Muhammad Habibullah

Muhammad Habibullah Biography

Muhammad Habibullah was an Indian politician, diplomat and administrator from South India. He hailed from Chennai in British India, now a part of Tamil Nadu. He served as the Diwan of the princely state of Travancore from 1934 to 1936 in the pre-independent era. He served as Diwan under the princely rule of Chithira, the last ruler of Travancore kingdom. He succeeded V. S. Subramanya Iyer as Diwan after his retirement from government service. He was Education Member of the Executive Council of the Viceroy of India during 1924 – 1930 and Revenue Member of the Executive Council of the Governor of Madras during 1920-1924, prior to his appointment as Diwan of Travancore. In 1936 he was succeeded by Sir C.P. Ramaswami Iyer as Diwan.

Habibullah was born in Madras on 22 September 1869. His father’s name is Aushukh Hussain Khan. He was a member of the Arcot royal family. His early education was done at Saidapet and he completed his law studies in 1888 from Vellore. He married Sadathunissa Begum. Early days he was associated with local politics. He served as chairman of the Vellore municipality in 1895. He later resigned from his legal practice and concentrated a career on politics and administration. He served as official secretary during 1901 -1905, followed by Chairman – a position he held for long 14 years.

Member of the executive council of the Governor of Madras, India's delegate to the first session of the League of Nation in 1919, Governor's Executive Council for the Madras Presidency as the member for revenue, a member of the Executive Council of the Viceroy of India and Dewan of Travancore are some of the major positions held by him later. He was awarded the title of Khan Bahadur by the Indian government in 1905. Habibullah Road in T. Nagar, Chennai, is named after him.

Published: September 08, 2018

Updated: September 08, 2018