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in the dark days of mutiny, a generous helper in times of famine and distress, and an eager promoter of learning, Syed Walayet Ali Khan has left a memory that is still alive forfar [sic] beyond the limits of his native city. Throughout his long life of over fourscore years he was universally beloved as one of the leaders of the Muhammadan community in Patna and Behar. The story of his life is one of consistent rectitude, steadfast loyalty and high endeavour.

It was at Patna on the 23rd of September 1818 that the future Nawab Bahadur first saw the light. He came of a Sayed family of considerable local importance, claiming descent from Imam Ali Reza, the 8th Imam. His father Syed Mehdi Ali Khan was himself the son of Syed Abdulla Sahib, who was a rich banker of Patna and who like many another had found his way from the north-west towards the close of the Moghul Empire, seeking fresh fields for enterprise in Bengal. His original home had been at Karamanikpur in Oudh and his ancestors had held honourable posts at the Moghal Court. Coming to Patna with a considerable sum of money, he