Who was Aga Khan III? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Indian Celebrities Born In November

Also Known As: Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah

Died At Age: 79

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Begum Aga Khan III (1944), Andrée Joséphine Carron (1929–1943), Cleope Teresa Magliano (1908–1926)

father: Aga Khan II

mother: Nawab A'lia Shamsul-Muluk

children: Giuseppe Mahdi Shah, Prince Aly Khan, Prince Giuseppe Mahdi Aga Khan, Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan

Born Country: Pakistan

Political Leaders Indian Men

Died on: July 11, 1957

place of death: Versoix, Switzerland

City: Karachi, Pakistan

More Facts

education: Eton College

awards: Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order
Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George

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1

What significant role did Aga Khan III play in the Indian independence movement?

Aga Khan III was a prominent Muslim leader who advocated for Hindu-Muslim unity and worked towards achieving self-governance for India. He served as the President of the All-India Muslim League and played a crucial role in negotiations leading to the Lucknow Pact of 1916, which aimed to bridge the gap between Hindus and Muslims in the Indian nationalist movement.
2

How did Aga Khan III contribute to the development of education in the Muslim world?

Aga Khan III was a strong advocate for education and founded several educational institutions, including the Aligarh Muslim University in India and the Aga Khan Schools in various countries. He believed that education was essential for progress and empowerment, particularly in Muslim communities.
3

What was Aga Khan III's stance on the rights of women and gender equality?

Aga Khan III was known for his progressive views on women's rights and gender equality. He supported women's education and empowerment, and encouraged the participation of women in various fields, including politics and social work. He believed in the importance of gender equality for the progress of society.
4

How did Aga Khan III contribute to the development of architecture and cultural heritage preservation?

Aga Khan III was a patron of architecture and cultural heritage preservation. He supported the restoration of historical monuments and buildings, including the Alhambra in Spain and the Agra Fort in India. He also founded the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, which works to preserve and promote cultural heritage around the world.
5

What was Aga Khan III's perspective on global unity and cooperation?

Aga Khan III believed in the importance of global unity and cooperation for peace and progress. He advocated for mutual understanding and respect among different cultures and religions, and worked towards fostering dialogue and collaboration on an international level. His efforts aimed to promote harmony and unity in a diverse world.

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Career

Following the death of his father in 1885, Aga Khan III became the Imam of the Shi'a Isma'ili Muslims. He was just eight at that time. After reaching a suitable age, he began to work for the advancement of Indian Muslims. In 1897, Queen Victoria honored him with the title of Knight Commander of the Indian Empire. In 1902, he earned the title of Knight Grand Commander (GCIE).

In 1906, Khan became one of the founding members and the first president of the political party All India Muslim League. The party strived for creating a new independent Muslim nation under the British colonial rule and went on to establish Pakistan in 1947.

Also in 1906, Khan headed the Muslim deputation to Lord Minto, then-British viceroy, for promoting the Muslim minority’s interests. This led to the declaration of Morley-Minto reforms in 1909 that provided for separate Muslim electorates. In 1912, he was conferred the title of Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Star of India by then-Emperor of India George V.

As a head of Muslims, Aga Khan III initiated the funding for Aligarh’s Muslim college to help garner it a university status. From 1930-32, he participated in the Round Table Conferences in London to help bring about constitutional changes. Then in 1932, he played a major role at the League of Nations Assembly and the World Disarmament Conference held in Geneva.

In 1934, Khan gained membership of the Privy Council and also joined the League of Nations. In 1937, he was elected the president of the League of Nations.

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Family & Personal Life

Aga Khan III was born on 2 November 1877, in Karachi, British India (now Pakistan), to Aga Khan II and Nawab A'lia Shamsul-Muluk. He had a few step-siblings, including Shihab al-Din Shah and Nur al-Din Shah.

On 2 November 1896, Khan married his first cousin Shahzadi Begum in Pune, India. Following their divorce, he married Cleope Teresa Magliano in 1908. The couple had two sons, Prince Aly Khan and Prince Giuseppe Mahdi Khan.

Following Magliano’s death in 1926, Khan married for the third time. His marriage with third wife Andrée Joséphine Carron took place in December 1929. They had a son named Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan. The couple separated in 1943.

Khan’s fourth and last wife was Yvonne Blanche Labrousse who converted to Islam and became Begum Om Habibeh Aga Khan after marriage. In 1954, she was given the title ‘Mata Salamat’ by Khan.

Death

Aga Khan III died on 11 July 1957, near Geneva, Switzerland, at the age of 79. He was succeeded by his grandson Karim as “Aga Khan IV.” Several years after his death, Pakistan issued a postage stamp in the 'Pioneers of Freedom' series to honor him. In 1977, 'Birth Centenary of Agha Khan III’, a special postage stamp series, was issued in Khan’s honor.

Facts About Aga Khan III

Aga Khan III was an avid sports enthusiast and founded the All-India Muhammadan Educational Conference in 1906, which later led to the establishment of the All-India Muslim League, playing a significant role in the political landscape of the Indian subcontinent.

He was a skilled horse breeder and owned a renowned stable of thoroughbred racehorses, with some of his horses winning prestigious races in Europe.

Aga Khan III was a passionate advocate for education and social welfare, establishing numerous schools, hospitals, and charitable organizations to uplift the quality of life for the underprivileged.

He was a connoisseur of art and culture, amassing a vast collection of rare manuscripts, paintings, and artifacts that reflected his appreciation for diverse cultural traditions.

Aga Khan III was known for his diplomatic skills and played a key role in fostering relationships between different communities and nations, promoting peace and understanding on a global scale.

Aga Khan III Biography

You wanted to know

What significant role did Aga Khan III play in the Indian independence movement?

How did Aga Khan III contribute to the development of education in the Muslim world?

What was Aga Khan III's stance on the rights of women and gender equality?

How did Aga Khan III contribute to the development of architecture and cultural heritage preservation?

What was Aga Khan III's perspective on global unity and cooperation?