Hyderabad"s Glorious Days Under The Rule Of Nizams
While exploring the fascinating historical places and structures of Hyderabad, one is reminded of its glorious past. Those were the days when Nizams ruled not only this city, but also an entire region spanning several neighbouring states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, and the newly formed Telangana. Back then, these regions were part of the princely state of Hyderabad. In the early twentieth century, it had an army, telecommunication system, and transport network of its own. Cultural and economic activities grew during this period, and the princely state became one of the richest in the world. Many of the delicacies were also added to the Hyderabadi cuisine during the rule of Nizams. The restaurants in Hyderabad still serve these dishes, and they are relished by locals and tourists alike.
First among these rulers was Nizam-ul-mulk Fateh Jung. He declared independence from the Mughals after Aurangzeb's death, and established his empire with Hyderabad as the capital. He had fought several decisive battles to establish his supremacy over the Deccan region. There was a great power struggle for the throne after Fateh Jung's death, but it was Nizam Ali Khan who managed to rule for forty years after ousting his brother, Salabath Jung. He employed a French general as his military leader and advisor, while simultaneously seeking alliance with the British empire. This brilliant strategy worked to his advantage, as it prevented the British from interfering in daily affairs of the princely state. Sikandar Jah succeeded Ali Khan, and he administered the state wonderfully under his able statesmen. Nasir-ud-Daulah ascended the throne after the death of his father, Sikandar Jah. Under his rule, prime minister Salar Jung successfully upgraded Hyderabad's financial status. The services of Salar Jung was retained by successor of Nasir-ud-Daulah, known as Afzal-ud-Daulah. He died at a young age, leaving behind infant Mir Mahboob Ali Khan as an heir to the throne. Mahboob grew up under the care of his father's and grandfather's prime minister, Salar Jung. The last and the most influential Nizam was Mir Osman Ali Khan, who cared about his subjects and was an able statesman.
After coming to power, he restored and erected many of the public buildings to deal with the destruction caused by the great flood of 1908. Mir Osman Ali Khan was the richest man in the world in the early 1940s, and even featured on the cover of TIME magazine on February 22, 1937. When India became independent, he refused to have Hyderabad ceded to the Indian republic. Instead, he wanted it to be recognized as an independent state. This sparked a war between India and the princely state, which resulted in the capture of Hyderabad and seizure of the Nizam's land and wealth. Today, most of the buildings that were constructed during his time are among the sought-after attractions for tourists. A stay in any of the budget hotels in Hyderabad would be of great benefit for travellers, as they can have enough savings and the required convenience to visit all the popular attractions of this city.
First among these rulers was Nizam-ul-mulk Fateh Jung. He declared independence from the Mughals after Aurangzeb's death, and established his empire with Hyderabad as the capital. He had fought several decisive battles to establish his supremacy over the Deccan region. There was a great power struggle for the throne after Fateh Jung's death, but it was Nizam Ali Khan who managed to rule for forty years after ousting his brother, Salabath Jung. He employed a French general as his military leader and advisor, while simultaneously seeking alliance with the British empire. This brilliant strategy worked to his advantage, as it prevented the British from interfering in daily affairs of the princely state. Sikandar Jah succeeded Ali Khan, and he administered the state wonderfully under his able statesmen. Nasir-ud-Daulah ascended the throne after the death of his father, Sikandar Jah. Under his rule, prime minister Salar Jung successfully upgraded Hyderabad's financial status. The services of Salar Jung was retained by successor of Nasir-ud-Daulah, known as Afzal-ud-Daulah. He died at a young age, leaving behind infant Mir Mahboob Ali Khan as an heir to the throne. Mahboob grew up under the care of his father's and grandfather's prime minister, Salar Jung. The last and the most influential Nizam was Mir Osman Ali Khan, who cared about his subjects and was an able statesman.
After coming to power, he restored and erected many of the public buildings to deal with the destruction caused by the great flood of 1908. Mir Osman Ali Khan was the richest man in the world in the early 1940s, and even featured on the cover of TIME magazine on February 22, 1937. When India became independent, he refused to have Hyderabad ceded to the Indian republic. Instead, he wanted it to be recognized as an independent state. This sparked a war between India and the princely state, which resulted in the capture of Hyderabad and seizure of the Nizam's land and wealth. Today, most of the buildings that were constructed during his time are among the sought-after attractions for tourists. A stay in any of the budget hotels in Hyderabad would be of great benefit for travellers, as they can have enough savings and the required convenience to visit all the popular attractions of this city.
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