The death of Aurangzeb in 1707 hastened the weakening of the Mughal rule. As fights between the powerful men within Aurangzeb’s team intensified, the Deccan region including Hyderabad were neglected. The man who later appointed himself as the first Nizam of Hyderabad (Asaf Jah 1), had a brighter vision for Hyderabad and the Deccan in general. He saw opportunity as the Mughal rule weakened, at the same time he could not totally cut himself off from the Mughals. In the year 1724 Asaf Jah 1 took control of the Deccan region, but continued to maintain a loose alliance with the Mughals.
Most reports seem to indicate that Hyderabad benefited significantly under the rule of the Nizams, especially starting with Asaf Jah I, the first Nizam. Setting up an effective administrative system, Asaf Jah 1 ensured that it was merit and not influence or religion, that ruled the selection of administrative officers. This mindset was inculcated into the 6 Nizams that followed the first Nizam. The rule of the Nizams lasted from 1724 to 1948, that was until the Indian government included Hyderabad as an integral part of India.
DEVELOPING HYDERABAD
Though the Nizams are often associated with immense wealth and royal luxury, their rule also led to long-lasting benefits for Hyderabad and its people. Luxuries like big diamonds, fine precious gems (rubies, sapphires and emeralds) and exorbitantly valued gold jewelry accounted for a sizable portion of Nizam wealth. Reports narrate that fascinating story of how Asaf Jah 1 treasured, two diamond turban ornaments. Apparently unlike most royal turban ornaments designed during that time which had, rare rubies or emeralds as the center stone – these two turban ornaments worn by the first Nizam had a fancy color diamond in the center.
Starting with Asaf Jah 1, the Nizams followed a process where a substantial part of revenue collected, was reserved for the development of Hyderabad and the welfare of its people. Consistently neglected during last few decades of Mughal rule, Hyderabad was in need of infrastructure. With keen foresight the first Nizam of Hyderabad realized that, a focus on the welfare of the people in the Deccan region, would pave the way for smooth administration.
EXTERNAL AGGRESSION
The Nizams had to remain constantly alert to external aggression in order to keep the Deccan region safe. This was especially true during the time of Asaf Jah I, the first Nizam of Hyderabad, who established his autonomy from the weakening Mughal Empire. The Marathas were on an active mission to expand their territory, the recent introduction of Nizam rule in the Deccan region seemed easy prey to them. Asaf Jah 1 was aware of this threat, he ensured that his army was strong, well looked after and alert.
External threats continued even after the reign of Asaf Jah I ended. European colonial interests then took interest in South India. The French and British East India Companies were becoming increasingly active in South India. The Carnatic Wars saw the Nizams caught between European colonial ambitions and local power struggles.
Even while expanding and strengthening their own army, the Nizams adopted a different strategy when it came to, handling the British and the French. First signs of this strategy became clear during the reign of Asaf Jah 2, the second Nizam of Hyderabad. The Nizam ‘bought’ military support from these colonial powers. It is rumored that payment for such support, was at times paid in the form of gold or fine diamonds from the Golconda diamond mines.
IMPORTANCE OF HYDERABAD
Asaf Jah 1 was aware of the fact that, Hyderabad was of strategic importance to the Deccan region. The Deccan plateau was geopolitically important—it connected north and south India. Controlling and protecting Hyderabad meant holding a key region that could influence trade, administration, and military movement.
The vision that Asaf Jah 1 had for the development of Hyderabad, was supported by all the (six) Nizams that followed him. The foresight of the first Nizam ensured that, no effort was spared to develop Hyderabad and take ensure the welfare of its people. Hyderabad flourished both financially and culturally during the Nizam rule, especially from the early 18th century to the mid-20th century. The Nizams were known for their administrative foresight, immense wealth, and patronage of art, education, and architecture. Their rule significantly shaped the character and development of Hyderabad.
