History of Rahim Yar Khan

In 1540, Duddees (Daudpota Family of Pakistan) a well-known tribe rose to considerable power in the eastern part of Bahawalpur. Amir Bahadur Khan Abbasi, the chief of Daudpota then came to power him and his descendants wielded small principalities of Bahawalpur State into a united kingdom. Amir Muhammad Mubarik Khan I, Abbasi who came to power in 1702 was an able commander and leader. Throughout his reign he had to fight many battles against Kalhoras. He abdicated in 1723 AD, in favor of his son Sadiq Mohammad Khan I. Sadiq Mohammad Khan I (1723–1746) was killed in a battle with Khuda Yar Khan Kalhora. Amir Mohammad Bahawal Khan I, (1 746-1 949) ascended the throne in 1746. During his short rule, he built the towns of Bahawalpur, Qaimpur, Hasilpur, Tranda Ali Murad Khan, Shahbazpur and Mohammadpur Laman.

On the death of Amir Bahawal Khan 111. Sadiq Mohammad Khan III, (1852–1853) was crowned as Amir. On assuming ruler ship he confined prince Haji Khan and his brothers and treated them harshly. Much of Bahawalpur army was demobilized. All the grants, rights and claims of Daudpotas and other usual expenses were diminished and abolished. These events made the Amir unpopular. On the 29th of Rabi-ul-Sani, 1269 A.H, Fateh Garh Fort was attacked at night. Prince Haji Khan, who was kept as prisoner, was freed and brought to Khanpur. Haji Khan entered Ahmedpur East without any resistance and Sadiq Muhammad Khan III was imprisoned. Prince Haji Khan who assumed the title of Fateh Khan ruled the state from 1853 to 1858 AD. Prince Rahim Yar Khan succeeded his father, the late Amir Fateh Khan Abbasi, as Muhammad Bahawal Khan IV (1858–1866). He was poisoned and died on 25 March. I866. On the death of Amir Bahawal Khan IV, Sir Sadiq Muhammad Khan IV was crowned when