Wazir Khan | |
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| Grand Vizier | |
| In office 1627–1628 | |
| Preceded by | Abu'l-Hasan Asaf Khan |
| Succeeded by | Azam Khan |
| Subahdar ofAgra | |
| In office 1628 – 1631; 1640–1641 | |
| Preceded by | Qasim Khan |
| Succeeded by | Islam Khan |
| Subahdar ofLahore | |
| In office 1631–1639 | |
| Preceded by | Abu'l-Hasan Asaf Khan |
| Succeeded by | Ali Mardan Khan |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Shaikh Ilam-ud-din Ansari c. 1560 |
| Died | 1641(1641-00-00) (aged 80–81) Agra,Agra Subah, Mughal Empire |
| Occupation | Subahdar |
Shaikh Ilam-ud-Din Ansari (c. 1560–1641),[1] better known by his royal titleWazir Khan, was aMughal official and physician who was theSubahdar ofSubah of Lahore during 1631–1639. He was also appointed twice the governor ofAgra Subah and held the office ofGrand Vizier for a brief period after the accession ofShah Jahan in 1627/1628.[2]
Wazir Khan was born in aPunjabi[3][4] family hailing from the city ofChiniot in theLahore Subah.[5] He was son of Shaikh Abdul Latif bin Shaikh Hisamuddin, a native of Chiniot.[6] During his prime, he showcased prowess in the field of medicine, garnering recognition under the patronage of Shah Jahan. His adeptness in medical practice, coupled with a discerning comprehension of the temperament of the Prince, led to his appointment as Superintendent of the Camp Court, a position he earned graciously. Notable for his judicious resolution of conflicts and unwavering integrity, he secured a notable standing in the Prince's regard. His contributions during the campaign against the Rana, notably as the Divan-i-Buyutat, were invaluable, earning him significant promotion within the ranks. During the Prince's stay at Junair, Wazir Khan ascended to the prestigious position of theDivan, marking a significant elevation in his status. At that juncture, onlyMahabat Khan held a higher rank among the Prince's retinue.[7] He was later given a command of 7000.[6] He remained ChiefQadi at Lahore for some time.[7]
From 1628 to 1631 he served as the governor of Agra after which he was appointed as the governor of Lahore. He held this post until approximately 1640/1641, when he was reappointed as governor of Agra, but died ofcolic after only ten months.[1]
According to Sikh texts and tradition, Wazir Khan was a supporter of the Sikh community and even a Sikh himself. Sikh tradition says he had been an admirer ofGuru Arjan because of the prayerSukhmani Sahib which is said to have given him relief. After which he had become aSikh.[8] Thus when Guru Arjan was to be executed by the Mughal Emperor he did everything he could to save the Guru, but it was in vain. During the time ofGuru Hargobind Wazir Khan kept his support of the Guru. When the Guru was arrested by the emperor Shah Jahan, Wazir Khan begged for the Guru's release.[8] After the first battle between the Sikh and the Mughals Khan convinced Shah Jahan that there wasn't value in taking further action against the Guru. He said, "Sire, the Guru is not a rebel and hath no design on thine empire. He hath ever been the support of the state... Is it not a mircale that with not fully seven hundred men he destroyed an army of seven thousand." Hearing this the emperor was convinced to take no further action against the Guru.[8]
Wazir Khan undertook extensive construction projects, including the establishment of baths, markets, and various other edifices in Lahore. In his hometown Chiniot, he erected a strong brick fort alongside other notable structures, and gifted them to the local populace.[7] Wazir Khan was praised by his near contemporary poetMita Chenabi in hisTuḥfat al-Panjāb for building theWazir Khan Mosque and founding the city ofWazirabad. He was also responsible for the construction of theShahi Hammam in Lahore, also known as the Wazir Khan Hammam.[9] He was one of the nobles to build a Haveli (mansion) as well as a garden in the city of Agra, where he was twice governor. It is known as the Bagh-i-Wazir Khan.[10] He built another garden in Lahore, known as Nakhlia-i-Wazir Khan, in 1634. Although the garden does not exist any longer,its baradari survived and today serves as the reading room of thePunjab Public Library.[11]
Chief amongst them is perhaps the mosque of Wazir Khan, built in A.D. 1634 by one of Shah Jahan's Punjabi ministers.
The mosque of Wazir Khan in the city of Lahore is a monument of great dignity and elegance. It is in Iranian-Mughal style, though founded by a Punjabi.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: publisher location (link)Wazir Khan Mosque inside Delhi Gate was built by the Punjab governor Wazir Khan in 1631. His family originated from Chiniot in the Jhang district and he had risen to the top of the Mughal service class.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: publisher location (link)| International | |
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