The Asaf Jahi dynasty, also known as the Nizams of Hyderabad, was founded by Mir Qamar-ud-din Siddiqi, who was appointed as the first Nizam-ul-Mulk (meaning "Administrator of the Realm") by the Mughal emperor Farrukhsiyar in 1724. This appointment marked the beginning of the Asaf Jahi rule in the Deccan region, with Hyderabad as its capital.
The circumstances leading to the foundation of the Asaf Jahi dynasty were influenced by the political and military dynamics of the Mughal Empire during the early 18th century. Mir Qamar-ud-din Siddiqi, who held significant military and administrative positions under the Mughals, was granted the title of Nizam-ul-Mulk and was appointed as the Subedar (governor) of the Deccan.
The Asaf Jahi dynasty ruled the princely state of Hyderabad from the 18th century until India gained independence in 1947. The Nizams maintained a semi-autonomous status under the suzerainty of the British Crown during the later years of their rule. The seventh Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan, was the last ruler of the Asaf Jahi dynasty, and the princely state of Hyderabad eventually acceded to the newly independent Union of India in 1948.
The establishment of the Asaf Jahi dynasty played a crucial role in shaping the history and cultural identity of the region of Hyderabad and its surroundings. The Nizams were known for their patronage of art, culture, and architecture, and they left a lasting impact on the development of the state of Hyderabad.
The journey from Mir Qamar-ud-din Siddiqi, who held the title of Nizam-ul-Mulk and was appointed as the first Nizam by the Mughal emperor Farrukhsiyar in 1724, to Mir Osman Ali Khan, the last Nizam of Hyderabad, covers a significant period in Indian history. Here is an overview of the key rulers in the Asaf Jahi dynasty during this period:
1. Mir Qamar-ud-din Siddiqi (Nizam-ul-Mulk) - 1724-1748:
· Mir Qamar-ud-din was appointed as the Nizam-ul-Mulk by the Mughal emperor Farrukhsiyar in 1724.
· He played a crucial role in stabilizing the Deccan region and establishing the Asaf Jahi dynasty.
2. Nasir Jung - 1748-1750:
· Nasir Jung, the son-in-law of Nizam-ul-Mulk, succeeded him after his assassination in 1748.
· Nasir Jung's reign was short-lived, as he was also assassinated in 1750 during the internal conflicts for power.
3. Muzaffar Jung - 1750-1751:
· Muzaffar Jung, another contender for power, succeeded Nasir Jung.
· His rule was marked by conflicts and power struggles, and he was eventually killed in 1751.
4. Salabat Jung - 1751-1762:
· Salabat Jung, another son-in-law of Nizam-ul-Mulk, ascended the throne after Muzaffar Jung's death.
· His reign faced challenges from external powers, including the Marathas and the French.
5. Nizam Ali Khan (Asaf Jah II) - 1762-1803:
· Nizam Ali Khan, the second Nizam, faced conflicts with the Marathas and the British.
· He signed the Treaty of Masulipatnam with the British in 1768, acknowledging their influence.
6. Sikander Jah (Asaf Jah III) - 1803-1829:
· Sikander Jah faced internal and external challenges, including conflicts with the British.
· The subsidiary alliance with the British was enforced during his reign.
7. Nasir-ud-Daula (Asaf Jah IV) - 1829-1857:
· Nasir-ud-Daula's reign saw the annexation of Berar by the British in 1853.
8. Afzal-ud-Daula (Asaf Jah V) - 1857-1869:
· Afzal-ud-Daula continued under the British suzerainty.
9. Mahbub Ali Pasha (Asaf Jah VI) - 1869-1911:
· Mahbub Ali Pasha's reign saw developments in education and infrastructure.
10. Mir Osman Ali Khan (Asaf Jah VII) - 1911-1948:
· Mir Osman Ali Khan became the seventh and last Nizam in 1911.
· His reign witnessed significant developments in education, infrastructure, and healthcare.
· In 1948, the princely state of Hyderabad acceded to the Union of India.
Mir Osman Ali Khan played a pivotal role in the transition from princely rule to integration with the Indian Union after independence. His reign came to an end with the annexation of Hyderabad by the Indian government in Operation Polo in September 1948. After the merger, Mir Osman Ali Khan continued to live in Hyderabad until his death in 1967.
Social and Economic Conditions
Rise of Socio-Cultural Movements
Telangana Peasant Armed Struggle
Police Action and the End of Nizam Rule
