Malik Sahib Khan Tiwana facts for kids

Malik Sahib Khan Tiwana (died 1879) was an important Punjabi leader and landowner during the time of British India. He was known for his leadership and for helping the British government.

Early Life and Role in the 1857 Rebellion

Malik Sahib Khan Tiwana was born into the Rajput Tiwana family of Shahpur. His father was Ahmad Yar Khan Tiwana.

In 1857, a big rebellion happened in India, known as the Indian Rebellion of 1857. When Malik Sahib Khan heard about it, he asked for and received permission to gather 200 men from his own group to help the government.

He helped stop the rebellion in Jhelum. He was also there when a group of rebellious soldiers, the 26th Native Infantry, was defeated. After that, he traveled to Hindustan and helped during battles in a place called Kalpi.

The British were very impressed with his special fighting group, called the Tiwana irregulars. Because they were so good, some of his men joined a famous British army unit called the 2nd Mahratta Horse in Gwalior.

Rewards and Achievements

As a reward for his help, Malik Sahib Khan received a large gift of land. This land was nearly nine thousand acres in Kalpi. He also received a special payment for life, called a jagir, worth 1,200 rupees. He was also given the important title of Khan Bahadur.

In 1863, Malik Sahib Khan built the first canal that was privately owned on land rented from the government in the Punjab. By controlling both land and water, he gained a lot of power and influence over the people who lived and worked on his lands.

Later Life and Legacy

Malik Sahib Khan Tiwana served in the military and also held important government jobs. He was the administrator of Lucky Marwat three times. Lucky Marwat is now a district in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan.

Malik Sahib Khan Tiwana passed away in 1879. His son, Malik Umar Hayat Khan, was still young at the time. Malik Sahib Khan's grave is in Kalra village, which is in the Sargodha district.