Early Life
Najabat Khan was born in 'mohalla' Ishaq Zai which is situated in the village Ghourghushti, (Attock). Elders in the 'mohalla' claim that his household is situated at a house near the old pond and next to the old Hujra. As a young man, Najabat Khan left this village and his poor family to search for work in larger cities of India. At that point in history, Attock was considered part of Afghanistan as it fell under Nadir Shah's jurisdiction and territory rather than part of the Mughal's jurisdiction.
Folklore
Much of his early life is described by village elders in folklore. It was storied that he left as a young man towards “Hindustan” to seek work due to the extreme poverty that struck his family - there was not enough food available for the whole family. His mother had admonished him from eating from a pot which was meant to feed the whole family. In anger, she scolded him by saying "Go to Hindustan". To her bitter regret and sorrow, Najabat Khan a man of pride and principle never returned home, though he did not forget his family.
When Najabat Khan left home, he soon felt hunger. On his travels, he assisted merchants by carrying their loads in exchange for food. On one occasion, he lightened the stock of oats by consuming from the sack on his back (this was agreed by the merchant to compensate Najabat Khan for his assistance), to the owner's shock he had found that almost a third of the contents had been consumed. According to folklore, he possessed amazing qualities such as strength, honesty and fortune.
Once he reached Mughal territory in Hindustan, he carried on until he reached the second capital, Lahore. By chance encounter he met Sardar Dawood Khan of Lahore to seek work who sent him to the service of Subidar Meer Minnoo of Lahore. It was at a market, where he first encountered Subidar Meer Minnoo and his entourage. Najabat Khan had no money and was in dire need for food, inadvertently he had stepped on the chains of the Subidar’s chief bodyguard, who was described as being a beast of a man. The bodyguard took great offence and challenged Najabat Khan for a duel. Najabat Khan refused, and stated that he is in no position to fight as he is merely a traveller, and has not eaten for days. The Subidar upon hearing this, offered Najabat Khan food on the condition that he accepts the duel. This was merely amusement for the Subidar as he knew that the young traveller is no match for his bodyguard. Najabat Khan agreed to the conditions.
At the time of the contest, Najabat Khan requested that the giant make the first move. The giant grasped Najabat Khan but to his astonishment, could not overcome him. When it came to Najabat’s turn he grasped the giant from his head and squeezed his skull until it was crushed. The giant bodyguard had fallen, and sadly did not overcome his injuries and died. Subidar was shocked and immediately instated Najabat to act as his chief protector.
This was an era of constant battles, and he stood out as an accomplished fighter, strategist and leader. He grew in stature and began to lead brigades. During one of the battles, he saved the life of Meer Minno, whilst others were fleeing the battle ground he stood firm with courage. He defeated his enemies, and was rewarded with a number of horses and men. Najabat Khan had taken advantage of the troublesome times when the whole fabric of the Moghul Empire had fallen to pieces to carve out a small principality for himself.
