The Indian Rebellion of 1857, widely regarded in India as the First War of Independence, was a major uprising against British East India Company rule. It began in Meerut in May 1857 and spread rapidly to Delhi and other regions, involving sepoys, local rulers, and civilians. While many fought for freedom from colonial control, others aligned with the British for reasons including prior alliances, personal gain, or political calculations.
One such figure was Saiyed Muhammed Khan, better known as Jan-Fishan Khan (or Jan Fishan Khan), an Afghan noble and chieftain from Paghman near Kabul. He was the great-great-grandfather of renowned Indian actor Naseeruddin Shah. Jan-Fishan Khan’s family traces its roots to Afghanistan, and his support for the British extended across two major conflicts.
Jan-Fishan Khan first gained prominence during the First Anglo-Afghan War (1839–1842), where he sided with the British forces. After the British retreat from Kabul, he accompanied them to India and settled there. His loyalty continued into the events of 1857.
When the rebellion erupted in Meerut, Jan-Fishan Khan immediately declared his support for the British government. He raised a cavalry force from his followers, dependents, and relatives—reportedly numbering up to 5,000 men in some accounts—and led it to assist British troops. He joined General Wilson’s force, participated in engagements at the Hindon River, and advanced to Delhi. His men were present during key actions and later helped maintain order in the captured city.
Historical records, including summaries from British sources like The Golden Book of India by Roper Lethbridge (1893), describe his swift alignment: “At the time of the Mutiny, the head of the family, Saiyed Muhammed Jan Fishan Khan Saheb, took the side of the Government at once.” Some narratives portray his troops as mercenaries with a reputation for ruthlessness, though primary accounts focus on their role in supporting British operations.
In recognition of his services during the rebellion, the British granted Jan-Fishan Khan significant rewards. He received the estate of Sardhana (near Meerut in present-day Uttar Pradesh), encompassing around 10,000 acres of land, along with the hereditary title of Nawab of Sardhana and a monthly pension. This established the foundation for his descendants in India, including the line leading to Naseeruddin Shah.
Jan-Fishan Khan died in 1864 and is buried in Sardhana. His descendants have included notable figures such as authors Idries Shah and Omar Ali-Shah, retired Indian Army general Zameer Uddin Shah, and several in the arts and military.
This episode highlights the complex dynamics of 1857, where alliances varied widely amid colonial pressures. While the rebellion is celebrated as a unifying struggle against foreign rule, figures like Jan-Fishan Khan represent those who chose—or were positioned—to aid the British, often resulting in lasting rewards and settlements. The story occasionally resurfaces in public discourse, particularly in contrast to modern views on nationalism and colonial history.
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