Aga Khan III

Full Name: Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah, Aga Khan III
Profession: 48th Shia Imam

Nationality:

Biography: Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah, Aga Khan III, was the 48th Imam of the Nizari Ismaili sect and a British-Indian statesman. He is most notably remembered for founding the All-India Muslim League and for his advocacy for Muslim rights and education reforms under British dominion in India. His influence extended to political, social, and economic spheres, both in the Indian Subcontinent and in East Africa.

The Aga Khan was born in Karachi, Pakistan, to Aga Khan II and Nawab A'lia Shamsul-Muluk. He received his education at Eton College and the University of Cambridge. At the age of seven, he succeeded his father as Imam of the Ismaili community. For his leadership and diplomacy, he was knighted by Queen Victoria during her Diamond Jubilee in 1897.

His influence at All India Muslim League, which he began in 1906, continued even beyond his official presidency of the group. The Aga Khan played a key role in the international sphere as well, exemplified by his presidency of the League of Nations in 1937. He was instrumental in advocating for India's interests on this global platform.

Throughout his leadership as Imam, Aga Khan III initiated numerous social and economic reforms. To commemorate his Golden, Diamond, and Platinum Jubilees, his followers weighed him in respective precious materials, the proceeds of which funded his various initiatives. He focused heavily on improving the lives of Ismaili Muslims by founding educational and health institutions, promoting women's rights, and encouraging modern Islamic thought.

Aga Khan III was also an avid equestrian, achieving notable success as a racehorse owner with victories at prestigious events like The Derby. His contributions to the sport were recognized through the Aga Khan Trophy, which he donated to international show jumping.

Throughout his life, he married four times and his family included notable figures like Prince Aly Khan and Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan. His written works include his autobiography The Memoirs of Aga Khan: World Enough and Time (1954), and India in Transition (1918).

After an accomplished life, the Aga Khan III passed away in 1957. He was laid to rest in Aswan, Egypt. His grandson Karim Aga Khan succeeded him as Imam.

Born: November 2, 1877
Birthplace: Karachi, Bombay Presidency, British India (now Pakistan)
Star Sign: Scorpio

Died: July 11, 1957 (aged 79)