Rampur
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Rampur is a former princely state of India ruled by a Muslim Nawab. It was incorporated into Uttar Pradesh state in 1949.
The Royal family of Rampur (the Nawabs) did not rise in revolt during the War of Independence of 1857 and this enabled it to continue to play a role in the social, political and culture life of South Asia in general and the Muslims of South Asia in particular. They gave refuge to some of the literary figures from the Court of Bahadur Shah Zafar. The family continues to be significant. Significant members include Sahabzada Yaqub Khan.
As per medieval history Rampur was the part of Delhi and was divided between Badaun and Sambhal districts. Being situated on upperside of Rohilkhand, it was known by the name Kather and was ruled by Katheria Rajputs. The Katheria Rajputs fought for about 400 years with the rulers of Delhi and later with Mughals. They fought with Naseeruddin Mahmood in 1253, Gaisuddin Balwan in 1256, Jalaluddin Firoz in 1290, Firoj Shah in 1379 & Sikander Lodhi in 1494. In the beginning of Moghal period the capital of Rohilkhand was changed from Badaun to Bareilly and hence the importance of Rampur increased.
Before independence, Rampur was an Estate ruled by Nawabs. The estate of Rampur was established by Nawab Faizulla Khan on 7th October, 1774 in the presence of British Commander Colonel Champion. The stone of Rampur city was laid in 1775 by Nawab Faizulla Khan. Originally it was a group of 4 villages named Kather on the name of Raja Ram Singh. The first Nawab proposed the name of the estate as Faizabad. But many other places were known by the name Faizabad so its name was changed to Mustafabad Alias RAMPUR. Nawab Faizulla Khan ruled for 20 years. After his death his son Mohd. Ali Khan took over, but he was killed by Rohella Leaders after 24 days and declared Gulam Mohd. Khan as the Nawab, the brother of deceased. The Britishers did not like this and after the rule of 3 months & 22 days defeated Gulam Mohd. Khan and made Ahmad Ali Khan S/o Late Mohd. Ali Khan, the new Nawab. He ruled for 44 years. He did not have any son. Mohd. Saeed Khan S/o Gulam Mohd. Khan took over as the new Nawab. He raised a regular Army. Established Courts and did many works to increase economic conditions of farmers. His son Mohd. Yusuf Ali Khan took over after his death. His son Kalbey Ali became the new Nawab after his death in 1865.
Nawab Kalbey Ali was a literate of Arabic & Persian. The estate did many works in uplifting the standard of education. He was also a member in the council of Lord Lawrence. He built Jama Masjid, Rampur in Rs. 3 Lakhs. He was bestowed with the honor of Sir in Agra by the Prince of Vales. He ruled for 22 years & 7 months. After his death his son Mustaq Ali Khan took over. He appointed W.C.Right as the Chief Engineer of the estate. He built many new buildings and canals. Nawab Hamid Ali became the new ruler in 1889 at the age of 14. During his period industrial revolution took place in Rampur. Many new schools were opened. Lots of donations were provided to nearby colleges. He donated Rs. 50,000 to Lucknow Medical College. His son Raza Ali Khan became the last ruling Nawab in 1930. On July 1, 1949 Estate Rampur was merged in Republic of India.