India, Feb. 22 -- The origins of Sayyid Mohammad Khan 'Agha Mir' remain shrouded in mystery. Yet, it is an established fact that he rose to prominence as a 'khidmatgar' (personal attendant) to Ghazi-ud-Din Haider, the eldest son and heir apparent of Sa'adat Ali Khan, the sixth Nawab of Awadh. Agha Mir remained devoted to his master, although historical accounts suggest he endured instances of humiliation and harsh treatment when his prince was vexed. Following the passing of Sa'adat Ali Khan, Agha Mir effectively advocated Ghazi-ud-Din's claim to succeed his father as Nawab Wazir. This strategic alliance helped solidify Ghazi-ud-Din's position in the face of competing claims for the Awadh masnad. In gratitude for Agha Mir's loyalty and skillful support, Ghazi-ud-Din bestowed upon him the title of 'Naib', or Deputy, thus placing Agha Mir as the second most significant figure in the Nawabi court, next only to the Nawab himself. An interesting incident also brought Agha Mir close to the British Resident. This happened when Ghazi-ud-Din communicated to Calcutta, about the high-handedness of the then British Resident, John Baillie (discussed in an earlier article), and his constant interference in day-to-day administration. The Governor General reprimanded Baillie and also asked him to obtain a 'razinama' (consent) from the Nawab, regarding Baillie's further continuation at Lucknow. The Resident, now in a quandary, approached Agha Mir for assistance in getting the aforesaid document from the resentful Nawab. Agha Mir succeeded in his mission and as pro quid pro, the Resident secured the position of 'Niabat' or chief ministership for him. This would be upgraded to the post of 'Wazir' or prime ministership, when Awadh became an independent entity in 1818, and Ghazi-ud-Din assumed the role of 'king' under the patronage of the British. The stars of Agha Mir were now on the ascendant. Ghazi-ud-Din left much of the day-to-day administration in the hands of his Prime Minister. This free hand enabled Agha Mir to run his writ over the kingdom, appointing his supporters and loyalists to key positions in the Nawabi court, earning money by dubious means and seeking revenge on those who opposed him. Agha Mir had a propensity to set his eyes on landed properties, and acquire them by fair means or foul, which included their confiscation and even demolition. He also managed to drive a wedge between Ghazi-ud-Din and his wife, Badshah Begum, which unfortunately continued till the last days of the ruler. Ghazi-ud-Din, being firmly convinced of Agha Mir's loyalty and administrative acumen, turned a blind eye to his shenanigans. But fate had other plans. Ghazi-ud-Din died in 1827, being succeeded by his son, Nasir-ud-Din Haider. The latter was aware of the Prime Minister's dubious record and waited for an opportune moment to dismiss him. Since Agha Mir controlled the army and the administration, it was felt that direct action by the king could be counter-productive. Thus Nasir convinced the Resident, John Low, to put the Prime Minister under house arrest, with British troops on guard. The plan was successful, and Agha Mir was arrested under charges of corruption and amassing personal wealth through 'looting the kingdom.' The Resident, however, did not hand over the now disgraced Prime Minister to the dowager Queen, Badshah Begum, who had been planning her vendetta for a long time. Agha Mir was banished and deported to Kanpur (originally Cawnpore, a British territory), his entourage consisting of 56 elephants, 200 palanquins and 40 carts, ostensibly containing gold mohurs. He eventually settled in the present day Gwaltoli area of Kanpur, after purchasing a building from its European owners. This was converted into an Imambada through internal modifications, although the European-style exteriors remained untouched. This structure also became his final resting place or 'Maqbara Gwaltoli' as it is known today. After Agha Mir had been banished to Kanpur, the king vented his wrath on the estate left behind by the former Prime Minister. Agha Mir's palatial residence, 'Daulatpura', was razed to the ground, and his properties stretching across the old city, known as 'Agha Mir ki Deodhi' were confiscated. The present-day Jubilee College is housed in one of the Imambadas of Agha Mir; the Freemason's Lodge continues to occupy Agha Mir's Karbala in present-day Narhi. The areas of Wazir Bagh and Buland Bagh are also credited to Agha Mir; the 'baghs' (gardens) are no longer extant, but the names persist. Some writers are of the view that Noor Baksh Kothi (present-day residence of the district magistrate) was also built by Agha Mir. However, another school of thought feels that it was Sa'adat Ali Khan, who had built it. The Zahur Baksh Kothi and its grounds, attributed to Agha Mir, were later used by Hakim Mehdi (successor of Agha Mir) for convalescing. After the British regained control of the city post-1857, they sold off Zahur Baksh and its grounds, after declaring it as a 'nazul' property. The foundation stone of the present Epiphany (Zahur Baksh) Church here was laid on November 8, 1875. PC Sarkar, a former scientist, has authored several books on the forgotten heritage of Lucknow...