As the repression and torture by the Malabars increased, a group of courageous Maldivians resolved to liberate the Maldives from the clutches of the Malabars. The leader of these patriots was Hassan Manikufaanu, son of Huraa Muhammed Faamuladeyri Manikufaanu. He was later known popularly as Dhon Bandaarain, the person who became Sultan Ghazee Hassan Izzuddin. He executed his mission under a very well planned strategy.

The Malabars were residing at Veyodhoshu Ganduvaru. In the early hours of Sunday, the third day of Jumaadal Aakhira, he arranged the pre-dawn prayers to be recited earlier than the regular time. Thereafter, he persuaded a retainer of the Malabars to open the gate of Veyodhoshu Ganduvaru. He and his group then attacked the Malabars inside, killing and chasing those who fled the Ganduvaru. They routed the entire Malabar contingent. The few who were able to escape fled the country in a ship. These events took place on 3rd Jumad-ul-Akhir, 1166 AH (7th April 1753) For a considerable time, Hassan Manikufaanu ruled the country as regent on behalf of a daughter of Ibrahim Rasgefaanu. Thereafter, he acted as regent to a daughter of Mukarram Muhammed Imaduddin. Even during that time, the Maldives continued to be subjected to periodic harassment by Malabars. On one occasion, a group of Malabars occupied the island of Dhonakulhi and operated from there, using the island as a base and sending bands to various islands to kill the people, commit arson and loot property. On receiving this news, Hassan Manikfaanu took arms against the Malabars. By that time he had been awarded the high honour of Rannabandeyri Kilegefaan.

Hassan Rannabandeyri Kilegefaan made many unsuccessful attempts to secure the release of Sultan Mukarram Muhammed Imaduddin and others kidnapped with the Sultan by the Malabars. As harassment and raids by Malabars increased, he sought the assistance of the French at Pondicherry. After defeating the Malabars, he returned to Malé and decided to host a French garrison in Malé. Accordingly, the Sultan hired the services of 28 French soldiers who remained in Malé for some time.

Sultan Mukarram Muhammed Imaduddin died in Minicoy on 7 Shawwal 1170 AH. Three years after the death of the Sultan, on popular demand, Ghazee Hassan Rannabandeyri Kilegefaan ascended the throne on Thursday, 15 Rabeeul Akhir 1173 and adopted the title Sultan Ghazee Hassan Izzuddin.

After the death of Sultan Mukarram Muhammed Imaduddin, Muhammed Manikufaan who had also been kidnapped with the Sultan, freed himself and settled in Ganjam (Orissa in India). Upon hearing this, Dhon Bandaarain sent for Muhammed Manikufaan, brought him to Malé, and groomed him as the heir to the throne. On his deathbed, Dhon Bandaarain issued his will stating that Muhammed Manikufaan should succeed him as Sultan. Dhon Bandaarain passed away on 2 Ramadan 1180 AH. .