Bhowanaggree was the first Asian-born Conservative M.P. (for Bethnal Green 1895-1906). A lawyer, Chair of the Parsee Association of Europe, author and translator, he lobbied Parliament for the rights of Indian subjects and also for the rights of Indians living in South Africa.
His Highness Sultan Mohammed Shah, Aga Khan III, was the 48th Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims. He was born at Honeymoon Lodge in Karachi on November 2, 1877. He was one of the founders and the President of the All-India Muslim League, and President of the League of Nations (1937-38).
In 1898, he set out from Bombay on his first journey to Europe, and visited France and Britain, where he had an audience with Queen Victoria at Windsor Palace. In the state banquet at Windsor Palace, he was sitting next to the Queen on her right side. He was invested the honourable title of Knight Commander of the Indian Empire (K.C.I.E.). He also met the future king Edward VII. Queen Victoria expired on January 22, 1901. The Aga Khan attended the funeral in London on February 2, 1901. He was the personal guest of emperor Edward VII at his coronation in August 2, 1902 and he was promoted from the rank of Knight to that of Grand Commander of the Order of Indian Empire (G.C.I.E.). He returned to India in November, 1902. The viceroy of India, Lord Curzon appointed him to a seat of his Legislative Council of India.
This image is from the Benjamin Stone Photographic Collection.