Saturday, November 10, 2012

HYDERABAD

                                           

Nizam of Hyderabad

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"Nizam" redirects here. For other uses, see Nizam (disambiguation).
Nizam-ul-Mulk of Hyderabad
FORMER MONARCHY
Hyderabad Coat of Arms.jpg
Coat of Arms
NezamHaydarabad.jpg
Osman Ali Khan
First monarchQamaruddin Khan
Last monarchOsman Ali Khan
StyleHis Exalted Highness
Official residenceChowmahalla Palace
Monarchy started31 July 1720
Monarchy ended17 September 1948
Nizam-ul-Mulk of Hyderabad popularly known as Nizam of Hyderabad, was a former monarchy of the Hyderabad State, now divided into the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra on the linguistic basis. Nizam, a shortened from Nizam-ul-Mulk, meaning Administrator of the Realm, was the title of the native sovereigns of Hyderabad State, since 1724, belonging to the Asaf Jah dynasty. The dynasty was founded by Mir Qamar-ud-Din Siddiqi, a viceroy of the Deccan under the Mughal emperors from 1713 to 1721 and he intermittently ruled under the title Asaf Jah in 1724, and after Aurangzeb's death in 1707, the Mughal Empire crumbled and the viceroy in Hyderabad, the young Asaf Jah, declared himself independent. From 1798 Hyderabad was one of the princely states of British India, but it retained control of its internal affairs.
Seven Nizams ruled Hyderabad for two centuries until Indian independence in 1947. The Asaf Jahi rulers were great patrons of literature, art,architecture, culture, jewelry collection and rich food. The Nizams ruled until 17 September 1948 when Indian military attacked the independent enclave sovereign state forcing the Nizam's surrender to Indian forces in what became known as a 'Police Action' after the Indian Army's 'Operation Polo'. The Nizam's delegation to the United Nations in New York and UK Government in London was too late to prevent the forceful annexation by India of this independent nation into Indian territory. Initially it was integrated into Indian Union, and in 1956 divided on linguistic lines and merged into neighbouring Indian states.

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[edit]Family origins


Qamaruddin Khan,Asaf Jah I
The Asaf Jahi dynasty originated in the region around Samarkand, but the family came to India in the late 17th century, from the Perso-Turkic spreaking regions of the 'Paamir Knot', and became employees of the Mogul empire in north India. As the Moguls were great patron of Persian culture, language, literature: the family found a ready patronage.

[edit]Origin of the title

Nizām-ul-mulk was a title first used in Urdu around 1600 to mean Governor of the realm or Deputy for the Whole Empire. The word is derived from theArabic word, Nizām (نظام), meaning order, arrangement. The Nizam was referred to as Ala Hadrat / Ala Hazrat or Nizam Sarkar, meaning His Exalted Highness.

[edit]Rise of the Nizams

The first Nizam ruled on behalf of the Mughal emperors. After the death of Aurangzeb, the Nizams split from the Mughals to form an independent kingdom. When the British achieved paramountcy over India, the Nizams were allowed to continue to rule their princely states as client kings. The Nizams retained internal power over Hyderabad State until 17 September 1948 when Hyderabad was forcefully integrated into the new Indian Union.
The Asaf Jah dynasty had only seven rulers; however there was a period of 13 years after the rule of the first Nizam when three of his sons (Nasir Jung, Muzafar Jung and Salabath Jung) ruled. They were not officially recognized as the rulers.
A legend about the first Nizam[vague] states that, on one of his hunting trips he was offered some kulchas (an Indian bread) by a holy man and was asked to eat as many as he could. The Nizam could eat seven kulchas and the holy man then prophesied that seven generations of his family would rule the state.
By tradition no Nizam has ever left India no matter how good a reason might exist for doing so, as it was said[by whom?], "the Sovereign is too precious to his people ever to leave India.".

[edit]Infrastructure

During the period of Nizam rule, Hyderabad State became the richest,[1] and the senior-most salute state among the Indian princely states. It was spread over 223,000 km2 (86,000 sq mi) in the Deccan, ruled by the Asaf Jahi dynasty. The Nizam's were conferred with the title of His Exalted Highness, and "Faithful Ally of the British Government" by the imperial-colonial British government for their collaborating rolein the wars against Tipoo Sultan of Mysore, the Great Revolt of 1857-1858.,[2] becoming the only Indian prince to be given both these statuses.[3] The rule of the Nizams brought cultural and economic growth for Hyderabad city. One example of the wealth of Nizam rule is the Jewels of the Nizams, which is an international tourist attraction occasionally displayed inSalar Jung Museum. In 1948 Hyderabad state had an estimated population of 17 million (1.7 crore), and it generated an estimated annual revenue of £90,029,000.[2] The state had its own currency known as the Hyderabadi rupee, until 1951.[4] The pace at which the last Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan amassed wealth made him one of the world's richest men in 1937 and he was also known for his miserliness..[3] According to the Forbes All-Time Wealthiest List of 2008, Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan is the fifth richest man ever, with an estimated worth of US$210.8 billion (adjusted with the present value of the US dollar).[4] The Nizams set up numerous institutions in the name of the dynasty including hospitals and schools, colleges, universities that imparted education in Urdu.[4]Inspired by the Indian Civil Service, the Nizams established the Hyderabad Civil Service and built large reservoirs. Survey work on the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam was initiated during this time, though the actual work was completed by the Government of India in 1969.[5][6]

[edit]List of Nizams of Hyderabad (1720-Present)

[edit]Nizams of Hyderabad (1720-1948)

ImageTitular NamePersonal NameDate of birthNizam FromNizam UntilDate of death
Asaf Jah I, Nizam of Hyderabad.jpg
Nizam-ul-Mulk, Asaf Jah I
نظام‌الملک آصف جاہ		Mir Qamar-ud-din Khan20 August 167131 July 17201 June 1748
No image.png
Nasir Jung
نصیرجنگ		Mir Ahmed Ali Khan26 February 17121 June 174816 December 1750
Dupleix meeting the Soudhabar of the Deccan.jpg
‏Muzaffar Jung
مظفرجنگ		Mir Hidayat Muhi-ud-din Sa'adullah Khan ?16 December 175013 February 1751
No image.png
Salabat Jung
صلابت جنگ		Mir Sa'id Muhammad Khan24 November 171813 February 17518 July 1762
(deposed)		16 September 1763
No image.png
Nizam-ul-Mulk, Asaf Jah II
نظام‌الملک آصف جاہ دوم		Mir Nizam Ali Khan7 March 17348 July 17626 August 1803
Nizam Sikandar Jah (r.1803-29).jpg
Sikander Jah, Asaf Jah III
سکندر جاہ ،آصف جاہ تریہم		Mir Akbar Ali Khan11 November 17686 August 180321 May 1829
Nasir-ud-dawlah, Nizam of Hyderabad 1794-1857.jpg
Nasir-ud-Daula, Asaf Jah IV
ناصر الدولہ ،آصف جاہ چارہم		Mir Farqunda Ali Khan25 April 179421 May 182916 May 1857
No image.png
Afzal-ud-Daula, Asaf Jah V
افضال الدولہ ،آصف جاہ پنجم		Mir Tahniyath Ali Khan11 October 182716 May 185726 February 1869
Asaf Jah VI.jpg
Asaf Jah VI
آصف جاہ شیشم		Mir Mahbub Ali Khan17 August 186626 February 186929 August 1911
NezamHaydarabad.jpg
Asaf Jah VII
آصف جاہ ہفتم		Mir Osman Ali Khan6 April 188629 August 191117 September 1948
(deposed)		24 February 1967

[edit]Titular Nizam of Hyderabad (1948-Present)

ImageTitular NamePersonal NameDate of birthPretender FromPretender UntilDate of death
NezamHaydarabad.jpg
Asaf Jah VII
آصف جاہ ہفتم		Mir Osman Ali Khan6 April 188617 September 194824 February 1967
AsafJahVIII-Dürrühshehvar 1stOfficialPic 1934.jpeg
Mukarram Jah, Asaf Jah VIII
مکرم جاہ ،آصف جاہ ہشتم		Mir Barkat Ali Khan6 October 193324 February 1967Alive

[edit]Descendants of the last Nizam, Osman Ali Khan, Asif Jah VII

Question book-new.svgThis section does not cite anyreferences or sources. (July 2012)

On February 22, 1937 a cover story byTIME called Osman Ali Khan, Asif Jah VII as the wealthiest man in the world
The last Nizam, Osman Ali Khan, Asif Jah VII, had 28 sons and 44 daughters. The Asaf Jah dynasty followed the policy of male primogenitureregardless of the mother's marital status or rank.

[edit]First generation (sons)

  1. Azam Jah, Prince of Berar, (21 February 1907 - 9 October 1970), eldest son. He was passed over in the line of succession in favour of his eldest son, Mukarram Jah (Barkat Ali Khan), who was given the title Asaf Jah VIII.
  2. Moazzam Jah, (21 February 1907 - 9 October 1970), second son.
  3. Kazim Jah Bahadur (1912-1952), fourth son.
  4. Mir Ahmad Ali Khan (1912-); fifth son.
  5. Saadath Jah Bahadur, sixth son.
  6. Abid Jah (1913-1983), seventh son.
  7. Hashmat Jah (1913-1988), eighth son.
  8. Hashim Jah (1913-1991), ninth son.
  9. Taqi Jah (1913-1985), tenth son.
  10. Sa’adat Jah (1917-1988), nineteenth son.
  11. Imdad Jah (1944-); twenty-third son.
  12. Nawazat Jah (1944-2010); twenty-fifth son.
  13. Fazal Jah (1946-); twenty-sixth son
  14. Bhojat Jah (1947-1982), twenty-seventh son.

[edit]Second and subsequent generations

  1. Mukarram Jah (Barkat Ali Khan), (6 October 1933-), son of Azam Jah, the eldest son of the last Nizam. He was given the title Asaf Jah VIII.
  2. Muffakham Jah (1939-), son of Azam Jah, the eldest son of the last Nizam, and younger brother of Mukarram Jah (Barkat Ali Khan), Asaf Jah VIII.
  3. Shahamat Jah (1957-), son of Moazzam Jah, the second son of the last Nizam.
  4. Azmet Jah, the eldest son of Mukarram Jah (Barkat Ali Khan), Asaf Jah VIII.
  5. Azam Jah (1979-), second son of Azmet Jah.
  6. Rafat Jah (1966-), elder son of Muffakham Jah.
  7. Farhad Jah, younger son of Muffakham Jah.
  8. Mir Meraj ‘Ali Khan; third son of Saadath Jah Bahadur.
  9. Ahmad Jah, eldest son of Kazim Jah, the fourth son of the last Nizam.
  10. Baqir Jah; younger son of Kazim Jah, the fourth son of the last Nizam.
  11. Mir Arshad Ali Khan; son of Ahmad Jah
  12. Mir Muhammad Jafar Ali Khan (1964-); elder son of Baqir Jah.
  13. Mir Kauser Ali Khan (1966-); younger son of Baqir Jah.
  14. Mir Banda Ali Khan (1951-); son of Abid Jah (1913-1983), the seventh son of the last Nizam.
  15. Mir Mushraf Ali Khan (1969-); son of Mir Banda Ali Khan.
  16. Mir Ata'ullah Khan (1957-); eldest son of Hashmat Jah (1913-1988), the eighth son of the last Nizam.
  17. Mir Rahmat ‘Ali Khan; second son of Hashmat Jah.
  18. Mir Hassan ‘Ali Khan (1959-); third son of Hashmat Jah.
  19. Mir Husain ‘Ali Khan (1961-); fourth son of Hashmat Jah.
  20. Mir Shamsher ‘Ali Khan (1941-); eldest son of Hashim Jah (1913-1991), the ninth son of the last Nizam.
  21. Mir Miraj ‘Ali Khan; second son of Hashim Jah.
  22. Mir Shahamat ‘Ali Khan (1942-); third son of Hashim Jah.
  23. Mir Baktiyar ‘Ali Khan (1964-); elder son of Mir Shahamat ‘Ali Khan.
  24. Mir Sulaiman ‘Ali Khan (1980-); younger son of Mir Shahamat ‘Ali Khan.
  25. Mir Kawkab ‘Ali Khan; fourth son of Hashim Jah.
  26. Mir Zamin ‘Ali Khan (1948-); fifth son of Hashim Jah.
  27. Mir Muhammad Jaffar ‘Ali Khan (1978-); son of Mir Zamin ‘Ali Khan.
  28. Mir Haider ‘Ali Khan (2000-); son of Mir Muhammad Jaffar ‘Ali Khan.
  29. Mir Murtuza ‘Ali Khan (2007-); son of Mir Muhammad Jaffar ‘Ali Khan.
  30. Mir Askar ‘Ali Khan; sixth son of Hashim Jah.
  31. Mir Muhammad Nusrath ‘Ali Khan; seventh son of Hashim Jah.
  32. Mir Muhammad Hussain ‘Ali Khan (1970-); son of Mir Muhammad Nusrath ‘Ali Khan.
  33. Mir Karam ‘Ali Khan (1956-); eighth son of Hashim Jah.
  34. Mir Osman ‘Ali Khan (1985-); son of Mir Karam ‘Ali Khan.
  35. Mir Najaf ‘Ali Khan (1964-); ninth son of Hashim Jah.
  36. Muhammad Anas Ali Khan (2001-); son of Mir Najaf ‘Ali Khan.
  37. Mir Naqi ‘Ali Khan. Elder son of Taqi Jah (1913-1985), tenth son of the last Nizam.
  38. Mir Ja’afar ‘Ali Khan. Younger son of Taqi Jah.
  39. Mir Firasath ‘Ali Khan; eldest son of Sa’adat Jah (1917-1988), nineteenth son of the last Nizam.
  40. Mir Saqafath ‘Ali Khan. (1968-); fourth son of Sa'adat Jah.
  41. Imdad Jah (1944-); twenty-third son of the last Nizam.
  42. Dilshad Jah (1963-); elder son of Imdad Jah
  43. Mir Irshad ‘Ali Khan (1977-); younger son of Imdad Jah.
  44. Son of Nawazat Jah (1944-2010); twenty-fifth son of the last Nizam.
  45. Mir Salabat ‘Ali Khan (1969-); son of Bhojat Jah (1947-1982), twenty-seventh son of the last Nizam.
  46. Mir Bhojat ‘Ali Khan (1998-), son of Mir Salabat ‘Ali Khan.
  47. Manzoor Ahmad Nizami (1926-2008), son of Nizam Uddin Asaf Jah VII.
  48. Farooq Nizami (1965-), son of Manzoor Ahmad Nizami Asaf Jah VII.
  49. Feroz Nizami (1994-), son of Farooq Nizami HEH Asaf Jah VII.
  50. Muhammad Bin Farooq (2003-), Nizam, son of Farooq Nizami HEH Asaf Jah VII.

[edit]Descendants of Asaf Jah III

  1. Sahibzada Mir Jamil ud-din ‘Ali Khan (1940-). Descended from Asaf Jah III through his second son Samsam ul-Mulk, Sunisamad ud-Daula, Nawab Mir Bashir ud-din 'Ali Khan Bahdur, Samsan Jang (1797-1876), through his seventh son Nawab Mir Habib 'Ali Khan Bahadur, Muazziz Jang (1821-?), through his son Sahibzada Mir Yusuf 'Ali Khan (1856-19?), through his son Sahibzada Mir Habib 'Ali Khan Bahadur (1900-1937) and through his son Sahibzada Mir Bashir ud-din Ali Khan Bahadur (1921-1980).
  2. Sahibzada Jaweed Siddiqi (1966-). Son of Sahibzada Mir Jamil ud-din ‘Ali Khan.
  3. Sahibzada Bashir Siddiqi (1999-). Son of Sahibzada Jaweed Siddiqi.
  4. Sahibzada Abrar Siddiqi (2001-). Son of Sahibzada Jaweed Siddiqi.
  5. Shahizada Mir farooq Ali Khan . Son of Mir Moinuddin Ali Khan.son of mir bahauddin ali khan uzzam-ud-daula saham-jung son of samsam-ud-daula
  6. Sahibzada Mir Moiz ud-din ‘Ali Khan (1954-). Son of Sahibzada Mir farooq Ali Khan(1924-1986)
  7. Shahizada Mir Mohiuddin Ali Khan & Shahizada Mir Farooq Ali Khan Son of Mir Moiz uddin Ali Khan.
  8. shahibzadi Mir Sadia Moiz D/o.Shahibzada Mir Moiz uddin Ali Khan(Wife of Shaikh ilyas Ahmed).
  9. Sahibzada Mir Azmat 'Ali Khan (1944-). Son of Nawab Mir Husain 'Ali Khan Bahadur (1923-1987), the second son of Sahibzada Mir Habib 'Ali Khan Bahadur.
  10. Sahibzada Mir Himayath 'Ali Khan (1984-). Eldest son of Sahibzada Mir Azmat 'Ali Khan.
  11. Sahibzada Mir Azam 'Ali Khan (1989-). Second son of Sahibzada Mir Azmat 'Ali Khan.
  12. Sahibzada Mir Mazhar 'Ali Khan (2001-). Third son of Sahibzada Mir Azmat 'Ali Khan.
  13. Sahibzada Mir Osman 'Ali Khan (1952-). Second son of Nawab Mir Husain Ali Khan Bahadur.
  14. Sahibzada Mir Khader 'Ali Khan (1955-). Third son of Nawab Mir Husain Ali Khan Bahadur.
  15. Sahibzada Mir Tawfeeq 'Ali Khan (1983-). Elder son of Sahibzada Mir Khader 'Ali Khan.
  16. Sahibzada Mir Mujahid 'Ali Khan (1995-). Second son of Sahibzada Mir Khader 'Ali Khan.[7]

[edit]Family tree

I. Qamar-ud-din Khan, Asaf Jah I, 1st Nizam of Hyderabad (20 August 1671 - 1 June 1748). A senior governor and counsellor in the Imperial government. Defeated the Imperial forces on 19 June 1720 at Hasanpur and formed an independent state of his own. Confirmed in his possessions by Imperial firman and crowned on 31 July. Named Vice-Regent of the Mughal Empire by the Emperor Muhammad Shah on 8 February 1722, secured the province of Berar on 11 October 1724 and formally made Hyderabad City his new capital on 7 December 1724. Died at Burhampur on 1 June 1748, aged 76. He had six sons and seven daughters, including:
  • II. Nasir Jang Mir Ahmad, 2nd Nizam of Hyderabad (26 February 1712 - 16 December 1750). Ruled from 1 June 1748 - 16 December 1750, when he was killed aged 38 by the Nawab of Kadapa.
  • Sahibzadi Khair un-nisa Begum. Married Nawab Talib Muhi ud-din Mutasawwil Khan Bahadur, Muzaffar Jang. She had issue, a son:
    • III. Muhyi ad-Din Muzaffar Jang Hidayat, 3rd Nizam of Hyderabad (died 13 February 1751). Succeeded upon his uncle's death; ruled from 16 December 1750 - 13 February 1751, when he was killed by the Nawab of Kurnool.
  • IV. Asaf ad-Dawlah Mir Ali Salabat Jang, 4th Nizam of Hyderabad (November 1718 - 16 September 1763). Succeeded his brother, ruling from 13 February 1751 - 8 July 1762. Deposed by his brother on 8 July 1762 and killed in prison the following year, aged 44.
  • V. Ali Khan Asaf Jah II, 5th Nizam of Hyderabad (7 March 1734 - 6 August 1803). Ruled 8 July 1762 - 6 August 1803, when he died aged 69. He had 11 sons and 12 daughters, including:
    • VI. Mir Akbar Ali Khan Sikander Jah, Asaf Jah III, 6th Nizam of Hyderabad (11 November 1768 - 21 May 1829). The first of the dynasty to be officially granted the title of Nizam. Ruled 6 August 1803 - 21 May 1829, when he died aged 60. He had 10 sons and nine daughters, including:
      • VII. Nasir-ud-dawlah, Asaf Jah IV, 7th Nizam of Hyderabad (25 April 1794 - 16 May 1857). Ruled 21 May 1829 - 16 May 1857, when he died aged 63. He had five sons, including:
        • VIII. Afzal ad-Dawlah, Asaf Jah V, 8th Nizam of Hyderabad, GCSI (11 October 1827 - 26 February 1869). The first of the Nizams to fall under British rule. Ruled 16 May 1857 - 26 February 1869, when he died aged 41. He had four sons and six daughters, including:
          • IX. Mahbub Ali Khan, Asaf Jah VI, 9th Nizam of Hyderabad, GCB, GCSI, KIH (17 August 1866 - 31 August 1911). Succeeded his father on 26 February 1869, ruled under a regency until 5 February 1884, when he was invested with full ruling powers by the Viceroy of India. Died 31 August 1911, aged 45. He had seven sons and six daughters, including:
            • X. Osman Ali Khan, Asaf Jah VII, 10th Nizam of Hyderabad, GCSI, GBE, Royal Victorian Chain, MP (6 April 1886 - 24 January 1967). Granted the style of His Exalted Highness (1 January 1918), the title of Faithful Ally of the British Government (24 January 1918) and Nizam of Hyderabad and of Berar (13 November 1936). The last of the ruling Nizams; ruled absolutely from 31 August 1911 - 19 September 1948, when the state was formally annexed to the Union of India. Maintained semi-ruling and semi-autonomous status from then until 23 November 1949, when he accepted the paramountcy of the new Indian government and Constitution and acceded to the Union. Formally lost his sovereignty, ending 230 years of Asaf Jahi rule, upon the formal promulgation of the Constitution on 26 January 1950. Served as Rajpramukh of the new Hyderabad State from 26 January 1950 until 31 October 1956, when the post was abolished. Served as a titular monarch from 26 January 1950 until his death on 24 January 1967, aged 80. He had children, 28 sons and 44 daughters, including:
              • HH Azam Jah, Prince of Berar, GCIE, GBE, MSM (21 February 1907 - 9 October 1970). Granted the title of His Highness the Prince of Berar (13 November 1936). Passed over in the line of succession in 1967 in favour of his elder son. He had two sons, including the elder:
                • XI. Barkat Ali Khan Mukarram Jah, Asaf Jah VIII, 11th Nizam of Hyderabad (6 October 1933-). Succeeded his grandfather as titular monarch on 24 January 1967; titles abolished by the Indian Government on 28 December 1971. He has children that included two sons.
italics - Considered pretenders by most historians; did not hold much power during their reigns.

[edit]Palaces of the Nizams


Chowmahalla Palace
The Asaf Jahis were prolific builders. Several palaces of the Nizams were:
Other landmarks like the Andhra Pradesh High Court, Jubilee Hall, Asafia library, The Assembly building, the Osmania Arts College and the Osmania Medical College are among their notable constructions.
The Nizams liked the European style of architecture and created a fusion of European traditions with Hindu and Islamic forms and motifs.

[edit]End of the Dynasty and Removal of the Last Nizam

Main article: Hyderabad Campaign (1948)

General El Edroos (at right) offers his surrender of theHyderabad State Forces to Major General (later General and Army Chief) Joyanto Nath Chaudhuri atSecunderabad.
After the British left India in 1947, the princely state of Hyderabad did not accede to either of the new dominions of India or Pakistan and started taking support and arms from Pakistan. After attempts by India to persudade the Nizam to accede to India failed, the Indian government launched Hyderabad police action on 13 September 1948, swiftly overrunning the Nizam's forces within four and a half days. The Nizam capitulated and his forces surrendered on 17 September 1948 and he broadcast this over radio the same afternoon. His rule ended on 17 September 1948. It was the end of the dynasty.
Mir Osman Ali Khan, the last Nizam, died on Friday 24 February 1967. All Nizams are buried in the royal graves at the Makkah Masjid near Charminar in Hyderabad except for the last Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan, who willed that he be buried beside his mother, in the grave yard of Judi Mosque facing King Kothi Palace.

[edit]Places and things named after the Nizam


Kulcha: The Official Emblem of the Nizams of Hyderabad

As cold wave sweeps over north India, in street corners across cities, towns and villages, hungry people wolf down piping chole-kulche and feel nice and good. “Kulcha” along with chole is one of the favourite snacks of north India. Kulcha is north Indian bread made from finely milled wheat flour (maida). It is generally eaten with choley (chickpea curry). The official definition of Kulcha is “Pan Cooked Leavened Flatbread”. But, why am I talking about chole-kulcha on a blog about Indian royalty? Because, “Kulcha” was the official symbol of the Asaf Jahi dynasty and even appeared on the Hyderabad state flag!

Tasty and soft Kulcha, a type of naan bread prepared in north India. The official emblem of the mighty Asaf Jahi dynasty that ruled over Hyderabad.

You wouldn’t normally associate kulcha bread with the mighty Asaf jahi dynasty that ruled over Hyderabad. It is more known for its biryanis and mouth watering kebabs rather than it’s kulcha. But the truth is that it enjoyed far more exalted status than any other food product. “Kulcha” was the official symbol of the Asaf Jahi dynasty. It is the only food product to appear on emblem of any royal family in the world! The kucha appeared not only on their Coat of Arms but also on the official flag of Hyderabad stare. There is no similar precedent of a royal family having a food product as their emblem. The only equivalent would be if a French noble family would have a baguette or Italian princely house a foccacia bread on their coat of arms!

The Asaf Jahi Flag, the official flag of the princely state of Hyderabad. The round circle in the middle represents the kulcha while the colour yellow, represents the yellow cloth in which the kulchas were offered.

The Nizams of Hyderabad were renowned all over the world for their wealth and power. Once upon a time, their mighty empire stretched for Khandesh in the north to Travancore in the south.The wealth was famous over seven seas, even finding them a mention on the cover of the “TIME Magazine”. So the question is, while other Indian princes as tigers, have the humble kulcha as their emblem?. lions and even the mythological Gandha berundha (Mysore) , why did the mighty Nizams not have some thing as impressive?

The Coat of Arms of the Asaf Jahi dynasty of Hyderabad. The round circle in the middle represents the Kulcha.

To answer this question and to trace the story of the kulcha and the nizams, it is important to go back to the originals of the Asaf Jahi empire. The largest unit in the Mughal Empire was the Subah or a Province. The biggest Subah was the Subah-i-Dakhan or the province of Deccan. After the death of Auranzeb, the Mughal empire was in decline. The imperial court of Delhi was steeped in profligacy, debauchery and general state of dissoluteness. The old timers felt pained that the great imperial court and the “Mughalia sultanat” had sunk so low. One of these was Mir Qamruddin.
                                                        

Mir Qamruddin, the first Nizam of Hyderabad, founder of the Asaf Jahi dynasty of Hyderabad. The man who ate the seven kulchas.

Mir Qamruddin was a old courtier in Delhi court and his family had served the Mughal emperors on high positions for many years. However, Mir Qamruddin was very unhappy about the state of affairs. According to his biographer, he grew to hate the "harlots and jesters" who were the Emperor's constant companions and greeted all great nobles of the realm with lewd gestures and offensive epithets. Nizam ul-Mulk's desire to restore the etiquette of the Court and the discipline of the State earned him few friends. Envious and malicious courtiers poisoned the mind of the Emperor against Mir Qamruddin.


Mir Qamruddin was informed that he was appointed the “subedar-i-dakhan” or the governor of Deccan. He decided to take up the appointment and leave Delhi for good. Before leaving, he decided to meet his spiritual guide, the Sufi mystic Hazrat Nizamuddin Aurangabadi. Hazrat Nizamuddin invited him for a meal and offered him kulchas tied in a yellow cloth. Mir Qamruddin apologized for his hunger, on which Hazrat said that he could eat as many kulchas as he wanted. Mir Qamruddin wolfed down seven kulchas. Hazrat Nizamuddin then blessed him and prophesized that one day he would be king and that his descendants would rule for seven generations.

This prophecy came to be true. Soon after Mir Qamruddin came to Deccan, Nadir Shah invaded and sacked Delhi. All vestiges of Mughal power were gone. Soon the Nizams, who were simply governors, declared their de facto independence from the Delhi court. As prophesized, seven generations of Nizams would rule of the biggest kingdom in India. The seventh Nizam, Nawab Sir Osman Ali Khan joined the Indian union after the Hyderabad police action by the Indian army. The eighth descendant, Mukarram Jah would only inherit the title but nothing else.

Kulcha still lives on, strong and proud. From its humble origins in the street corners of India, it is even available in supermarkets in UK and US like ASDA and Sainsburys. But I always wonder if Mir Qamruddin regretted eating only seven kulchas? Also, I don’t know if he was offered chole along with them, as I have no doubt that had those kulchas been offered with chole, Mir Qamruddin would have definitely eaten more
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