Nizam Kingdom - Lecture Notes

Nizam Kingdom (Asaf Jahi Dynasty) - Telangana History

Introduction & Background

• The Nizam Kingdom is discussed as part of Telangana History.
• It was the second Muslim kingdom to rule the Telangana region.
• The first Muslim influence came via the Bahmani Sultanate.
• The Bahmani kingdom split into five parts due to internal conflicts within the rival Vijayanagara Empire.
• One of these successor states was the Golkonda region, initially ruled by the Qutb Shahis.
• The last Qutb Shahi ruler was defeated by the Mughals.
• The Hyderabad region became a Subah (province) of the Mughal Empire.

Establishment of the Nizam Kingdom

• The Nizam Kingdom (also known as the Asaf Jahi Dynasty) was established gradually.
• Its foundation occurred during the reign of the later Mughal emperor Muhammad Shah Rangila.
• The kingdom was effectively established by 1724 AD.
• Founder: Nizam-ul-Mulk (His actual name was Mir Qamar-ud-din Khan Siddiqi).
• Nizam-ul-Mulk had served in various capacities under the Mughals before establishing his rule.
• He defeated the Mughal-appointed Deccan Governor, Mubariz Khan, at the Battle of Shakar Kheda (1724) near Berar.
• This victory allowed him to take control of the Deccan Subah and establish de facto independence.
• Recognizing this, Emperor Muhammad Shah Rangila granted him the title Asaf Jah, leading to the dynasty's name.

Timeline and Extent

• Ruling Period: 1724 AD to 1948 AD (September 17th, end date).
• Duration: Approximately 224 years.
• Initial Capital: Aurangabad.
• Later Capital: Hyderabad (developed into a global city).
• The Nizam kingdom (Hyderabad State) initially comprised the six Deccan Subahs:
  1. Berar
  2. Bijapur
  3. Bidar
  4. Aurangabad
  5. Khandesh
  6. Hyderabad
• The state encompassed regions that are now parts of:
  • Maharashtra (Marathwada)
  • Karnataka (Kannada areas)
  • Telangana & Andhra Pradesh (Telugu areas)
  • Minor parts touching Tamil Nadu.
• The Salar Jung reforms (under Salar Jung I, II, III as Diwans/Prime Ministers) significantly contributed to Hyderabad's development.

Origin and Ancestry

• The Nizams originated from Samarkand, Bukhara Kingdom (modern Uzbekistan).
• The earliest known ancestor of the Asaf Jahi dynasty was Alam Shaikh.
  • He was a noted Sufi saint and literate.
  • Descendant of the first Caliph, Abu Bakar.
  • "Sufi" derives from "Safa" (clean wool), relating to the simple clothing worn.
• Nizam-ul-Mulk's grandfather: Nawab Khwaja Abid Siddiqi.
  • Born near Samarkand (Aliabad).
  • Considered the founding father (Moolapurushudu) of the dynasty by historians.
  • Served Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.
  • Appointed Governor of Ajmer by Aurangzeb.
  • Received the title Kilich Khan (meaning 'Master of the curved sword') from Aurangzeb.
• Nizam-ul-Mulk served under various Mughals:
  • Appointed Mansabdar (military rank holder responsible for 4000 troops) by Aurangzeb at the age of 6.
  • Appointed Viceroy by Emperor Farrukhsiyar.
  • Received titles Nizam-ul-Mulk and Fateh Jung from Farrukhsiyar.
  • Helped Emperor Muhammad Shah Rangila defeat the Sayyid brothers.
  • Appointed Prime Minister (Diwan) by Muhammad Shah Rangila, but removed due to court politics.
  • Received the title Chin Kilich Khan from Aurangzeb. (Meaning 'young swordsman' or 'curved-sword warrior').

The Nizams (Rulers)

• Total Rulers: 10 Sultans ruled the dynasty.
• "Nizam" Title Holders: Only 7 rulers held the specific title "Nizam".
  • "Nizam" means Deputy, initially signifying vassalage to the Mughals.
  • The title was conferred by Mughal emperors.
• The 3 rulers between 1748-1761 (Nasir Jung, Muzaffar Jung, Salabat Jung) did not hold the 'Nizam' title due to succession wars after Nizam-ul-Mulk's death.

List of Nizams:

• 1st Nizam: Nizam-ul-Mulk (Asaf Jah I) (1724-1748) - 24 years
  • Founder of the Hyderabad State.
  • Original Name: Mir Qamaruddin Khan Siddiqi.
  • Also held titles: Chin Kilich Khan, Fateh Jung, Asaf Jah.
  • Faced conflicts with the Marathas (Peshwa Baji Rao I).
  • Fought and lost 3 wars against Marathas:
    • Palkhed War (1728) -> Treaty of Mungi-Shivagaon.
    • Surat War (1731) -> Treaty of Warna.
    • Bhopal War (1738) -> Treaty of Durai Sarai.
  • Forced to grant Marathas the right to collect Chauth and Sardeshmukhi taxes in parts of Deccan.
  • Was a great poet, used the pen name "Shakir" (meaning 'satisfied').
  • Skilled in using both the sword and the pen.
  • Participated in the Battle of Karnal (1739) against Persian invader Nadir Shah.
  • Negotiated the peace treaty where the Mughal Emperor gave the Koh-i-Noor diamond and the Peacock Throne to Nadir Shah.
  • Died on May 21, 1748, near Burhanpur (Maharashtra) while returning from Delhi after assisting the Mughals against Ahmad Shah Abdali's invasion.
• Period of Succession Wars (1748-1761): Nasir Jung, Muzaffar Jung, Salabat Jung ruled briefly without the 'Nizam' title.
• 2nd Nizam: Nizam Ali Khan (Asaf Jah II) (1761-1803) - 42 years
  • British influence began to increase significantly during his reign.
  • Shifted the capital from Aurangabad to Hyderabad.
• 3rd Nizam: Sikander Jah (Asaf Jah III) (1803-1829) - 26 years
  • The city of Secunderabad is named after him.
• 4th Nizam: Nasir-ud-Daulah (Asaf Jah IV) (1829-1857) - 28 years
  • The 1857 Revolt (Sepoy Mutiny / First War of Independence) began towards the end of his reign.
• 5th Nizam: Afzal-ud-Daulah (Asaf Jah V) (1857-1869) - 12 years
  • The 1857 Revolt occurred during his reign. Hyderabad saw related events like the attack on the British Residency led by Turrebaz Khan and Maulvi Allauddin.
  • Afzal Gunj bridge is named after him.
• 6th Nizam: Mir Mahboob Ali Khan (Asaf Jah VI) (1869-1911) - 42 years
  • Became Sultan at the age of 2.5 years.
  • Salar Jung I acted as Regent and initiated major reforms.
  • Established the Legislative Council (Qanuncha-e-Mubarak).
  • Was visited by the British Governor-General Lord Ripon.
  • The great Musi River floods occurred in 1908 during his reign.
  • Known for establishing Langar (community kitchens) to help flood victims and promote communal harmony.
• 7th Nizam: Mir Osman Ali Khan (Asaf Jah VII) (1911-1948) - 37 years
  • The last ruling Nizam.
  • Hyderabad State was merged into the Indian Union through military action called Operation Polo in September 1948.
  • Operation Polo is known by various names (Police Action, Military Action, etc.).