Habibullah was appointed Dewan of Travancore by
Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma, the
Maharaja of Travancore, on 15 March 1934, and remained in office for two years. During that time, many reforms were implemented in Travancore, particularly in its electoral system, state forces (the
Nair Brigade) and civil services. Immediately after taking office, he appointed a committee to determine the appropriate electoral representation for the state's various communities. Specific numbers of legislative seats were reserved for Christians,
Ezhavas and
Muslims. However, because of objections by the
Nairs—the military caste of Travancore—the issue was not resolved and was reopened in 1939. In 1935, Habibullah appointed a public service commissioner. This was a new post in the civil services of Travancore, without caste or religious limitations. That same year, the Pallivasal Hydroelectric Scheme was created, allowing the production of electricity in Travancore on a large, profitable scale. His next major activity concerned the Nair Brigade. In 1936, Travancore joined the
Indian State Forces, and the Nair Brigade and the Maharaja's Bodyguard came to be known collectively as the Travancore State Forces. At first, only Nairs were allowed to join, but legislation later opened military service to other castes as well. The maharaja himself was the colonel-in-chief of the forces. Habibullah retired in 1936 and was succeeded by Sir
C.P. Ramaswami Iyer. He died in Travancore on 16 May 1948. == Honours ==