Muhammad Mahabat Khan III Khanji મુહમ્મદ ખાન ત્રીજાની محمد خان خان جی |
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Nawab of Junagarh | |
In office 22 January 1911 — 25 February 1948 |
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Succeeded by | Muhammad Dilawar Khanji (Claimed) |
Personal details | |
Born |
Mahabat Khanji August 2, 1900 Junagadh State, Gujarat, British India |
Died | November 7, 1959 Karachi, Pakistan |
(aged 59)
Cause of death | Rabies |
Nationality | Pakistani, Indian |
Children | Muhammad Dilawar Khanji (son) |
Residence | Junagadh State |
Religion | Islam |
Sir Muhammad Mahabat Khanji III Rasul Khanji GCIE KCSI (Gujarati:મુહમ્મદ ખાન ત્રીજાની, Urdu:محمد خان خان جی 2 August 1900 – 7 November 1959) was the last ruling Nawab of Junagadh of the princely state of Junagadh in British India/India from 1911 to 1948. He was the father of Muhammad Dilawar Khanji – Former Governor of Sindh and his claimed successor. Famed for his extravagant lifestyle and his love of dogs, his decision to accede Junagadh to the Dominion of Pakistan following India's Independence led to the Indian Army taking military action. He is credited with pioneering a conservation effort that saved the world's last few Asiatic lions from almost certain extinction.
Nawabzada Muhammad Mahabat Khanji III was born on 2 August 1900 at Junagadh, the fourth son of HH Nawab Sir Muhammad Rasul Khanji, GCSI (1858–1911; r. 1892-1911). As the fourth son, Mahabat was not expected to succeed to the musnaid of Junagadh; however, following the death of his three elder brothers by the time he was eight, he was made heir apparent, and succeeded his father upon his death in 1911. Mahabat was educated at Mayo College, and ruled under a regency until his formal accession on 31 March 1920. The following year, he was raised to a 15-gun personal and local gun salute; in 1926, he was knighted.