Hyderabad History

Hyderabad History

400 Years Rich History of Hyderabad

Hyderabad History is very rich and interesting, so don’t worry, you will not get bored reading it.

History of Hyderabad is inextricably linked with the rise and fall of various kingdoms, Qutb Shahi to Asaf Jahi (Nizams), which flourished in the Deccan region during the medieval and modern times.

It was the famous Qutb Shahi’s rule that opened a glorious chapter in the chronicles of Hyderabad.

Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, Founder of Hyderabad

Fifth ruler of Qutb Shahi Dynasty

(Accession 1580 - Death 1612)

The birth of a city

Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, a ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, was the founder of Hyderabad City. In the year 1591, when the Moon was in the constellation of Leo, Jupiter in its own abode and all celestial planets favourably placed, he laid the foundation of a new city which he called Bhagyanagar after his beloved queen ‘Bhagmati’. Bhagmati embraced Islam and took the name Hyder Mahal and consequently Bhagynagar was renamed Hyderabad after her.

City of Love

The fourteen year old crown Sultan of Golconda, Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah was madly in love with beautiful Hindu courtesan ‘Bhagmati’, a local dancer. Every evening, the Prince of Golconda would ride to the village of Chichlam across Musi river, to meet his beloved, for he couldn’t live without watching her dance, and listening to her soulful voice.

Legend has it that once heavy rains and thunderstorm lashed Golconda and the city was devastated. Flood water of the Musi river destroyed many homes and lives.

Young Sultan of Golconda, Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah was worried for Bhagmati, so he decided to cross the flooded river to meet her. His Royal guards tried to stop him as it was very dangerous for the young sultan, but in vain. Prince rode to the shore of the Musi river. He coerced his horse to step into the river and as soon as it did, a furious current nearly swept it away. It was a miracle that both survived and reached the other end.

View of Musi River from Puranapul (Old Bridge)

After crossing the Musi river, Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah rode towards the Chichlam village; he found many homes and lives were destroyed, he was searching for Bhagmati all the way and was praying for her safety.

Prince of Golconda found Bhagmati alive and felt happy after meeting her. After storm subsided, Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah and Bhagmati left for Golconda.

When Sultan Ibrahim, the father of the young Sultan heard this tale of dangerous passion, he was alarmed and forbade Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah from meeting Bhagmati. Young Sultan was miserable without her. Beautiful women from Armenia, Persia, Arab and different parts of India were brought to entertain the prince, but none could attract his attention away from his beloved ‘Bhagmati’.

Sultan Ibrahim found that his son loved only Bhagmati and no one else, no matter how beautiful she was. After seeing so much love for Bhagmati, Sultan Ibrahim constructed the Purana Pul (Old Bridge) – a massive stone bridge across the Musi River, to make it easy for the young Sultan to reach Chichlam to meet his beloved.

The romance of the crown Prince with a dancer evoked great curiosity and controversy in Golconda. The fact that the Bhagmati was a Hindu courtesan and much older than the prince, created quite a uproar in the court. The orthodox society was not ready to accept her as queen of Golconda. After ascending the throne, Muhammad Quli Qutub Shah defied all traditions, married Bhagmati, and made her his queen. He re-christened her Hyder Mahal, and named the city Hyderabad in honour of her.

Hyderabad History during Qutb Shahi rule

Qutb Shahi Kings - Rulers of the Deccan
1518 - 1687

The Qutb Shahi Kings were rulers between 1518 and 1687. As the monuments of their time reveal, they were great builders, lovers of architecture and patrons of learning. The greatest and the most popular edifice of the time is the Charminar. Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, fifth ruler of the Qutb Shahi dynasty, inherited a rich legacy – a prosperous and large kingdom with the densely populated capital of Golconda.

  

Hyderabad History during Mughal Attack

Mughal Attack

Fall of Qutub Shahi and the rise of Asaf Jahis

Abul Hasan Tana Shah was the last king of Golconda. It was during his reign that the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb after a siege of 8 months was able to storm into the fortress when the gates were opened by a traitor in 1687. Abul Hasan was taken prisoner first to Bidar and then to Daulatabad (Aurangabad) where he died in prison after 12 years of captivity.

On September 22, 1687, Golconda was conquered by Aurangzeb and became a part of the six Mughal provinces in the Deccan. Mahabat Khan who was initially the Commander of the Golconda army, switched sides and joined the Mughal camp. He was appointed the Governor of Golconda-Hyderabad state, by Aurangzeb.

Golconda Fort, Hyderabad

Though Aurangzeb tried to consolidate his authority over Hyderabad, the city began to lose its importance. The final nail was struck when the capital of the new province was shifted from Hyderabad to Aurangabad, which became the new headquarters of the Mughals in the Deccan.

In 1713, the Mughal Emperor, Farruksiyar, appointed a twenty six year old warrior Qamaruddin as the new Governor of Deccan. Qamruddin was the grandson of Chin Qilij Khan, Aurangzeb's brave commander who lost his life during the siege of Golconda. The young Governor proved to be an able administrator and earned the title of Nizam-ul-Mulk or the Governor of the Kingdom.

In October 1724, Nizam-ul-Mulk declared himself Subedar or Governor of the six Deccan provinces - Aurangabad, Bidar, Bijapur, Berar, Adilabad and Hyderabad.

Between the fall of the Qutub Shahi dynasty and the rise of the Asaf Jahis dynasty, the city of Hyderabad steadily deteriorated. Aurangzeb's only contribution to the city was the completion of the Mecca Masjid in 1693. In 1763, after a gap of nearly seventy six years Hyderabad regained its lost glory when Nizam Ali Khan, the second Asaf Jahi ruler moved the capital back from Aurangabad to Hyderabad.

Hyderabad History during Asaf Jahi rule

Asaf Jahi Dynasty - Nizams
1724 - 1948

The family of the Asaf Jah (Nizams) of Hyderabad is one of the most illustrious that ever came to India.

The Asaf Jahi dynasty, familiar to all the by title of its representative-the-Nizam-owes its origin to Mir Qamaruddin Chin Qilij Khan, better known as Asaf Jah I.

Asafia Flag

Asaf Jahi dynasty ruled the state of Hyderabad for seven generations (A.D. 1724 - 1948) establishing it as the largest and foremost Muslim princely state in India. Hyderabad's existence and development was intrinsically linked to the rule of the Asaf Jahi dynasty and their contributions were foundational to not only the States but the Deccan's social, economic and cultural milieu.

Nizam's crest

In 1713, the Mughal Emperor, Farruksiyar, appointed a twenty six year old warrior Qamaruddin as the new Governor of Deccan. Qamruddin was the grandson of Chin Qilij Khan, Aurangzeb's brave commander who lost his life during the siege of Golconda. The young Governor proved to be an able administrator and earned the title of Nizam-ul-Mulk or the Governor of the Kingdom.In October 1724, Nizam-ul-Mulk declared himself Subedar or Governor of the six Deccan provinces - Aurangabad, Bidar, Bijapur, Berar, Adilabad and Hyderabad.

Between the fall of the Qutub Shahi dynasty and the rise of the Asaf Jahis dynasty, the city of Hyderabad steadily deteriorated. Aurangzeb's only contribution to the city was the completion of the Mecca Masjid in 1693. In 1763, after a gap of nearly seventy six years Hyderabad regained its lost glory when Nizam Ali Khan, the second Asaf Jahi ruler moved the capital back from Aurangabad to Hyderabad.

Seven Asaf Jah Rulers - Seven Nizams

Mir Qamaruddin Chin Qilij Khan
Asaf Jah I - Nizam I

                                    1724 – 1748                                    

Titles of Mir Qamaruddin Chin Qilij Khan:

Asaf Jah I, Nizam I, Yamin us-Sultanat, Rukn us-Sultanat, Jumlat ul-Mulk, Madar ul-Maham, Nizam ul-Mulk, Nizam ud-Daula, Khan-i-Dauran, Nawab Mir Ghazi ud-din Khan Bahadur, Fath Jang, Sipah Salar, Nawab Subadar of the Deccan

Mir Qamaruddin Chin Qilij Khan traced his descent on his father’s side to Abu Bakr, the first Caliph of Islam. On his mother’s side, he is believed to have descended from the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) himself. Possessing such an illustrious lineage and ancestry, he also was one of the strongest personalities who emerged during the chaotic times following Aurangzeb’s death.

A fearless soldier, diplomat and shrewd statesman, Mir Qamaruddin rose in favour with the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb; while young, he was made the Subedar (Viceroy) of the Deccan. In 1713, the Mughal Emperor Farukh Siyar bestowed the title Nizam-ul-Mulk Fateh Jung or “Regular of the Realm” upon him.

Mir Qamaruddin, foresaw the unstable situation in the imperial capital of Delhi that followed Aurangzeb’s death in 1707, in particular, the weakening hold of the Mughals in the Deccan and the dissensions amongst Aurangzeb’s successors. Assessing the state of affairs, he set his eyes on ruling the Deccan and asserting his independence he soon established his rule there.

But this assertive independence became the cause of jealousy; the imperial court secretly directed Mubrez Khan, the official Subedar of the Deccan to challenge and oppose him. A battle ensued at Shaker Kheda between the two in 1724 and the Nizam emerged victorious, thereby signaling his supremacy in the Deccan. It was in this manner that Mir Qamaruddin Chin Qilij Khan, Nizam-ul-Mulk Asaf Jah I founded the Asaf Jahi dynasty which ruled the Deccan for the next 224 years. Though Asaf Jah merited the hereditary vice royalty, he never ceased to acknowledge the supremacy of the Mughal throne in Delhi and continued to pay a nominal allegiance to the Mughal emperor.

Asaf Jah I single-handedly instituted the title of the Nizam, which became the dynastic title of all the successive rulers of the State of Hyderabad ever since. He ruled his new dominions for the next twenty four years. A wise and able ruler, his efforts safeguarded his kingdom from the hostile Marathas and even kept the English, Portuguese and the French at bay.

As a wise administration in the Mughal tradition, along with his personal attention to the welfare of the peasantry and the public alike, Asif Jah I established an efficient and stable government.

Nizam Ali Khan
Asaf Jah II - Nizam II

1762 - 1803

Titles of Nizam Ali Khan:

Asaf Jah II, Nizam II, Nizam ul-Mulk, Nizam ud-Daula, Nawab Mir Nizam 'Ali Khan Bahadur, Fath Jang, Sipah Salar, Nawab Subadar of the Deccan.

Asaf Jah I’s wise reign did not continue with his heirs, for his successors possessed far more ambition than ability. For the next fourteen years following the death of its founder. Asaf Jah’s progeny busied themselves in waging wars against each other.

Fourteen years passed by before the second Nizam appeared on the scene.

Nizam Ali Khan, the fourth son of Mir Qamaruddin Asaf Jah I ascended the throne in 1762 and ruled Hyderabad for almost forty years. Asaf Jah II turned out to be a weak ruler; though he had acquired power with British support, he paid for it by having to cede large tracts of territory.

The inherent weakness of the state under his reign became evident when he sided with the British in curbing the increasingly heavy hand of Mysore’s Hyder Ali. Through the Treaty of 1766, the British compelled the Nizam to disassociate himself from Hyder Ali. Subsequently, the British and the Nizam fought together and defeated Tipu Sultan. Hyder Ali’s successor. The Treaty of Seringapatnam marking the defeat of Tipu Sultan was signed in 1792. At the same time, the growing strength of the Marathas on his northwestern borders caused the Nizam much worry. The Marathas regarded him as a mere vassal and occasionally demanded heavy levies of chauth and sardeshmukhi from him. Exasperated, Asaf Jah II confronted the Marathas at Khardah in 1795 but suffered a severe defeat and had to inevitably cede more territory.

Successive military setbacks, the repeated loss of territory, manipulated and exploited by those around him, the Nizam became a dejected and broken man. The last blow, however, came with the death of a much-loved son. This grief resulted in a serious stroke in 1796; from which it is said he never recovered. He died seven years later in 1803.

The reign of Nizam Ali Khan was a turning point in the rule of the Asaf Jahi dynasty; not only was it a long reign, spanning forty one years, but it was also eventful.

Recognizing the strategic location of the city of Hyderabad. Asaf Jah II shifted his capital from Aurangabad to Hyderabad in 1763. Hyderabad became the new capital and later even lent its name to that of the State he created.

It was also during his reign that the Paigah (the household troops) was introduced – and to maintain them, large tracts of land were given to the leading noble family of Tegh Jung, a family went on to become the leading noble family of Hyderabad till modern times.

At the same time, the institution of the Peshkar also was initiated by the Nizam, the first title being conferred to a Maharashtrian family. The Peshkar was responsible for maintaining the state’s accounts and controlling the treasury – a post that soon became the preserve of the family of Raja Chandu Lal from 1806 onwards.

Mir Akbar Ali Khan Sikander Jah
Asaf Jah III - Nizam III

1803 - 1829

Titles of Mir Akbar Ali Khan Sikander Jah:

Asaf Jah III, Nizam III, Muzaffar ul-Mamaluk, Nizam ul-Mulk, Nizam ud-Daula, Nawab Mir Akbar 'Ali Khan Bahadur, Fulad Jang, Nizam of Hyderabad

Mir Akbar Ali Khan Sikander Jah, Asaf Jah III succeeded his father to the throne in 1803.

The third Nizam’s reign saw the affairs of Hyderabad degenerate into chaos and confusion. Coupled with gross financial mismanagement and the tightening hold of the British, Sikander Jah’s reign became merely nominal.

On account of the death of Azam-ul-Umara, his father’s leading minister in whose hands remained the decisions of state, the British Resident had managed to secure the appointment of Mir Alam, another faithful supporter of the British as the diwan (Prime Minister). An able minister, Mir Alam was responsible for establishing cordial relations with the British during this period.

Mir Alam’s tenure was followed that of the shrewd Raja Chandu Lal, who secured his own elevation as Peshkar to the Nizam. The period of Chandu Lal’s control of the state of Hyderabad was characterized by financial and administrative decay.

The Nizam watched powerlessly as conditions in his dominions steadily deteriorated. The administration of the state was in a bad shape, land tenures insecure, revenues unaccounted for and his own officers and ministers unreliable. The third Asaf Jah weakened further under the tightening hold of the British. In the same manner that brought his father’s end, Sikander Jah lost his infant daughter due to a sudden illness and was left inconsolable. The gradual shock led to his death in 1829.

Sikander Jah Asaf Jah III died on May 21st 1829 at sixty two after a reign of twenty six years. The area where the Hyderabad contingent of troops was stationed, located on the other side of the Hussain Sagar Lake was named in his honor as Secunderabad. This new city Secunderabad grew rapidly as the twin of the developing capital city of Hyderabad

Mir Farkhunda Ali Khan Nasir-ud-Daula
Asaf Jah IV - Nizam IV

1829 - 1857

Titles of Mir Farkhunda Ali Khan Nasir-ud-Daula:

Asaf Jah IV, Nizam IV, Rustam-i-Dauran, Aristu-i-Zaman, Muzaffar ul-Mamaluk, Nizam ul-Mulk, Nizam ud-Daula, Nawab Mir Farkhunda 'Ali Khan Bahadur [Gufran Manzil], Sipah Salar, Fath Jang, Ayn waffadar Fidvi-i-Senliena, Iqtidar-i-Kishwarsitan Muhammad Akbar Shah Padshah-i-Ghazi, Nizam of Hyderabad

Sikander Jah, Asaf Jah III, was succeeded by his eldest son Mir Farkhunda Ali Khan Nasir-ud-Daula on May 23, 1829, two days after his father’s death.

The succession was smooth. Asaf Jah IV’s twenty eight year reign was uneventful, though characterized by recurring lawlessness and chaos. Riots and skirmishes were very frequent as the state’s army was disbanded and a large number of soldiers released from formal service; irritated and disturbed due to their unemployed status, many took to fomenting mayhem.

Natural calamities did not spare Asaf Jah IV either; floods, epidemics, cyclones and droughts plagued the dominion at regular intervals.

Despite this grim picture, Nasir-ud-Daula’s reign had its positive moments. The city of Hyderabad grew with new schools, commercial centers, churches, bridges and the new centre of activity soon revolved around the newly-constructed Resident’s mansion, named the Residency.

A new cantonment was set up at Warangal; coupled with the Resident’s presence, a new sense of security and protection enveloped the city because of the able statesmanship of Mir Turab Ali Khan, Salar Jung I. Appointed as the diwan in 1853, he guided the affairs of the state, introducing administrative and financial reforms that pushed the city to a new era.

Mir Tahniat Ali Khan Afzal-ud-Daula
Asaf Jah V - Nizam V

1857 - 1869

Titles of Mir Tahniat Ali Khan Afzal-ud-Daula:

Asaf Jah V, Nizam V, Nizam ul-Mulk, Afzal ud-Daula, Nawab Mir Tahniyat 'Ali Khan Bahadur, Nizam of Hyderabad, GCSI

Nawab Afzal-ud-Daula succeeded his father in 1857 as Asaf Jah V. Though his rule was the shortest, lasting twelve years, it was nonetheless eventful.

In the year of Asaf Jah V’s succession to the masnad (throne) of Hyderabad. North India was seething with discontent and unrest. A restlessness was about to erupt into the great revolt-known as the first War of Independence. Conditions were ripe for a revolt: Indians were simmering with discontent, the peasantry was impoverished, landlords divested of their land and soldiers had been disbanded, so with corruption rampant, the general condition of the population was at an all-time low. Yet the British seemed to be indifferent to ground realities. Although the revolt of 1857 caught them by surprise, they slowly banded themselves together and managed to cling back to rule, with the unexpected support from the rulers of the Indian states. One of the leading supporters was the Nizam of Hyderabad. The Nizam’s steadfast support safeguarded his own welfare with the British for later years.

Asaf Jah V was caught between conflicting advices from his council, who suggested backing the revolt, as opposed to the advice of Salar Jung I, who suggested supporting the British. He heeded the latter and Hyderabad found itself allied with the British.

Soon after the revolt was crushed, Queen Victoria in recognition of the loyalty and services rendered by the Nizam, conferred on him the title G.C.S.I. (The Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Star of India). Though the Nizam refused at first, he hesitantly accepted it in 1861; the title “Our Faithful Ally” accompanied with medal.

Another gesture that symbolized the reign of the Nizam as an independent ruler was the removal of the name of the exiled Mughal Emperor, Bahadur Shah, from Hyderabad’s coinage. Once again, a hesitant Asaf Jah refused but, persuaded by his advisers, gave in. Soon the name of the Mughal Emperor was replaced by his own coin. Coins were now stamped “Nizam-ul-Mulk Asaf Jah Bahadur” instead of Bahadur Shah. These coins named the Hali Sicca went on to be circulated till the time of Asaf Jah VII. With these gestures, the Nizam now was no more a Subedar (Viceroy) of the Mughal Empire but an independent sovereign. No allegiance remained to the Mughal throne at Delhi as the Mughal Emperor was forced into exile.

Though short and eventful, Afzal-ud-Daula’s reign saw Hyderabad continue to develop and grow with the construction of more public buildings. At this time, the Afzal Gunj Bridge was built across the Musi River joining the old city to the burgeoning new city. A new General Hospital was also established. The wealth of Asaf Jah V, inherited from his father continued to be amassed even during his rule.

The fifth Nizam died young at forty two in 1869, leaving behind his son and successor, Mir Mahboob Ali Khan-an infant barely two and a half years old.

Mir Mahboob Ali Khan
Asaf Jah VI - Nizam VI

1869 - 1911

Titles of Mir Mahboob Ali Khan:

Asaf Jah VI, Nizam VI, Lieutenant-General H.H. Rustam-i-Dauran, Arustu-i-Zaman, Wal Mamaluk, Muzaffar ul-Mamaluk, Nizam ul-Mulk, Nizam ud-Daula, Nawab Mir Mahbub 'Ali Khan Bahadur, Sipah Salar, Fath Jang, Nizam of Hyderabad, GCB, GCSI

The youngest Asaf Jah to inherit the masnad of Hyderabad was Mir Mahboob Ali Khan, barely three when his father died. Mahboob, whose name meant “beloved”, was a much-loved ruler. His reign of forty two years was the most cherished in the memory of Hyderabad. His lasting legacy is evident both in the affairs of the state but also imprinted in the lives and collective memory of his subjects.

Asaf Jah VI first ruled Hyderabad under a council of regency, led by the able Salar Jung I, Mir Turab Ali Khan – who practically decided the affairs of the state as the Co-regent. While the Nizam grew up under the strict supervision of English tutors, his upbringing was constantly scrutinized under the watchful eye of the British Resident. However, the overwhelming personality of Salar Jung I had a salutary influence on the young lad’s life, which was evidenced in his rule later on.Hyderabad continued to grow and it enjoyed peace and stability.

H.H.The Nizam VI - Nawab Mir Mahboob Ali Khan

A.D.1889 - The Chowmahalla Palace Collection

The transition of the reins of power from the hands of Salar Jung I occurred when Mir Mahboob Ali Khan, Asaf Jah VI, came of age at eighteen. The Nizam was invested with all administrative powers on February 5, 1884 at the Khilwat Mubarak, Chowmahalla Palace in the presence of the Viceroy, Lord Ripon. The very same afternoon, a durbar (public audience) was held and the Nizam conferred the diwanship on Mir Laiq Ali Khan, Salar Jung II. The post of the diwan lay vacant for nearly a year due to the sudden death of Salar Jung I because of cholera in 1883.

The young Asaf Jah was brought up in a manner befitting a Victorian gentleman. His many durbars, held during the visits of foreign dignitaries and royalty were famous since they revealed the wealth of the Asaf Jahi court in all its pomp and splendor. His wealth, effete court and his lavish expenditure on jewels was legendary. Though known to be a connoisseur of gems and jewellery, he was rarely seen bejeweled except in his younger days. As he grew older, he rarely wore jewellery except diamond-studded cufflinks, buttons and rings.

Apart from his lavish lifestyle, the Nizam was known for being compassionate. He relieved both his subjects as well as his own ministers from financial ruin and misery. In the wake of the devastating floods of 1908, he threw open his palaces to rehabilitate the homeless. In the case of his own noblemen, he pardoned their debts, as in the case of the Viquar-ul-Umra, who languished in midst of surmounting financial debts amounting to Rs.25 lakhs Characteristically, the Nizam cleared the entire debt but included in it the purchase of Falaknuma Palace (valued at Rs 25 lakhs along with its appurtenances) as a part of the blanket write-off.

Hyderabad prospered during Mahboob’s reign, with the establishment of railways, the installation of electric power, telephone lines and the laying of telegraph cables as well as the establishment of schools and colleges. An organized press was established with journals and newspapers in Urdu and English. Hyderabad had its first library established at this time.

Despite social progress, the Nizam’s enormous expenditure on account of his ostentatious lifestyle became a cause of concern for the state exchequer. His interest in purchasing the imperial diamond (later known as the Jacob diamond), despite a depleted State treasury, invited a stern reprimand from the British Resident. Mahboob acted upon the Resident’s advice and refused to buy it from Alexander Malcom Jacob, the seller. The dealings, however, took a turn for the worse when Jacob was unable to return Rs. 23 lakhs (half the price quoted for diamond), which the Nizam had paid Jacob as a security deposit to see the gem.

Since the Nizam did not approve the diamond, he wanted his money back. Jacob was unable to do so and the case ended up is a legal wrangle. The matter was ended in the Calcutta law courts and the jury acquitted Jacob of all charges of criminal misconduct. The Nizam soon became the owner of the diamond and Jacob slipped into despair and bankruptcy.

Mir Mahboob Ali Khan’s illustrious reign forty two years left Hyderabad a richer and more progressive state. He died young at forty five. A domestic quarrel between a senior begum nagging him to proclaim her son, Sahebzada Salabath Jha as his rightful heir instead of the chosen heir-apparent, Mir Osman Ali, turned bitter and the Nizam retreated and isolated himself at the Falaknuma Palace. The ‘Days of the Beloved’ came to a tragic and sudden end.

Mir Osman Ali Khan
Asaf Jah VII - Nizam VII

1911 - 1948

Titles of Mir Osman Ali Khan, Asaf Jah VII (Nizam VII):

Lieut-General His Exalted Highness, Rustam-i-Dauran, Arustu-i-Zaman, Wal Mamaluk, Asaf Jah VII, Muzaffar ul-Mamaluk, Nizam ul-Mulk, Nizam ud-Daula, Nawab Mir Osman 'Ali Khan Bahadur, Sipah Salar, Fateh Jang, Faithful Ally of the British Government, Sultan-ul-Uloom, G.C.S.I., G.B.E., Nizam of Hyderabad and Berar.

Barely three hours had passed after Mir Mahboob Ali Khan’s death that Mir Osman Ali Khan was proclaimed the seventh Nizam (VII Nizam).

Nawab Mir Osman Ali Khan was twenty five years old when he ascended to masnad of Hyderabad. He came to rule a domain covering 82,698 square miles. Mir Osman was a contrast of sorts to his father. Mir Mahboob Ali Asaf Jah VI was a compassionated and a generous ruler, always transparent in his dealings with the people. However, his son Mir Osman was assertive, shrewd and distrustful of those around him. These contrasts of character and outlook between father and son were stark; this was evident in the dealings the latter had with the Government of India (both pre and post Independence).

Cast in a completely different mould, the reign of Mir Osman Ali Khan, Asaf Jah VII, was to earmark an era unlike any of his predecessors.

The initial years of Osman’s reign saw him behaving as an autocratic ruler, concentrating all the powers to himself; he even got rid of his advisors. His leading Peshkar, Maharaja Kishen Pershad, also fell out of favour with the Nizam. Soon after his exit, the Nizam appointed a young Salar Jung III as a replacement. The appointment of Nawab Yousuf Ali Khan, Salar Jung III, lasted for only two years (1912 – 1914).

With the onset of World War I in 1914, the Nizam gave a huge amount of monetary and material aid to the British Government. The Nizam’s own army served with the British at the war front. The Nizam’s loyal and unprecedented support to His Majesty’s Government won him a friend in the King, which was exemplified in the raising of the Nizam’s 14 gun salute to the favored 21 gun salute – the highest accorded to any Indian ruler. Along with it, the Nizam was made a Lieutenant General of the British Army but the most laudatory form of acknowledgment came in an elevated title. His Highness the Nizam was elevated to the status of His Exalted Highness (from H.H. to H.E.H).

Nawab Mir Osman Ali Khan Prince Heir Apparent
(Later H.E.H. The Nizam VII)

A.D.1889 - The Chowmahalla Palace Collection

One of the most important legacies the seventh Asaf Jah left, relates to the care he showed for the preservation of historical monuments. He took keen interest in the restoration of the newly-discovered Ajanta and Ellora Caves at Aurangabad. The Nizam initiated the Archaeology department of Hyderabad to take up the excavation and cleaning of the caves and he even invited two leading Italian experts at the expense of the State to supervise the restoration work.

The Nizam continued his support to the British when World War II broke out in 1939. He still remained “Faithfully Ally” to the King of England. Hyderabad supplied gain, coal, military facilities, camps and its own cantonments to all transiting soldiers. This unstinted support won words of praise from even Britain’s Prime Minister, Winston Churchill. Speaking in the House of the Lords, Churchill said.

“His Exalted Highness has been with the Allies throughout the fluctuations of this arduous struggle with gracious help in men, money and materials. His troops have done sterling service in Malaya, in the Middle East and the Squadrons which bear Hyderabad’s name have shared in the achievements of the RAF….”

Mir Osman Ali Khan’s legendary wealth enabled him to support the British during both the World Wars. His wealth was acquired in the age-old tradition known as the Nazar; every time an audience was given, a cash offering in gold coins had to be given to the ruler. The Nazrana, however, degenerated into a form of a forced taxation during Osman’s rule, unlike during his father’s, when none of the nazar went into Mahboob’s personal pocket. All nazars during Mir Mahboob’s reign were clearly accounted for in the state treasury.

In subsequent years, Hyderabad grew economically and culturally. The city’s infrastructure improved: streets were laid and roads widened. Irrigation projects and dams began to supply water to the city. Public buildings as the Osmania General Hospital, the Assembly Hall, and the High Court were all built. The city of Hyderabad took on a new modern face under H.E.H. The Nizam VII’s rule.

H.E.H. Nawab Mir Osman Ali Khan, Asaf Jah VII continued to rule Hyderabad until the state was merged with the Union of India in 1948. The Nizam’s refusal to join the Indian Union in 1947 triggered the Police Action on September 18, 1948. The Nizam signed the Instrument of Accession and the State was integrated into the Indian Union. Though deposed, he was allowed to stay on in Hyderabad wherein he accepted the position of Rajpramukh when the state’s government was established in 1950. He occupied this office till the formation of Andhra Pradesh in November 1956.

The last Asaf Jah retreated into his private residence at King Kothi for the remaining years of his life. He died on February 24, 1967 bringing an end to a remarkable two hundred and twenty four year old reign of single ruling family – the Asaf Jahi dynasty.

Hyderabad History during India Independence

End of Asaf Jahi Dynasty

On the 10th of July 1947, the 'Declaration of the Indian Independence' bill was introduced by Harold Macmillan. To the Nizam's dismay, no mention or decision was taken regarding the state of Hyderabad.

All princely states were given the option to either join India, Pakistan or remain independent. All states that would join the Indian Union would have to surrender their sovereignty and their right to collect taxes. All princely states large and small agreed to join the Union of India, except Hyderabad. In June 1947, the Nizam issued a Firman or a proclamation declaring independence from the Indian Union.

Gold-plated chair of Nizam VII at Purani Haveli, Hyderabad

On the 15th of August 1947, India attained independence from the British, but Hyderabad stood defiant as an independent state. On 29th November 1947, the Nizam signed a 'standstill agreement' with the Indian Union for a period of one year.

In the months following the signing of the Standstill Agreement, suspicion and misgivings between the Nizam and the Indian government grew. Relations between the two were far from amicable.

The Razakar Movement, supported by the Majlis Ittehad-ul-Musalmeen, supporting Islamic supremacy in southern India gained ground in Hyderabad. Led by the zealous Kasim Razvi, the Razakars compelled the Nizam to maintain his independence and not relent to pressure from the Indian government. Claiming his right to remain independent in accordance with the Indian Independence Act, the Nizam declared Hyderabad a free, self-governing independent state but the Government of India refused to accept his point of view.

Sardar Vallabhai Patel, the deputy Prime Minister of India insisted that the state had to merge with the Indian union and to further tighten the noose, an economic blockade was imposed on Hyderabad. On the 10th of September 1948, the Nizam sent Nawab Moin Nawaz Jung to the Security Council to represent Hyderabad's case before the United Nations. This was the last straw. All channels of communication were severed and the Government of India contemplated military action against the defiant state.

On the 13th of September 1948, the Indian Army initiated its Police Action Against Hyderabad. The exercise was termed Operation Polo and for five days the Razakars and the Hyderabad army made a half hearted attempt to resist the Indian army. But their antiquated ammunition and ill equipped soldiers were no match to an entire armoured division of the mighty Indian army. A number of Razakars lost their lives in the battle and their feeble resistance was soon overcome.

Five days later, on the 18th of September, 1948, the Indian army entered Secunderabad Cantonment. Military rule was imposed.

A reluctant Hyderabad finally merged with the Union of India.

For a smooth transition and to placate the sentiments of the hurt Hyderabadis, the Government of India considered it prudent to appoint Osman Ali Khan as the Rajpramukh of Hyderabad state, a position that he held from 26th January 1950 to 31st October 1956.

Democracy had the whole world in its grip and how long could Hyderabad stay unaffected? The boundary of this region in the Deccan was redrawn on linguistic considerations. The Marathi speaking areas merged with Maharashtra, the Kannada speaking region with Karnataka and on 1st November 1956, the Telugu speaking areas along the region formerly known as Andhra formed the new state of Andhra Pradesh with Hyderabad as its capatial

Mir Osman Ali Khan withdrew completely from public life and choose to lead a quiet, secluded life with his family. He had wisely formed a number of trusts that took care of his family's need and funded hisvarious charitable institutions.

In 1967 Osman Ali Khan passed away and his eldest grandson, Mukarram Jah, became the new Nizam - a designation that had no meaning, no duties and no responsibilities any more.

In 1972, the Indian Prime Minister, Ms Indira Gahndhi abolished the 'privy purse' and monarchs and royal families lost all their privileges at one go. Prince Mukarram Jah migrated to Australia and while most of his estate is being managed by the trusts formed by his grandfather, some of it has been acquired by the government.

Thus an era became history and a Asaf Jahi dynasty spanning seven generations faded into the twilight leaving behind an indelible print on the sand of time.