Pataudi

Pataudi is a town and tehsil in the Gurgaon district of Haryana, India. Historically, it was the seat of the Pataudi State, a princely state of British India.

The Pataudi State was founded in 1804 by Faiz Talab Khan, an Afghan soldier of fortune, who received the territory from the British East India Company as a reward for his assistance in the Second Anglo-Maratha War. The ruling family of Pataudi were of Pashtun (Pathan) descent, belonging to the Barech tribe.

Following India's independence in 1947, Pataudi State acceded to the Union of India, and the princely title was abolished in 1971.

The Pataudi family is well-known in India, particularly for their connection to cricket and Bollywood. Notable members include:

• Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi: The 8th Nawab of Pataudi, and a celebrated cricketer who played for both England and India.
• Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi: The 9th Nawab of Pataudi, also a prominent cricketer and captain of the Indian cricket team.
• Sharmila Tagore: A renowned Bollywood actress and wife of Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi.
• Saif Ali Khan: A popular Bollywood actor and son of Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi and Sharmila Tagore.
• Soha Ali Khan: An actress and daughter of Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi and Sharmila Tagore.

The Pataudi Palace, also known as Ibrahim Kothi, is a prominent landmark in the region and served as the residence of the Pataudi family. It has since been restored and operated as a luxury hotel.