aga Khan Foundation, the member of the Aga Khan Gymkhana Managing Committee, etc. He also employed a galaxy of the Ismaili workers belonging to the northern areas and Afghanistan. He also sponsors the cricket and gold tournaments in loving memory of his late parents.

It may also be noted that the Imam established the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) in 1967 to promote social development, primarily in the low income countries of Asia and Africa by funding innovative programmes of broad value in health, education and rural development. To celebrate its silver jubilee, the Imam invited members of all nations committee to a dinner at Aiglemont on February 25, 1992. As a member of AKF, Varas Sadruddin Hashwani was also invited. On behalf of the Foundation units and Geneva staff, Wazir Ramzan Merchant, the Chairman of the AKF, Pakistan humbly presented a small clock as a gift to the Imam.

Soon after the celebration of the silver jubilee, the Imam graciously sent the following message to the Chairman of AKF, Pakistan on May 1, 1992:-

Vazir Ramzan Merchant,
Chairman,
Aga Khan Foundation (Pakistan),
Karachi

My dear Ramzan,

Since the 25th of February, work pressure has been unrelenting, and it is only after my return from visits to Uganda and Kenya, where important accords and protocols were signed between the Governments of Uganda and Kenya on the one hand, and the Aga Khan Development Network on the other, and thanks to the long weekend of the 1st of May, that I am now able to write to you to tell you, and through you everyone at AKF, how deeply touched I was by the words you spoke at the dinner I gave for AKF on Tuesday, the 25th February, and for this most magnificent gift which you offered me.

The time-piece and parchment are deeply happy memory of an occasion which celebrated the first twenty-five years of the life of the Aga Khan Foundation, and Apex Imamat Institution which has made an outstanding name for itself, and which is the first to have completed a quarter century of service to the benefit of the Ismaili community and others, in both Third World and industrialized countries.

As an institution, AKF has premiated attention to the quality of its work: this attention to style, taste and detail is strongly reflected in the choice that you made of your gift to me of an exceptionally beautiful clock. Its shape, colour and finish are sober and look at it. I was also most touched by the inscription and the wording on the parchment, and that the National Committee and staff of AKF should have taken such trouble to add their signatures.

I would be most grateful if you would share this letter with everyone at AKF who contributed to offering me such a unique memory of a particularly happy and meaningful event.

Varas Sadruddin Hashwani is a munificent donor for several causes, and his generosity is like an unfathomable ocean that cannot be measured in words. In view of his meritorious services, the Imam graciously invested him the title of Alijah in 1971, Itmadi in 1976 and Varas in 1994. While granting him the title of Varas, the Imam said in his message to the National Council for Pakistan on July 11, 1994 that, 'I want my jamat to know that the conferment of a title is one of the many ways by which the unconditional service rendered by a murid is recognized by the Imam of the Time. Giving selflessly and volunteraily of one's time, energy, intellect and material resources for the benefit of others, is in the finest tradition of our tariqah, and one which I would like to see always upheld in my jamat. I would like to emphasize that the Imam is always aware of the silent services of the innumerable murids who have served, and continuing to serve in various capacities, and I send them all my warmest and most affectionate loving blessings for their services to the jamat and the Imam of the Time.'

Varas Sadruddin married to Noor Sultan on July 7, 1968 and blessed with two sons, Murtaza, Hasan Ali and three daughters, Nadia, Shahzia and Sarah.

The family members of Sadruddin Hashwani are also devoted social workers. In 1996, his wife, Mrs. Noori Hashwani created a non-profit organization, called 'Umeed-e-Noor' (Ray of Hope). It nurses the disabled and supportless children with their education, nourishment and treatment. Mrs. Noori Hashwani executes as the Chairperson of the 'Umeed-e-Noor.' The readers can visit their website (www.umeed-e-noor.com.pk) for details of their invaluable social activities.

Sadruddin Hashwani also established a philanthropic organization, known as the 'HOAP (Helping Oppressed and Powerless) Foundation' in 1999. It is a non-government and non-profitable organization to help develop human resources of the infirm community of the society, especially the war stricken Afghan refugees, and the youth from the Northern Areas and Chitral. HOAP Foundation is a registered NGO based in Rawalpindi. Sadruddin Hashwani is its Patron In-chief with Murtaza Hashwani as the Chairman Board of Directors, Mrs. Noori Hashwani, Miss Sarah Hashwani and Hasan Ali Hashwani as the members. HOAP Foundation has been also visited by distinguished visitors, viz. The United Nations Women Association led by Marianne De Mule, the American Women Club led by Mary, Yoko Kondo, the head of NGO from the embassy of Japan, Mohammad Manji and Salimah Samji of FOCUS International Humanitarian Assistance, Canada, Aziz Vellani and Sadruddin from the Aga Khan's Secretariat, Aiglemont, France, etc.

His elder son, Murtaza was born on January 2, 1974. He joined the Karachi American School (1983-87) and proceeded to London at the age of 13 years and took his formal education in the Boarding School (1987-91). He went to the United States in 1992 for doing the Bachelor of Science. He returned to Pakistan and joined his father's business in 1993. He is also an enthusiastic social worker and served as a member of the Regional Council (1993-94). He was also appointed the Kamadia (1994-5) and then the Mukhi (1995-97) of a Brotherhood in Aabpara Jamatkhana, Islamabad. Hasan Ali, another son of Varas Sadruddin Hashwani was born on October 5, 1977. He is also devoted and a promising social worker in United States.

He was born in the village of Shagnan, Badakhshan in 1882. His name was Muniruddin, better known as Sayed Munir. His father Sayed Muhammad bin Kassim descended from Sayed Sohrab Wali Badakhshani and was an educated man in his village. Nothing is known about the brothers of Sayed Munir. It must however be known that Pir Sabzali had seen his one brother in Rushan, Tajikistan who was the Mukhi on October 31, 1923.
Sayed Munir learnt Arabic, Persian as well as religious education from his grandfather at home. He passed his early age for few years in Iran, and came into contact with Fidai Khorasani (d. 1925). He arrived in Bombay with his father at the age of 16 years in 1899 and beheld the Imam for the first time at Wadi. The Imam told him, 'You give your services as my missionary.' He came into the contact of eminent missionaries and visited Hunza, Chitral, Gilgit and Kashmir. The Imam also deputed him in Egypt, Iraq and Yamen to study the old manuscripts on Ismailism and also brought some historical documents with him in India. In 1912, he joined the Central Board of Mission for Bombay, which became known as the Recreation Club, and taught Persian to the new missionaries. Sayed Munir was a brilliant orator and with his jolly nature he won the hearts of masses.

Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah arrived in Karachi for 27 days on April 10, 1920. Before departure, the Imam deputed him in Sind, Baluchistan and Makran coast to operate proselytizing mission among the Zikri sect. In this context, the Imam issued the following letter:-

I, His Highness Sir Aga Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan, G.C.S.I., do hereby certify that the bearer Sayyad Munir, son of Sayyad Mahomed Cassim of Badakhshan, aged about 37 years, is under my service as a missionary to work in Sind, Baluchistan and Makran.

A photograph of Sayyad Munir is hereto affixed for easy identification.

Karachi:
5th May, 1920

It was an appalling mission he had been assigned. He faced many troubles, which he surmounted with courage and unwavering faith. He continued his mission in Turbat, Lasbela, Makran, Gwadar, Muscat, Pasani and Ormada. He converted Karimdad, a leading learned man in Ormada, who was followed by many Zikri families, notably the families of Alijah Dilmurad Sanjar, Ali Baloch, Saleh Muhammad Jawwad and Alijah Nuruddin, who came to live in Karachi.

He was one of the famous missionaries of the Recreation Club Institute and was sent in East Africa in May-June, 1925. In 1936, he once again went to East Africa with Alijah Alibhai Nanji. He also assisted Pir Sabzali in Karachi and Bombay in the mission works. He also visited Badakhshan, Chitral and Afghanistan on his mission works.

Sayed Munir was a dedicated missionary and preacher. He made himself so busy in whole life that never permitted him to get marriage. In appreciation of his outstanding services, the Imam conferred upon him the title of Honorary Missionary in 1954. He died in Karachi on Thursday, October 8, 1957.

He was not a regular writer. He however compiled a book, 'Guldasta-e-Falsafa' which was posthumously published in 1958 at Karachi.

Haji Paroo Pradhan migrated from Bhuj, Kutchh to Zanzibar with his brother Jaffer Paroo in 1850, where he established a small general store in 1852. He made a little but steady progress and opened a branch store at Bagamoyo in 1860. One of the four children of Haji Paroo Pradhan was Sewa Haji Paroo, who was born in 1851, and received his initial exposure to the business world while working for his father.
Sewa's apprenticed came to an unexpected, abrupt and when his two brothers died in 1869, he was consigned the charge of Haji Kanji & Co. During the sixties the firm began supplying caravans with trade goods, such as cloth, beads, copper wire and brass pots and was in turn purchasing ivory, rhino horns and hippo teeth.

The increment in the strength of caravans utilizing Bagamoyo in 1870 induced Sewa Haji to include the recruitment of Wapagazi among the services offered. Financing caravans led by Arabs or Swahilis completed his involvement in virtually every phase of long distance trade and successful management brought him both profits and notoriety. Some Europeans who dealt with him had rather acrimonious comments about this style of operating. But even those who deprecated him spoke of his energy and ability to get the job done. In 1871, he encountered Henry Stanley who made some disparaging remarks about him. Yet a few years later, when Henry Stanley was launching an expedition to Congo, he recommended that an advance man 'should be sent to Bagamoyo to arrange with the Hindi Saywa (Haji Sewa) respecting the Wanyamweiz and a house as soon as possible.'

Sewa Haji had also established a branch of his caravan business at Zanzibar. He was involved in the arms trade. In those days, Bagamoyo served as a major coastal funnel for guns, powder and ammunition into the interior. He estimated that ten thousand guns were transported annually from Bagamoyo to Unanyemble. He, either operating alone or in partnership with Europeans, began to control a large percentage of this trade. Even after competing the German firms had established branches in Bagamoyo, Sewa Haji continued to be a major arms importer. He was the first Asian to receive a honorific title from the German Government.

He never did think in narrow, limited business terms. His association with Sultan Sayed Hamid bin Thwain for whom he was 'chief Indian creditor' in 1896 exemplified his outlook. On May 6, 1896, the two signed a contract of ten years, '....by which His Highness agrees that Siva Haji is to sell all the crops, consisting of coconuts, cloves and clove-stems, grown on the Government shambas situated both in Zanzibar and Pemba, Siva Haji shall try his best to obtain the best prices current in the town, or more, and he is to receive a commission on everything he sells of 5 percent.......Siva Haji has the sole monopoly to sell the said Government product, and no one else can do so until the expiration of said period....' This contract however remained in force for nine months.

From the beginning of his career, he had been a religious man and a leader. He was also noted for his philanthropy. In his will, he had expressed that all the houses located in Dar-es-Salaam and Bagamoyo should go to the German government with the stipulation that the income was to be used in providing food to the lepers. Its income must also be paid to the Bagamoyo hospital. In the early 1880, he purchased few stone houses. It was his expressed desire that a hospital for the destitute and infirm should be erected on the site.

He had a deep concern and respect for education. In October, 1892 he donated a multi-storied building as a school for Indian and African children. It remained in operation until October, 1895, when the government took it over, hired a German instructor and organized a broader curriculum. The 'Shiva Haji Hospital' in Dar-es-Salaam stands as a monument to his philanthropy and invaluable services. Later on, the hospital was annexed to Princess Margaret Hospital.

He died in February, 1891 in Zanzibar. The mission journal recorded that, 'He had been in extraordinary good humor.' The Christian missionaries at Bagamoyo used to call him 'our generous friend'. Eight days after his death, an entry was placed in the mission journal that, 'This devoted friend of the mission will not forget (us) in his last wishes.'

He was originally from Salamia, Syria where he was born most probably in 1835. He was the second Mukhi for Salamia Jamatkhana in Syria, appointed by Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah in 1895. He had acquired deep religious education during his stay in India. The Imam ordered him to introduce some ceremonies in Syria. He had to face hurdles and hitches from his rivals, notably Himadi Umar, the head of the Momin Shahis, who secretly misguided the Ottoman authorities to arrest the Ismailis.
Mukhi Shaikh Ahmad and 12 leading Ismailis were arrested in 1901 in Salamia. Their houses were sealed and the records of correspondence with the Imam were seized. They were detained in Hamma, and were shifted to the prison of Damascus a few weeks later. After the preliminary hearings in 1901-2, they were put in trial before the Court of Appeal in 1903. They were charged with murder, attempted murder, use of violence in collecting religious dues to be sent to the Imam. They however withstood firmly in their commitments that they owned religious allegiance to the Imam, and denied the spiritual power of the Ottoman Sultan Abdul Hamid. They denied all these charges, pointing out that the accusations that they had committed crimes of violence had been brought by their enemies, were based on hearsay and on the unsubstantiated evidence of hostile witnesses, and were, in fact, falsehoods. They also insisted that they were law-abiding subjects of His Majesty, Sultan Abdul Hamid and reiterated that the power of their Imam were exclusively religions and he had no earthy ambitious. The same line of argument was pursued during the numerous sessions of the Appeals court. They accused and their counsel continued to protest their innocence, but the court would not listen to their pleading and convicted them for a treasonable procedure. The British Consul W.S. Richards, reporting on the trial in 1903, commented that the real guilt of the accused was in their denial of the Sultan's claim to the Imamate or caliphate, which of course, was not a crime recognized by the Penal Code.

In the late summer of 1903, Mukhi Shaikh Ahmad was sentenced to death. The decision of the court was forwarded to the Court of Cassation in Istanbul in 1904 for final confirmation. In May, 1905, the Damascus Court reconsidered the case and issued a new verdict, repudiating all the accused to life imprisonment in a fortress.

On May 19, 1905, Mukhi Shaikh Ahmad routed an urgent telegram to the Court of Cassation, wherein he boldly wrote of his faith on Ismailism, stating that the verdict was unfair and unjust. He also denied that his companions intended any harm to the state and concluded with the words, 'My weapons are divine knowledge and good works, and my task is the rejection of untruth and of false belief.' The Court of Cassation made no response to his appeal. He and his two companions however died shortly afterwards in prison. Soon after his death at the end of 1905, the Imam appointed his brother, Shaikh Nasr al-Muhammad as the next third Mukhi for Salamia Jamatkhana, who was also arrested with other 30 Ismailis in 1907 and was released on July 24, 1908, following the Constitutional Revolution in Turkey, proclaiming an amnesty. Mukhi Shaikh Nasr was however summoned in Istanbul to face a hearing, where he boldly defended himself. The court took a lenient attitude and he was exiled to Bursa in Turkey and was allowed to return to Syria after only six months.

It must be known that the Imam has summed up the above tragedy in 'The Memoirs of Aga Khan' (London, 1954, pp. 186-7) that, 'Under the Ottoman Empire, in the reign of Abdul Hamid, there was a considerable degree of persecution. Like several other minorities in his empire, they (Ismailis) suffered hardship, and many of their leaders endured imprisonment in the latter years of his despotic rule. With the Young Turk revolution, however, the period of persecution ended.'

He was born possibly in 1828, and was the first Mukhi for the Salamia Jamatkhana in Syria. It is related that a Syrian Ismaili delegation visited India in 1887 in search of the Imam of the time, finally reached Bombay and recognized the Imam. Mukhi Shaikh Suleman was also one of the members of the delegation. When he returned to Syria, he called a grand meeting at which all the leading Syrian Ismaili Shaikhs were present. He announced that their quest had been successful and that the Imam of the time had been found. Amid a general upsurge of enthusiasm, many of those present declared themselves ready to believe that Sultan Muhammad Shah was the true Imam. He had to face hurdles from those who had proclivity towards the Momin Shahis. He however remained steadfast and succeeded.
In an official letter of 1890, which was the first for the Syrian Ismailis, the Imam had declared his appointment to the office of Mukhi. The Imam also designated Amir Ismail bin Muhammad as his Estate Agent in Salamia. Mukhi Shaikh Suleman was a devoted person and helped the Ismailis with his own means and materials. In about 1892, the Imam also invested him with the title of Varas, the first among the Syrian Ismailis to be honored with this title. He died in 1895 while his visit to Bombay. His companion, Shaikh Ahmed al-Muhammad al-Hajj (1835-1905), was appointed the new Mukhi. Before returning to Syria, he was exhorted the doctrines and rituals of the Ismailis to be introduced in Syria.