Rise of Hyderabad Kingdom: History, Nizam Rule & Integration with India

Hyderabad Kingdom: From Qutb Shahi Kingdom to Indian Integration

The rise of Hyderabad began in 1591 when Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah founded the city, making it the capital of the Qutb Shahi Hyderabad kingdom in the Deccan region. In 1724, Nizam-ul-Mulk, also known as Chin Qilich Khan, established the independent Asaf-Jah dynasty and became the first Nizam of Hyderabad. Under their rule, the Hyderabad Kingdom thrived culturally and architecturally, boasting iconic landmarks like the Charminar and Golconda Fort. While maintaining autonomy within British India, Hyderabad eventually acceded to the Republic of India in 1948.

Hyderabad Kingdom Struggle: Aurangzeb’s Conquest and the Fall of Golconda

Politics in the Deccan were undergoing significant changes in the mid-seventeenth century. Aurangzeb, the Mughal ruler, focused on establishing Mughal supremacy by battling local Hindu and Muslim Hyderabad kingdoms in the Deccan.

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• Return to the South: After becoming Emperor in Delhi, Aurangzeb returned to the South to extend the Mughal Empire’s boundaries.
• Targeting Hyderabad: Aurangzeb viewed the wealthy city of Hyderabad kingdom, protected by the formidable Golconda fortress, as a valuable prize.
• First Siege of Golconda: In 1686, Aurangzeb laid siege to Golconda alongside his commanders Khwaja Abid Siddiqi and Ghazi-ud-Din Feroze Jung. However, the fortress resisted Aurangzeb’s forces for months, forcing his retreat.
• Second Siege of Fateh Maidan: Aurangzeb returned in 1687 and laid siege to Fateh Maidan for nine months. During this conflict, Khwaja Abid Siddiqi was killed.
• Fall of Hyderabad: According to local folklore, a saboteur named Abdullah Khan Pani, allegedly bribed by Aurangzeb, opened the castle gates at night, leading to the fall of Hyderabad kingdom and overshadowing its independence.

Hyderabad Kingdom Autonomous Ascent: From Mughal Era to Nizam Rule

The decline of Mughal authority created an opportunity for the rise of autonomous states, including Hyderabad kingdom.

• Qamaruddin’s Rise: Qamaruddin, grandson of Qalich Khan, caught the attention of Aurangzeb for his military prowess.
• Titles and Appointments: Aurangzeb bestowed the title Chin Qalich Khan upon Qamaruddin, and later, under Farukh Siyar’s rule, he was appointed as Nizam-ul-Mulk Fateh Jung and given significant responsibilities.
• Plot against Qamaruddin: The Sayyid brothers, powerful generals, conspired against Qamaruddin, removing him from his position and sending him to Malwa.
• Asaf Jah’s Rise: After the downfall of the Sayyid brothers, Qamaruddin was appointed as Vazir by the new emperor, Muhammad Shah.
• The Asaf Jahi Dynasty: Qamaruddin, known as Asaf Jah, became an independent monarch ruling over Hyderabad, though he never formally declared independence from Delhi.
• Formal Ties with the Mughals: Despite being functionally independent, the Asaf Jahi dynasty maintained formal ties with the Mughal Empire.
• Rule of the Nizams: The Asaf Jahi dynasty, known as the Nizams, governed Hyderabad until 1948.

Nizam-Ul-Mulk (1724-48): Founder of Hyderabad, Deccan Rule, and Succession Struggles

Qilich Qamaruddin Khan, also known as Nizam-ul-Mulk, Asaf Jah, and Nizam I, served as a loyal nobleman and General of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb.

• Neutral Stance: After Aurangzeb’s death in 1707, Asaf Jah remained neutral during the accession war among the Mughal princes.
• Appointment as Viceroy: When Bahadur Shah I emerged victorious, Asaf Jah was appointed as the Mughal Viceroy of the Deccan, responsible for six Mughal governorates in South India.
• Establishing Authority: From 1719 to 1722, Asaf Jah worked to establish his authority over the Mughal governorates and resolve conflicts caused by the Sayyid brothers.
• Creation of Hyderabad: Asaf Jah’s significant achievement was the establishment of the princely state of Hyderabad kingdom. As the Viceroy, he had control over administration, judiciary, and civil and military power in the Deccan.
• Autonomy and Rule: Asaf Jah had the power to appoint officials, create laws, maintain his own army, and govern with his own flag and government.
• Death and Succession: Nizam-ul-Mulk passed away in 1748 at the age of 76 after a reign of 24 years. His tomb is located in Khuldabad. Following his death, power struggles ensued among the British, French, Marathas, and Nizam’s descendants.
• Subsequent Subhedars: Nasir Jung, Muzaffar Jung, and Salabat Jung held the Subhedari of the Deccan for extended periods but were not awarded the title of Asaf Jah or referred to as Nizams by the Mughal emperor.
• Continued Power Struggles: The Deccan remained a centre of a power struggle involving various factions even after Nizam-ul-Mulk’s reign.

Nizams Of Hydrabad: Legacy, Independence, and Riches

The Nizams of Hyderabad reigned over the region from the 18th to the 20th centuries. Their reign is summarized below:

• Nizam-ul-Mulk and Asaf Jah I: The title of Nizam of Hyderabad originated from Nizam-ul-Mulk, which means Administrator of the Realm. Asaf Jah I, also known as Mir Qamar-ud-Din Siddiqi, inherited the title and founded the Nizam of Hyderabad in 1724.
• Independence from the Mughal Empire: Asaf Jah I served as the viceroy of the Deccan under the Mughal Empire until he gained significant independence from the Mughals in 1724.
• Vassal of the Maratha Empire: Hyderabad became a vassal state of the Maratha Empire and experienced several conflicts and losses during the 18th century.
• Client Kings under the East India Company: The Nizams were given the opportunity to rule their princely states as client kings after the East India Company gained control of the Indian subcontinent.
• Control until 1948: The Nizams maintained internal control over Hyderabad until September 17, 1948, when the state merged with the newly formed Indian Union.
• Prosperity and Riches: Hyderabad thrived under the Nizams’ rule, largely due to the Golconda mines, which supplied diamonds to the international market. The 7th Nizam of Hyderabad kingdom was considered the world’s richest man at the time.

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Hyderabad Kingdom Decline: Operation Polo, Maratha Wars, and Nizam Era

Operation Polo (1948) was a turning point in the history of the Hyderabad Kingdom. The Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan, ruled over a predominantly Hindu population as a Muslim ruler.

• Tensions between Hyderabad and the Republic of India escalated, leading to Indian military intervention.
• The Indian government saw Nizam’s reluctance to join India as a threat to sovereignty and launched a Police Action against Hyderabad named Operation Polo in September 1948.
• Indian forces swiftly overpowered Hyderabad’s forces, annexing the state and ending the Nizam’s rule.
• Factors such as the religious divide, delayed decision-making, and the end of British alliances contributed to Hyderabad’s decline.
• Today, Hyderabad is a prominent city, the capital of Telangana, known for its technology, commerce, and cultural heritage.

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Conclusion

Hyderabad flourished culturally and economically under the Nizams from 1724 to 1948, known for their patronage of literature, art, architecture, and cuisine. The Nizams were among the world’s wealthiest individuals, with Asaf Jah VII being ranked as the fifth richest person in history. However, their reign came to an end in September 1948, when the Indian Government launched Operation Polo to integrate Hyderabad kingdom into the Indian Union after the Nizam chose not to join following India’s independence.

Rise Of Hyderabad kingdom FAQs

Q1. Who established the Asaf-Jahi dynasty and became the first Nizam of Hyderabad?

Ans. Nizam-ul-Mulk, also known as Chin Qilich Khan, established the Asaf-Jah dynasty and became the first Nizam of Hyderabad in 1724.

Q2. What significant landmarks were built during the rule of the Hyderabad Kingdom?

Ans. Iconic landmarks like the Charminar and Golconda Fort were built during the rule of the Hyderabad Kingdom.

Q3. When did the Hyderabad kingdom accede to the Republic of India?

Ans. Hyderabad acceded to the Republic of India in 1948.

Q4. What was Operation Polo, and when did it take place?

Ans. Operation Polo was a military operation launched by the Indian Government in September 1948 to integrate Hyderabad kingdom into the Indian Union.

Q5. Who was the last Nizam of Hyderabad, and what were some of his notable contributions?

Ans. The last Nizam of Hyderabad kingdom was Mir Osman Ali Khan, also known as Asaf Jah VII. He made notable contributions such as establishing Osmania University and separating the judiciary from the executive.

Q6. What factors contributed to the decline of the Hyderabad kingdom?

Ans. Factors such as the religious divide, delayed decision-making, and the end of British alliances contributed to the decline of Hyderabad kingdom.

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