Nizam of Hyderabad

Asafia flag of Hyderabad State

Usman Ali Khan

India1760 1905

Hyderabad state 1909

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Hyderabad, Chowmahalla Palace, edificio centrale 02

Nizam of Hyderabad was a monarch title used by the rulers of the Hyderabad State, now in the modern-day states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, India. The dynasty, known as the Asaf Jahi dynasty, was founded by Mir Qamar-ud-Din Khan, who served as a viceroy of the Deccan under the Mughal Empire in the early 18th century before declaring independence. The Nizams ruled Hyderabad from 1724 until 1948 when the princely state was annexed into the newly independent India.

History

The foundation of the Hyderabad state can be traced back to the collapse of the Mughal Empire in the early 18th century. Mir Qamar-ud-Din Khan, also known as Asaf Jah I, was appointed as the Viceroy of the Deccan by the Mughal emperor and later declared his sovereignty in 1724, establishing the Asaf Jahi dynasty. The Nizams were known for their wealth, opulence, and patronage of the arts, including the construction of architectural marvels such as the Charminar and Mecca Masjid.

Throughout their rule, the Nizams maintained a policy of neutrality in the conflicts that ravaged the Indian subcontinent, managing to forge alliances with both British and French colonial powers at different times. The Hyderabad State was a princely state under the British Raj, but it enjoyed a significant degree of autonomy compared to other princely states.

The last Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan, was known as the richest man in the world during his time. However, his reign also saw the rise of communal tensions and the struggle for integration into the Indian Union. After a brief conflict known as "Operation Polo" or the "Police Action" in 1948, the Hyderabad State was annexed by India.

Culture and Contributions

The Nizams were great patrons of art and culture, contributing significantly to the fields of literature, music, dance, and architecture. Hyderabad under the Nizams was a melting pot of cultures, with a significant influence of Persian, Turkish, and Mughal cultures. The Nizams established numerous institutions, libraries, and colleges, and were instrumental in the development of Hyderabad as a modern city.

The legacy of the Nizams is also evident in the cuisine of Hyderabad, which includes delicacies such as Hyderabadi Biryani and Haleem. Their rule also saw the development of unique styles of jewelry, textiles, and crafts that are renowned worldwide.

Legacy

The legacy of the Nizams is a subject of both admiration and controversy. While they are remembered for their contributions to culture, architecture, and the development of Hyderabad, their rule is also critiqued for instances of autocracy and the neglect of certain communities. The integration of Hyderabad into the Indian Union marked the end of the Nizam's rule, but their cultural and historical impact continues to be felt in Hyderabad and across India.

See Also

• Hyderabad State
• Operation Polo
• Asaf Jahi dynasty
• Indian Princely States