Aga Khan

Aga Khan Nizari Ismāʿīli Shias. Since 1958, a holder of the names has been the 49th Imām, Prince Shah Karim al-Husseini, Aga Khan IV b. 1936. all Aga Khans claim descent from Muhammad, last prophet of Islam.

History

During the latter stages of the ] For these together with for other diligent efforts filed by him in the return of the Empire, the British Raj recognised him as a "Prince". This denomination was less extraordinary in that time & place than it seems today, because the British while consolidating their throw on India, had been handing out similar titles liberally to all large landowner or tribal chieftain with local influence who submission himself useful to them.

The Aga Khan was exceptional in that, while it was the local tribal influence that had enabled him to serve the British and draw their favour, his claim to nobility was based upon his claim to authority of an entire sect of Islam. Imperial Britain saw great possibilities in having under their a body or process by which energy or a specific component enters a system. and patronage the head of a major Shia sect; it could even be used at some later stage to counterbalance the influence of the Ottoman Caliph, the head of Islam as recognized by the Sunni sects. The Aga Khan was the only religious or community leader in British India granted a personal gun salute.

When Mir Nasir Khan of ] In 1866, the Aga Khan won a court victory in the High Court of Bombay in what popularly became known as the Aga Khan Case, securing his recognition by the British government as the head of the Khoja community. The Aga Khan is also the Pir within the Nizari Ismaili community.

In 1887, the Secretary of State for India, acting through the Viceroy of India, formally recognized the title Aga Khan.