Puneet R. Kundal
PRINCE KARIM AGA KHAN, the 49th hereditary imam of the Ismaili Muslims, died on February 4 in Lisbon, at the age of 88. His son is now the 50th imam in an unbroken chain claiming direct descent from Prophet Muhammad. He was anointed the 49th imam and fourth Aga Khan in 1957 while he was a 20-year-old Harvard sophomore. His grandfather, the third Aga Khan, ignored his own son, who was in the direct line of succession, and instead chose Prince Karim. He held the position of imam and the title of fourth Aga Khan for 67 years. He was also designated ‘His Highness’ by Queen Elizabeth II early in his imamat. The title of Aga Khan is a hereditary one that was granted by the shah of Persia in 1817 to the 46th Ismaili imam and continues to be used to this day.
Prince Karim was a well-known name in the world of philanthropy and established the Aga Khan Foundation in 1967. The Aga Khan charities run two universities, hundreds of hospitals, educational institutions and cultural projects in several countries across Asia and Africa. In India, the Trust has implemented various projects in the fields of health, education, rural development and cultural and heritage preservation. Some of the projects include the restoration of Humayun’s Tomb, the beautification of Sundar Nursery and the Nizamuddin Urban Renewal Project in Delhi, as well as the Qutub Shahi Heritage Park and Golconda Fort conservation projects in Hyderabad. There is also an annual Aga Khan Award for architecture. As an entrepreneur, the Aga Khan founded the Nation Media Group, which is among the largest media organisations in east and central Africa. The foundation he set up also operates a chain of over 35 luxury Serena Hotels in several countries in Africa and Asia.
The Aga Khan’s legacy, however, is also associated with another mystique―that of his horse Shergar, which was once the most famous and valuable racehorse in the world. Shergar won the Epsom Derby in 1981 by a margin of ten lengths, which remains the largest in the history of the race since it began in 1780. In 1981, Shergar ran six races, winning five of them. The winning spree continued before he was kidnapped by unknown men on February 8, 1983. He was never seen again and was possibly killed.
As tributes are paid to the Aga Khan for his achievements and philanthropic work, he will also continue to be associated with Shergar. No one knows how Shergar died. However, so much has become part of his legend that everyone―from the Mafia to the Irish Republican Army to Colonel Gaddafi of Libya―has been blamed for it. No one has officially admitted to kidnapping or killing the horse, and his disappearance remains one of the greatest mysteries in horse racing history.
Karim Aga Khan (centre) with his favourite horse Shergar after winning the Irish Derby in1980 | Getty Images
The Ismaili community that the Aga Khan led has a worldwide population of about 15 million, with large numbers living in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and parts of Africa. The Ismailis are the only Shia Muslim community led by a living imam who is vested with global religious authority and has the responsibility for the community’s spiritual and material well-being. The Ismaili imamate moved its headquarters from Aiglemont (France) to Lisbon (Portugal) in 2015. This made Lisbon the spiritual home of the Ismaili community, something akin to the “Holy See”. With the death of the fourth Aga Khan, the Ismaili community lost a father figure who led them for 67 years.
The Aga Khan Palace in Pune decked up for Independence Day celebrations | PTI
The Aga Khan had a personality that naturally attracted people to him. Born in Switzerland, he held British, French and Portuguese citizenships and had a global perspective. His humanitarian vision guided his philanthropic work. He received 44 international awards, including the UN Champion for Global Change award, and 24 honorary degrees from leading institutions. Upon his death, tributes poured in from leaders across the world. Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X, “Deeply saddened by the passing of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV. He was a visionary, who dedicated his life to service and spirituality. His contributions in areas like health, education, rural development and women empowerment will continue to inspire several people. I will always cherish my interactions with him. My heartfelt condolences to his family and the millions of followers and admirers across the world.”
Lasting impact: A view of the the Humayun’s Tomb, restored by the Aga Khan Foundation | PTI
Prince Karim Aga Khan may be gone, but his legacy will continue to flourish through his philanthropic philosophy and deeds. The commemoration service for the Aga Khan was held on February 8 at the Ismaili Centre in Lisbon, exactly 42 years after Shergar was kidnapped. The world’s loss may just be Shergar’s gain.
The writer is ambassador of India to Portugal. Views are personal.