By Nasrin Akhter
Archive for February, 2012
Ahsan Manzil
February 29, 2012Al Hera Travel & Tours Inc
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Obituary: Khwaja Mohammed Ahsan
February 29, 2012
Khwaja Mohammed Ahsan son of Khwaja Mohammed Akmal died on 26th February 2012. Born on 22nd July 1932 in Armanitola Dhaka, he settled in London since 1970. He came back to loving hometown Dhaka three weeks ago to spent final days with his family. He played a doctor’s role in a full length Pakistani movie released in 1954. K.M.Ahsan was managing family owned Hotel Orient in Armanitola before migrating to UK. He left behind wife, a son, three daughters and a number of grandchildren. His namaj e janaza was held at Tara Masjid and he was buried at Begum Bazaar graveyard. Please pray for his departed soul.
Sajed Khwaja
My beloved Nana passed away today.
He was a man even on his deathbed, fighting for his last breath says sorry to the people for their inconveniences!!
I don’t have the guts to speak to my hysterical mother!!
I simply hope and pray that I would meet him again and play in his Laps, share dirty jokes with him and hold him tight and tell him that I adored and loved him!!
May Allah grant him jannat!! —
Maroof Khasru
Boats of the Dhaka Nawab Estate
February 23, 2012By Anas Khwaja Feb 14 2012
The Dhaka Nawab Estate in her heyday had a number of boats. There was variety in makes such as steamer, barge, houseboat, flat & budgerow (Bajra). These boats had wide ranging usage. They were used for communication, recreation, hunting, relief and military transportation. Most of them were moored at the Nawabbari ghat (dockyard) in the Buriganga River near Ahsan Manzil. To name a few, paddle boat “Dolphin”, steamer “Ada”, steamer ” Star of Dacca”, barge “Track”, steamer “Dacca”, steamer “Bornapore” and steam launch “Jamoreky”. K.M.Halim, a senior Dhaka Nawab Family member, recalls Paragreen, Diamond, Turag, Isla, Afghan & a house boat named Mary Anderson also owned by Dhaka Nawab Estate.
Background: Dhaka Nawab estate had zamindari land spread over 26 sub-circles, of which 11 were in Bakerganj, 4 in Tripura, 4 in West Mymensingh and Pabna, 3 in East Mymensingh and Sylhet and 4 in Dhaka. Each circle had a Kachhari, which required supervision from time to time. In absence of railway from Dhaka, which started only in 1885, these remote places were accessible only by inland waterways. Membership of Bengal Legislative Assembly and Governor General’s Legislative Council also required Nawab’s frequent visit to Kolkata. Private steamer service from Dhaka was provided by India General Steam Navigation Company as early as 1860. However, the nawab’s probably felt to have their own fleet. It is likely that boats were purchased from the Government. A tangible property list of the Dhaka Nawab Estate dated 1895 includes- ten green boats at fair market value (FMV) of Rs 10,000 , one ship at FMV of Rs 20,000, one freight at FMV of Rs 10,000 and one mechanized boat at FMV of Rs 5,000. (1)
Military expedition, relief work & public works: The following excerpts are from an incomplete list of contribution of the Dhaka Nawab family until 1899. This particular selection shows the extent of help Nawab Family provided to the Indian Government with their naval vessels.
On 21st November 1857 government authorities requisitioned Nawab Sir Abdul Ghani‘s paddle steamer Dolphin. This was to take a detachment of the Naval Brigade to Daudkandi Comilla, in order to intercept a body of the rebel sepoys from Chittagong who were supposed to be marching upon Dhaka.
In 1862 Nawab Abdul Ghani’s steamer was used to send a detachment of East India Regiment to Sylhet to quell Khasia rebellion in Jaintia. As per R. Abercrombie commissioner of Dhaka, this steamer was sufficient to tow four boats of about 250 maunds each, in which thirty men could be accommodated.(2)
In 1860-1863 during the Kuki raid in Hill Tripura (Tippera), Nawab Sir Ahsanullah placed his streamer “The Star of Dacca” to take reinforcement to the front. During the Lushai war (1871-1872 in Mizoram India and Burma), Sir Abdul Ghani lent his steamer “Ada” to take some troops to Sylhet. In the 2nd Lushai Campaign (1889-1890) Sir Ahsanullah lent 300 country boats with 6 elephants to carry military baggage and stores. He lent his steam launch “Jamroky” to Mr. J.F. Brocklehurst.
After the great earthquake of 1897, he placed his steamer “Dacca” at the disposal of the Telegraph authorities to enable them to repair the cable at Boid’s Bazaar. Also he lent his steamer “Peri” to Mr. Pitman, for urgent work in connection with the Government Telegraph Department.
Nawab Estate dispatched steamer “Star of Dacca” for famine relief work at Barisal (1876?). Steamer “Bornapore” was placed at the disposal of the authorities at Chittagong to carry grain to the sufferer after the big cyclone. Steamer “Star of Dacca” was placed at the disposal of Mr. F.H. Pellew commissioner of Dhaka for 1881 famine relief work. During the great famine of 1874, steamer “Star of Dacca” served at Rajshahi where she was very employed for some four months.
In 1875, Nawab of Dhaka placed his barge “Track” at the disposal of Mr. Preastage for the use of H.R.H the Prince of Wales Albert Edward at Goalundo. There a pig-sticking was organized for his royal highness. (3)
Dhaka Nawab Estate also furnished their fleet to local British government officers and distinguished visitors for their personal use such as hunting on numerous occasions. Magistrate of Dhaka Arthur Lloyd Clay recalls in his memoir, a picnic was held in Munshiganj on the deck of Star of Dacca on 23rd November of 1867. (4)The Bishop of Calcutta Edward Ralph Johnson visited Comilla in March on a steam yacht loaned by Nawab Khwaja Ahsanullah. (5)
An imperial welcome: Nawab Bari Ghat, Sudder Ghaut and Buckland promenade by the river Buriganga was bustling at the end of the 18th century. From a report of Bengal Times we can get a glimpse of how grandiose reception bestowed upon the Nawab at the ghat. In 1876 when Nawab Khwaja Ghani was returning from Kolkata to Dhaka on steamer “Princess Alice” the newspaper wrote-
“Early last Monday grand preparations were being made at the palace and the river-side, and all was bustle and confusion, for the reception of Nawab Khwaja Abdul Ghani, C.S.I. on his returns from the visit to Calcutta, during H.R.H. the Prince of Wales Albert Edward’s arrival. All along the river banks there were flags flying, while at the palace hundreds of them could be seen gaily waving; there were imitation canons of sola placed along the banks and raised poles were adorned with flowers. The town band was also in attendance, and played several lively tunes. Hundreds of spectators, friends and relatives stood anxiously waiting to catch the first glimpse of the steamer, when a little after midday, the “Princess Alice” was sighted at Fatullah. As she gradually approached the mills, guns were fired to signal her arrival and several balloons floated in the air. The crowd of natives was simply suffocating besides the noise of the rushing up and down of the ticca gharries. As soon as the steamer reached the ghaut opposite the palace, more guns were fired: and the bandsman who were on board, landed and struck up some grand marches. At about 2 o’clock the Nawab accompanied by his [son] Khwaja Ahsanullah Khan Bahadur, the rest of his family and suite landed and was greeted by numerous Salams from the assembled multitude. He then proceeded to his palace, accompanied by some influential Mohamedan gentlemen, the crowd dispersing as he went. Forgot to mention that some nautch girls beautifully dressed and with most valuable jewels on, were present at the landing, and danced several dances. Altogether the scene was very grand, and well worth seeing.” (6)
Cannon on steamer Dacca? Nawab Khwaja Ahsanullah expressed his desire to equip his steam launch “Dacca” with cannon. Lt Governor of Bengal did not consent to his request. However the bureaucrats were well aware of his dignity and influence in eastern Bengal. They did not want to displease him. They kept lobbying and Governor General in Council finally gave permission to buy cannon. Nawab Ahsanullah was authorized to buy twenty two inches long 1 3/8 bore cannon. He was informed of the surplus cannons at the government’s repository from where he could purchase inexpensive silver made one. However It is unknown whether Nawab Khwaja Ahsanullah bought the canon or not. (7)
Nawab’s final moment on the estate barge: Nawab Khwaja Ahsanullah breathed his last at the estate barge (Bajra) at 7.30 pm on Monday December 16th 1901. Earlier he had been sick for several days and after iftaar he complained of chest pain. Why did Nawab spend his final days in the estate barge instead of Ahsan Manzil palace? Was he merely looking for fresh air or was it his intimacy with the vessel? (8)
Lone survivor:
From the collection of the Dhaka Nawab Estate the lone survivor is luxury yacht Mary Anderson. Mary Anderson has been turned into a first class floating restaurant & hotel by Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation at Pagla Ghat. Rooms are also available for overnight stay at around Tk.3000/ (US$50) with reservation by calling 067171288.
Engagement Sarah and Imran’s engagement
February 23, 2012
Click here to see more pictures from Syed Shahadat Hussain’s camera
Engagement ceremony of Sarah and Munir was held at International Banquet Hall, Mississauga Ontario on Friday October 5th 2011.
Imran Mohammad is son of Mr. and Mrs Mohammad Zafar from Mumbai, India. Sarah Munir is the eldest daughter of Md. Munirul Islam Chowdhury and Sakina Borhan from 37 Ahsnaullah road, Dhaka and currently settled in Toronto Canada.
Birth Announcement: Khwaja Ayyub Nasarullah
February 23, 2012
Newborn: Khwaja Ayyub Nasarullah
DOB: 03/01/2012
Hospital : Barnet Hospital
Son of : Khwaja Anas Nasarullah and Syeda Ayesha Quadri
Weight : 6.3 lb at birth
Fatma Zehra I m proud n honored to announce the birth of a new member of Nasarullah family….NAWABZADA,AMIRZADA N SHEHZADA KHWAJA AYYUB NASARULLAH son of Khwaja Anas Nasarullah n Ayesha Anas….. 
plz keep them in ur doa…
Even my graduation ceremony wans’t as proud as this moment… nor was my wedding… It is a big honor from Allah for making me a proud dad … thank you all for keeping us in the prayers.
Aziz weds Nashrah
February 22, 2012
Bride – Nashrah Ahmed daughter of Sahal Ahmed.
Groom -Khwaja Aziz Alam son of late Khwaja Ayaz Alam
Wedding 29th of Dec 2011 at Shaheen Hall, Dhaka.
Reception-on 5th of Jan 2012 at the Dhaka Ladies Club.
আজ মহান একুশে
February 21, 2012
Our band’s new music video”Kaliteo noi”, dedicated to “Ekushe February” has been released. Khawaja Ershad Moinuddin
Click here to listen to the song
When you hear the song it will make it clear that 21st February in Bangladesh was not written by ink or pen (Like when people make treaty or come to an agreement and they sign to agree ) that our students , and others who were shot to death on this day in 1952 for their support to preserve our mother language. So it is their blood. As a song writer of this song it also approaches for to have our national unity. “Nasir Ahmed Apu.”
Mandila – The card game of the Dhaka Nawab Family
February 21, 2012by Anas Khwaja
This article is based on interview with K.M.Aziz, K.M.Halim, K. Showkat Kamal, K.Shaker Hassan, K Rehan Hassan and Iftekhar Hassan.
Back in days when there was no television, cellular phone or Internet, Dhaka Nawab Family members passed time playing cards. “Mandila” is one of the card games which were played exclusively among Dhaka Nawab family members. The game originated in Turkey and is similar to Bridge in rules. It is strategy based game; where understanding with partner is the key to winning.
Card box in Ahsan Manzil, now part of the museum exhibit
Card Room inside Ahsan Manzil by Fritz Kapp 1904
Players: It is played by four players who form two partnerships; the partners sit opposite each other at a table.
Deck: Ten is excluded in Mandila. This deck contains 48 unique cards in the four French suits (Spades, Hearts, Diamonds and Clubs) and twelve ranks running from two (deuce) to nine, Queen, Jack, King, and Ace.
The Deal: After the shuffle, the dealer offers the deck to another player to the dealer’s right to cut the deck. …..Dealing is done clockwise..
Point/Rank: The highest value cards are nine. The role of the nine is crucial. Points for other major cards are Ace 4 points. King 3 points Jack 2 points and Queen and remaining card are of 1 point each.
The Game: This is a game of 36 deals. The object of a game is based on the play of multiple rounds, or tricks, in each of which each player plays a single card from their hand, and based on the values of played cards one player with partner wins or “takes” the trick.
Special Calls: “Safa” is called when opponent wins none of the cards and “Bilai” is called when opponent total scored points is under ten.
The Gold Ring Tournament: Mandila was not only played in private sessions but tournaments were held in regular interval. The last The Gold Ring Tournament (named after the winning prize) was held in Chaman (Andar Mahal) in 1985. K.M. Makassar was a frequent organizer of Mandila Tournaments.
Card players from Nawabbari who had expertise in Mandila-
Players from the thirties K.M.Ismail, K Fayezuddin, K. Kamaluddin, K Abdur Rahim (father of K.M.Salim), K Qayyum.
Players from the forties K.M.Arzoo, K.M.Alim, K. Nur Mohammed, K Mostafa Kamal, Barkat Mia, K.M. Mosharraf, K Khairuddin, Moulvi Mia, K. Ataullah and K.Nyamatulla (Nammu Mia).
Players from the fifties K.M.Modassar, K.M. Monawar, Aziz Shah, K.M.Halim, K.Asad Quader, K Sirajul Islam, K Najrul Islam (Chatgaiya Mia),Khwaja Sultan Bakht, K Hakim (Kalu Mia), Syed Hatif, K.M.Keshwar, K.M.Farid, K Osman Quader (Chotu Mia), Samilullah, K. Tanim, Fazal Huq and Abdur Rahim.
Players from the sixties K.M.Latif, K Mehboob, K.M. Shaker, K.M. Rehan, K Sadaruddin, K.Ahmed Kamal, K. Asmat Kamal (Pikil), K.M. Sohel, K Tareq Ali, K. Shafi Ali, K Sadaruddin (Budda Bhai), Bagga Bhai/ Feku Bhai, K Fakir , K.Aziullah, Mallu Bhai, K.M.Aziz , K.M.Zarrar, K.M. Saifullah and K. Pervez.
Female players: Maliha Begum, Dilara Begum, Zebunnesa Begum, Salma Begum and Qamar Bano Begum were notable among women players.
This game is in near extinction. Why not invite your family and friends this evening for a Mandila session and revive a part of the Dhaka Nawab family history? If you are interested playing Mandila and know game rules in details contact K.Shaker Hassan (USA) (516 312 3861) , K.M.Halim (Bangladesh (9010611) or Shafi Ali (UK) (161 2703623).
Javed and Muna’s wedding
February 14, 2012
Click here to see more pictures
Bride Name: Israt Jahan Muna daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Khwaja Mahbubul of 39 Ahsanullah Road.
Groom name: K.M. Javed , son of Mr. & Mrs K.M.Sirajul Islam of 17 Ahsanullah Road (now settled in Sydney, Australia).
Wedding took place on 30th December 2012 at Abacus Resturant Dhanmondi.
