Khan Bahadur N. N. Sadri, IG, Kolhapur State

[Ed_Haynes]

Khan Bahadur Nasarvanji Navraoji Sadri, Inspector-General of Police, Kolhapur State

Very much mounted-as-worn, idiosyncratically and with a pre-WWI "feel".

1- Khan Bahadur, George VI -- "Khan Sahib Nasarvanji Navraoji, Sadri 11th July 1940" -- Not. No. 84-H of 11 July 1940, "Khan Sahib Nasarvanji Navraoji, Sadri, Assistant to the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Criminal Investigation Department, Poona, Bombay"

PSV 42-H/1940:

?(Pay = Rs.850/- p.m.)

?This officer joined the Police force in 1907 as a Sub-Inspector of Police, and by his meritorious work and record was promoted to the rank of Deputy Superintendent in 1929 and is now officiating as District Superintendent of Police, which appointment he is likely to hold until retirement. His record has been one of conspicuous ability and loyalty, as evidenced by the fact that he was awarded the title of Khan Sahib for his services in restoring order in Sholapur after the debacle there. In 1936 he was awarded the Indian Police Medal in recognition of his further meritorious work as a Police officer. In 1937 he was selected as the Deputy Superintendent of the Police Contingent from the Province sent to England for the Coronation of His Majesty the King-Emperor, and rfeceived very favourable commendations from the officers in charge for his own exemplary behaviour and for his general work in looking after the members of the Contingent.

?He is due to retire in March 1941, and is recommended for promotion to Khan Bahadur towards the end of a distinguished and loyal career under the Crown. He was previously recommended for this promotion in connection with the New Year?s Day (1940) Honours List.?

2- Durbar 1911 - "NOSSERWAN NOVROJI SADRI"

3- Jubilee 1935 - "KHAN SAHEB NUSSERWAN N. SADRI" -- On the roll as "Khan Sahib Nasarwanji Navraji Sadri, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Sholapur"

4- Coronation 1936 -- "KHAN SAHEB N. N. SADRI"

5- King's Police and Fire Services Medal for Distinguished Services, George VI, 1st variety -- "K. B. NUSSERWANJI NOWROSJI SADRI, I. G. OF POLICE, KOLHAPUR STATE." -- Gazette of India, 14 June 1945

6- Indian Police Medal, George V, 2nd variety -- "N. Navraoji Sadri, Dy. Supdt, Bombay Police"

7- Kolhapur: Coronation Medal of Chhatrapati Shahji II, 1947 -- This is the first specimen of this medal seen mounted/ ribboned, so it is important for establishing the correct ribbon.

8- Khan Sahib, George V, 2nd variety -- "Nasarwanji Navroji Sadri 1st Jany 1931" -- Not. No 24-H of 1 January 1931 "Nasarwanji Navroji Sadri, Temporary Deputy Superintendent of Police, Greater Indian Peninsula and Madras and Southern Mahratta Railways, Poona"

F&P, 54(2)-H/1930:

?This officer has an excellent record of 22 years? service as a Sub-Inspector. He was specially selected as Inspector in charge of the special force at Malegaon after the serious rioting there in 1921 when he acquitted himself admirably. During 1928 he was Inspector in charge of Bardoli and worked with the greatest devotion during the Satyagraha campaign in that taluka. Despite the general opposition encountered on all sides in the taluka, he set an example of loyalty to all and performed the many difficult tasks entrusted to him with determination and resource. Before the year closed, Mr. Sadri was again called on to play a part in the serious riots which convulsed Surat City in September 1928. He spent several days and nights with little or no rest or food and throughout those tragic happenings, he worked with conspicupus courage and by his tact and untiring energy assisted considerably in restoring peace to the disturbed city.

?When the Railway strike of 1903 broke out he was employed as a Deputy Superintendent of Police on the G.I.P. Railway. He rendered the most valuable assistance to his Superintendent and never spared himself in the discharge of the many arduous duties arising out of the strike. He was recently selected for the important duty of escorting the Nehrus and Dr. Mahmed from Poona to Naini and he discharged his duty most efficiently.

?[bombay has reported that the Baroda Darbar to which this gentleman belongs has no objection to this award.]?

9- Masonic Medal, "Lodge Royal Jubilee No 742 S.C." -- named "TO WOR. BRO. KHAN SAHEB N. N. SADRY SECRETARY 1932-33"

I am convinced he is one of those numerous ego-boosting biography volumes of the period, but so far he is elusive. Much research looms.

The group also has his ribbon bars.

(Hope you can see it, given small image sizes available.)

Edited September 11, 2005 by Ed_Haynes