1909

Abubakar Haji, also known as Bawa Haji, was a prominent leader of the Muslim community, hailing from the esteemed Musarikan family of Mangalore. His family, known as “Paunarag,” held significant influence in the region and he was granted the title of Khan Bahadur by the British in 1883. Bawa Haji played a pivotal role in uniting the scattered members of the “Aga” family, earning him the title of “Musarikana Aga.”

Renowned for his opulent lifestyle, Bawa Haji often hosted lavish banquets at his residence, where British officials were esteemed guests. In 1883, when the British administration sought to station a military contingent in Mangalore, Bawa Haji successfully persuaded them otherwise, asserting that local uprisings could be quelled without external intervention. The British held his counsel in high regard, recognizing his influence and leadership in the community.

Bawa Haji was actively involved in municipal governance, serving as a councilor when Mangalore Municipality was established in 1866. Notably, several of his classmates, including Haji Abdullah Ali Sait (1866), Bail Abu Beary (1875), and Ayyab Noor Muhammad (1877), also became municipal councillors.

As a prosperous merchant in Mangalore, Bawa Haji engaged not only with the British but also maintained direct contacts with Arabs. He elevated the status of the “Paunarag” family and cultivated relationships with members of the Jain and Brahmin communities. Known for his expertise in foreign trade, Bawa Haji was proficient in Beary, Kannada, Tulu, English, and Arabic languages.

Bawa Haji’s influence extended beyond the Muslim community, and he served as the president of Zeenat Baksh Central Juma Mastid in Mangalore Bundar. He demonstrated wisdom and diplomacy in resolving disputes, such as the one concerning the use of water from seven wells near the Kadri temple in Mangalore, where he facilitated equitable access for both Hindus and Muslims.

Among his close associates were Valli Mamaka, Beltho Abbu Beary, Kartho Abbaka, and Zainathan Mayabbaka, along with Hasan Bawaka and Bailu Abbu Beary. Bawa Haji, also known as Khan Bahadur Abubakar Haji, passed away in 1909, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and community service.