Facts About The Nizam Of hyderabad
A Little Background :
Hyderabad came under the rule of Nizams during the 18th century. Asaf Jah 1 of Asaf Jah Dynasty took charge the state of Hyderabad after the fall of the Mughal Empire. He was the Viceroy of Deccan during the Mughal Rule. The Mughal Empire fell down after the death of Aurangzeb in 1707 and lost a series of battles.
Later as the British took over, Asaf Jah 1 took charge of Hyderabad state as the Apparent Monarch in the mid 18th century. The British let the Nizam rule the princely state which continued until 1948.
The Asaf Jah Dynasty had seven rulers and some 13 years of unstable rule. The dynasty fell after the India annexed Hyderabad in 1948 during the last Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan’s rule.
Here are some mind blowing facts you need to know about this majestic and fierce Nizam Of hyderabad dynasty :
• During the Nizam rule, Hyderabad was considered was the largest and most prosperous yet richest state across the country. During the Nizam rule Hyderabad had the complete ability to become and independent country with it’s own army, resources, wealth, network, currency and minsitries.
• The last Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan (1911) was the richest man in the world in his time. He was featured in TIME magazine as the 5th richest man in the world.
• Being an honest viceroy to the Mughals, the Nizam never considered official independence from the Mughals instead the friday sermons were always held in the name of Aurangzeb and the Mughal Flag was used during their rule.
• The last Nizam was the one who introduced facilities like electricity, efficient transport system etc. He himself was a philanthropist who built numerous institutions and gave charity to help people get education.
• The last Nizam Of hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan is said to have the title of the richest man in South Asia until his Death. He owned one of the most precious diamond known as ‘Jacob Diamond’ which has its worth in thousands of crores today.
• During the funeral procession of the last Nizam, it is estimated that atleast 1 million visited to see their beloved king in the coffin box.
• Even though the last Nizam was considered to be the wealthiest, he liked being Simple. He used to live on the equivalent of £1 a day and smoked the cheapest brand of cigarettes.
• The last Nizam was the ruler of India’s largest princely state – the size of Scotland and England combined ( The then Hyderabad state). His jewels gifted to the Queen Elizabeth 2 during her marriage is still worn by her is called as “Nizam of Hyderabad Necklace”.
• His official Title was – Rustam-i-Dauran, Arustu-i-Zaman, Wal Mamaluk, Asaf Jah VII, Muzaffarul- Mulk-Wal-Mumilak, Nizam-ul- Mulk, Nizam ud Daula Nawab Mir Sir Osman Ali Khan Bahadur, Sipah Saula, Fateh Jung, Nizam of Hyderabad and of Berar, Knight Grand Commander of the Most Exalted Order of the Star of India, Knight Grand Cross of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, Honorable General in th Army.
• The last Nizam was said to have 7 wives, 86 mistresses, 100 illegitimate sons and used to employ 38 staff only to dust palace chandeliers. He loved his women so much that no one except him was allowed to see them.
• He is also said to use an ostrich egg size Diamond worth £50 million as a mere paperweight.
• He refused to accede Hyderabad to the country after independence due to which an operation aganist him was launched. His untrained army lost and was forced to surrender in 1948. Thus, the fall of Nizam Of hyderabad Rule.
Doesn’t this sound amazing?
Somehow I secretly wish if we had atleast 2% of these riches so that we would atleast clear our college debts!
