Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, born Syed Ahmad Taqvi commonly known as Sir Syed, was an Indian Muslim philosopher and social activist of nineteenth century India. In 1842, Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar II conferred upon Sir Syed the title of Javad-ud Daulah, conferred upon Sir Syed’s grandfather Syed Hadi by Emperor Shah Alam II around the middle of the 18th century. In addition, the Emperor added the title of Arif Jang. The conferment of these titles was symbolic of Sir Syed’s incorporation into the nobility of Delhi.