Nizam Kingdom: Nizam Ali Khan & Sikandar Jah

Nizam Kingdom (Nizam Rajyam)

This lecture, as part of Telangana History, discusses the Nizam Kingdom, particularly the reigns of Nizam Ali Khan and his successor, Sikandar Jah.

Nizam Ali Khan (1761-1803)

• He was the fourth son of Nizam-ul-Mulk.
• Ruled for 42 years (approximately 4 decades) from 1761 to 1803.
• From his time onwards, the Asaf Jahi rulers were officially called "Nizam". He was the first ruler to govern with the title of Nizam. (Though often considered the 2nd Nizam in the dynastic line).
• He imprisoned his brother **Salabat Jung** in **Bidar Fort** in 1761 and declared himself the Nizam.
• Shifted the capital from **Aurangabad to Hyderabad** in 1770.
• He was a contemporary of the Mysore rulers **Hyder Ali** and **Tipu Sultan**.
• Opposed French influence.
• In 1766, he made a treaty with the British and ceded the **Northern Circars** (Srikakulam, Rajahmundry, Eluru, Mustafanagar - excluding Guntur). **Kandregula Jogipantulu** played a key role as the Dubash (mediator) in this agreement.
• In 1790, he joined a **tripartite alliance** with the British and Marathas against Tipu Sultan (during the Third Anglo-Mysore War). As a result, he received the regions of Gooty and Kadapa, along with approximately one crore rupees.
• Was defeated by the Marathas in the Battle of Kharda (or Kurdla) in 1795 (Lecture mentioned 1767, but 1795 is the widely accepted date for Kharda). He had to cede fertile areas like Naldurg, Ahmednagar, Daulatabad, Burhanpur, and Bijapur to the Marathas.
• Became the first native Indian ruler to sign the Subsidiary Alliance with the British in 1798. His Diwan **Az-ul-Umra** and the British Resident **James Kirkpatrick** were key figures in this treaty.
• Through another agreement in 1800, Nizam Ali Khan ceded the **Datta Mandalalu (Ceded Districts)** to the British. (These districts were later termed 'Rayalaseema' by Gadicherla Harisarvothama Rao).
• During his reign, the French military officer **Monsieur Raymond** (popularly known as **'Musaram'** by locals) established a **Gunfoundry** in Hyderabad in 1795. The area **Musarambagh** is named after him. Raymond's tomb is located in Asmangadh (near Malakpet).
• Notable constructions during his time include: Moti Mahal, Roshan Mahal, Gulshan Mahal, and **Purani Haveli** (built for his son Sikandar Jah, notable for its 'U' shape and European architectural style).

Sikandar Jah (1803-1829)

• Nizam Ali Khan's eldest son.
• He was the Third Nizam (also the 3rd Asaf Jah).
• During his reign, British dominance significantly increased.
• The Second Anglo-Maratha War took place during his rule.
• Governor General Wellesley forced an agreement upon him on December 15, 1803, which essentially reaffirmed the previous treaties and British control.
• The city of **Secunderabad was established/named** after him in 1806.
• In 1811, the British Resident **Henry Russell** reformed the Nizam's army. Based on his advice, a new, specially trained force called the Russell Brigade (later known as the **Hyderabad Contingent**) was established.
• The maintenance expenses for the Russell Brigade became excessive for the Nizam. To cover these costs, Sikandar Jah entered into an agreement with **Palmer & Company**.
• Palmer & Company, established by **William Palmer** in 1811 (members included Madras Governor **Rumbold**, Gujarati trader **Bankat Das**, and **John Palmer**), provided loans to the Nizam.
• The loan was taken at an exorbitant interest rate of 25%, which plunged the Nizam state deeper into debt.
• In 1820, the British Resident **Charles Metcalfe** introduced **reforms** aimed at improving the Nizam's dire financial situation.
• Metcalfe's reforms included appointing **European officers** to supervise revenue collection from farmers and imposing a **fixed land revenue assessment (Khachitmaina Bhumisistu)**.
• Sikandar Jah conferred the title **'Hashmat Jung'** on the British Resident **James Kirkpatrick**.
• The Russell Brigade / Hyderabad Contingent was primarily used by the British to suppress groups like the **Pindaris**, **Bhils**, and other **local Zamindars** who resisted British authority, thus serving British interests more than the Nizam's.