Zabita Khan, the Ruhela Chieftain
By Jadunath Sarkar
Summary
This article translates a unique Persian manuscript recounting the life of Zabita Khan, son of Najib‑ud‑Daulah, who became the leader of the Ruhela Afghans in northern India in the late 18th century. It provides biographical details of Zabita Khan and his father, including their rise to power in the Mughal court and their interactions with Maratha and British forces. The narrative describes Zabita Khan's role after his father's death in 1770, his conflicts with the Nawab of Oudh and the British, and his shifting alliances. The manuscript illustrates the complexities of 18th‑century North Indian politics, including the decline of Mughal authority and the ambitions of regional powers. The author offers contextual notes and identifies key events such as the Ruhela War of 1774–75, in which the British and the Nawab of Oudh defeated the Ruhelas, leading to Zabita Khan's displacement and eventual reconciliation with the Mughal emperor. He also traces Zabita Khan's later life, including his service under Shah Alam II and retirement. The article emphasises the value of the Persian manuscript as a primary source for Ruhela history and provides translations of significant passages.
Conclusion
By translating and annotating a rare Persian biography, the article sheds light on Zabita Khan's career and the broader Ruhela presence in late Mughal politics. The account depicts Zabita Khan navigating a turbulent landscape of waning imperial authority, Maratha expansion, and British intervention, illustrating how regional chiefs sought survival through shifting alliances. The study thus enriches our understanding of 18th‑century North Indian political dynamics.