From 1957 to 2025, the holder of the title was the 49th Imām, Prince Shah Karim al-Husseini, Aga Khan IV (1936–2025).
[citation needed] For these and for other diligent efforts made by him in the service of the Empire, the British Raj recognised him as a "Prince"; it was not an uncommon practice for the British to consolidate their hold on India by handing out similar titles liberally to any large landowner or tribal chieftain with local influence who made himself useful to them.
The Aga Khan was the only religious or community leader in British India granted a personal gun salute.
The Bombay High Court decision of 1866 recognized Aga Khan I as the hereditary Imām of Isma'ilis.
[13] Five Ismāʿīli imāms have held this title: Peter Sarstedt 1969 pop song "Your name is heard in high places, You know the Aga Khan.