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

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.

Also Read: DANES IN INDIA: COLONIAL LEGACY. CULTURAL EXCHANGE & MISSIONARY ENDEAVORS

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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.
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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.
Also Read: INDEPENDENT INDIA

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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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Nizam-Maratha Wars #

 

Battle of Palkhed (1728)

  • The Battle of Palkhed fought on February 28, 1728, was a significant engagement between the Maratha Army led by Peshwa Balaji Rao I and the forces of Hyderabad kingdom under Nizam Asaf Jah I.
  • This clash unfolded amidst escalating tensions between the expanding Maratha Empire and the Nizam, who aimed to weaken the Marathas by backing rival factions. Peshwa Baji Rao displayed strategic brilliance by outmaneuvering the Nizam, setting a trap at Palkhed.
  • The Marathas encircled the Nizam’s vanguard in a horse-shoe formation, launching a surprise attack. The Nizam’s desperate charge proved disastrous, exposing his forces to devastating cavalry assaults.
  • Furthermore, the Marathas effectively cut off the Nizam’s remaining guns and rear guard, compelling negotiations.
  • Eventually, the Nizam accepted the terms set by Peshwa Baji Rao, solidifying Maratha’s authority and signifying the waning influence of the Mughal Empire.
  • The Battle of Palkhed showcased the tactical genius of the Marathas, cementing their status as a dominant power in the Indian subcontinent.
Battle of Kharda (1795)
  • The Battle of Kharda on March 11, 1795, marked the final united conflict of the Maratha Empire as a confederacy. This engagement unfolded between the Marathas and the Nizam of Hyderabad.
  • The refusal of the British to support the Nizam despite their protection prompted a reevaluation of Princely States’ arrangements with the British.
  • The battle was rooted in long-standing issues of taxes and negotiations, with the Nizam altering his stance and augmenting his army. Sawai Madhavrao Peshwa and Nana Phadnavis led the Marathas, forging an alliance and defeating the Nizam’s forces.
  • Following a gruelling 17-day siege, the Nizam surrendered, resulting in the cession of territories and the payment of tribute to the Marathas.
  • The Battle of Kharda left a lasting impact, highlighting the Marathas’ military prowess and reshaping the dynamics of power in the region.

 

List of Nizams of Hyderabad #

Title Name  Description
Nizam-ul-Mulk,

Asaf Jah I

Mir Qamar-ud-din Khan

(31 July 1724 to 1 June 1748)

Mir Qamar-ud-din Khan Siddiqi, a general in the Mughal empire and friend of Aurangzeb, became the permanent ruler of the Deccan after manoeuvring through the war of succession and was bestowed the title of Asaf Jah by Emperor Muhammad Shah, marking the beginning of the Asaf Jahi dynasty.
Nizam-ul-Mulk,

Asaf Jah II

Mir Nizam Ali Khan

(8 July 1762 to 8 August 1803)

After the death of Asaf Jah in 1748, political instability ensued in Hyderabad, with Nasir Jung, Muzaffar Jung, and Salabat Jung ruling unofficially. Mir Nizam Ali Khan Siddiqi, Asaf Jah II, emerged victorious against Salabat Jung and reigned as a formidable leader for almost five decades, although he faced defeat in the Battle of Rakshasbhuvan against Madhavrao I and Rughunathrao.
Sikander

Jah, Asaf Jah III

Mir Akbar Ali Khan

(8 August 1803 to 21 May 1829)

Nawab Mir Akbar Ali Khan Siddiqi Bahadur, Sikander Jah, ascended to the throne as Asaf Jah III, succeeding his father Asaf Jah II. Known for his peaceful reign, he faced financial difficulties but endeavoured to promote religious harmony by enlisting a Sikh regiment in his army and overseeing the construction of the Rambagh temple in Hyderabad.
Nasir-ud-Daula,

Asaf Jah IV

Mir Farqunda Ali Khan

(21 May 1829 to 16 May 1857)

After the reign of Asaf Jah III, Mir Faqunda Ali Khan became the Nizam of Hyderabad in 1829 and governed until his demise in 1857. Asaf Jah IV, facing financial challenges, sought loans from various sources, including Arabs, Rohillas, and the British, and eventually relinquished a portion of his territory to the British in order to settle his debts.
Afzal-ud-Daula,

Asaf Jah V

Mir Tahniyath Ali Khan

(16 May 1857 to 26 February 1869)

Afzal ad-Dawlah, known as Asaf Jah V, succeeded his father as Nizam of Hyderabad. His peaceful reign saw reforms in the judiciary, the establishment of rail and telegraph networks, and the founding of Hyderabad Medical School. Sadly, he passed away at the age of 41, just 12 years into his rule.
Asaf

Jah VI

Mir Mahboob Ali Khan

(26 February 1869 to 29 August 1911)

Mir Mahboob Ali Khan Siddiqi, the youngest Asaf Jahi Nizam, became ruler at the age of 2 years and 7 months and was the first to receive Western education, bringing modernization to his state. Asaf Jah VI implemented measures to end Sati, introduced administrative reforms, and contributed to the growth of Hyderabad’s railways before his untimely death at 46 due to a sudden stroke in 1911.
Asaf

Jah VII

Mir Osman Ali Khan

(29 August 1911 to 17 September 1948)

Mir Osman Ali Khan, the last Nizam of Hyderabad, was deposed in 1948 when Hyderabad joined Independent India. Asaf Jah VII, India’s richest person with a net worth of over $200 billion, wanted independence but was forced to abdicate. Despite his opulent lifestyle, he made notable contributions and instituted reforms such as establishing Osmania University and separating the judiciary from the executive.
Asaf Jah VIII Mir Barkat Ali Khan Siddiqui Mukarram Jah (24 February 1967 to 15 January 2023) Following Hyderabad’s integration into India in 1948, Nizam’s rule came to an end, although the title of Nizam of Hyderabad was inherited by Mir Osman Ali’s grandson, Mukarram Jah. Mukarram Jah, considered India’s wealthiest individual until the 1980s, held a nominal position without actual powers. He spent his later years residing in Istanbul, Turkey and passed away on January 15, 2023.

 

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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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 Final Result – CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION, 2023.   Udaan-Prelims Wallah ( Static ) booklets 2024 released both in english and hindi : Download from Here!     Download UPSC Mains 2023 Question Papers PDF  Free Initiative links -1) Download Prahaar 3.0 for Mains Current Affairs PDF both in English and Hindi 2) Daily Main Answer Writing  , 3) Daily Current Affairs , Editorial Analysis and quiz ,  4) PDF Downloads  UPSC Prelims 2023 Trend Analysis cut-off and answer key

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UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
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Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
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