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{{Short description|Last Nizam of Hyderabad from 1911 to 1948}} | {{Short description|Last Nizam of Hyderabad from 1911 to 1948}} | ||
{{Use dmy dates|date= | {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2022}} | ||
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2020}} | |||
{{Infobox royalty | {{Infobox royalty | ||
| name = Mir Osman Ali Khan<!-- Please do not add titles in this section --> | | name = Mir Osman Ali Khan<!-- Please do not add titles in this section --> | ||
| image = NezamHaydarabad (cropped to image only).jpg<!-- Please do not change image--> | | image = NezamHaydarabad (cropped to image only).jpg<!-- Please do not change image--> | ||
| caption = Mir Osman Ali Khan in 1926 | | caption = Mir Osman Ali Khan in 1926 | ||
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| native_lang1_name1 = {{lang|ur|{{Nastaliq|نواب میر عثمان علی خان}}}} | | native_lang1_name1 = {{lang|ur|{{Nastaliq|نواب میر عثمان علی خان}}}} | ||
| birth_date = {{birth date|df=yes|1886|4|5}}<ref name="Jaganath">{{cite book |title=The History of Nizam's Railways System |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lH0ACAAAQBAJ |page=44 |year=2013 |publisher=Laxmi Book Publication |isbn=9781312496477 |last=Jaganath |first=Santosh |access-date=22 July 2020 |archive-date=15 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915185148/https://books.google.com/books?id=lH0ACAAAQBAJ&dq= |url-status=live}}</ref> or {{birth date|df=yes|1886|4|6}} | | birth_date = {{birth date|df=yes|1886|4|5}}<ref name="Jaganath">{{cite book |title=The History of Nizam's Railways System |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lH0ACAAAQBAJ |page=44 |year=2013 |publisher=Laxmi Book Publication |isbn=9781312496477 |last=Jaganath |first=Santosh |access-date=22 July 2020 |archive-date=15 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915185148/https://books.google.com/books?id=lH0ACAAAQBAJ&dq= |url-status=live}}</ref> or {{birth date|df=yes|1886|4|6}} | ||
| birth_place = [[Purani Haveli]], [[Hyderabad]], [[Hyderabad State]], [[British | | birth_place = [[Purani Haveli]], [[Hyderabad|Hyderabad City]], [[Hyderabad State]], [[British India]]<br/>(now in [[Telangana]], [[India]]) | ||
| death_date = 24 February 1967 ( | | death_date = 24 February 1967 <br/> (aged 80) | ||
| death_place = [[King Kothi Palace]], Hyderabad, [[Andhra Pradesh]], India<br/>(now in [[Telangana]], India) | | death_place = [[King Kothi Palace]], Hyderabad, [[Andhra Pradesh]], India<br/>(now in [[Telangana]], India)<!-- Do not remove with prior discussion on the talkpage, unless you are adding a source. --> | ||
| coronation = 18 September 1911<ref>Benjamin B. Cohen, ''Kingship and Colonialism in India's Deccan, 1850–1948'' (Macmillan, 2007) p81</ref> | | coronation = 18 September 1911<ref>Benjamin B. Cohen, ''Kingship and Colonialism in India's Deccan, 1850–1948'' (Macmillan, 2007) p81{{request quotation|date=September 2020}}<!-- Do not remove with prior discussion on the talkpage, unless you are adding a quote. --></ref> | ||
| predecessor = [[Mahbub Ali Khan, Asaf Jah VI]] | | predecessor = [[Mahbub Ali Khan, Asaf Jah VI]] | ||
| spouse = | | spouse = Azmathunnisa Begum (m. 1906), Iqbal Begum | ||
| successor = [[Mukarram Jah|Barkat Ali Khan, Asaf Jah VIII]] (titular) | | successor = [[Mukarram Jah|Barkat Ali Khan, Asaf Jah VIII]] (titular) | ||
| regent = {{list | | regent = {{collapsible list|title=''See list''|1=[[Kishen Pershad]]<br/>[[Mir Yousuf Ali Khan, Salar Jung III|Salar Jung III]]<br/>Sayyid Ali Imam<br/>Faridoon-ul-Mulk<br/>Wali-ud-Daula<br/>[[Akbar Hydari]]<br/>[[Muhammad Ahmad Said Khan Chhatari|Nawab of Chhatari]]<br/>[[Mirza Muhammad Ismail]]<br/>Nawab of Chhatari<br/>[[Mir Laiq Ali]]}} | ||
| reg-type = [[List of prime ministers of Hyderabad State|Prime minister]] | | reg-type = [[List of prime ministers of Hyderabad State|Prime minister]] | ||
| issue = ''[[#Family|See below]]'' | | issue = ''[[#Family|See below]]'' | ||
| royal house = [[Asaf Jahi dynasty]] | | royal house = [[Asaf Jahi dynasty]] | ||
| father = [[Mahbub Ali Khan, Asaf Jah VI]] | | father = [[Mahbub Ali Khan, Asaf Jah VI]] | ||
| mother = Azmat-uz-Zahrunnisa Begum{{ | | mother = Azmat-uz-Zahrunnisa Begum{{Contradictory inline|reason=Amat-uz-Zahrunnisa Begum and Amat-uz-Zahra Begum are both given.|date=July 2020}}<!-- Do not remove with prior discussion on the talkpage --> | ||
| place of burial = [[Judi Mosque]], (opposite [[King Kothi Palace]]), [[Hyderabad]], Andhra Pradesh, India <br/>(now in Telangana, India) | | place of burial = [[Judi Mosque]], (opposite [[King Kothi Palace]]), [[Hyderabad]], Andhra Pradesh, India <br/>(now in Telangana, India) | ||
| religion = [[Sunni Islam]] | | religion = [[Sunni Islam]]<ref>{{cite news |title=No parallel to Hyderabad's Muharram procession in India |url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/no-parallel-to-hyderabads-muharram-procession-in-india-523357.html |access-date=23 February 2022 |work=News18 |agency=news18 |date=24 November 2012 |language=en}}</ref> | ||
}} | }} | ||
[[Mir (title)|Mir]] '''Osman Ali Khan, Asaf Jah VII''' {{postnominals|country=GBR|GCSI|GBE}} (5<ref name="Jaganath">{{cite book |title=The History of Nizam's Railways System |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lH0ACAAAQBAJ |page=44 |year=2013 |publisher=Laxmi Book Publication |isbn=9781312496477 |last=Jaganath |first=Santosh |access-date=22 July 2020 |archive-date=15 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915185148/https://books.google.com/books?id=lH0ACAAAQBAJ&dq= |url-status=live}}</ref> or 6 April 1886 – 24 February 1967) | [[Mir (title)|Mir]] '''Osman Ali Khan, Asaf Jah VII''' {{postnominals|country=GBR|GCSI|GBE}} (5<ref name="Jaganath">{{cite book |title=The History of Nizam's Railways System |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lH0ACAAAQBAJ |page=44 |year=2013 |publisher=Laxmi Book Publication |isbn=9781312496477 |last=Jaganath |first=Santosh |access-date=22 July 2020 |archive-date=15 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915185148/https://books.google.com/books?id=lH0ACAAAQBAJ&dq= |url-status=live}}</ref> or 6 April 1886 – 24 February 1967)<ref>{{cite news |title=Here are five super-rich people from the pages of history! |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/here-are-five-super-rich-people-from-the-pages-of-history/articleshow/47108897.cms |work=The Economic Times |date=1 May 2015}}</ref> was the last [[Nizam]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Family of Indian royals wins £35m court battle against Pakistan |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-49907266 |website=BBC News |access-date=16 September 2020 |date=2 October 2019}}</ref> (ruler) of the [[Princely State]] of [[Hyderabad State|Hyderabad]], the largest princely state in [[British Raj|British India]]. He ascended the throne on 29 August 1911, at the age of 25<ref name="Donation to farmers">{{Cite web |url=http://thenizamsmuseum.com/seventh-nizam.html |title=:: The Seventh Nizam - The Nizam's Museum Hyderabad, Telangana, India |website=thenizamsmuseum.com|access-date=16 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190517095333/http://thenizamsmuseum.com/seventh-nizam.html|archive-date=17 May 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> and ruled the Kingdom of Hyderabad between 1911 and 1948, until [[Dominion of India|India]] [[Operation Polo|annexed]] it.<ref name="The News Minute 2018-09-16">{{cite web |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/day-year-how-hyderabad-became-part-union-india-88407 |title=This day, that year: How Hyderabad became a part of the union of India |date=16 September 2018|access-date=16 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181230191656/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/day-year-how-hyderabad-became-part-union-india-88407|archive-date=30 December 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> He was styled as [[His Exalted Highness|His Exalted Highness-(H.E.H)]] the [[Nizam of Hyderabad]],<ref name="Time 1937-02-22">{{cite news |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,770599,00.html |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |title=HYDERABAD: Silver Jubilee Durbar |date=22 February 1937 | access-date=20 May 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070524114531/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,770599,00.html | archive-date=24 May 2007 | url-status=dead}}</ref> and was widely considered as one of the [[List of wealthiest historical figures|world's wealthiest people of all time]].<ref name="zupan">{{cite book|title=Inside Job: How Government Insiders Subvert the Public Interest|author=Zupan, M.A.|isbn=978-1-107-15373-8|lccn=2016044124|series=Inside Job: How Government Insiders Subvert the Public Interest|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=39kcDgAAQBAJ|year=2017|pages=10–115|publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]] }}</ref> With some estimate placing his wealth at 2% of U.S. GDP,<ref name="zupan"/> his portrait was on the cover of ''[[Time (magazine)|Time magazine]]'' in 1937.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.time.com/time/covers/0,16641,1101370222,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050306233237/http://www.time.com/time/covers/0,16641,1101370222,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=6 March 2005 | magazine=Time |title=The Nizam of Hyderabad}}</ref> As a semi-autonomous monarch, he had his own mint, printing his own currency, the [[Hyderabadi rupee]], and had a private treasury that was said to contain £100 million in gold and silver bullion, and a further £400 million of jewels (in 2008 terms).<ref name="zupan"/><ref name="jhala"/> The major source of his wealth was the [[Golconda diamonds|Golconda mines]], the only supplier of [[diamond]]s in the world at that time.<ref name="jhala">{{cite book|title=Royal Patronage, Power and Aesthetics in Princely India|author=Jhala, A.D.|isbn=978-1-317-31656-5| | ||
series=Empires in Perspective|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DmpECgAAQBAJ|year=2015|publisher=[[Taylor & Francis]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Globalisation of Golconda |url=https://www.rediff.com/money/2007/nov/12spec.htm}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Making money the royal way! |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/making-money-the-royal-way-/articleshow/2975511.cms |access-date=8 February 2019}}</ref> Among them was the [[Jacob Diamond]], valued at some £50 million (in 2008 terms),<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/exclusive-the-last-nizam-of-hyderabad-was-so-rich-302814| location=London | work=[[Mirror.co.uk]] | first=Julie | last=McCaffrey| title=Exclusive: The last Nizam of Hyderabad was so rich he had a £50 million diamond paperweight| date=3 February 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1584818/India-finally-settles-1million-Nizam-dispute.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1584818/India-finally-settles-1million-Nizam-dispute.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live | location=London | work=The Daily Telegraph | first=Rahul | last=Bedi | title=India finally settles £1million Nizam dispute | date=12 April 2008}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://nationalmuseumindia.gov.in/press_release.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090402032500/http://nationalmuseumindia.gov.in/press_release.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2 April 2009|title=Exhibitions at National Museum of India, New Delhi(India)|date=2 April 2009}}</ref> and used by the Nizam as a [[paperweight]].<ref>Shah, Tahir. "[http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article2603983.ece Alan the Red, the Brit who makes Bill Gates a pauper]." ''Times Online''. ''The Sunday Times''. 7 October 2007. Web. 19 9ay 2010.</ref> | |||
During his 37-year rule, electricity was introduced, and railways, roads and airports were developed. He was known as the "Architect of modern Hyderabad" and is credited with establishing many public institutions in the city of Hyderabad, including | During his 37-year rule, electricity was introduced, and railways, roads and airports were developed. He was known as the "Architect of modern Hyderabad" and is credited with establishing many public institutions in the city of [[Hyderabad]], including [[Osmania University]], [[Osmania General Hospital]], [[State Bank of Hyderabad]],<ref>Pagdi, Raghavendra Rao (1987) Short History of Banking in Hyderabad District, 1879-1950. In M. Radhakrishna Sarma, K.D. Abhyankar, and V.G. Bilolikar, eds. ''History of Hyderabad District, 1879-1950AD (Yugabda 4981-5052)''. (Hyderabad : Bharatiya Itihasa Sankalana Samiti), Vol. 2, pp.85-87.</ref> [[Begumpet Airport]], and the [[Hyderabad High Court]]. Two reservoirs, [[Osman Sagar]] and [[Himayat Sagar]], were built during his reign, to prevent another [[Great Musi Flood of 1908|great flood]] in the city. The Nizam also constructed the Nizam Sagar Dam and, in 1923, a [[Reservoir (water)|reservoir]] constructed across the [[Manjira River]], a tributary of the [[Godavari River]], between [[Achampet, Nizamabad|Achampet]] and BanjePally villages of the [[Kamareddy district]] in [[Telangana]], [[India]]. It is located at about 144 km (89 mi) north-west of [[Hyderabad, India|Hyderabad]]. Nizam Sagar is the oldest dam in the state of [[Telangana]].<ref name="lakes built" /> | ||
The Nizam | The Nizam had refused to accede to India after the country's independence on 15 August 1947. He wanted to remain an independent state or join Pakistan.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Why wealth of Hyderabad Nizam's heirs depends on Pakistan |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/why-wealth-of-hyderabad-nizams-heirs-depends-on-pakistan-493417 |access-date=2023-02-13 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref> Later on, he wanted to join India, however, his power had weakened because of the [[Telangana Rebellion]] and the rise of a radical militia known as the [[Razakars (Hyderabad)|Razakars]] whom he could not put down. In 1948, the Indian Army [[Indian annexation of Hyderabad|invaded and annexed Hyderabad State]] and defeated Razakars.<ref>{{cite web | last=Apparasu | first=Srinivasa Rao | title=How Hyd merger with Union unfolded | website=Hindustan Times | date=2022-09-16 | url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/how-hyd-merger-with-union-unfolded-101663352521085.html}}</ref> The Nizam became the [[Rajpramukh]] of [[Hyderabad State (1948–56)|Hyderabad State]] between 1950 and 1956, after which the state was partitioned and became part of [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[Karnataka]] and [[Maharashtra]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://pib.nic.in/feature/feyr2000/fmay2000/f230520001.html |title=A Memorable Republic Day |website=pib.nic.in|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023145814/http://pib.nic.in/feature/feyr2000/fmay2000/f230520001.html|archive-date=23 October 2017|url-status=dead|access-date=3 May 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Karnataka State Gazetteer: Gulbarga |year=1966 |publisher=Director of Printing, Stationery and Publications at the Government Press |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uZkBAAAAMAAJ&q=nizam%20sikander%20jah |access-date=13 September 2020 |language=en |archive-date=15 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915185145/https://www.google.co.in/books/edition/Karnataka_State_Gazetteer_Gulbarga/uZkBAAAAMAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=0&bsq=nizam+sikander+jah |url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
In 1951, he not only started the construction of Nizam Orthopedic hospital (now [[Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences]] (NIMS)) and gave it to the government on a 99-year lease for a monthly rent of just | In 1951, he not only started the construction of Nizam Orthopedic hospital (now known as [[Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences]] (NIMS)) and gave it to the government on a 99-year lease for a monthly rent of just Rs.1,<ref name="niz">{{cite news |title=The Last Nizam who put Hyderabad on global map |url=https://telanganatoday.com/the-last-nizam-who-put-hyderabad-on-global-map |access-date=11 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190407145029/https://telanganatoday.com/the-last-nizam-who-put-hyderabad-on-global-map |archive-date=7 April 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> he also donated {{convert|14000|acres}} of land from his personal estate to [[Vinobha Bhave]]'s [[Bhoodan movement]] for re-distribution among landless farmers.<ref name="Donation to farmers" /><ref>{{cite news |last1=Sunil |first1=Mungara |title=Much of Bhoodan land found to be under encroachment in city {{!}} Hyderabad News |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Much-of-Bhoodan-land-found-to-be-under-encroachment-in-city/articleshow/54001626.cms |work=The Times of India |agency=TNN / Updated |date=4 September 2016 |language=en}}</ref> | ||
==Early life== | ==Early life== | ||
Mir Osman Ali Khan was born 5<ref name="Jaganath">{{cite book |title=The History of Nizam's Railways System |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lH0ACAAAQBAJ |page=44 |year=2013 |publisher=Laxmi Book Publication |isbn=9781312496477 |last=Jaganath |first=Santosh |access-date=22 July 2020 |archive-date=15 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915185148/https://books.google.com/books?id=lH0ACAAAQBAJ&dq= |url-status=live}}</ref> or 6 April 1886, the second son of [[Mahbub Ali Khan, Asaf Jah VI]] and Azmat-uz-Zahra Begum{{ | Mir Osman Ali Khan was born 5<ref name="Jaganath">{{cite book |title=The History of Nizam's Railways System |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lH0ACAAAQBAJ |page=44 |year=2013 |publisher=Laxmi Book Publication |isbn=9781312496477 |last=Jaganath |first=Santosh |access-date=22 July 2020 |archive-date=15 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915185148/https://books.google.com/books?id=lH0ACAAAQBAJ&dq= |url-status=live}}</ref> or 6 April 1886, the second son of [[Mahbub Ali Khan, Asaf Jah VI]] and Azmat-uz-Zahra Begum{{Contradictory inline|reason=Amat-uz-Zahrunnisa Begum and Amat-uz-Zahra Begum are both given.|date=September 2020}}<!-- Do not remove with prior discussion on the talkpage --> at [[Purani Haveli]] (also known as Masarrat Mahal palace). He was educated privately and reportedly became fluent in [[Urdu]], [[Persian language|Persian]], [[Arabic]] and English.<ref>{{cite news |last1=IFTHEKHAR |first1=J. S. |title=Nizam's generous side and love for books |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/nizams-generous-side-and-love-for-books/article2886529.ece |access-date=27 January 2023 |work=The Hindu |date=13 February 2012 |language=en-IN}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |title=Journal of the Pakistan Historical Society |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xfptAAAAMAAJ |volume=46 |pages=3–4(104) |journal=Pakistan Historical Society |publisher=the [[University of Michigan]] |year=1998 |access-date=26 July 2020 |archive-date=15 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915185148/https://books.google.com/books?id=xfptAAAAMAAJ&q= |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Jaganath">{{cite book |title=The History of Nizam's Railways System |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lH0ACAAAQBAJ |page=44 |year=2013 |publisher=Laxmi Book Publication |isbn=9781312496477 |last=Jaganath |first=Santosh |access-date=22 July 2020 |archive-date=15 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915185148/https://books.google.com/books?id=lH0ACAAAQBAJ&dq= |url-status=live}}</ref> Under [[Nawab Muhammad Ali Beg]] he received court ethics and military training.<ref name="birth">{{cite web |title=Chapter II |url=https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/160452/8/08_chapter_2.pdf |page=56 |publisher=Shodh Ganga-Indian Electronic Thesises and Dissertations |access-date=28 July 2020 |archive-date=15 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915185150/https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/160452/8/08_chapter_2.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
On the recommendation of [[Governor-General of India|the Viceroy of India]], [[Victor Bruce, 9th Earl of Elgin|Lord Elgin]] in 1898, in early 1899 Sir Brian Egerton (of the [[Egerton family]] and former tutor to [[Maharajah of Bikaner]] [[Ganga Singh]]) was appointed as Mir Osman Ali Khan's [[English language|English]] tutor for two years. | On the recommendation of [[Governor-General of India|the Viceroy of India]], [[Victor Bruce, 9th Earl of Elgin|Lord Elgin]] in 1898, in early 1899 Sir Brian Egerton (of the [[Egerton family]] and former tutor to [[Maharajah of Bikaner]] [[Ganga Singh]]) was appointed as Mir Osman Ali Khan's [[English language|English]] tutor for two years.<ref name="Jaganath"/> During this period he lived away from the principal palace. He lived on his own to avoid the atmosphere of the palace quarters under the guidance of Sir Brian and other British officials and mentors, so that he could flourish as a gentleman of the highest class. Sir Brian Egerton recorded that as a child, Mir Osman Ali Khan was [[A magnanimous act|magnanimous]] and "anxious to learn". Because of the indomitable attitude of [[zenana]] (the women) who were determined to send Mir Osman Ali Khan out of [[Hyderabad]] for further studies, he pursued them at [[Mayo College]] after consultation with the principal nobles of the [[Paigah family]].<ref name="birth"/><ref name="Keen">{{cite thesis |title=The power behind the throne: Relations between the British and the Indian states 1870-1909 |url=https://eprints.soas.ac.uk/29223/1/10731318.pdf |last=Keen |first=Caroline |pages=84–86 |degree=PhD |publisher=[[SOAS University of London]] |year=2003 |page= |archive-date=15 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915185155/https://eprints.soas.ac.uk/29223/1/10731318.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
==Reign== | ==Reign== | ||
[[File:Coronation portrait of the VIIth Nizam.jpg|thumb|250px|The Nizam when he ascended the throne at 25 years of age|alt=|left]] | [[File:Coronation portrait of the VIIth Nizam.jpg|thumb|250px|The Nizam when he ascended the throne at 25 years of age|alt=|left]] | ||
[[File:1 rupee Hyderabard - 1913.png|thumb|300px|[[Silver coin]]: 1 rupee [[Hyderabad State]], Mir Osman Ali Khan, 1913]] | [[File:1 rupee Hyderabard - 1913.png|thumb|300px|[[Silver coin]]: 1 rupee [[Hyderabad State]], Mir Osman Ali Khan, 1913]] | ||
[[Mir Mahboob Ali Khan]] the VI Nizam died on 29 August 1911 and on the same day Mir Osman Ali Khan was proclaimed Nizam VII under the supervision of Nawab Shahab Jung, a minister of Police and Public works.{{ | [[Mir Mahboob Ali Khan]] the VI Nizam died on 29 August 1911 and on the same day Mir Osman Ali Khan was proclaimed Nizam VII under the supervision of Nawab Shahab Jung, a minister of Police and Public works.<ref name="throning ceremony">{{cite web |title=Delhi Durbar of 1911: All you wanted to know ! |url=https://www.theheritagelab.in/delhi-durbar-1911/ |website=The Heritage Lab |date=17 December 2020}}</ref> On 18 September 1911, the crowning ceremony was officially held at the [[Chowmahalla Palace]]. | ||
His coronation [[Durbar (court)]] included the prime minister of Hyderabad- [[Kishen Pershad|Maharaja Kishen Pershad]], Colonel Alexander Pinhey (1911–1916) [[British Raj|British]] [[Resident (title)|resident]] of [[British Residency, Hyderabad|Hyderabad]], the Paigah, and the distinguished nobles of the state and the head of principalities under Nizam domain.<ref name="Jaganath"/><ref name="birth" /><ref>{{cite thesis |title=Accession of Hyderabad state to the Indian union: a study of the political and pressure groups (1945-1948) |chapter-url=https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/handle/10603/1882 |chapter=1 |page=20 |first=Uma |last=T |date=April 2003 |degree=PhD |publisher=Department of History, School of Social Sciences, University of Hyderabad |hdl=10603/1882 |via=Shodh Ganga-Indian Electronic Thesises and Dissertations |access-date=28 July 2020 |archive-date=25 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190425172456/http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/handle/10603/1882 |url-status=live | His coronation [[Durbar (court)]] included the prime minister of Hyderabad- [[Kishen Pershad|Maharaja Kishen Pershad]], Colonel Alexander Pinhey (1911–1916) [[British Raj|British]] [[Resident (title)|resident]] of [[British Residency, Hyderabad|Hyderabad]], the Paigah, and the distinguished nobles of the state and the head of principalities under Nizam domain.<ref name="Jaganath"/><ref name="birth" /><ref>{{cite thesis |title=Accession of Hyderabad state to the Indian union: a study of the political and pressure groups (1945-1948) |chapter-url=https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/handle/10603/1882 |chapter=1 |page=20 |first=Uma |last=T |date=April 2003 |degree=PhD |publisher=Department of History, School of Social Sciences, University of Hyderabad |hdl=10603/1882 |via=Shodh Ganga-Indian Electronic Thesises and Dissertations |access-date=28 July 2020 |archive-date=25 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190425172456/http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/handle/10603/1882 |url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
The famous mines of [[Golconda diamonds|Golconda]] were the major source of wealth for the Nizams,<ref name="diamonds">{{Cite web |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/blogs/SilkStalkings/celebrating-the-nizams-fabled-golconda-diamonds/ |title=Celebrating the Nizam's fabled golconda diamonds |date=23 February 2019 |website=Economic Times Blog|access-date=16 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190802081007/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/blogs/SilkStalkings/celebrating-the-nizams-fabled-golconda-diamonds/|archive-date=2 August 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> with the [[Hyderabad State|Kingdom of Hyderabad]] being the only supplier of diamonds for the global market in the 18th century.<ref name="diamonds" /> | The famous mines of [[Golconda diamonds|Golconda]] were the major source of wealth for the Nizams,<ref name="diamonds">{{Cite web |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/blogs/SilkStalkings/celebrating-the-nizams-fabled-golconda-diamonds/ |title=Celebrating the Nizam's fabled golconda diamonds |date=23 February 2019 |website=Economic Times Blog|access-date=16 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190802081007/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/blogs/SilkStalkings/celebrating-the-nizams-fabled-golconda-diamonds/|archive-date=2 August 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> with the [[Hyderabad State|Kingdom of Hyderabad]] being the only supplier of diamonds for the global market in the 18th century.<ref name="diamonds" /> | ||
Mir Osman Ali Khan acceded as the Nizam of Hyderabad upon the death of his father in 1911. The state of Hyderabad was the largest of the princely states in pre-independence India. With an area of 86,000 square miles (223,000 km<sup>2</sup>), it was roughly the size of the present-day United Kingdom. The Nizam was the highest-ranking prince in India, was one of only five princes [[salute state|entitled to a 21-gun salute]], held the unique title of "Nizam", and titled "[[Exalted Highness|His Exalted Highness]]" and "Faithful Ally of the British Crown".<ref name="The Hindu 2007-03-14">{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/%60His-Exalted-Highness-to-be-staged-today/article14734360.ece |title='His Exalted Highness' to be staged today |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |date=14 March 2007| access-date=16 July 2020| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200219204535/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/%60His-Exalted-Highness-to-be-staged-today/article14734360.ece| archive-date=19 February 2020| url-status=live}}</ref> | Mir Osman Ali Khan acceded as the Nizam of Hyderabad upon the death of his father in 1911. The state of Hyderabad was the largest of the princely states in pre-independence India. With an area of 86,000 square miles (223,000 km<sup>2</sup>), it was roughly the size of the present-day United Kingdom. The Nizam was the highest-ranking prince in India, was one of only five princes [[salute state|entitled to a 21-gun salute]], held the unique title of "Nizam", and titled "[[Exalted Highness|His Exalted Highness]]" and "Faithful Ally of the British Crown".<ref name="The Hindu 2007-03-14">{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/%60His-Exalted-Highness-to-be-staged-today/article14734360.ece |title='His Exalted Highness' to be staged today |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |date=14 March 2007| access-date=16 July 2020| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200219204535/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/%60His-Exalted-Highness-to-be-staged-today/article14734360.ece| archive-date=19 February 2020| url-status=live}}</ref>{{failed verification|reason=The is about some play, and not the historical facts stated here.|date=July 2020}}<!-- Do not remove this tag without a proper source--> | ||
===Early years (1911 to 1918)=== | ===Early years (1911 to 1918)=== | ||
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In 1908, three years before the Nizam's coronation, the city of Hyderabad was [[Great Musi Flood of 1908|struck by a major flood]] that resulted in the death of thousands. The Nizam, on the advice of [[M. Visvesvaraya|Sir M. Visvesvaraya]], ordered the construction of two large reservoirs—the [[Osman Sagar]] and [[Himayat Sagar]]—to prevent another flood.{{Sfn|Law|1914|p=85-92}} | In 1908, three years before the Nizam's coronation, the city of Hyderabad was [[Great Musi Flood of 1908|struck by a major flood]] that resulted in the death of thousands. The Nizam, on the advice of [[M. Visvesvaraya|Sir M. Visvesvaraya]], ordered the construction of two large reservoirs—the [[Osman Sagar]] and [[Himayat Sagar]]—to prevent another flood.{{Sfn|Law|1914|p=85-92}} | ||
He was given the title of "Faithful Ally of the [[The Crown|British Crown]]" after [[World War One]] because of his financial contribution to the [[British Empire]]'s war effort. Part of the reason behind his unique title of "His Exalted Highness" and other titles was due to the huge amounts of financial help that he provided the [[British Empire|British]] amounting nearly £25 million.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Zompa|first=Tenzin|date=2021 | He was given the title of "Faithful Ally of the [[The Crown|British Crown]]" after [[World War One]] because of his financial contribution to the [[British Empire]]'s war effort.<ref name=":0"/> Part of the reason behind his unique title of "His Exalted Highness" and other titles was due to the huge amounts of financial help that he provided the [[British Empire|British]] amounting to nearly £25 million (£{{formatnum:{{Inflation|UK|25000000|1918|r=-3}}}} in {{CURRENTYEAR}}).<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Zompa|first=Tenzin|date=6 April 2021|title=Mir Osman Ali Khan, Hyderabad Nizam who wore cotton pyjamas & used a diamond as paper weight|url=https://theprint.in/theprint-profile/mir-osman-ali-khan-hyderabad-nizam-who-wore-cotton-pyjamas-used-a-diamond-as-paper-weight/634761/|access-date=10 October 2021|website=ThePrint|language=en-US}}</ref> (For example, [[No. 110 Squadron RAF]]'s original complement of [[Airco DH.9A]] aircraft were Osman Ali's gift. Each aircraft bore an inscription to that effect, and the unit became known as the "Hyderabad Squadron".)<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.raf.mod.uk/history/bombercommandno110squadron.cfm |title=RAF – Bomber Command No.110 Squadron |website=raf.mod.uk|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170203074539/http://www.raf.mod.uk/history/bombercommandno110squadron.cfm|archive-date=3 February 2017|url-status=dead|access-date=3 May 2017}}</ref> He also paid for a [[Royal Navy]] vessel, the [[J-, K- and N-class destroyer|N-class]] [[destroyer]], {{HMAS|Nizam|G38|6}} commissioned in 1940 and transferred to the [[Royal Australian Navy]].<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Royal Australian Navy |title=HMAS Nizam |url=https://www.navy.gov.au/hmas-nizam |language=en |access-date=19 July 2020 |archive-date=26 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726095116/https://www.navy.gov.au/hmas-nizam |url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
In 1918, the Nizam issued a ''[[firman]]'' (decree) that established [[Osmania University]], the first university to have [[Urdu]] as the language of instruction. The present campus was completed in 1934. The ''firman'' also mentioned the university's detailed mission and objectives.<ref>{{cite web |title=Osmania University |url=https://www.osmania.ac.in/aboutus-originandhistory.php |website=osmania.ac.in |access-date=27 July 2020 |archive-date=25 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200425180256/https://www.osmania.ac.in/aboutus-originandhistory.php |url-status=live}}</ref> The establishment of Osmania University was highly lauded by Nobel-Prize Laureate-Poet Rabindranath Tagore who was overjoyed to see the day when Indians are | In 1918, the Nizam issued a ''[[firman]]'' (decree) that established [[Osmania University]], the first university to have [[Urdu]] as the language of instruction. The present campus was completed in 1934. The ''firman'' also mentioned the university's detailed mission and objectives.<ref>{{cite web |title=Osmania University |url=https://www.osmania.ac.in/aboutus-originandhistory.php |website=osmania.ac.in |access-date=27 July 2020 |archive-date=25 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200425180256/https://www.osmania.ac.in/aboutus-originandhistory.php |url-status=live}}</ref> The establishment of Osmania University was highly lauded by Nobel-Prize Laureate-Poet Rabindranath Tagore who was overjoyed to see the day when Indians are "freed from the shackles of a foreign language and our education becomes naturally accessible to all our people".<ref name=":0" /> | ||
===Post-World War (1918 to 1939)=== | ===Post-World War (1918 to 1939)=== | ||
[[File:The Nizam of Hyderabad pays homage to the king and queen at the Delhi Durbar.jpg|alt=|thumb|The Nizam pays homage to [[George V|King George]] and [[Mary of Teck|Queen Mary]] at the [[Delhi Durbar]], December 1911.]] | [[File:The Nizam of Hyderabad pays homage to the king and queen at the Delhi Durbar.jpg|alt=|thumb|The Nizam pays homage to [[George V|King George]] and [[Mary of Teck|Queen Mary]] at the [[Delhi Durbar]], December 1911.]] | ||
In 1919, the Nizam ordered the formation of the Executive Council of Hyderabad, presided over by Sir Sayyid Ali Imam, including eight other members, each in charge of one or more departments. The president of the Executive Council would also be the [[List of Prime Ministers of Hyderabad State|prime minister of Hyderabad]]. | In 1919, the Nizam ordered the formation of the Executive Council of Hyderabad, presided over by Sir Sayyid Ali Imam, including eight other members, each in charge of one or more departments. The president of the Executive Council would also be the [[List of Prime Ministers of Hyderabad State|prime minister of Hyderabad]].{{citation needed|date=April 2022}} | ||
The [[Begumpet Airport]] was established in the year 1930 with the eventual formation of [[Hyderabad Aero Club]] by the Nizam in 1936. Initially, the Nizam's private airways the [[Deccan Airways Limited|Deccan Airways]], one of the earliest airlines in British India, used it as a domestic and international airport. The terminal building was constructed in 1937.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Museum/Begumpet.html |title=Begumpet Airport History |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051221081504/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Museum/Begumpet.html |archive-date=21 December 2005|url-status=dead}}</ref> The first commercial flight took off from the airport in 1946.<ref>{{Cite web| | The [[Begumpet Airport]] was established in the year 1930 with the eventual formation of [[Hyderabad Aero Club]] by the Nizam in 1936. Initially, the Nizam's private airways the [[Deccan Airways Limited|Deccan Airways]], one of the earliest airlines in British India, used it as a domestic and international airport. The terminal building was constructed in 1937.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Museum/Begumpet.html |title=Begumpet Airport History |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051221081504/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Museum/Begumpet.html |archive-date=21 December 2005|url-status=dead}}</ref> The first commercial flight took off from the airport in 1946.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.showincity.com/venues/v-18646/begumpet-airport|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019120240/https://www.showincity.com/venues/v-18646/begumpet-airport|archive-date=October 19, 2021|title=Begumpet Airport}}</ref><!--Bharatrakshak is a website of the IAF - Indian AirForce--> | ||
===Final years of his reign (1939 to 1948)=== | ===Final years of his reign (1939 to 1948)=== | ||
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[[File:AsafJah7 Al-Quaiti-Family.jpeg|thumb|The Nizam with the [[Qu'aiti|Al-Quaiti]] Royal Family|alt=]] | [[File:AsafJah7 Al-Quaiti-Family.jpeg|thumb|The Nizam with the [[Qu'aiti|Al-Quaiti]] Royal Family|alt=]] | ||
[[File:NizamSaud.jpg|thumb|The Nizam with [[Saud of Saudi Arabia|King Saud]] during his visit to [[Hyderabad State|Hyderabad]]|alt=]] | [[File:NizamSaud.jpg|thumb|The Nizam with [[Saud of Saudi Arabia|King Saud]] during his visit to [[Hyderabad State|Hyderabad]]|alt=]] | ||
The Nizam arranged a matrimonial alliance with deposed caliph [[Abdulmejid II]] whereby the Nizam's first son [[Azam Jah]] would marry [[Dürrüşehvar Sultan|Princess Durrushehvar]] of the [[Ottoman Empire]]. It was believed that the matrimonial alliance between the Nizam and Abdulmejid II would lead to the emergence of a Muslim ruler who could be acceptable to the world powers in place of the [[List of sultans of the Ottoman Empire|Ottoman Sultans]]. After India's Independence, the Nizam attempted to declare his sovereignty over the state of Hyderabad, either as a protectorate of the British Empire or as a sovereign monarchy. However, his power weakened because of the [[Telangana Rebellion]] and the rise of the [[Razakars (Hyderabad)|Razakars]], a radical Muslim militia who wanted Hyderabad to remain under Muslim rule. In 1948, India [[Indian annexation of Hyderabad|invaded and annexed]] Hyderabad State, and the rule of the Nizam ended. He became the [[Rajpramukh]] and served from 26 January 1950 to 31 October 1956.<ref name="Nizam_Governor">{{cite news |title=Fact Check: The Nizam of Hyderabad never fled Hyderabad |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/fact-check/story/fact-check-the-nizam-of-hyderabad-never-fled-as-yogi-adityanath-claimed-1401710-2018-12-03 |access-date=23 September 2019 |work=[[India Today]] |date=29 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190923123211/https://www.indiatoday.in/fact-check/story/fact-check-the-nizam-of-hyderabad-never-fled-as-yogi-adityanath-claimed-1401710-2018-12-03 |archive-date=23 September 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> | The Nizam arranged a matrimonial alliance with deposed caliph [[Abdulmejid II]] whereby the Nizam's first son [[Azam Jah]] would marry [[Dürrüşehvar Sultan|Princess Durrushehvar]] of the [[Ottoman Empire]]. It was believed that the matrimonial alliance between the Nizam and Abdulmejid II would lead to the emergence of a Muslim ruler who could be acceptable to the world powers in place of the [[List of sultans of the Ottoman Empire|Ottoman Sultans]]. After India's Independence, the Nizam attempted to declare his sovereignty over the state of Hyderabad, either as a protectorate of the British Empire or as a sovereign monarchy. However, his power weakened because of the [[Telangana Rebellion]] and the rise of the [[Razakars (Hyderabad)|Razakars]], a radical Muslim militia who wanted Hyderabad to remain under Muslim rule. In 1948, India [[Indian annexation of Hyderabad|invaded and annexed]] Hyderabad State, and the rule of the Nizam ended. He became the [[Rajpramukh]] and served from 26 January 1950 to 31 October 1956.<ref name="Nizam_Governor">{{cite news |title=Fact Check: The Nizam of Hyderabad never fled Hyderabad |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/fact-check/story/fact-check-the-nizam-of-hyderabad-never-fled-as-yogi-adityanath-claimed-1401710-2018-12-03 |access-date=23 September 2019 |work=[[India Today]] |date=29 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190923123211/https://www.indiatoday.in/fact-check/story/fact-check-the-nizam-of-hyderabad-never-fled-as-yogi-adityanath-claimed-1401710-2018-12-03 |archive-date=23 September 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
==Contributions to society | ==Contributions to society== | ||
===Educational initiatives=== | ===Educational initiatives=== | ||
By donating to major educational institutions throughout India, he introduced many educational reforms during his reign. Up to 11% of his budget was spent on education.<ref name="Education budget">{{cite news |title=Nizam Hyderabad Mir Osman Ali Khan was a perfect secular ruler |url=https://archive.siasat.com/news/nizam-hyderabad-mir-osman-ali-khan-was-perfect-secular-ruler-812716/ |work=[[The Siasat Daily]] - Archive |date=13 August 2015 |access-date=19 July 2020 |archive-date=17 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180917143512/https://archive.siasat.com/news/nizam-hyderabad-mir-osman-ali-khan-was-perfect-secular-ruler-812716/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Schools, colleges and a Department for Translation were set up. Primary education was made compulsory and provided free for the poor. | |||
By donating to major educational institutions throughout India, he introduced many educational reforms during his reign. Up to 11% of his budget was spent on education.<ref name="Education budget">{{cite news |title=Nizam Hyderabad Mir Osman Ali Khan was a perfect secular ruler |url=https://archive.siasat.com/news/nizam-hyderabad-mir-osman-ali-khan-was-perfect-secular-ruler-812716/ |work=[[The Siasat Daily]] - Archive |date=13 August 2015 |access-date=19 July 2020 |archive-date=17 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180917143512/https://archive.siasat.com/news/nizam-hyderabad-mir-osman-ali-khan-was-perfect-secular-ruler-812716/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> | |||
The Nizam | [[File:Hydari ViceChancellor InaugurationArtsCollege-OsmaniaUni 1937.jpeg|thumb|The Nizam at the inauguration of the [[Osmania University]] Arts College, c. 1937]] | ||
====Osmania University==== | |||
{{See also|Osmania University}} | |||
He founded the Osmania University in 1918 through a royal firman;<ref>{{cite web |title=Osmania University |url=https://www.osmania.ac.in/aboutus-originandhistory.php |website=osmania.ac.in |access-date=30 July 2020 |archive-date=25 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200425180256/https://www.osmania.ac.in/aboutus-originandhistory.php |url-status=live}}</ref> It is one of the largest universities in India. Schools, colleges and a Department for Translation were set up | He founded the Osmania University in 1918 through a royal firman;<ref>{{cite web |title=Osmania University |url=https://www.osmania.ac.in/aboutus-originandhistory.php |website=osmania.ac.in |access-date=30 July 2020 |archive-date=25 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200425180256/https://www.osmania.ac.in/aboutus-originandhistory.php |url-status=live}}</ref> It is one of the largest universities in India. Schools, colleges and a Department for Translation were set up.<ref name="osmania 1917-04-26">{{cite web |url=http://www.osmania.ac.in/AboutUsorigin-history.htm |title=Welcome to Osmania University |publisher=Osmania.ac.in |date=26 April 1917 |access-date=18 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150812075935/http://www.osmania.ac.in/AboutUsorigin-history.htm |archive-date=12 August 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
===Construction of major public buildings=== | ===Construction of major public buildings=== | ||
Nearly all the major public buildings and institutions in Hyderabad city, such as the [[High Court of Judicature at Hyderabad|Hyderabad High Court]], [[Jubilee Hall, Hyderabad|Jubilee Hall]], [[Nizamia Observatory]], [[Moazzam Jahi Market]], [[Kachiguda Railway Station]], Asafiya Library ([[State Central Library, Hyderabad]]), the [[Town Hall]] now known as the Assembly Hall, Hyderabad Museum now known as the [[Telangana State Archaeology Museum|State Museum]]; [[:Category:Hospitals established in Hyderabad State|hospitals]] like [[Osmania General Hospital]], [[Government Nizamia General Hospital|Nizamia Hospital]] and many other buildings were constructed under his reign.<ref name="livemint 2017-04-26">{{Cite news |url=https://www.livemint.com/Politics/45tpr4Hlxyc5g51QtwjuKJ/100-years-of-Osmania-University-the-hub-of-Telangana-agitat.html |title=100 years of Osmania University, the hub of Telangana agitation |last=Lasania |first=Yunus Y. |date=26 April 2017 |work=[[Mint (newspaper)|Mint]]|access-date=20 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180619163712/https://www.livemint.com/Politics/45tpr4Hlxyc5g51QtwjuKJ/100-years-of-Osmania-University-the-hub-of-Telangana-agitat.html|archive-date=19 June 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="The News Minute 2017-01-24">{{Cite news |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/once-pride-nizam-hyderabads-iconic-osmania-hospital-now-lies-shambles-56184 |title=Once the pride of the Nizam, Hyderabad's iconic Osmania hospital now lies in shambles |date=24 January 2017 |work=[[The News Minute]]|access-date=20 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202120825/http://www.thenewsminute.com/article/once-pride-nizam-hyderabads-iconic-osmania-hospital-now-lies-shambles-56184|archive-date=2 February 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="The Hans India-Kacheguda 2016-06-03">{{Cite web |url=http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Telangana/2016-06-03/Kacheguda-station-scripts-100-years-of-history/232405 |title=Kacheguda station scripts 100 years of history |website=[[The Hans India]] |language=en|access-date=20 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620181027/http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Telangana/2016-06-03/Kacheguda-station-scripts-100-years-of-history/232405|archive-date=20 June 2018|url-status=live |date=3 June 2016}}</ref> He also built the [[Hyderabad House]] in Delhi, now used for diplomatic meetings by the Government of India.<ref name="Telegraph India 2011-07-18">{{cite news |url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110718/jsp/frontpage/story_14253175.jsp |title=Ties too big for Delhi table – Space dilemma mirrors growth in Indo-US relationship |last=Nayar |first=K.P. |date=18 July 2011 |newspaper=[[The Telegraph (Kolkata)|The Telegraph]] |location=Kolkota |access-date=13 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725011802/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110718/jsp/frontpage/story_14253175.jsp|archive-date=25 July 2015|url-status= | Nearly all the major public buildings and institutions in Hyderabad city, such as the [[High Court of Judicature at Hyderabad|Hyderabad High Court]], [[Jubilee Hall, Hyderabad|Jubilee Hall]], [[Nizamia Observatory]], [[Moazzam Jahi Market]], [[Kachiguda Railway Station]], Asafiya Library ([[State Central Library, Hyderabad]]), the [[Town Hall]] now known as the Assembly Hall, Hyderabad Museum now known as the [[Telangana State Archaeology Museum|State Museum]]; [[:Category:Hospitals established in Hyderabad State|hospitals]] like [[Osmania General Hospital]], [[Government Nizamia General Hospital|Nizamia Hospital]] and many other buildings were constructed under his reign.<ref name="livemint 2017-04-26">{{Cite news |url=https://www.livemint.com/Politics/45tpr4Hlxyc5g51QtwjuKJ/100-years-of-Osmania-University-the-hub-of-Telangana-agitat.html |title=100 years of Osmania University, the hub of Telangana agitation |last=Lasania |first=Yunus Y. |date=26 April 2017 |work=[[Mint (newspaper)|Mint]]|access-date=20 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180619163712/https://www.livemint.com/Politics/45tpr4Hlxyc5g51QtwjuKJ/100-years-of-Osmania-University-the-hub-of-Telangana-agitat.html|archive-date=19 June 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="The News Minute 2017-01-24">{{Cite news |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/once-pride-nizam-hyderabads-iconic-osmania-hospital-now-lies-shambles-56184 |title=Once the pride of the Nizam, Hyderabad's iconic Osmania hospital now lies in shambles |date=24 January 2017 |work=[[The News Minute]]|access-date=20 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202120825/http://www.thenewsminute.com/article/once-pride-nizam-hyderabads-iconic-osmania-hospital-now-lies-shambles-56184|archive-date=2 February 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="The Hans India-Kacheguda 2016-06-03">{{Cite web |url=http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Telangana/2016-06-03/Kacheguda-station-scripts-100-years-of-history/232405 |title=Kacheguda station scripts 100 years of history |website=[[The Hans India]] |language=en|access-date=20 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620181027/http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Telangana/2016-06-03/Kacheguda-station-scripts-100-years-of-history/232405|archive-date=20 June 2018|url-status=live |date=3 June 2016}}</ref> He also built the [[Hyderabad House]] in Delhi, now used for diplomatic meetings by the Government of India.<ref name="Telegraph India 2011-07-18">{{cite news |url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110718/jsp/frontpage/story_14253175.jsp |title=Ties too big for Delhi table – Space dilemma mirrors growth in Indo-US relationship |last=Nayar |first=K.P. |date=18 July 2011 |newspaper=[[The Telegraph (Kolkata)|The Telegraph]] |location=Kolkota |access-date=13 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725011802/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1110718/jsp/frontpage/story_14253175.jsp|archive-date=25 July 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Hindustan Times 2011-06-08">{{cite news |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Of-princes-palaces-and-plush-points/Article1-707274.aspx |title=Of princes, palaces and plush points |last=Sharma |first=Manoj |date=8 June 2011 |newspaper=[[Hindustan Times]] |access-date=13 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131010152053/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Of-princes-palaces-and-plush-points/Article1-707274.aspx |archive-date=10 October 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
===Establishment of Hyderabad State Bank=== | ===Establishment of Hyderabad State Bank=== | ||
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{{Main|State Bank of Hyderabad}} | {{Main|State Bank of Hyderabad}} | ||
In 1941, he started his own bank, the Hyderabad State Bank. It was later renamed [[State Bank of Hyderabad]] and merged with the [[State Bank of India]] as the state's central bank in 2017. It was established on 8 August 1941 under the Hyderabad State Bank Act. The bank managed the Osmania Sikka ([[Hyderabadi rupee]]), the currency of the state of Hyderabad. It was the only state in India which had [[Banknotes of Hyderabad|its own currency]], and the only state in British India where the ruler was allowed to issue currency. In 1953, the bank absorbed, by merger, the Mercantile Bank of Hyderabad, which Raja Pannalal Pitti had founded in 1935.<ref>Pagdi, Raghavendra Rao (1987) Short History of Banking in Hyderabad District, 1879–1950. In M. Radhakrishna Sarma, K.D. Abhyankar, and V.G. Bilolikar, eds. ''History of Hyderabad District, 1879-1950AD (Yugabda 4981–5052)''. (Hyderabad : Bharatiya Itihasa Sankalana Samiti), Vol. 2, pp.85–87.</ref>{{ | In 1941, he started his own bank, the Hyderabad State Bank. It was later renamed [[State Bank of Hyderabad]] and merged with the [[State Bank of India]] as the state's central bank in 2017. It was established on 8 August 1941 under the Hyderabad State Bank Act. The bank managed the Osmania Sikka ([[Hyderabadi rupee]]), the currency of the state of Hyderabad. It was the only state in India which had [[Banknotes of Hyderabad|its own currency]], and the only state in British India where the ruler was allowed to issue currency. In 1953, the bank absorbed, by merger, the Mercantile Bank of Hyderabad, which Raja Pannalal Pitti had founded in 1935.<ref>Pagdi, Raghavendra Rao (1987) Short History of Banking in Hyderabad District, 1879–1950. In M. Radhakrishna Sarma, K.D. Abhyankar, and V.G. Bilolikar, eds. ''History of Hyderabad District, 1879-1950AD (Yugabda 4981–5052)''. (Hyderabad : Bharatiya Itihasa Sankalana Samiti), Vol. 2, pp.85–87.</ref>{{Request quotation|date=July 2020|reason=What is said in this book to support this statement?}} | ||
In 1956, the Reserve Bank of India took over the bank as its first subsidiary and renamed it State Bank of Hyderabad (SBH). The Subsidiary Banks Act was passed in 1959. On 1 October 1959, SBH and the other banks of the princely states became subsidiaries of SBI. It merged with SBI on 31 March 2017.<ref name="The Hindu BusinessLine 2014-04-08">{{cite news |last1=Sridhar |first1=G. Naga |date=8 April 2014 |title=Ethnic flavour: SBH to be chief banker to new Telangana state |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/Ethnic-flavour-SBH-to-be-chief-banker-to-new-Telangana-state/article20749772.ece |work=BusinessLine |language=en |access-date=27 July 2020 |archive-date=15 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915185209/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/Ethnic-flavour-SBH-to-be-chief-banker-to-new-Telangana-state/article20749772.ece |url-status=live}}</ref> | In 1956, the Reserve Bank of India took over the bank as its first subsidiary and renamed it State Bank of Hyderabad (SBH). The Subsidiary Banks Act was passed in 1959. On 1 October 1959, SBH and the other banks of the princely states became subsidiaries of SBI. It merged with SBI on 31 March 2017.<ref name="The Hindu BusinessLine 2014-04-08">{{cite news |last1=Sridhar |first1=G. Naga |date=8 April 2014 |title=Ethnic flavour: SBH to be chief banker to new Telangana state |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/Ethnic-flavour-SBH-to-be-chief-banker-to-new-Telangana-state/article20749772.ece |work=BusinessLine |language=en |access-date=27 July 2020 |archive-date=15 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915185209/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/Ethnic-flavour-SBH-to-be-chief-banker-to-new-Telangana-state/article20749772.ece |url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
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===Flood prevention=== | ===Flood prevention=== | ||
After the Great Musi Flood of 1908, which killed an estimated 50,000 people, the Nizam constructed two lakes to prevent flooding—the Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar | After the Great Musi Flood of 1908, which killed an estimated 50,000 people, the Nizam constructed two lakes to prevent flooding—the Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar<ref name="lakes built">{{cite web |title=Nature Discovery in Telangana :: Telangana Tourism |url=https://www.telanganatourism.gov.in/partials/destinations/nature-discovery/rangareddy/osman-sagar-lake.html |website=telanganatourism.gov |language=en |access-date=27 July 2020 |archive-date=15 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815174420/http://telanganatourism.gov.in/partials/destinations/nature-discovery/rangareddy/osman-sagar-lake.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.exploretelangana.com/gandipets-osman-sagar-lake-hyderabad/ |title=Gandipet's Osman Sagar Lake, Hyderabad |website=exploretelangana.com |date=24 August 2013 |language=en-US|access-date=20 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180619163801/http://www.exploretelangana.com/gandipets-osman-sagar-lake-hyderabad/|archive-date=19 June 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> named after himself, and his son [[Azam Jah]] respectively.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.exploretelangana.com/himayat-sagar-lake-weekend-tourist-spot-of-hyderabad/ |title=Himayat Sagar Lake – Weekend Tourist Spot of Hyderabad |website=exploretelangana.com |language=en-US|access-date=20 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180619213815/http://www.exploretelangana.com/himayat-sagar-lake-weekend-tourist-spot-of-hyderabad/|archive-date=19 June 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
===Agricultural reforms=== | ===Agricultural reforms=== | ||
The Nizam founded agricultural research in the [[Marathwada]] region of Hyderabad State with the establishment of the Main Experimental Farm in 1918 in [[Parbhani]]. During his rule, agricultural education was available only at Hyderabad; crop research centres for [[sorghum]], cotton, and fruits existed in Parbhani. After independence, the Indian government developed this facility further and renamed [[Marathwada Agriculture University]] on 18 May 1972.<ref name="MAU">{{cite web |title=MAU |url=http://www.mkv.ac.in/doe/maufrgen.html |publisher=mkv |access-date=24 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518022708/http://www.mkv.ac.in/doe/maufrgen.html|archive-date=18 May 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> | The Nizam founded agricultural research in the [[Marathwada]] region of Hyderabad State with the establishment of the Main Experimental Farm in 1918 in [[Parbhani]]. During his rule, agricultural education was available only at Hyderabad; crop research centres for [[sorghum]], cotton, and fruits existed in Parbhani. After independence, the Indian government developed this facility further and renamed it [[Marathwada Agriculture University]] on 18 May 1972.<ref name="MAU">{{cite web |title=MAU |url=http://www.mkv.ac.in/doe/maufrgen.html |publisher=mkv |access-date=24 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518022708/http://www.mkv.ac.in/doe/maufrgen.html|archive-date=18 May 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
===Contribution to Indian aviation | ===Contribution to Indian aviation=== | ||
India's first airport—the [[Begumpet Airport]]—was established in the 1930s with the formation of the Hyderabad Aero Club by the Nizam. | India's first airport—the [[Begumpet Airport]]—was established in the 1930s with the formation of the Hyderabad Aero Club by the Nizam. | ||
Initially, it was used as a domestic and international airport by [[Deccan Airways Limited]], the first airline in British India. The airport terminal was constructed in 1937.<ref name="The Hindu 2001-05-26">{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-miscellaneous/tp-others/a-tome-on-the-aviation-history-of-the-deccan/article27936689.ece |title=A tome on the aviation history of the Deccan |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |date=26 May 2001 |last1=Venkateshwarlu |first1=K. |access-date=17 April 2020 |archive-date=15 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915185209/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-miscellaneous/tp-others/a-tome-on-the-aviation-history-of-the-deccan/article27936689.ece |url-status=live}}</ref> | Initially, it was used as a domestic and international airport by [[Deccan Airways Limited]], the first airline in British India. The airport terminal was constructed in 1937.<ref name="The Hindu 2001-05-26">{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-miscellaneous/tp-others/a-tome-on-the-aviation-history-of-the-deccan/article27936689.ece |title=A tome on the aviation history of the Deccan |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |date=26 May 2001 |last1=Venkateshwarlu |first1=K. |access-date=17 April 2020 |archive-date=15 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915185209/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-miscellaneous/tp-others/a-tome-on-the-aviation-history-of-the-deccan/article27936689.ece |url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
Contribution to Indian National defence | |||
==Philanthropy== | |||
===Donations towards Hindu temples=== | ===Donations towards Hindu temples=== | ||
The Nizam donated Rs. 82,825 to the [[Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Yadadri|Yadagirigutta temple]] at Bhongir, Rs. 29,999 to the [[Sita Ramachandraswamy temple, Bhadrachalam]]<ref name="donated">{{cite news |title=A 'miser' who donated generously |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/A-lsquomiser-who-donated-generously/article15988076.ece |access-date=12 August 2018 |date=20 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190205205308/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/A-lsquomiser-who-donated-generously/article15988076.ece |archive-date=5 February 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> and Rs. 8,000 to the [[Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala|Tirupati Balaji Temple]].<ref name="mission telangana 2013-05-28">{{Cite web |url=http://missiontelangana.com/nizam-gave-funding-for-temples-and-hindu-educational-institutions |title=Nizam gave funding for temples, and Hindu educational institutions |access-date=9 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708074635/http://missiontelangana.com/nizam-gave-funding-for-temples-and-hindu-educational-institutions/ |archive-date=8 July 2018 |url-status=dead |date=28 May 2013}}</ref> | The Nizam donated Rs. 82,825 to the [[Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Yadadri|Yadagirigutta temple]] at Bhongir, Rs. 29,999 to the [[Sita Ramachandraswamy temple, Bhadrachalam]]<ref name="donated">{{cite news |title=A 'miser' who donated generously |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/A-lsquomiser-who-donated-generously/article15988076.ece |access-date=12 August 2018 |date=20 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190205205308/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-andhrapradesh/A-lsquomiser-who-donated-generously/article15988076.ece |archive-date=5 February 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> and Rs. 8,000 to the [[Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala|Tirupati Balaji Temple]].<ref name="mission telangana 2013-05-28">{{Cite web |url=http://missiontelangana.com/nizam-gave-funding-for-temples-and-hindu-educational-institutions |title=Nizam gave funding for temples, and Hindu educational institutions |access-date=9 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708074635/http://missiontelangana.com/nizam-gave-funding-for-temples-and-hindu-educational-institutions/ |archive-date=8 July 2018 |url-status=dead |date=28 May 2013}}</ref> | ||
He also donated Rs. 50,000 towards the re-construction of [[Sitarambagh temple]] located in the old city of Hyderabad,<ref name="donated" /><!-- This is not a ref --<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.thehindu.com/archive/ |title=Archive News |website=The Hindu}}</ref> --> and bestowed a grant of 100,000 [[Hyderabadi rupee]]s towards the reconstruction of [[Thousand Pillar Temple]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/india/attempt-to-portray-nizam-as-intolerant-oppressor-decried-1.1385949 |title=Attempt to portray Nizam as 'intolerant oppressor' decried |website=[[Gulf News]]|access-date=16 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190730074625/https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/india/attempt-to-portray-nizam-as-intolerant-oppressor-decried-1.1385949|archive-date=30 July 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> | He also donated Rs. 50,000 towards the re-construction of [[Sitarambagh temple]] located in the old city of Hyderabad,<ref name="donated" /><!-- This is not a ref --<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.thehindu.com/archive/ |title=Archive News |website=The Hindu}}</ref> --> and bestowed a grant of 100,000 [[Hyderabadi rupee]]s towards the reconstruction of [[Thousand Pillar Temple]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/india/attempt-to-portray-nizam-as-intolerant-oppressor-decried-1.1385949 |title=Attempt to portray Nizam as 'intolerant oppressor' decried |website=[[Gulf News]]|date=16 September 2014 |access-date=16 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190730074625/https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/india/attempt-to-portray-nizam-as-intolerant-oppressor-decried-1.1385949|archive-date=30 July 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
After hearing about the [[Golden Temple]] of Amritsar through Maharaja Ranjit Singh,<ref name="nizam & maharaja">{{cite web |title=Maharaja Ranjit Singh's contributions to Harimandir Sahib |url=https://www.allaboutsikhs.com/harmandir-sahib/maharaja-ranjit-singhs-contributions-to-harimandir-sahib |access-date=1 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150417180858/http://www.allaboutsikhs.com/harmandir-sahib/maharaja-ranjit-singhs-contributions-to-harimandir-sahib |archive-date=17 April 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="outlook">{{Cite web |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/traveller/ot-getaway-guides/the-nizams/ |title=A Brief History of The Nizams of Hyderabad|access-date=16 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402071725/https://www.outlookindia.com/traveller/ot-getaway-guides/the-nizams/|archive-date=2 April 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Mir Osman Ali Khan started providing it with yearly grants.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Jaganath |first1=Dr Santosh |title=The History of Nizam's Railways System |isbn=9781312496477 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lH0ACAAAQBAJ&q=%22nizam%22%20%22golden%20temple%22%20%22osman%22&pg=PA48 |language=en |access-date=27 July 2020 |archive-date=15 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915185209/https://books.google.com/books?id=lH0ACAAAQBAJ&lpg=PA48&dq=%22nizam%22+%22golden+temple%22+%22osman%22&pg=PA48 | After hearing about the [[Golden Temple]] of Amritsar through Maharaja Ranjit Singh,<ref name="nizam & maharaja">{{cite web |title=Maharaja Ranjit Singh's contributions to Harimandir Sahib |url=https://www.allaboutsikhs.com/harmandir-sahib/maharaja-ranjit-singhs-contributions-to-harimandir-sahib |access-date=1 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150417180858/http://www.allaboutsikhs.com/harmandir-sahib/maharaja-ranjit-singhs-contributions-to-harimandir-sahib |archive-date=17 April 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="outlook">{{Cite web |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/traveller/ot-getaway-guides/the-nizams/ |title=A Brief History of The Nizams of Hyderabad|access-date=16 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402071725/https://www.outlookindia.com/traveller/ot-getaway-guides/the-nizams/|archive-date=2 April 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Mir Osman Ali Khan started providing it with yearly grants.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Jaganath |first1=Dr Santosh |title=The History of Nizam's Railways System |isbn=9781312496477 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lH0ACAAAQBAJ&q=%22nizam%22%20%22golden%20temple%22%20%22osman%22&pg=PA48 |language=en |access-date=27 July 2020 |archive-date=15 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915185209/https://books.google.com/books?id=lH0ACAAAQBAJ&lpg=PA48&dq=%22nizam%22+%22golden+temple%22+%22osman%22&pg=PA48 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Morgan |first1=Diane |title=From Satan's Crown to the Holy Grail: Emeralds in Myth, Magic, and History |date=2007 |publisher=[[Greenwood Publishing Group]] |isbn=9780275991234 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wb3ySfyMArUC&q=%22nizam%22%20%22golden%20temple%22%20%22osman%22&pg=PA122 |language=en |access-date=27 July 2020 |archive-date=15 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915185212/https://books.google.com/books?id=wb3ySfyMArUC&lpg=PA122&dq=%22nizam%22+%22golden+temple%22+%22osman%22&pg=PA122 |url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
===Donation towards the compilation of the Holy Mahabharata=== | ===Donation towards the compilation of the Holy Mahabharata=== | ||
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===Donation in Gold to the National Defence Fund=== | ===Donation in Gold to the National Defence Fund=== | ||
[[File:NIZAM with SHASTRI.jpg|thumb|The Nizam with the then Prime minister of India [[Lal Bahadur Shastri]]]] | |||
In October 1965, during the [[Indo-China War]], the PM [[Lal Bahadur Shastri]] visited Hyderabad and requested the Nizam to contribute to the National Defence Fund, set up in the wake of the Indo-Chinese skirmish.<ref name="gold donation">{{cite news |last1=Bureau |first1=Our |title=When the miserly Nizam became munificent |url=https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Hans/2014-09-12/When-the-miserly-Nizam-became-munificent/107421 |work=www.thehansindia.com |date=12 September 2014 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=When Osman Ali Khan donated 5 tonnes of gold to Govt. of India |url=https://archive.siasat.com/news/when-osman-ali-khan-donated-5-tonnes-gold-govt-india-636234/ |access-date=19 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180904084610/https://archive.siasat.com/news/when-osman-ali-khan-donated-5-tonnes-gold-govt-india-636234/ |archive-date=4 September 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> In response, the Nizam donated five tonnes (5,000 kg) of gold to the Indian army. In terms of today's gold price in the international market, this donation translates to a whopping Rs 1,500 crore.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/the-truth-about-the-nizam-and-his-gold/article25464770.ece | title=The truth about the Nizam and his gold | newspaper=The Hindu | date=11 November 2018 | last1=Nanisetti | first1=Serish }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Elliot |first1=Sir Henry Miers |title=Bibliographical Index to the Historians of Muhammedan India |date=1849 |publisher=J. Thomas |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zJoHAQAAIAAJ&q=nizam+gold+donation |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Hashmi |first1=Syed Ali |title=Hyderabad 1948 : an avoidable invasion |date=2017 |location=New Delhi |isbn=9788172210793 |access-date=8 June 2022 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mtaGtAEACAAJ}}</ref> | |||
===Donations to educational institutions=== | |||
The Nizam donated Rs 1 million for the [[Banaras Hindu University]],<ref name="Donation to edu institutions">{{cite web |url=http://missiontelangana.com/nizam-gave-funding-for-temples-and-hindu-educational-institutions/ |title=Nizam gave funding for temples, and Hindu educational institutions |date=28 May 2013 |publisher=missiontelangana|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708074635/http://missiontelangana.com/nizam-gave-funding-for-temples-and-hindu-educational-institutions/|archive-date=8 July 2018|url-status=dead|access-date=30 December 2018}}</ref><ref name="siasat 2018-07-09">{{cite news |url=https://archive.siasat.com/news/nizam-gave-funding-temples-hindu-educational-institutions-436976 |title=Nizam gave funding for temples, Hindu educational institutions |date=10 September 2010 |newspaper=siasat |access-date=9 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612140114/https://archive.siasat.com/news/nizam-gave-funding-temples-hindu-educational-institutions-436976/ |archive-date=12 June 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Rs. 500,000 for the [[Aligarh Muslim University]],<ref name="Milli Gazette 2016-04-12">{{cite web|url=http://www.milligazette.com/news/14147-why-we-need-minority-character-for-aligarh-muslim-university-jamia-or-hamdard|title=Nothing is more disgraceful for a nation than to throw into the oblivion its historical heritage and the works of its ancestors|date=12 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180709094521/http://www.milligazette.com/news/14147-why-we-need-minority-character-for-aligarh-muslim-university-jamia-or-hamdard|archive-date=9 July 2018|url-status=dead|access-date=30 December 2018}}</ref> and 300,000 for the [[Indian Institute of Science]].<ref name="Donation to edu institutions"/> | |||
He also made large donations to many institutions in India and abroad with special emphasis given to educational institutions such as the [[Jamia Nizamia]] and the [[Darul Uloom Deoband]].<ref name="Jamia Nizamia, Deoband donation">{{cite news |title=Mir Osman Ali Khan: Richest Indian to ever exist in documented history |url=https://archive.siasat.com/news/mir-osman-ali-khan-richest-indian-exist-documented-history-1335838/ |access-date=13 September 2020 |work=The Siasat Daily - Archive |date=30 March 2018 |archive-date=15 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915185158/https://archive.siasat.com/news/mir-osman-ali-khan-richest-indian-exist-documented-history-1335838/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=NISAB AHLE KHIDMAT-E-SHARIA(Syllabus for Observers of Islamic Law) |url=http://www.jamianizamia.org/pdf_download/nisab_Part_1_to_6_Eng.pdf |access-date=13 September 2020 |archive-date=22 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170622232248/http://www.jamianizamia.org/pdf_download/nisab_Part_1_to_6_Eng.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
===Restoration of Ajanta Ellora caves=== | |||
During the early 1920s, the Ajanta site was in the territory of the [[princely state]] of the [[Hyderabad State|Hyderabad]]<ref name="Cohen">{{cite book|first=Richard S. | last=Cohen|title=Beyond Enlightenment: Buddhism, Religion, Modernity |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=R5IPMKb4WFUC |year=2006|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-134-19205-2|pages=51–58}}</ref> and Osman Ali Khan (the [[Nizam of Hyderabad]]) appointed experts to restore the artwork, converted the site into a museum and built a road to enable tourists to come to the site.<ref name="Cohen"/><ref name="Ajanta">{{cite news |last1=Jain|first1=Madhu |title=Cave paintings of Ajanta and Ellora become a tragic monument to archaeological neglect post independence |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/heritage/story/19870315-cave-paintings-of-ajanta-and-ellora-become-a-tragic-monument-to-archaeological-neglect-798635-1987-03-15 |work=India Today |language=en}}</ref> | |||
The Nizam's Director of Archaeology obtained the services of two experts from Italy, Professor [[Lorenzo Cecconi]], assisted by Count Orsini, to restore the paintings in the caves. The Director of Archaeology for the last Nizam of Hyderabad said of the work of Cecconi and Orsini: | |||
{{blockquote|The repairs to the caves and the cleaning and conservation of the frescoes have been carried out on such sound principles and in such a scientific manner that these matchless monuments have found a fresh lease of life for at least a couple of centuries.<ref name="Nizam">{{cite web |title=Ajanta cave paintings of Nizam era lie in a state of neglect |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/hyderabad/2018/jul/03/ajanta-cave-paintings-of-nizam-era-lie-in-a-state-of-neglect-1837405.html}}</ref>}} | |||
==Operation Polo and abdication== | ==Operation Polo and abdication== | ||
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{{See also|Operation Polo}} | {{See also|Operation Polo}} | ||
After Indian independence in 1947, the country was partitioned into India and [[Pakistan]]. The princely states were left free to make whatever arrangement they wished with either India or Pakistan. The Nizam ruled over more than 16 million people and {{convert|82698|sqmi|km2}} of territory when the British withdrew from the sub-continent in 1947. But unlike the other princely states , Nizam refused to sign the instrument of accession. Instead | After Indian independence in 1947, the country was partitioned into India and [[Pakistan]]. The princely states were left free to make whatever arrangement they wished with either India or Pakistan. The Nizam ruled over more than 16 million people and {{convert|82698|sqmi|km2}} of territory when the British withdrew from the sub-continent in 1947.<ref name="Times of India 2020-06-19"/> But unlike the other princely states, the Nizam refused to sign the instrument of accession. Instead he opted to sign a 1-year standstill agreement agreed upon by the British, and signed by then viceroy Lord Mountbatten.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Trumbull |first1=Robert |title=BIG INDIAN STATE KEEPS SOVEREIGNTY; Hyderabad Makes Standstill Agreement With Dominion, Holding Status for Year |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1947/10/23/archives/big-indian-state-keeps-sovereignty-hyderabad-makes-standstill.html |work=The New York Times |date=23 October 1947}}</ref> The Nizam refused to join either India or Pakistan, preferring to form a separate independent kingdom within the British [[Commonwealth of Nations]].<ref name="Times of India 2020-06-19">{{cite news |title=Lessons to learn from Hyderabad's past |url=https://www.timesofindia.com/city/hyderabad/Lessons-to-learn-from-Hyderabads-past/articleshow/27390337.cms |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=15 December 2013 |access-date=19 June 2020 |archive-date=15 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915185214/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Lessons-to-learn-from-Hyderabads-past/articleshow/27390337.cms |url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
This proposal for independence was rejected by the British government, but the Nizam continued to explore it. Towards this end, he kept up open negotiations with the Government of India regarding the modalities of a future relationship while opening covert negotiations with Pakistan in a similar vein. The Nizam cited the [[Razakars (Hyderabad)|Razakars]] as evidence that the people of the state were opposed to any agreement with India.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}} | This proposal for independence was rejected by the British government, but the Nizam continued to explore it. Towards this end, he kept up open negotiations with the Government of India regarding the modalities of a future relationship while opening covert negotiations with Pakistan in a similar vein. The Nizam cited the [[Razakars (Hyderabad)|Razakars]] as evidence that the people of the state were opposed to any agreement with India.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}} | ||
The one year standstill agreement turned out to be a severe blow to the Nizam as it gave all foreign affairs, communication and defense power to the Indian government. The new Indian government | The one year standstill agreement turned out to be a severe blow to the Nizam as it gave all foreign affairs, communication and defense power to the Indian government. The new Indian government wasn't happy that a sovereign state would exist right at the center of India.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Nanisetti |first1=Serish |title=Accession of Hyderabad: When a battle by cables forced the Nizam's hand |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/accession-of-hyderabad-when-a-battle-by-cables-forced-the-nizams-hand/article61532892.ece |work=The Hindu |date=15 September 2018 |language=en-IN}}</ref> In accordance to this, they ultimately decided to invade Hyderabad in 1948, in an operation code-named [[Operation Polo]]. Under the supervision of Major General [[Jayanto Nath Chaudhuri]], one division of the [[Indian Army]] and a tank brigade invaded and captured Hyderabad.<ref name="Sunderlal">{{cite web |title=Exclusive sunder lal report on indian armies annexation of Hyderabad and the following mass killings of muslims |date=30 November 2013 |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/131129/news-current-affairs/article/exclusive-sundarlal-report-police-action |access-date=19 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200618233504/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/131129/news-current-affairs/article/exclusive-sundarlal-report-police-action |archive-date=18 June 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> The annexation was over in just 109 hours or roughly 4 days. Due to no foreign connections and no real defense the war was a losing cause for Hyderabad from the start. After the annexation the territory came under Indian rule and the Nizam was removed from his position but allowed to keep all personal wealth and title.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Nanisetti|first=Serish|date=15 September 2018|title=Accession of Hyderabad: When a battle by cables forced the Nizam's hand|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/accession-of-hyderabad-when-a-battle-by-cables-forced-the-nizams-hand/article24956708.ece|access-date=11 October 2021|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> | ||
==Wealth== | ==Wealth== | ||
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{{See also|Jewels of the Nizams of Hyderabad}} | {{See also|Jewels of the Nizams of Hyderabad}} | ||
The Nizam was so wealthy that he was portrayed on the cover of [[Time (magazine)|''Time'']] magazine on 22 February 1937, being described as the world's richest man.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://content.time.com/time/covers/0,16641,19370222,00.html |title= | The Nizam was so wealthy that he was portrayed on the cover of [[Time (magazine)|''Time'']] magazine on 22 February 1937, being described as the world's richest man.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://content.time.com/time/covers/0,16641,19370222,00.html |title=Time Magazine Cover: The Nizam of Hyderabad – Feb. 22, 1937 |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|access-date=4 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170617145520/http://content.time.com/time/covers/0,16641,19370222,00.html|archive-date=17 June 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> At its peak, the wealth of Osman Ali Khan, Asaf Jah VII was worth {{INRConvert|660|c}} (all his conceivable assets combined) in the early 1940s, while his entire treasure of jewels, would be worth between US$150 million and US$500 million variously in today's terms.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,868973,00.html?iid=chix-sphere|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090203010704/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,868973,00.html?iid=chix-sphere|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 February 2009|title=INDIA: The Nizam's Daughter|date=19 January 1959|magazine=Time}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/exhibition-of-jewels-of-hyderabad-nizams-includes-fifth-largest-diamond-in-world/1/231098.html|title=Exhibition of jewels of Hyderabad Nizams includes fifth-largest diamond in world}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://ia.rediff.com/news/2000/dec/11jafri.htm?h=splitinfinity&d=get&sony|title=rediff.com: Hyderabad museum to exhibit Nizam's jewels }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Priceless-Nizam-jewels-to-be-exhibited/articleshow/1492626431.cms|title=Priceless Nizam jewels to be exhibited|website=The Times of India|date=20 August 2001 }}</ref> He used the [[Jacob Diamond]], a 185-carat diamond that is part of the [[Jewels of the Nizams|Nizam's jewellery]], as a paperweight.<ref name="not miser">{{Cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/the-last-nizam-of-hyderabad-was-not-a-miser/article17367987.ece |title=The last Nizam of Hyderabad was not a miser |last=Y. Lasania |first=Yunus |work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=26 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170226132401/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/the-last-nizam-of-hyderabad-was-not-a-miser/article17367987.ece|archive-date=26 February 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> During his days as Nizam, he was reputed to be [[List of wealthiest historical figures|the richest man in the world]], having a fortune estimated at US$2 billion in the early 1940s<ref name="Time 1959-01-19">{{cite magazine |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,868973,00.html?iid=chix-sphere |title=INDIA: The Nizam's Daughter |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |date=19 January 1959 |access-date=18 October 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090203010704/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,868973,00.html?iid=chix-sphere|archive-date=3 February 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> ( US${{Formatprice| {{Inflation|US|2000000000|1942}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars)<ref>{{cite book |title=Foreign Commerce Weekly |year=1946 |publisher=U.S. Department of Commerce |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Nc8l6esL-ZAC&pg=RA3-PA25 |volume=24 |page=25}}</ref> or two per cent of the US economy then.<ref name="Economic Times 2015-05-01">{{cite news |date=1 May 2015 |title=Here are five super-rich people from the pages of history! |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/here-are-five-super-rich-people-from-the-pages-of-history/articleshow/47108897.cms?from=mdr |access-date=27 July 2020 |work=[[The Economic Times]] |archive-date=15 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915185215/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/here-are-five-super-rich-people-from-the-pages-of-history/articleshow/47108897.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
The Nizam's personal fortune was estimated to be roughly £110 million, including £40 million in gold and jewels (equivalent to £{{formatnum:{{Inflation|UK|110000000|1965|r=0}}}} in {{Inflation-year|UK}}){{Inflation-fn|UK|df=y}}.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Gifts of gold to help the Indian treasury |work=The Times |date=14 December 1965 }}{{ | The Nizam's personal fortune was estimated to be roughly £110 million, including £40 million in gold and jewels (equivalent to £{{formatnum:{{Inflation|UK|110000000|1965|r=0}}}} in {{Inflation-year|UK}}){{Inflation-fn|UK|df=y}}.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Gifts of gold to help the Indian treasury |work=The Times |date=14 December 1965 }}{{request quotation|date=September 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Krishnan |first1=Usha Ramamrutham Bala |last2=Ramamrutham |first2=Bharath |title=Jewels of the Nizams |year=2001 |publisher=Department of Culture, Government of India |isbn=978-81-85832-15-9 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cT_rAAAAMAAJ&q=nizam%20sikander%20jah |language=en |access-date=13 September 2020 |archive-date=15 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915185215/https://www.google.co.in/books/edition/Jewels_of_the_Nizams/cT_rAAAAMAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=0&bsq=nizam+sikander+jah |url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
The Indian government still exhibits the jewellery as the Jewels of the Nizams of Hyderabad (now in Delhi). There are 173 jewels, which include [[emerald]]s weighing nearly {{convert|2000|carat|kg}}, and [[pearls]] exceeding 40 thousand [[Buddam (unit)|chows]]. The collection includes [[gemstone]]s, [[turban]] ornaments, necklaces and [[pendant]]s, [[belt (clothing)|belts]] and buckles, [[earrings]], [[armbands]], bangles and [[bracelets]], [[anklet]]s, [[cufflinks]] and [[button]]s, [[watch chain]]s, and rings, [[toe ring]]s, and [[nose piercing|nose rings]].<ref name="India Today 2001-09-03">{{Cite web |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/heritage/story/20010903-exhibition-of-jewels-of-hyderabad-nizams-includes-fifth-largest-diamond-in-world-774129-2001-09-03 |title=Exhibition of jewels of Hyderabad Nizams includes fifth-largest diamond in world |author=Methil Renuka |date=3 September 2001 |website=[[India Today]] |access-date=27 July 2020 |archive-date=27 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727105445/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/heritage/story/20010903-exhibition-of-jewels-of-hyderabad-nizams-includes-fifth-largest-diamond-in-world-774129-2001-09-03 |url-status=live}}</ref> | The Indian government still exhibits the jewellery as the Jewels of the Nizams of Hyderabad (now in Delhi). There are 173 jewels, which include [[emerald]]s weighing nearly {{convert|2000|carat|kg}}, and [[pearls]] exceeding 40 thousand [[Buddam (unit)|chows]]. The collection includes [[gemstone]]s, [[turban]] ornaments, necklaces and [[pendant]]s, [[belt (clothing)|belts]] and buckles, [[earrings]], [[armbands]], bangles and [[bracelets]], [[anklet]]s, [[cufflinks]] and [[button]]s, [[watch chain]]s, and rings, [[toe ring]]s, and [[nose piercing|nose rings]].<ref name="India Today 2001-09-03">{{Cite web |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/heritage/story/20010903-exhibition-of-jewels-of-hyderabad-nizams-includes-fifth-largest-diamond-in-world-774129-2001-09-03 |title=Exhibition of jewels of Hyderabad Nizams includes fifth-largest diamond in world |author=Methil Renuka |date=3 September 2001 |website=[[India Today]] |access-date=27 July 2020 |archive-date=27 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727105445/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/heritage/story/20010903-exhibition-of-jewels-of-hyderabad-nizams-includes-fifth-largest-diamond-in-world-774129-2001-09-03 |url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
==Gift to Queen Elizabeth II== | Along with the Nizam's jewels, two Bari gold coins worth hundreds of crores, were considered the rarest in the world. Himayat Ali Mirza has requested the central government to bring these coins, which were made in the [[Arabic script]], back to [[Hyderabad]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Clipping of Sakshi Telugu Daily - Hyderabad Constituencies |url=https://epaper.sakshi.com/c/68985858 |access-date=2022-07-15 |website=epaper.sakshi.com}}</ref> | ||
In 1947, the Nizam made a gift of diamond jewels, including a tiara and necklace, to [[Queen Elizabeth II]] on the occasion of her marriage. The brooches and necklace | |||
===Gift to Queen Elizabeth II=== | |||
In 1947, the Nizam made a gift of diamond jewels, including a tiara and necklace, to the future [[Queen Elizabeth II]] on the occasion of her marriage. The brooches and necklace were still worn by the Queen until her death and the necklace is known as the [[Elizabeth II's jewels#Nizam of Hyderabad Necklace|Nizam of Hyderabad necklace]].<ref name="queensjewelvault 2013-02-11">{{cite web |title=The Nizam of Hyderabad Rose Brooches and Necklace |url=http://queensjewelvault.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/the-nizam-of-hyderabad-rose-brooches.html |publisher=From Her Majesty's Jewel Vault |date=11 February 2013|access-date=12 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217221828/http://queensjewelvault.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/the-nizam-of-hyderabad-rose-brooches.html|archive-date=17 December 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
==Personal life== | ==Personal life== | ||
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[[File:NizamViiMukarram.jpg|thumb|left|The Nizam with his heir apparent and grandson [[Mukarram Jah]]]] | [[File:NizamViiMukarram.jpg|thumb|left|The Nizam with his heir apparent and grandson [[Mukarram Jah]]]] | ||
The Nizam lived at [[King Kothi Palace]]—bought from a | The Nizam lived at [[King Kothi Palace]]—bought from a nobleman (Kamal Khan an architect of those times)—from age 13 until his death. He never moved to [[Chowmahalla Palace]], even after his [[Enthronement|accession]] to the throne.<ref name="kingkoti">{{Cite book |last=Khalidi |first=Omar |url=https://libraries.mit.edu/img/libs/rotch/HyderabadGuide_2009.pdf |title=A Guide to Architecture in Hyderabad, Deccan, India |year=2009 |pages=163 |author-link=Omar Khalidi |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190925143941/https://libraries.mit.edu/img/libs/rotch/HyderabadGuide_2009.pdf |archive-date=25 September 2019 |url-status=dead |access-date=27 July 2020}}</ref> | ||
Unlike his father, he was not interested in fine clothing or hunting. His hobbies rather included poetry and writing ''[[ghazals]]'' in Urdu.<ref name="Times of India 2018-04-08">{{cite news |title=A visual ode to Mir Osman Ali Khan, the architect of modern |date=8 April 2018 |url=https://timesofindia.com/city/hyderabad/a-visual-ode-to-mir-osman-ali-khan-the-architect-of-modern-hyderabad/articleshow/63658107.cms |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=17 June 2020 |archive-date=15 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915185221/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/a-visual-ode-to-mir-osman-ali-khan-the-architect-of-modern-hyderabad/articleshow/63658107.cms |url-status=live}}</ref> | Unlike his father, he was not interested in fine clothing or hunting. His hobbies rather included poetry and writing ''[[ghazals]]'' in Urdu.<ref name="Times of India 2018-04-08">{{cite news |title=A visual ode to Mir Osman Ali Khan, the architect of modern |date=8 April 2018 |url=https://timesofindia.com/city/hyderabad/a-visual-ode-to-mir-osman-ali-khan-the-architect-of-modern-hyderabad/articleshow/63658107.cms |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=17 June 2020 |archive-date=15 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915185221/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/a-visual-ode-to-mir-osman-ali-khan-the-architect-of-modern-hyderabad/articleshow/63658107.cms |url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
He revered his mother and visited her every day she was alive; he used to visit her grave almost every day after she | He revered his mother and visited her every day she was alive; he used to visit her grave almost every day after she died.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://thenizamsmuseum.com/seventh-nizam.html |title=:: The Seventh Nizam - the Nizam's Museum Hyderabad, Telangana, India | access-date=16 July 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190517095333/http://thenizamsmuseum.com/seventh-nizam.html | archive-date=17 May 2019 | url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
===Family=== | ===Family=== | ||
On 14 April 1906, at the age of 21, he first married Azam Unnisa Begum (Dulhan Pasha Begum), a daughter of the noble Nawab Jahangir Jung.<ref name="Jaganath" /><ref name="India Times 2013-09-23">{{cite news |title=Nizam paid 128 kg in gold coins as meher to first wife |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/23117859.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst |work=The Times of India |last=Khan |first=Mir Ayoob Ali |date=23 September 2013 |access-date=23 July 2020 |archive-date=15 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915185223/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/Nizam-paid-128-kg-in-gold-coins-as-meher-to-first-wife/articleshow/23117859.cms |url-status=live}}</ref> His first son [[Azam Jah]] married [[Durru Shehvar]], (daughter of the [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman]] caliph [[Abdul Mejid II]]), while his second son [[Moazzam Jah]] married [[Princess Niloufer|Niloufer]], (a niece of the Ottoman sultan).<ref name="Telegraph 2006-02-11">{{Cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/1510174/Princess-Durruhsehvar-of-Berar.html |title=Princess Dürrühsehvar of Berar |date=11 February 2006 |work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |access-date=27 July 2020 |archive-date=20 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720225405/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/1510174/Princess-Durruhsehvar-of-Berar.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Leonard2007">{{cite book|last=Leonard|first=Karen Isaksen|title=Locating Home: India's Hyderabadis Abroad|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HQCvgavbQjgC&pg=PA310|year=2007|publisher=Stanford University Press|location=Stanford, California|isbn=978-0-8047-5442-2|page=310}}</ref> | |||
Azam Jah and Durru Shehvar had two sons, [[Mukarram Jah]] and [[Muffakham Jah]], with the former succeeding his grandfather as the de jure Nizam.<ref name="Telegraph 2006-02-11"/> | |||
The 7th Nizam in total, had 34 children: 18 sons and 16 daughters from his 8 wives.<ref name="Nanisetti">{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/who-gets-to-own-the-nizams-millions/article29606090.ece |title=Who gets to own the Nizam's millions? |first=Serish |last=Nanisetti |work=[[The Hindu]]|date=6 October 2019|access-date=27 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210327221533/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/who-gets-to-own-the-nizams-millions/article29606090.ece|archive-date=27 March 2021|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="McCorquodaleGauci2016">{{cite book|editor1=Robert McCorquodale|editor2=Jean-Pierre Gauci|last=Webb |first=Philippa|title=British Influences on International Law, 1915-2015|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=c36kDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA162|date=2016|publisher=BRILL|location=Leiden, Boston|isbn=978-90-04-28417-3|page=162}}</ref><ref name="New Indian Express 2012-10-21">{{cite news |last=Mohla |first=Anika |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/magazine/article1306390.ece |title=From richest to rags in seven generations |work=The New Indian Express |date=21 October 2012 |access-date=18 August 2015 |archive-date=14 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150814120438/http://www.newindianexpress.com/magazine/article1306390.ece |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Telegraph India 2014-02-23">{{Cite news |author=Paran Balakrishnan |date=23 February 2014 |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/1140223/jsp/graphiti/17951885.jsp |title=Return of the Royals |website=The Telegraph |location=Kolkota |language=en |access-date=21 August 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821214017/https://www.telegraphindia.com/1140223/jsp/graphiti/17951885.jsp |archive-date=21 August 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Bedi |first1=Rahul |title=India finally settles £1million Nizam dispute |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1584818/India-finally-settles-1million-Nizam-dispute.html |website=The Telegraph |access-date=12 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120726011013/http://www.telegraph.co.uk:80/news/worldnews/1584818/India-finally-settles-1million-Nizam-dispute.html |archive-date=26 July 2012 |location=New Delhi |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Whose $40 Million Diamond Is It? An Italian Family Feud">{{cite web |last1=Nadeau |first1=Barbie Latza |title=Whose $40 Million Diamond Is It? An Italian Family Feud |url=http://www.thedailybeast.com/whose-dollar40-million-diamond-is-it-an-italian-family-feud |website=[[The Daily Beast]] |access-date=15 June 2017 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170615173207/http://www.thedailybeast.com/whose-dollar40-million-diamond-is-it-an-italian-family-feud |archive-date=15 June 2017|url-status=live |language=en |date=30 January 2017}}</ref><!-- 6 of whom died during childbirth/infancy.. please re-add by providing supporting inline reference for the died during childbirth part--><ref name="wives">{{cite book |last1=Bawa |first1=Basant K. |title=The Last Nizam: The Life and Times of Mir Osman Ali Khan |date=1992 |publisher=Viking |isbn=978-0-670-83997-1 |pages=377 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=h45uAAAAMAAJ&q=nizam+%22wives%22 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Last surviving son of Nizam, Fazal Jah, dies |author=Mir Ayoob Ali Khan |date=19 February 2018 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/last-surviving-son-of-nizam-fazal-jah-dies/articleshow/62975984.cms|access-date=18 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180220040300/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/last-surviving-son-of-nizam-fazal-jah-dies/articleshow/62975984.cms|archive-date=20 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Last Surviving son of seventh Nizam passes away in Hyderabad |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/last-surviving-son-seventh-nizam-passes-away-hyderabad-76681 |access-date=18 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181218193305/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/last-surviving-son-seventh-nizam-passes-away-hyderabad-76681 |archive-date=18 December 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="18 sons, 16 daughters">{{cite news |title=Menace of Black Money: Bring back Nizam's wealth first |url=http://www.vijayvaani.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?aid=3427 |language=en |access-date=18 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181218145648/http://www.vijayvaani.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?aid=3427 |archive-date=18 December 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Nizams 34 children">{{cite news |title=Nizam's heirs seek Pakistani intervention to unfreeze bank account |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/nizam-heirs-pakistani-intervention-unfreeze-bank-account-110376-2012-07-20 |work=[[India Today]] |date=20 July 2012 |access-date=18 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181218145641/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/nizam-heirs-pakistani-intervention-unfreeze-bank-account-110376-2012-07-20 |archive-date=18 December 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
His second son HH Moazzam Jah had three wives | His second son HH Moazzam Jah had three wives, {{citation needed|date=June 2022}} the first being princess Nilofer. Since princess Niloufer couldn't bear a child, Moazzam Jah married Razia Begum and had three daughters - princess Fatima Fouzia, princess Amina Merzia and princess Oolia Kulsum. Prince Moazzam Jah also married Anwari Begum and had a son, prince Shahmat Jah.<ref>{{Citation|last=Family|title=Nizam's Family Tree|url=https://archive.org/details/whats-app-image-2021-10-06-at-9.36.43-am|access-date=13 October 2021}}</ref> | ||
Another socially prominent grandson is [[Mir Najaf Ali Khan]],<ref name=" | Another socially prominent grandson is [[Mir Najaf Ali Khan]],<ref name="NDTV.com">{{Cite news |url=https://www.ndtv.com/hyderabad-news/heirs-of-hyderabads-last-nizam-demand-277-acres-royal-property-in-aurangabad-1799761 |title=Last Hyderabad Nizam's Heirs Demand 277 Acres Royal Property in Aurangabad |work=[[NDTV.com]]|access-date=16 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190811204403/https://www.ndtv.com/hyderabad-news/heirs-of-hyderabads-last-nizam-demand-277-acres-royal-property-in-aurangabad-1799761|archive-date=11 August 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="India Times 2017-07-05">{{Cite news |author=Syed Akbar |date=5 July 2017 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/nizams-heir-goes-by-blue-book-wants-market-rate-for-acquired-land/articleshow/59449745.cms |title=Nizam's heir goes by Blue Book, wants market rate for acquired land |work=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=16 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725212733/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/nizams-heir-goes-by-blue-book-wants-market-rate-for-acquired-land/articleshow/59449745.cms|archive-date=25 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
<ref name="the Hans India-Nizams 2017-04-27">{{Cite web |url=http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Andhra-Pradesh/2017-04-27/Nizams-grandson-basks-in-grandpas-glory/296107 |title=Nizam's grandson basks in grandpa's glory |website=The Hans India |language=en |date=27 April 2017|access-date=16 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180916130329/http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Andhra-Pradesh/2017-04-27/Nizams-grandson-basks-in-grandpas-glory/296107|archive-date=16 September 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> who represents several trusts of the last Nizam, including the [[H.E.H. the Nizam's Charitable Trust]] and the Nizam Family Welfare Association.<ref name="India Times 2017-07-05"/> | |||
Lately, the Nizam's name was being used by various parties for political gains. Another great-grandson, Himayat Ali Mirza wrote to the prime minister in this regard along with the Election Commission of India, requesting political parties not to use the Nizam's name in today's politics as it is disrespectful to such a great personality.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web|date=October 1, 2021|author=Syed Akbar|title=Hyderabad: Don't project Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan as villain for votes, kin writes to PM {{!}} Hyderabad News |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/dont-project-nizam-as-villain-for-votes-kin-writes-to-pm/articleshow/86667014.cms|access-date=15 October 2021|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref> | |||
The Nizams' daughters had been married traditionally to young men of the [[Paigah family|House of Paigah]]. This family belonged to the Sunni sect.<ref>{{cite news |first1= TNN |last1=a |title=Paigah scion Mujeeb Yar Jung dead {{!}} Hyderabad News - Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/paigah-scion-mujeeb-yar-jung-dead/articleshow/2936270.cms |work=The Times of India |date=9 Apr 2008 |language=en}}</ref> | |||
==Final years and death== | ==Final years and death== | ||
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The Nizam continued to stay at the King Kothi Palace until his death. He used to issue ''[[firman]]s'' on inconsequential matters in his newspaper, the Nizam Gazette.<ref name ="kingkoti" /> | The Nizam continued to stay at the King Kothi Palace until his death. He used to issue ''[[firman]]s'' on inconsequential matters in his newspaper, the Nizam Gazette.<ref name ="kingkoti" /> | ||
He died on Friday, 24 February 1967. In his will, he asked to buried in Masjid-e Judi, a mosque where his mother was buried, that faced [[King Kothi Palace]].<ref name="siasat 2018-04-22">{{cite web |url=https://www.siasat.com/news/floarl-tribute-nizam-vii-1322809/ |title=Floarl Tribute to Nizam VII – The Siasat Daily |website=siasat.com |date=25 February 2018|access-date=21 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180422062341/https://www.siasat.com/news/floarl-tribute-nizam-vii-1322809/|archive-date=22 April 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="The Hindu 2018-04-07">{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/heritage-enthusiasts-pay-rich-tributes-to-seventh-nizam/article23460365.ece |title=Heritage enthusiasts pay rich tributes to seventh Nizam |newspaper=The Hindu |date=7 April 2018 |access-date=14 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181230191657/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/heritage-enthusiasts-pay-rich-tributes-to-seventh-nizam/article23460365.ece|archive-date=30 December 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The government declared state mourning on 25 February 1967, the day when he was buried. State government offices remained closed as a mark of respect while the [[National Flag of India]] was flown at half-mast on all the government buildings throughout the state.<ref name="The News Minute 2017-02-24">{{Cite web |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/pictures-50-years-ago-sea-people-turned-death-hyderabads-last-nizam-57707 |title=In pictures: 50 years ago a sea of people turned up for Death of Hyderabads Last Nizam |website=thenewsminute.com|access-date=23 March 2019 |date=24 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171218171434/http://www.thenewsminute.com/article/pictures-50-years-ago-sea-people-turned-death-hyderabads-last-nizam-57707|archive-date=18 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> The Nizam Museum documents state : <blockquote>"The streets and pavements of the city were littered with the pieces of broken glass bangles as an incalculable number of women broke their bangles in mourning, which [[Telangana]] women usually do as per Indian customs on the death of a close relative."<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Article.aspx?eid=31809&articlexml=Modern-Hyd-architect-statehood-icon-Nizam-VII-fades-24022017006023 |title=The Times Group |website=The Times of India|access-date=2019-03-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327093411/http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Article.aspx?eid=31809&articlexml=Modern-Hyd-architect-statehood-icon-Nizam-VII-fades-24022017006023|archive-date=27 March 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> | He died on Friday, 24 February 1967. In his will, he asked to be buried in Masjid-e Judi, a mosque where his mother was buried, that faced [[King Kothi Palace]].<ref name="siasat 2018-04-22">{{cite web |url=https://www.siasat.com/news/floarl-tribute-nizam-vii-1322809/ |title=Floarl Tribute to Nizam VII – The Siasat Daily |website=siasat.com |date=25 February 2018|access-date=21 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180422062341/https://www.siasat.com/news/floarl-tribute-nizam-vii-1322809/|archive-date=22 April 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="The Hindu 2018-04-07">{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/heritage-enthusiasts-pay-rich-tributes-to-seventh-nizam/article23460365.ece |title=Heritage enthusiasts pay rich tributes to seventh Nizam |newspaper=The Hindu |date=7 April 2018 |access-date=14 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181230191657/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/heritage-enthusiasts-pay-rich-tributes-to-seventh-nizam/article23460365.ece|archive-date=30 December 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The government declared state mourning on 25 February 1967, the day when he was buried. State government offices remained closed as a mark of respect while the [[National Flag of India]] was flown at half-mast on all the government buildings throughout the state.<ref name="The News Minute 2017-02-24">{{Cite web |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/pictures-50-years-ago-sea-people-turned-death-hyderabads-last-nizam-57707 |title=In pictures: 50 years ago a sea of people turned up for Death of Hyderabads Last Nizam |website=thenewsminute.com|access-date=23 March 2019 |date=24 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171218171434/http://www.thenewsminute.com/article/pictures-50-years-ago-sea-people-turned-death-hyderabads-last-nizam-57707|archive-date=18 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> The Nizam Museum documents state : <blockquote>"The streets and pavements of the city were littered with the pieces of broken glass bangles as an incalculable number of women broke their bangles in mourning, which [[Telangana]] women usually do as per Indian customs on the death of a close relative."<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Article.aspx?eid=31809&articlexml=Modern-Hyd-architect-statehood-icon-Nizam-VII-fades-24022017006023 |title=The Times Group |website=The Times of India|access-date=2019-03-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327093411/http://epaperbeta.timesofindia.com/Article.aspx?eid=31809&articlexml=Modern-Hyd-architect-statehood-icon-Nizam-VII-fades-24022017006023|archive-date=27 March 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
</blockquote> | </blockquote> | ||
<blockquote>"The Nizam's funeral procession was the biggest non-religious, non-political meeting of people in the history of India till that date."</blockquote> | |||
Millions of people of all religions from different parts of the state entered Hyderabad in trains, buses and bullocks for a last glimpse of their king in a coffin in the [[King Kothi Palace]] Camp in Hyderabad.<ref name="Hindustan Times 2017-02-24">{{cite web |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/on-his-50th-death-anniversary-hyderabad-s-last-nizam-is-a-forgotten-king/story-C893eZBp0ymVSqiffqTHtJ.html |title=On his 50th death anniversary, the last Nizam of Hyderabad |work=Hindustan Times |date=24 February 2017 |access-date=16 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181019164042/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/on-his-50th-death-anniversary-hyderabad-s-last-nizam-is-a-forgotten-king/story-C893eZBp0ymVSqiffqTHtJ.html |archive-date=19 October 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> The crowd was so uncontrollable that barricades were installed alongside the road to enable people to move in a queue.<ref name="The Hans India-Nizams 2017-02-25">{{cite news |title=Nizam's opulence has no takers |url=http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Hyderabad-Tab/2017-02-25/Nizams-opulance-has-no-takers/283066 |publisher=[[The Hans India]] |access-date=16 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180823210456/http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Hyderabad-Tab/2017-02-25/Nizams-opulance-has-no-takers/283066 |archive-date=23 August 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> D. Bhaskara Rao, chief curator, of the [[Nizam's Museum]] stated that an estimated | Millions of people of all religions from different parts of the state entered Hyderabad in trains, buses and on bullocks for a last glimpse of their king in a coffin in the [[King Kothi Palace]] Camp in Hyderabad.<ref name="Hindustan Times 2017-02-24">{{cite web |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/on-his-50th-death-anniversary-hyderabad-s-last-nizam-is-a-forgotten-king/story-C893eZBp0ymVSqiffqTHtJ.html |title=On his 50th death anniversary, the last Nizam of Hyderabad |work=Hindustan Times |date=24 February 2017 |access-date=16 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181019164042/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/on-his-50th-death-anniversary-hyderabad-s-last-nizam-is-a-forgotten-king/story-C893eZBp0ymVSqiffqTHtJ.html |archive-date=19 October 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> The crowd was so uncontrollable that barricades were installed alongside the road to enable people to move in a queue.<ref name="The Hans India-Nizams 2017-02-25">{{cite news |title=Nizam's opulence has no takers |url=http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Hyderabad-Tab/2017-02-25/Nizams-opulance-has-no-takers/283066 |publisher=[[The Hans India]] |access-date=16 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180823210456/http://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Hyderabad-Tab/2017-02-25/Nizams-opulance-has-no-takers/283066 |archive-date=23 August 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> D. Bhaskara Rao, chief curator, of the [[Nizam's Museum]] stated that an estimated one million (1 million) people were part of the procession.<ref name=indiatimes57324957>{{Cite web |author=Syed Akbar |date=25 February 2017 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/modern-hyderabad-architect-and-statehood-icon-nizam-vii-fades-into-history/articleshow/57324957.cms |title=Mir Osman Ali Khan: Modern Hyderabad architect and statehood icon, Nizam VII fades into history |website=The Times of India |access-date=16 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180902195213/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/modern-hyderabad-architect-and-statehood-icon-nizam-vii-fades-into-history/articleshow/57324957.cms |archive-date=2 September 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
==Title and salutation== | ==Title and salutation== | ||
===Salutation style=== | ===Salutation style=== | ||
The Nizam was the honorary Colonel of the 20 Deccan Horse. In 1918, [[George V of the United Kingdom|King George V]] elevated Nawab Mir Osman Ali Khan Siddiqi Bahadur from "His Highness" to "[[His Exalted Highness]]". In a letter dated 24 January 1918, the title "Faithful Ally of the British Government' was conferred on him.<ref name="Hyderabad (Princely State)">{{Cite web |url=http://www.uq.net.au/~zzhsoszy/ips/h/hyderabad.html |title=Hyderabad (Princely State) |work=The Indian Princely States Website |access-date=16 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030107054442/http://www.uq.net.au/~zzhsoszy/ips/h/hyderabad.html |archive-date=7 January 2003 |url-status=dead}}</ref> | The Nizam was the honorary Colonel of the 20 Deccan Horse. In 1918, [[George V of the United Kingdom|King George V]] elevated Nawab Mir Osman Ali Khan Siddiqi Bahadur from "His Highness" to "[[His Exalted Highness]]". In a letter dated 24 January 1918, the title "Faithful Ally of the British Government' was conferred on him.<ref name="Hyderabad (Princely State)">{{Cite web |url=http://www.uq.net.au/~zzhsoszy/ips/h/hyderabad.html |title=Hyderabad (Princely State) |work=The Indian Princely States Website |access-date=16 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030107054442/http://www.uq.net.au/~zzhsoszy/ips/h/hyderabad.html |archive-date=7 January 2003 |url-status=dead}}</ref>{{better source needed|date=June 2022}} | ||
===Full Titular Name=== | ===Full Titular Name=== | ||
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==Honours and Eponyms== | ==Honours and Eponyms== | ||
* Delhi Durbar Gold Medal 1911 as part of the [[1911 Delhi Durbar Honours]],<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=28559 |date=12 December 1911 |page=9357 }}</ref> | * [[Delhi Durbar Medal (1911)|Delhi Durbar Gold Medal, 1911]] as part of the [[1911 Delhi Durbar Honours]],<ref>{{London Gazette |issue=28559 |date=12 December 1911 |page=9357 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Shanker |first1=CR Gowri |title=Nizam VII cared more for people than himself |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/270518/nizam-vii-cared-more-for-people-than-himself.html |work=Deccan Chronicle |date=27 May 2018 |language=en}}</ref> | ||
* GCSI: [[Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Star of India]], 1911<ref name="honours">{{cite book |last1=Cannadine |first1=David |author-link=David Cannadine | title=Ornamentalism: How the British Saw Their Empire |date=2002 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-515794-9 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=daDh_x2Ne_wC&q=Royal%20Victorian%20Chain%20%3A%20nizam&pg=PA96 |language=en |access-date=2 August 2020 |archive-date=15 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915185221/https://books.google.com/books?id=daDh_x2Ne_wC&lpg=PA96&dq=Royal+Victorian+Chain+%3A+nizam&pg=PA96 | * GCSI: [[Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Star of India]], 1911<ref name="honours">{{cite book |last1=Cannadine |first1=David |author-link=David Cannadine | title=Ornamentalism: How the British Saw Their Empire |date=2002 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-515794-9 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=daDh_x2Ne_wC&q=Royal%20Victorian%20Chain%20%3A%20nizam&pg=PA96 |language=en |access-date=2 August 2020 |archive-date=15 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915185221/https://books.google.com/books?id=daDh_x2Ne_wC&lpg=PA96&dq=Royal+Victorian+Chain+%3A+nizam&pg=PA96 |url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
* GCStJ: Bailiff Grand Cross of the [[Venerable Order of Saint John|Order of St John]], 1911<ref name="honours" />{{ | * GCStJ: Bailiff Grand Cross of the [[Venerable Order of Saint John|Order of St John]], 1911<ref name="honours" />{{request quotation|date=September 2020}} | ||
* GBE: [[Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire]], 1917<ref name="honours" />{{ | * GBE: [[Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire]], 1917<ref name="honours" />{{request quotation|date=September 2020}} | ||
* [[King George V Silver Jubilee Medal]], 1935<ref name="honours" />{{ | * [[King George V Silver Jubilee Medal]], 1935<ref name="honours" />{{request quotation|date=September 2020}} | ||
* [[King George VI Coronation Medal]], 1937<ref name="honours" />{{ | * [[King George VI Coronation Medal]], 1937<ref name="honours" />{{request quotation|date=September 2020}} | ||
* [[Royal Victorian Chain]], 1946<ref name="honours" />{{ | * [[Royal Victorian Chain]], 1946<ref name="honours" />{{request quotation|date=September 2020}} | ||
===List of Eponyms=== | ===List of Eponyms=== | ||
| Line 217: | Line 236: | ||
* [[Osmanabad]] | * [[Osmanabad]] | ||
* The [[Nizam of Hyderabad necklace]] | * The [[Nizam of Hyderabad necklace]] | ||
* The [[Nizam Gate]] | * The [[Nizam Gate]] of [[Ajmer Sharif Dargah]]<ref name="NizamGate_AjmerDargah">{{cite news |last1=Safvi |first1=Rana |title=In the Chishti shrine in Ajmer |url=https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/columns/in-the-chishti-shrine-in-ajmer/article26292437.ece |work=The Hindu |date=16 February 2019 |language=en-IN}}</ref> | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
| Line 223: | Line 242: | ||
*[[:Category:Hospitals established in Hyderabad State|Hospitals established by the Nizams]] | *[[:Category:Hospitals established in Hyderabad State|Hospitals established by the Nizams]] | ||
*[[Nizam's Guaranteed State Railway]] | *[[Nizam's Guaranteed State Railway]] | ||
*[[Nizam of Hyderabad|Nizams of Hyderabad]] | |||
*[[Asaf Jahi dynasty]] | |||
*[[Hyderabad State]] | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
| Line 231: | Line 250: | ||
==Further reading== | ==Further reading== | ||
{{Refbegin|2}} | |||
* ''The Splendour of Hyderabad: The Last Phase of an Oriental Culture (1591–1948 A.D.)'' By M.A. Nayeem {{ISBN|81-85492-20-4}} | * ''The Splendour of Hyderabad: The Last Phase of an Oriental Culture (1591–1948 A.D.)'' By M.A. Nayeem {{ISBN|81-85492-20-4}} | ||
* ''The Nocturnal Court: The Life of a Prince of Hyderabad '' By Sidq Jaisi | * ''The Nocturnal Court: The Life of a Prince of Hyderabad '' By Sidq Jaisi | ||
*''Developments in Administration Under H.E.H. the Nizam VII'' By Shamim Aleem, M. A. Aleem [https://books.google.com/books?id=nWYeAAAAMAAJ&q=jubilee+hall+hyderabad | *''Developments in Administration Under H.E.H. the Nizam VII'' By Shamim Aleem, M. A. Aleem [https://books.google.com/books?id=nWYeAAAAMAAJ&q=jubilee+hall+hyderabad Developments in Administration Under H.E.H. the Nizam VII] | ||
* ''Jewels of the Nizams (Hardcover)'' by Usha R. Krishnan (Author) {{ISBN|81-85832-15-3}} | * ''Jewels of the Nizams (Hardcover)'' by Usha R. Krishnan (Author) {{ISBN|81-85832-15-3}} | ||
* ''Fabulous Mogul: Nizam VII of Hyderabad'' By Dosoo Framjee Karaka Published 1955 D. Verschoyle, Original from the University of Michigan [https://books.google.com/books?id=oSg-AAAAMAAJ&q=king+kothi+palace | * ''Fabulous Mogul: Nizam VII of Hyderabad'' By Dosoo Framjee Karaka Published 1955 D. Verschoyle, Original from the University of Michigan [https://books.google.com/books?id=oSg-AAAAMAAJ&q=king+kothi+palace Fabulous Mogul: Nizam VII of Hyderabad] | ||
* ''The Seventh Nizam: The Fallen Empire'' By Zubaida Yazdani, Mary Chrystal {{ISBN|0-9510819-0-X}} | * ''The Seventh Nizam: The Fallen Empire'' By Zubaida Yazdani, Mary Chrystal {{ISBN|0-9510819-0-X}} | ||
* ''The Last Nizam: The Life and Times of Mir Osman Ali Khan'' By V.K. Bawa, Basant K. Bawa {{ISBN|0-670-83997-3}} | * ''The Last Nizam: The Life and Times of Mir Osman Ali Khan'' By V.K. Bawa, Basant K. Bawa {{ISBN|0-670-83997-3}} | ||
* ''The Seventh Nizam of Hyderabad: An Archival Appraisal'' By Sayyid Dā'ūd Ashraf [https://books.google.com/books?id=nYhMGQAACAAJ& | * ''The Seventh Nizam of Hyderabad: An Archival Appraisal'' By Sayyid Dā'ūd Ashraf [https://books.google.com/books?id=nYhMGQAACAAJ&q=The+seventh+Nizam+of+Hyderabad+:+an+archival+appraisal The Seventh Nizam of Hyderabad: An Archival Appraisal] | ||
* {{Cite book |title=Misrule of the Nizam: being extracts from and translations of articles regarding the administration of Mir Osman Ali Khan Bahadur, the Nizam of Hyderabad, Deccan |first=D |last=Raghavendra Rao |date=27 July 1926 |publisher="Swarajya" Press |oclc=5067242}} | * {{Cite book |title=Misrule of the Nizam: being extracts from and translations of articles regarding the administration of Mir Osman Ali Khan Bahadur, the Nizam of Hyderabad, Deccan |first=D |last=Raghavendra Rao |date=27 July 1926 |publisher="Swarajya" Press |oclc=5067242}} | ||
* {{Cite book |title=Photographs of Lord Willingdon's visit to Hyderabad in the early 1930s |date=27 July 1931 |oclc=33453066}} | * {{Cite book |title=Photographs of Lord Willingdon's visit to Hyderabad in the early 1930s |date=27 July 1931 |oclc=33453066}} | ||
*{{Cite book |url=https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Modern_Hyderabad_(Deccan) |title=Modern Hyderabad (Deccan) |last=Law |first=John |publisher=Thacker, Spink and Co. |year=1914 }} | *{{Cite book |url=https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Modern_Hyderabad_(Deccan) |title=Modern Hyderabad (Deccan) |last=Law |first=John |publisher=Thacker, Spink and Co. |year=1914 }} | ||
{{Refend}} | |||
==External links== | ==External links== | ||
*[https://archive.siasat.com/news/nizam-vii-took-care-people-despite-being-monarch-198446/ "The Nizam often used to call Muslims and the Hindus as his two eyes" in Siasat] | *[https://archive.siasat.com/news/nizam-vii-took-care-people-despite-being-monarch-198446/ "The Nizam often used to call Muslims and the Hindus as his two eyes" in Siasat] | ||
*[http://content.time.com/time/covers/0,16641,19370222,00.html The Nizam of Hyderabad on the cover of Time] | *[http://content.time.com/time/covers/0,16641,19370222,00.html The Nizam of Hyderabad on the cover of Time] | ||
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehe6LLKgSS0 Tribute to Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan Asaf jahi VII] | |||
{{s-start}} | {{s-start}} | ||
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{{s-end}} | {{s-end}} | ||
{{Portal bar|Biography|Royalty|India|History}} | |||
{{Hyderabad state}} | {{Hyderabad state}} | ||
{{Authority control}} | {{Authority control}} | ||
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[[Category:1967 deaths]] | [[Category:1967 deaths]] | ||
[[Category:Rajpramukhs]] | [[Category:Rajpramukhs]] | ||
[[Category:Hyderabadi Muslims]] | |||
[[Category:20th-century Indian philanthropists]] | [[Category:20th-century Indian philanthropists]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:India MPs 1957–1962]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:India MPs 1962–1967]] | ||
[[Category:Lok Sabha members from Andhra Pradesh]] | [[Category:Lok Sabha members from Andhra Pradesh]] | ||
[[Category:20th-century Indian educational theorists]] | [[Category:20th-century Indian educational theorists]] | ||
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[[Category:Madhya Bharat politicians]] | [[Category:Madhya Bharat politicians]] | ||
[[Category:Founders of Indian schools and colleges]] | [[Category:Founders of Indian schools and colleges]] | ||
[[Category:Knights Grand Commander of the Order of the Star of India]] | [[Category:Knights Grand Commander of the Order of the Star of India]] | ||
[[Category:Knights Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire]] | [[Category:Indian Knights Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire]] | ||
[[Category:Bailiffs Grand Cross of the Order of St John]] | [[Category:Bailiffs Grand Cross of the Order of St John]] | ||
[[Category:Asaf Jahi dynasty]] | [[Category:Asaf Jahi dynasty]] | ||
[[Category:Nizams of Hyderabad]] | [[Category:Nizams of Hyderabad]] | ||
[[Category:Indian philanthropists]] | |||
Revision as of 09:01, 22 July 2023
| Mir Osman Ali Khan | |
|---|---|
![]() Mir Osman Ali Khan in 1926 | |
| 7th Nizam of Hyderabad | |
| Reign | 29 August 1911 – 17 September 1948 Titular: 17 September 1948 – 24 February 1967[1] |
| Coronation | 18 September 1911[2] |
| Predecessor | Mahbub Ali Khan, Asaf Jah VI |
| Successor | Barkat Ali Khan, Asaf Jah VIII (titular) |
| Prime minister | See list
|
| Born | 5 April 1886[3] or 6 April 1886 Purani Haveli, Hyderabad City, Hyderabad State, British India (now in Telangana, India) |
| Died | 24 February 1967 (aged 80) King Kothi Palace, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India (now in Telangana, India) |
| Burial | Judi Mosque, (opposite King Kothi Palace), Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India (now in Telangana, India) |
| Spouse | Azmathunnisa Begum (m. 1906), Iqbal Begum |
| Issue | See below |
| Urdu | نواب میر عثمان علی خان |
| House | Asaf Jahi dynasty |
| Father | Mahbub Ali Khan, Asaf Jah VI |
| Mother | Azmat-uz-Zahrunnisa BegumTemplate:Contradictory inline |
| Religion | Sunni Islam[4] |
Mir Osman Ali Khan, Asaf Jah VII GCSI GBE (5[3] or 6 April 1886 – 24 February 1967)[5] was the last Nizam[6] (ruler) of the Princely State of Hyderabad, the largest princely state in British India. He ascended the throne on 29 August 1911, at the age of 25[7] and ruled the Kingdom of Hyderabad between 1911 and 1948, until India annexed it.[8] He was styled as His Exalted Highness-(H.E.H) the Nizam of Hyderabad,[9] and was widely considered as one of the world's wealthiest people of all time.[10] With some estimate placing his wealth at 2% of U.S. GDP,[10] his portrait was on the cover of Time magazine in 1937.[11] As a semi-autonomous monarch, he had his own mint, printing his own currency, the Hyderabadi rupee, and had a private treasury that was said to contain £100 million in gold and silver bullion, and a further £400 million of jewels (in 2008 terms).[10][12] The major source of his wealth was the Golconda mines, the only supplier of diamonds in the world at that time.[12][13][14] Among them was the Jacob Diamond, valued at some £50 million (in 2008 terms),[15][16][17] and used by the Nizam as a paperweight.[18]
During his 37-year rule, electricity was introduced, and railways, roads and airports were developed. He was known as the "Architect of modern Hyderabad" and is credited with establishing many public institutions in the city of Hyderabad, including Osmania University, Osmania General Hospital, State Bank of Hyderabad,[19] Begumpet Airport, and the Hyderabad High Court. Two reservoirs, Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar, were built during his reign, to prevent another great flood in the city. The Nizam also constructed the Nizam Sagar Dam and, in 1923, a reservoir constructed across the Manjira River, a tributary of the Godavari River, between Achampet and BanjePally villages of the Kamareddy district in Telangana, India. It is located at about 144 km (89 mi) north-west of Hyderabad. Nizam Sagar is the oldest dam in the state of Telangana.[20]
The Nizam had refused to accede to India after the country's independence on 15 August 1947. He wanted to remain an independent state or join Pakistan.[21] Later on, he wanted to join India, however, his power had weakened because of the Telangana Rebellion and the rise of a radical militia known as the Razakars whom he could not put down. In 1948, the Indian Army invaded and annexed Hyderabad State and defeated Razakars.[22] The Nizam became the Rajpramukh of Hyderabad State between 1950 and 1956, after which the state was partitioned and became part of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra.[23][24]
In 1951, he not only started the construction of Nizam Orthopedic hospital (now known as Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS)) and gave it to the government on a 99-year lease for a monthly rent of just Rs.1,[25] he also donated 14,000 acres (5,700 ha) of land from his personal estate to Vinobha Bhave's Bhoodan movement for re-distribution among landless farmers.[7][26]
Early life
Mir Osman Ali Khan was born 5[3] or 6 April 1886, the second son of Mahbub Ali Khan, Asaf Jah VI and Azmat-uz-Zahra BegumTemplate:Contradictory inline at Purani Haveli (also known as Masarrat Mahal palace). He was educated privately and reportedly became fluent in Urdu, Persian, Arabic and English.[27][28][3] Under Nawab Muhammad Ali Beg he received court ethics and military training.[29]
On the recommendation of the Viceroy of India, Lord Elgin in 1898, in early 1899 Sir Brian Egerton (of the Egerton family and former tutor to Maharajah of Bikaner Ganga Singh) was appointed as Mir Osman Ali Khan's English tutor for two years.[3] During this period he lived away from the principal palace. He lived on his own to avoid the atmosphere of the palace quarters under the guidance of Sir Brian and other British officials and mentors, so that he could flourish as a gentleman of the highest class. Sir Brian Egerton recorded that as a child, Mir Osman Ali Khan was magnanimous and "anxious to learn". Because of the indomitable attitude of zenana (the women) who were determined to send Mir Osman Ali Khan out of Hyderabad for further studies, he pursued them at Mayo College after consultation with the principal nobles of the Paigah family.[29][30]
Reign


Mir Mahboob Ali Khan the VI Nizam died on 29 August 1911 and on the same day Mir Osman Ali Khan was proclaimed Nizam VII under the supervision of Nawab Shahab Jung, a minister of Police and Public works.[31] On 18 September 1911, the crowning ceremony was officially held at the Chowmahalla Palace.
His coronation Durbar (court) included the prime minister of Hyderabad- Maharaja Kishen Pershad, Colonel Alexander Pinhey (1911–1916) British resident of Hyderabad, the Paigah, and the distinguished nobles of the state and the head of principalities under Nizam domain.[3][29][32]
The famous mines of Golconda were the major source of wealth for the Nizams,[33] with the Kingdom of Hyderabad being the only supplier of diamonds for the global market in the 18th century.[33]
Mir Osman Ali Khan acceded as the Nizam of Hyderabad upon the death of his father in 1911. The state of Hyderabad was the largest of the princely states in pre-independence India. With an area of 86,000 square miles (223,000 km2), it was roughly the size of the present-day United Kingdom. The Nizam was the highest-ranking prince in India, was one of only five princes entitled to a 21-gun salute, held the unique title of "Nizam", and titled "His Exalted Highness" and "Faithful Ally of the British Crown".[34][failed verification]
Early years (1911 to 1918)
In 1908, three years before the Nizam's coronation, the city of Hyderabad was struck by a major flood that resulted in the death of thousands. The Nizam, on the advice of Sir M. Visvesvaraya, ordered the construction of two large reservoirs—the Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar—to prevent another flood.[35]
He was given the title of "Faithful Ally of the British Crown" after World War One because of his financial contribution to the British Empire's war effort.[36] Part of the reason behind his unique title of "His Exalted Highness" and other titles was due to the huge amounts of financial help that he provided the British amounting to nearly £25 million (£Error when using {{Inflation}}: |index=UK (parameter 1) not a recognized index. in 2026).[36] (For example, No. 110 Squadron RAF's original complement of Airco DH.9A aircraft were Osman Ali's gift. Each aircraft bore an inscription to that effect, and the unit became known as the "Hyderabad Squadron".)[37] He also paid for a Royal Navy vessel, the N-class destroyer, Template:HMAS commissioned in 1940 and transferred to the Royal Australian Navy.[38]
In 1918, the Nizam issued a firman (decree) that established Osmania University, the first university to have Urdu as the language of instruction. The present campus was completed in 1934. The firman also mentioned the university's detailed mission and objectives.[39] The establishment of Osmania University was highly lauded by Nobel-Prize Laureate-Poet Rabindranath Tagore who was overjoyed to see the day when Indians are "freed from the shackles of a foreign language and our education becomes naturally accessible to all our people".[36]
Post-World War (1918 to 1939)

In 1919, the Nizam ordered the formation of the Executive Council of Hyderabad, presided over by Sir Sayyid Ali Imam, including eight other members, each in charge of one or more departments. The president of the Executive Council would also be the prime minister of Hyderabad.[citation needed]
The Begumpet Airport was established in the year 1930 with the eventual formation of Hyderabad Aero Club by the Nizam in 1936. Initially, the Nizam's private airways the Deccan Airways, one of the earliest airlines in British India, used it as a domestic and international airport. The terminal building was constructed in 1937.[40] The first commercial flight took off from the airport in 1946.[41]
Final years of his reign (1939 to 1948)



The Nizam arranged a matrimonial alliance with deposed caliph Abdulmejid II whereby the Nizam's first son Azam Jah would marry Princess Durrushehvar of the Ottoman Empire. It was believed that the matrimonial alliance between the Nizam and Abdulmejid II would lead to the emergence of a Muslim ruler who could be acceptable to the world powers in place of the Ottoman Sultans. After India's Independence, the Nizam attempted to declare his sovereignty over the state of Hyderabad, either as a protectorate of the British Empire or as a sovereign monarchy. However, his power weakened because of the Telangana Rebellion and the rise of the Razakars, a radical Muslim militia who wanted Hyderabad to remain under Muslim rule. In 1948, India invaded and annexed Hyderabad State, and the rule of the Nizam ended. He became the Rajpramukh and served from 26 January 1950 to 31 October 1956.[42]
Contributions to society
Educational initiatives
By donating to major educational institutions throughout India, he introduced many educational reforms during his reign. Up to 11% of his budget was spent on education.[43] Schools, colleges and a Department for Translation were set up. Primary education was made compulsory and provided free for the poor.

Osmania University
He founded the Osmania University in 1918 through a royal firman;[44] It is one of the largest universities in India. Schools, colleges and a Department for Translation were set up.[45]
Construction of major public buildings
Nearly all the major public buildings and institutions in Hyderabad city, such as the Hyderabad High Court, Jubilee Hall, Nizamia Observatory, Moazzam Jahi Market, Kachiguda Railway Station, Asafiya Library (State Central Library, Hyderabad), the Town Hall now known as the Assembly Hall, Hyderabad Museum now known as the State Museum; hospitals like Osmania General Hospital, Nizamia Hospital and many other buildings were constructed under his reign.[46][47][48] He also built the Hyderabad House in Delhi, now used for diplomatic meetings by the Government of India.[49][50]
Establishment of Hyderabad State Bank
In 1941, he started his own bank, the Hyderabad State Bank. It was later renamed State Bank of Hyderabad and merged with the State Bank of India as the state's central bank in 2017. It was established on 8 August 1941 under the Hyderabad State Bank Act. The bank managed the Osmania Sikka (Hyderabadi rupee), the currency of the state of Hyderabad. It was the only state in India which had its own currency, and the only state in British India where the ruler was allowed to issue currency. In 1953, the bank absorbed, by merger, the Mercantile Bank of Hyderabad, which Raja Pannalal Pitti had founded in 1935.[51][need quotation to verify]
In 1956, the Reserve Bank of India took over the bank as its first subsidiary and renamed it State Bank of Hyderabad (SBH). The Subsidiary Banks Act was passed in 1959. On 1 October 1959, SBH and the other banks of the princely states became subsidiaries of SBI. It merged with SBI on 31 March 2017.[52]
Flood prevention
After the Great Musi Flood of 1908, which killed an estimated 50,000 people, the Nizam constructed two lakes to prevent flooding—the Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar[20][53] named after himself, and his son Azam Jah respectively.[54]
Agricultural reforms
The Nizam founded agricultural research in the Marathwada region of Hyderabad State with the establishment of the Main Experimental Farm in 1918 in Parbhani. During his rule, agricultural education was available only at Hyderabad; crop research centres for sorghum, cotton, and fruits existed in Parbhani. After independence, the Indian government developed this facility further and renamed it Marathwada Agriculture University on 18 May 1972.[55]
Contribution to Indian aviation
India's first airport—the Begumpet Airport—was established in the 1930s with the formation of the Hyderabad Aero Club by the Nizam. Initially, it was used as a domestic and international airport by Deccan Airways Limited, the first airline in British India. The airport terminal was constructed in 1937.[56] Contribution to Indian National defence
Philanthropy
Donations towards Hindu temples
The Nizam donated Rs. 82,825 to the Yadagirigutta temple at Bhongir, Rs. 29,999 to the Sita Ramachandraswamy temple, Bhadrachalam[57] and Rs. 8,000 to the Tirupati Balaji Temple.[58]
He also donated Rs. 50,000 towards the re-construction of Sitarambagh temple located in the old city of Hyderabad,[57] and bestowed a grant of 100,000 Hyderabadi rupees towards the reconstruction of Thousand Pillar Temple.[59]
After hearing about the Golden Temple of Amritsar through Maharaja Ranjit Singh,[60][61] Mir Osman Ali Khan started providing it with yearly grants.[62][63]
Donation towards the compilation of the Holy Mahabharata
In 1932, there was a need for money for the publication of the Holy Mahabharata by the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute located in Pune. A formal request was made to Mir Osman Ali Khan who granted Rs. 1000 per year for a period of 11 years.[64]
He also gave Rs 50,000 for the construction of the institute's guest house[65] which stands today as the Nizam Guest House.[66][67]
Donation in Gold to the National Defence Fund

In October 1965, during the Indo-China War, the PM Lal Bahadur Shastri visited Hyderabad and requested the Nizam to contribute to the National Defence Fund, set up in the wake of the Indo-Chinese skirmish.[68][69] In response, the Nizam donated five tonnes (5,000 kg) of gold to the Indian army. In terms of today's gold price in the international market, this donation translates to a whopping Rs 1,500 crore.[70][71][72]
Donations to educational institutions
The Nizam donated Rs 1 million for the Banaras Hindu University,[73][74] Rs. 500,000 for the Aligarh Muslim University,[75] and 300,000 for the Indian Institute of Science.[73]
He also made large donations to many institutions in India and abroad with special emphasis given to educational institutions such as the Jamia Nizamia and the Darul Uloom Deoband.[76][77]
Restoration of Ajanta Ellora caves
During the early 1920s, the Ajanta site was in the territory of the princely state of the Hyderabad[78] and Osman Ali Khan (the Nizam of Hyderabad) appointed experts to restore the artwork, converted the site into a museum and built a road to enable tourists to come to the site.[78][79]
The Nizam's Director of Archaeology obtained the services of two experts from Italy, Professor Lorenzo Cecconi, assisted by Count Orsini, to restore the paintings in the caves. The Director of Archaeology for the last Nizam of Hyderabad said of the work of Cecconi and Orsini:
The repairs to the caves and the cleaning and conservation of the frescoes have been carried out on such sound principles and in such a scientific manner that these matchless monuments have found a fresh lease of life for at least a couple of centuries.[80]
Operation Polo and abdication

After Indian independence in 1947, the country was partitioned into India and Pakistan. The princely states were left free to make whatever arrangement they wished with either India or Pakistan. The Nizam ruled over more than 16 million people and 82,698 square miles (214,190 km2) of territory when the British withdrew from the sub-continent in 1947.[81] But unlike the other princely states, the Nizam refused to sign the instrument of accession. Instead he opted to sign a 1-year standstill agreement agreed upon by the British, and signed by then viceroy Lord Mountbatten.[82] The Nizam refused to join either India or Pakistan, preferring to form a separate independent kingdom within the British Commonwealth of Nations.[81]
This proposal for independence was rejected by the British government, but the Nizam continued to explore it. Towards this end, he kept up open negotiations with the Government of India regarding the modalities of a future relationship while opening covert negotiations with Pakistan in a similar vein. The Nizam cited the Razakars as evidence that the people of the state were opposed to any agreement with India.[citation needed]
The one year standstill agreement turned out to be a severe blow to the Nizam as it gave all foreign affairs, communication and defense power to the Indian government. The new Indian government wasn't happy that a sovereign state would exist right at the center of India.[83] In accordance to this, they ultimately decided to invade Hyderabad in 1948, in an operation code-named Operation Polo. Under the supervision of Major General Jayanto Nath Chaudhuri, one division of the Indian Army and a tank brigade invaded and captured Hyderabad.[84] The annexation was over in just 109 hours or roughly 4 days. Due to no foreign connections and no real defense the war was a losing cause for Hyderabad from the start. After the annexation the territory came under Indian rule and the Nizam was removed from his position but allowed to keep all personal wealth and title.[85]
Wealth
The Nizam was so wealthy that he was portrayed on the cover of Time magazine on 22 February 1937, being described as the world's richest man.[86] At its peak, the wealth of Osman Ali Khan, Asaf Jah VII was worth ₹660 crore (US$93 million) (all his conceivable assets combined) in the early 1940s, while his entire treasure of jewels, would be worth between US$150 million and US$500 million variously in today's terms.[87][88][89][90] He used the Jacob Diamond, a 185-carat diamond that is part of the Nizam's jewellery, as a paperweight.[91] During his days as Nizam, he was reputed to be the richest man in the world, having a fortune estimated at US$2 billion in the early 1940s[92] ( US$Template:Formatprice in Template:Inflation-year dollars)[93] or two per cent of the US economy then.[94]
The Nizam's personal fortune was estimated to be roughly £110 million, including £40 million in gold and jewels (equivalent to £Error when using {{Inflation}}: |index=UK (parameter 1) not a recognized index. in Template:Inflation-year)Template:Inflation-fn.[95][96]
The Indian government still exhibits the jewellery as the Jewels of the Nizams of Hyderabad (now in Delhi). There are 173 jewels, which include emeralds weighing nearly 2,000 carats (0.40 kg), and pearls exceeding 40 thousand chows. The collection includes gemstones, turban ornaments, necklaces and pendants, belts and buckles, earrings, armbands, bangles and bracelets, anklets, cufflinks and buttons, watch chains, and rings, toe rings, and nose rings.[97]
Along with the Nizam's jewels, two Bari gold coins worth hundreds of crores, were considered the rarest in the world. Himayat Ali Mirza has requested the central government to bring these coins, which were made in the Arabic script, back to Hyderabad.[98]
Gift to Queen Elizabeth II
In 1947, the Nizam made a gift of diamond jewels, including a tiara and necklace, to the future Queen Elizabeth II on the occasion of her marriage. The brooches and necklace were still worn by the Queen until her death and the necklace is known as the Nizam of Hyderabad necklace.[99]
Personal life

The Nizam lived at King Kothi Palace—bought from a nobleman (Kamal Khan an architect of those times)—from age 13 until his death. He never moved to Chowmahalla Palace, even after his accession to the throne.[100]
Unlike his father, he was not interested in fine clothing or hunting. His hobbies rather included poetry and writing ghazals in Urdu.[101]
He revered his mother and visited her every day she was alive; he used to visit her grave almost every day after she died.[102]
Family
On 14 April 1906, at the age of 21, he first married Azam Unnisa Begum (Dulhan Pasha Begum), a daughter of the noble Nawab Jahangir Jung.[3][103] His first son Azam Jah married Durru Shehvar, (daughter of the Ottoman caliph Abdul Mejid II), while his second son Moazzam Jah married Niloufer, (a niece of the Ottoman sultan).[104][105]
Azam Jah and Durru Shehvar had two sons, Mukarram Jah and Muffakham Jah, with the former succeeding his grandfather as the de jure Nizam.[104]
The 7th Nizam in total, had 34 children: 18 sons and 16 daughters from his 8 wives.[106][107][108][109][110][111][112][113][114][115][116]
His second son HH Moazzam Jah had three wives, [citation needed] the first being princess Nilofer. Since princess Niloufer couldn't bear a child, Moazzam Jah married Razia Begum and had three daughters - princess Fatima Fouzia, princess Amina Merzia and princess Oolia Kulsum. Prince Moazzam Jah also married Anwari Begum and had a son, prince Shahmat Jah.[117]
Another socially prominent grandson is Mir Najaf Ali Khan,[118][119] [120] who represents several trusts of the last Nizam, including the H.E.H. the Nizam's Charitable Trust and the Nizam Family Welfare Association.[119]
Lately, the Nizam's name was being used by various parties for political gains. Another great-grandson, Himayat Ali Mirza wrote to the prime minister in this regard along with the Election Commission of India, requesting political parties not to use the Nizam's name in today's politics as it is disrespectful to such a great personality.[36][121]
The Nizams' daughters had been married traditionally to young men of the House of Paigah. This family belonged to the Sunni sect.[122]
Final years and death
The Nizam continued to stay at the King Kothi Palace until his death. He used to issue firmans on inconsequential matters in his newspaper, the Nizam Gazette.[100]
He died on Friday, 24 February 1967. In his will, he asked to be buried in Masjid-e Judi, a mosque where his mother was buried, that faced King Kothi Palace.[123][124] The government declared state mourning on 25 February 1967, the day when he was buried. State government offices remained closed as a mark of respect while the National Flag of India was flown at half-mast on all the government buildings throughout the state.[125] The Nizam Museum documents state :
"The streets and pavements of the city were littered with the pieces of broken glass bangles as an incalculable number of women broke their bangles in mourning, which Telangana women usually do as per Indian customs on the death of a close relative."[126]
"The Nizam's funeral procession was the biggest non-religious, non-political meeting of people in the history of India till that date."
Millions of people of all religions from different parts of the state entered Hyderabad in trains, buses and on bullocks for a last glimpse of their king in a coffin in the King Kothi Palace Camp in Hyderabad.[127] The crowd was so uncontrollable that barricades were installed alongside the road to enable people to move in a queue.[128] D. Bhaskara Rao, chief curator, of the Nizam's Museum stated that an estimated one million (1 million) people were part of the procession.[129]
Title and salutation
Salutation style
The Nizam was the honorary Colonel of the 20 Deccan Horse. In 1918, King George V elevated Nawab Mir Osman Ali Khan Siddiqi Bahadur from "His Highness" to "His Exalted Highness". In a letter dated 24 January 1918, the title "Faithful Ally of the British Government' was conferred on him.[130][better source needed]
Full Titular Name
The titles during his life were:
1886–1911: Nawab Bahadur Mir Osman Ali Khan Siddqi.
[130]
1911–1912: His Highness Rustam-i-Dauran, Arustu-i-Zaman, Wal Mamaluk, Asaf Jah VII, Muzaffar ul-Mamaluk, Nizam ul-Mulk, Nizam ud-Daula, Nawab Mir Sir Osman ‘Ali Khan Siddqi Bahadur, Sipah Salar, Fath Jang, Nizam of Hyderabad, GCSI
[130]
1912–1917: Colonel His Highness Rustam-i-Dauran, Arustu-i-Zaman, Wal Mamaluk, Asaf Jah VII, Muzaffar ul-Mamaluk, Nizam ul-Mulk, Nizam ud-Daula, Nawab Mir Sir Osman ‘Ali Khan Siddqi Bahadur, Sipah Salar, Fath Jang, Nizam of Hyderabad, GCSI
[130]
1917–1918: Colonel His Highness Rustam-i-Dauran, Arustu-i-Zaman, Wal Mamaluk, Asaf Jah VII, Muzaffar ul-Mamaluk, Nizam ul-Mulk, Nizam ud-Daula, Nawab Mir Sir Osman ‘Ali Khan Siddqi Bahadur, Sipah Salar, Fath Jang, Nizam of Hyderabad, GCSI, GBE
[130]
1918–1936: Lieutenant-General His Exalted Highness Rustam-i-Dauran, Arustu-i-Zaman, Wal Mamaluk, Asaf Jah VII, Muzaffar ul-Mamaluk, Nizam ul-Mulk, Nizam ud-Daula, Nawab Mir Sir Osman ‘Ali Khan Siddqi Bahadur, Sipah Salar, Fath Jang, Faithful Ally of the British Government, Nizam of Hyderabad, GCSI, GBE
[130]
1936–1941: Lieutenant-General His Exalted Highness Rustam-i-Dauran, Arustu-i-Zaman, Wal Mamaluk, Asaf Jah VII, Muzaffar ul-Mamaluk, Nizam ul-Mulk, Nizam ud-Daula, Nawab Mir Sir Osman ‘Ali Khan Siddqi Bahadur, Sipah Salar, Fath Jang, Faithful Ally of the British Government, Nizam of Hyderabad and Berar, GCSI, GBE
[130]
1941–1967: General His Exalted Highness Rustam-i-Dauran, Arustu-i-Zaman, Wal Mamaluk, Asaf Jah VII, Muzaffar ul-Mamaluk, Nizam ul-Mulk, Nizam ud-Daula, Nawab Mir Sir Osman ‘Ali Khan Siddqi Bahadur, Sipah Salar, Fath Jang, Faithful Ally of the British Government, Nizam of Hyderabad and Berar, GCSI, GBE.[130][131]
Honours and Eponyms
- Delhi Durbar Gold Medal, 1911 as part of the 1911 Delhi Durbar Honours,[132][133]
- GCSI: Knight Grand Commander of the Order of the Star of India, 1911[134]
- GCStJ: Bailiff Grand Cross of the Order of St John, 1911[134][need quotation to verify]
- GBE: Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire, 1917[134][need quotation to verify]
- King George V Silver Jubilee Medal, 1935[134][need quotation to verify]
- King George VI Coronation Medal, 1937[134][need quotation to verify]
- Royal Victorian Chain, 1946[134][need quotation to verify]
List of Eponyms
- Osmania General Hospital
- Osmania Biscuit
- Osman Sagar, a reservoir in Hyderabad
- Osmanabad
- The Nizam of Hyderabad necklace
- The Nizam Gate of Ajmer Sharif Dargah[135]
See also
- Establishments of the Nizams
- Hospitals established by the Nizams
- Nizam's Guaranteed State Railway
- Nizams of Hyderabad
- Asaf Jahi dynasty
- Hyderabad State
References
- ↑ Ali, Mir Quadir (17 September 2019). "Hyderabad's tryst with history". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 18 November 2020.
The question now is: What exactly happened on September 17, 1948? [...] The Nizam's radio broadcast meant the lifting of the house arrest of Government of India's Agent General K.M. Munshi, allowing him to work on a new government, with the Nizam as Head of State.
- ↑ Benjamin B. Cohen, Kingship and Colonialism in India's Deccan, 1850–1948 (Macmillan, 2007) p81[need quotation to verify]
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{{cite news}}:|last1=has generic name (help) - ↑ "When Osman Ali Khan donated 5 tonnes of gold to Govt. of India". Archived from the original on 4 September 2018. Retrieved 19 June 2020.
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{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ↑ Bawa, Basant K. (1992). The Last Nizam: The Life and Times of Mir Osman Ali Khan. Viking. p. 377. ISBN 978-0-670-83997-1.
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- ↑ Family, Nizam's Family Tree, retrieved 13 October 2021
- ↑ "Last Hyderabad Nizam's Heirs Demand 277 Acres Royal Property in Aurangabad". NDTV.com. Archived from the original on 11 August 2019. Retrieved 16 July 2020.
- ↑ 119.0 119.1 Syed Akbar (5 July 2017). "Nizam's heir goes by Blue Book, wants market rate for acquired land". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 25 July 2018. Retrieved 16 July 2020.
- ↑ "Nizam's grandson basks in grandpa's glory". The Hans India. 27 April 2017. Archived from the original on 16 September 2018. Retrieved 16 July 2020.
- ↑ Syed Akbar (1 October 2021). "Hyderabad: Don't project Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan as villain for votes, kin writes to PM | Hyderabad News". The Times of India. Retrieved 15 October 2021.
- ↑ a, TNN (9 April 2008). "Paigah scion Mujeeb Yar Jung dead | Hyderabad News - Times of India". The Times of India.
- ↑ "Floarl Tribute to Nizam VII – The Siasat Daily". siasat.com. 25 February 2018. Archived from the original on 22 April 2018. Retrieved 21 April 2018.
- ↑ "Heritage enthusiasts pay rich tributes to seventh Nizam". The Hindu. 7 April 2018. Archived from the original on 30 December 2018. Retrieved 14 June 2018.
- ↑ "In pictures: 50 years ago a sea of people turned up for Death of Hyderabads Last Nizam". thenewsminute.com. 24 February 2017. Archived from the original on 18 December 2017. Retrieved 23 March 2019.
- ↑ "The Times Group". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 27 March 2019. Retrieved 23 March 2019.
- ↑ "On his 50th death anniversary, the last Nizam of Hyderabad". Hindustan Times. 24 February 2017. Archived from the original on 19 October 2018. Retrieved 16 July 2020.
- ↑ "Nizam's opulence has no takers". The Hans India. Archived from the original on 23 August 2018. Retrieved 16 July 2020.
- ↑ Syed Akbar (25 February 2017). "Mir Osman Ali Khan: Modern Hyderabad architect and statehood icon, Nizam VII fades into history". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 2 September 2018. Retrieved 16 July 2020.
- ↑ 130.0 130.1 130.2 130.3 130.4 130.5 130.6 130.7 "Hyderabad (Princely State)". The Indian Princely States Website. Archived from the original on 7 January 2003. Retrieved 16 July 2020.
- ↑ "Page 3 | The Gazette". Archived from the original on 12 March 2020. Retrieved 30 July 2020.
- ↑ "No. 28559". The London Gazette. 12 December 1911. p. 9357.
- ↑ Shanker, CR Gowri (27 May 2018). "Nizam VII cared more for people than himself". Deccan Chronicle.
- ↑ 134.0 134.1 134.2 134.3 134.4 134.5 Cannadine, David (2002). Ornamentalism: How the British Saw Their Empire. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-515794-9. Archived from the original on 15 September 2020. Retrieved 2 August 2020.
- ↑ Safvi, Rana (16 February 2019). "In the Chishti shrine in Ajmer". The Hindu.
Further reading
- The Splendour of Hyderabad: The Last Phase of an Oriental Culture (1591–1948 A.D.) By M.A. Nayeem ISBN 81-85492-20-4
- The Nocturnal Court: The Life of a Prince of Hyderabad By Sidq Jaisi
- Developments in Administration Under H.E.H. the Nizam VII By Shamim Aleem, M. A. Aleem Developments in Administration Under H.E.H. the Nizam VII
- Jewels of the Nizams (Hardcover) by Usha R. Krishnan (Author) ISBN 81-85832-15-3
- Fabulous Mogul: Nizam VII of Hyderabad By Dosoo Framjee Karaka Published 1955 D. Verschoyle, Original from the University of Michigan Fabulous Mogul: Nizam VII of Hyderabad
- The Seventh Nizam: The Fallen Empire By Zubaida Yazdani, Mary Chrystal ISBN 0-9510819-0-X
- The Last Nizam: The Life and Times of Mir Osman Ali Khan By V.K. Bawa, Basant K. Bawa ISBN 0-670-83997-3
- The Seventh Nizam of Hyderabad: An Archival Appraisal By Sayyid Dā'ūd Ashraf The Seventh Nizam of Hyderabad: An Archival Appraisal
- Raghavendra Rao, D (27 July 1926). Misrule of the Nizam: being extracts from and translations of articles regarding the administration of Mir Osman Ali Khan Bahadur, the Nizam of Hyderabad, Deccan. "Swarajya" Press. OCLC 5067242.
- Photographs of Lord Willingdon's visit to Hyderabad in the early 1930s. 27 July 1931. OCLC 33453066.
- Law, John (1914). Modern Hyderabad (Deccan). Thacker, Spink and Co.
External links
- "The Nizam often used to call Muslims and the Hindus as his two eyes" in Siasat
- The Nizam of Hyderabad on the cover of Time
- Tribute to Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan Asaf jahi VII
Mir Osman Ali Khan Born: 8 April 1886 Died: 24 February 1967
| ||
| Regnal titles | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Mahbub Ali Khan, Asaf Jah VI |
Nizam of Hyderabad 1911–1948 |
Annexed by Dominion of India |
| Titles in pretence | ||
| New title | — TITULAR — Nizam of Hyderabad 1948–1967 |
Succeeded by Barkat Ali Khan, Asaf Jah VIII |
| Government offices | ||
| Preceded by Mir Yousuf Ali Khan, Salar Jung III |
Prime Minister of Hyderabad 1914–1919 |
Succeeded by Sir Sayyid Ali Imam |

