Nizam Dynasty: Mir Mahboob Ali Khan (6th Nizam)

Modern Telangana: Nizam Dynasty (నిజాం రాజ్యం)

Focusing on the later Nizams, specifically Mir Mahboob Ali Khan and Mir Osman Ali Khan, their reforms, and the development of Hyderabad.

Mir Mahboob Ali Khan (1869-1911)

• He was the Sixth Nizam.
• Son of Afzal-ud-Daula (the 5th Nizam).
• Ascended the throne at the very young age of 2 years and 7 months (often rounded to 2.5 years).
• Declared **Sultan of Hyderabad** at this young age.
• His reign period was from 1869 to 1911.
• Due to his minority, he couldn't exercise power directly initially. This period saw the continuation of reforms under the Diwan (likely Salar Jung I initially).

Council of Regency (Raja Pratinidhi Sabha) (1869-1884)

• Established because the Nizam was a minor.
• Managed the state's affairs until the Nizam came of age.
• Key Members:
  1. Amir-i-Kabir (Co-regent)
  2. Salar Jung I / II (Diwan, Co-regent) (Speaker mentions Salar Jung II, but Salar Jung I was the primary regent initially).
  3. Narendra Bahadur
• The British Viceroy **Lord Ripon** attended his coronation ceremony, marking the first visit of a Viceroy to Hyderabad State. Lord Ripon's emphasis on local self-government might have influenced the Nizam.

Assumption of Full Powers

• Reached the age of majority (18 years) in 1884.
• Official coronation (`Pattabhishekam`) held on February 5, 1884, at **Chowmahalla Palace**.
• Ruled independently from 1884 to 1911.
• Established the Council of State / Cabinet Council in 1884 after assuming full powers. This aimed to introduce a form of popular participation in governance and law-making.
• Appointed **Mirza Asadullah Baig** (grandson of the famous poet Mirza Ghalib) as his tutor.

Titles

• Little Fellow (due to ascending throne as a child)
• Mahboob Ali Pasha
• Rang Rangila Raja (implies a love for culture, music, arts, similar to a later Mughal emperor)
• Star of India (Bestowed by the British Crown/Queen Victoria) Likely the GCSI - Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Star of India.

Key Events and Reforms During His Reign

• 1883: Chanda Railway Scheme incident - A controversial deal that sparked public awareness and early political consciousness in Hyderabad.
• 1888: Rise of the Mulki Movement, fueled by issues like the Chanda Railway Scheme and appointment of non-locals.
• 1892: Introduced the Qanuncha-i-Mubarak (Royal Charter/Constitution), initiating constitutional reforms.
• 1893: Under Diwan's chairmanship, established a Legislative Council with 19 members.
• 1902: Signed the agreement for the **Permanent Lease of Berar** to the British (November 5th), receiving 25 lakh rupees annually.
• 1905: Division of the state into **four Subahs** by Diwan Kishan Pershad for administrative ease.
• 1908: Great Musi River Floods (September 28, 1908).
  • Established **11 Langars** (public kitchens) for flood relief.
  • Appointed **Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya** to advise on flood prevention.
• 1882: Establishment of a branch of the **Theosophical Society** in Chaderghat.
• 1892: Establishment of the **Social Club** (later Hindu Social Club) in Chaderghat under Raja Murli Manohar Bahadur.
• 1887: Establishment of Nizam College. First Principal: **Aghorenath Chattopadhyay**.

Constructions and Institutions

• Falaknuma Palace ("Mirror of the Sky"):
  • Built between 1884-1893 by Sir Vicar-ul-Umra.
  • Architect: William Ward Marret.
  • Shape: Scorpion (`Telu Akaram`).
  • Style: Andrea Palladio architectural style (Italian Renaissance).
• Bella Vista Palace ("Beautiful View"):
  • Built by Muslihuddin Muhammad (Chief Justice).
  • Currently houses the **Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI)**.
• Town Hall (Now the Old State Assembly Building):
  • Foundation laid in 1905 on the Nizam's 40th birthday.
  • Location: Public Gardens.
  • Style: Saracenic and Rajasthani blend.
• Victoria Memorial Orphanage (Saroornagar): Built in 1905 in memory of Queen Victoria.
• Nampally Railway Station (Hyderabad Deccan Station): Built in 1907. "Nampally" means wet/muddy area. First passenger train ran in 1921.
• Kachiguda Railway Station: Built in 1916 in Gothic style. Served as NGSR Headquarters. (Completed after his death but relevant to the era's infrastructure development).
• Educational Institutions: Madarasa-i-Aliya, Mahboobia Girls School, Dar-ul-Uloom, Mahboobia College, Aliya College.
• Asafia State Library (State Central Library).
• Jamia Observatory: Established by Nawab Zafar Jung. (Often referred to as Nizamia Observatory).

Death

• Died on August 29, 1911, in Falaknuma Palace.