Nizam-ul-Mulk, also known as Chin Qilich Kamaruddin Khan was the first nawab of Hyderabad. Hyderabad emerged as an autonomous state under his leadership. He was a loyal nobleman and General of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. Following Aurangzeb's death in 1707, the Mughal princes engaged in an accession war, during which Asaf Jah maintained a neutral stance, supporting none of Aurangzeb's sons. He was disgusted with court intrigues,defeated and killed Mubariz Khan who was the viceroy of the Deccan and conferred on himself the title of Asaf-Jah. This article will explain to you about Nizam ul Mulk(1724-48) which will be helpful in Modern Indian History preparation for the UPSC Civil service exam.

Nizam ul Mulk - Early Life

• He was born on August 11, 1671, in Agra, to Ghazi ud-Din Khan Feroze Jung I and his first wife Safia Khanum.
• The Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb gave him the name Mir Qamaruddin Khan.
• Nizam-ul-Mulk received his education in a private school.
• Nizam-ul-Mulk, just six years old, accompanied his father to the Mughal court in 1677.
• He was given a Mansab by Aurangzeb.
• Nizam-ul-Mulk was a skilled fighter who began joining his father in wars while he was in his teens.
• He was elevated to the rank of 2000 zaat and 500 Sowar in 1688 when he accompanied his father in the victorious attack on the fort of Adoni.
• He was also rewarded with the best Arab stallion with gold trappings and a pastille perfumed with ambergris from the Mughal court.
• In 1698, Aurangzeb dispatched Mir Qamaruddin to Nagori, near Bijapur, to put down a mutiny.
• After being happy with his mission, the emperor dispatched him to Kotha to reestablish order.
• He was made the faujdar (garrison commander) of Bijapur by Aurangzeb, who also raised his rank by 400 Sowar.

Nizam ul Mulk - Governor of Bijapur

• In 1702, Emperor Aurangzeb appointed Mir Qamaruddin as the subahdar (governor) of Bijapur and presented him with a horse.
• He was also handed the faujdari of Azamnagar and Belgaum in the same year.
• He was appointed faujdar of Nusratabad and Mudgal in 1704.
• During the Siege of Wagingera Fort in 1705, Mir Qumaruddin escaped the onslaught and led an assault on the mound of Lal Tikri.
• He assaulted the Marathas who were attempting to supply the beleaguered residents of Vardhangad Fort with provisions.
• The Marathas were vanquished in the end.
• For his efforts during the siege, Mir Qamaruddin was promoted to the rank of 5,000 zaat and 5,000 Sowar.

Nizam ul Mulk - Viceroy of the Deccan

• After the death of Jahandar Shah's father, Bahadur Shah I, in 1712, Zulfiqar Khan, a Mughal general, assisted and manipulated Jahandar Shah in defeating all of his brothers, including the battle in which Azim-ush-Shan, Farrukhsiyar's father, drowned in the Ravi River, and ascending to the throne of Mughal Emperor.
• In exchange, Zulfiqar Khan was elevated to the rank of Grand Vizier.
• Zulfiqar Khan was apprehended and strangled in 1713 AD at the direction of Farrukhsiyar.
• In 1713, Farrukhsiyar named Mir Qumaruddin as Viceroy of the Deccan region, giving him control of six Mughal Governorates and the Carnatic territory, as well as titles like 'Nizam Ul Mulk' and 'Fateh Jung.'
• Nizam Ul Mulk translates to 'Administrator of the Realm,' while Fateh Jung means 'Conqueror of Battles.'
• He was a talented diplomat who performed admirably in his role. Finally, he organized the government, boosted financial resources, and gained total control of the Deccan, including the Carnatic region.
• The Nizam also removed the Marathas' permission to collect Chauth in the territory under his rule, which had been granted by his forefathers.
• Nizam had accompanied Aurangzeb throughout his Deccan war.
• He was knowledgeable of the area's native communities and territories, so he avoided direct conflict with the Marathas and locals.
• Instead, he tried to limit the Maratha's expanding dominance in the Deccan by defeating Sambhaji II of Kolhapur and appointing direct rival Maratha generals to his side (Candrasen Jadhav, Sultanji Nimbalkar, and Raja Rambha Rao Bahadur).
• Farrukhsiyar recalled Nizam to Delhi in 1715 AD on the advice of the Sayyed brothers and nominated Syed Hussain Ali Khan (one of the Sayyed brothers) as viceroy of the Deccan.

Nizam ul Mulk - Governor of Malwa

• The Sayyed brothers were powerful figures in the Mughal court and were dubbed the 'King Makers.'
• Since the brothers curtailed their authority, the Iranian and Turkik noblemen in the Mughal court attempted to conspire against them.
• Nizam Ul Mulk was recognized as the mastermind of this conspiracy, and as a result Sayyed Brothers appointed him Governor of Malwa in 1715.
• Nizam was demoted in his position. He accepted the job to combine and deal with the Sayyed brothers unwillingly.
• Two Mughal Emperors died within a year of each other in 1719 from the same lung illness. Nizam became wary of the Sayyed brothers' attempt to seize control of the Mughal Empire.
• Nizam Ul Mulk began plotting an all-out insurrection against the Sayyed brothers. Knowing this, the brothers ordered Nizam Ul Mulk to return to Delhi, which he refused.
• Nizam was attacked on two fronts by the Sayyed brothers.
• Nizam moved south to Deccan, where he found support and seized Asirgarh Fort from the Mughals.
• The Mughal army, with the assistance of the Maratha, invaded Nizam Ul Mulk near Burhanpur, but Nizam destroyed the combined armies led by Dilawar Khan.
• The Sayyed brothers appointed Nizam as Viceroy of Deccan after being dissatisfied with the outcome of the conflicts.
• To prevent Nizam from moving towards Aurangabad, Sayyed Brothers dispatched an army unit led by Alim Ali to Nizam Ul Mulk in 1720.
• Nizam vanquished Alim Ali, which enraged the Sayyed brothers.
• Following the death of Muhammad Amin Khan Turani in 1721, Nizam Ul Mulk became the next Wazir.

Nizam ul Mulk - Grand Wazir of Mughal Empire

• Following the death of Muhammad Amin Khan Turani in 1721, Nizam was appointed Grand Wizer or Wakil E Mutalaq.
• This was a prize for Nizam's assistance in removing the Sayyed brothers.
• The Mughal Emperor desired Nizam Ul Mulk as a loyal and dedicated servant, but Nizam had plans in Deccan.
• Distrust emerged between Mughal Emperor Mohammad Shah and Nizam after some courtiers close to the Emperor instilled mistrust in his mind about Nizam.
• In 1923 AD, Mohammad Shah moved Nizam Ul Mulk from Delhi to Awadh.
• Nizam defied and revolted against this order, resigned as Grand Wizer, and marched for the Deccan.
• Mohammad Shah ordered Mubariz Khan, the Governor of Hyderabad, to stop and kill Nizam Ul Mulk.
• Following this command, the Battle of Shakar Kheda was fought between Nizam Ul Mulk and Mubariz Khan, the Governor of Hyderabad.
• Nizam Ul Mulk defeated Mubariz Khan with the assistance of Maratha.
• This action compelled the Mughal Emperor to acknowledge Nizam Ul Mulk as Viceroy of Deccan, bestowing upon him the title 'Asaf Jah.'

Nizam of Hyderabad

• The Nizam established independent sovereignty over the Deccan area in 1724, marking the beginning of the Asaf Jahi dynasty.
• The following kings were known as Asaf Jahi Nizams, or Nizams of Hyderabad, and kept the title Nizam ul-Mulk.
• Nizam remained a staunch supporter of the Mughal Emperor, refusing to take any imperial titles and recognizing Mughal suzerainty.
• All six Mughal viceregal governorates of Deccan became his feudatory once he gained de facto control of the region.
• In 1725 AD, the Nizam, as a sovereign ruler, desired to strengthen the Deccan by restraining the Marathas' expanding dominance, thus he challenged and defeated Maratha armies and prohibited them from collecting levies in the Carnatic region.
• Sambhaji II of Kolhapur sought the Nizam's arbitration to settle conflicts with Shahu I of Satara in 1726 AD, but Shahu rejected, thus the Nizam army invaded Pune in 1727 AD and installed Sambhaji II as Chhatrapati.
• Nizam Ul Mulk divided his Empire into three parts:
  • One-third of the land was turned into his private estate, Saraf-i-Khas.
  • One-third was designated as Diwan's area, to be used for government spending.
  • The remainder was given to Nobles such as Jagirdars, Zamindars, and Deshmukhs.
• The Nobles used to collect revenue from the assigned villages and give it to Asaf Jah in the form of Nazars or gifts.

Invasion of Nader shah

• Nader Shah began his march towards Delhi through Afghanistan and Punjab in 1738, from beyond the Hindu Kush.
• Nizam ul-Mulk dispatched his men to Karnal, where the Mughal Emperor Muhammed Shah had collected his forces to repel the Persian army.
• The united armies, on the other hand, were cannon fodder for the Persian cavalry, which had better weapons and tactics.
• The united troops of Muhammed Shah and the Nizam were destroyed by Nader Shah.
• Nader Shah arrived in Delhi and stationed his forces. Some Delhi residents got into a fight and assaulted his soldiers.
• Nader Shah became enraged and took his sword from its scabbard, ordering the city to be robbed and ravaged.
• Muhammad Shah was unable to avert the destruction of Delhi.

Legacy of Nizam ul Mulk

• Nizam-ul-Mulk had established the framework for what would become one of the most important Muslim states outside of the Middle East by the first part of the twentieth century.
• Hyderabad State was one of the most opulent and largest princely realms of the British Raj, covering a huge 95,337 square miles, an area larger than Mysore, Gwalior, Nepal, and Kashmir combined.
• The state of Hyderabad likewise endured the entire period of British control till Indian independence in 1947.
• His legacy was carried on by the titles "Nizam Ul Mulk" and "Asaf Jah" bestowed upon him by Mughal Emperors.
• His descendants had the title "Nizam of Hyderabad," and the dynasty was dubbed the Asaf Jahi Dynasty.
• Nizam Ul Mulk took ill while on tour at Burhanpur in May 1748. His health deteriorated over time, and he died on June 1, 1748. He was laid to rest near Aurangzeb's tomb in Kuldabad.

Conclusion

Mir Qumaruddin was an extremely ambitious and capable king who served in numerous capacities under Mughal authority before establishing his independent sovereign state in Hyderabad. The Mughal kings bestowed upon him titles such as 'Nizam Ul Mulk' and 'Asaf Jah'. Even during British administration, his Asaf Jahi dynasty and the Princely kingdom of Hyderabad remained intact till 1947. As a result, he left a wealthy legacy.

FAQs

MCQs

1. Who was the first Nizam of Hyderabad?

A) Mir Osman Ali
B) Nizam-ul-Mulk
C) Salar Jung
D) Asaf Jah I

2. What significant infrastructure projects were initiated by Nizam-ul-Mulk?

A) Construction of railways
B) Development of irrigation systems
C) Establishment of universities
D) Creation of industrial parks

3. Which architectural landmark is associated with Nizam-ul-Mulk?

A) Charminar
B) Macca Masjid
C) Golconda Fort
D) Chowmohalla Palace

4. What was a key feature of Nizam-ul-Mulk's administration?

A) Autocratic rule
B) Centralized revenue system
C) Promotion of feudalism
D) Decentralized governance

5. What challenge did the Hyderabad State face after Nizam-ul-Mulk's death?

A) Economic boom
B) Strong leadership
C) Increased British interference
D) Territorial expansion

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Analyze the administrative reforms introduced by Nizam-ul-Mulk and their impact on the Hyderabad State.

Answer: Nizam-ul-Mulk introduced significant administrative reforms aimed at stabilizing and developing the Hyderabad State. He restructured the revenue system to ensure efficient tax collection, reducing corruption and increasing state revenue. His focus on infrastructure development, including irrigation and roads, enhanced agricultural productivity and facilitated trade. By promoting a robust bureaucracy and local governance, Nizam-ul-Mulk fostered a sense of accountability among officials. These reforms laid the foundation for a more organized administration, contributing to the economic growth and stability of the Hyderabad State during his reign. The impact of these reforms extended beyond his tenure, influencing governance practices in subsequent administrations.

Q2: Discuss the cultural contributions of Nizam-ul-Mulk to the Hyderabad region.

Answer: Nizam-ul-Mulk made significant cultural contributions to the Hyderabad region, establishing it as a center of art and education. His patronage of literature, architecture, and music led to a cultural renaissance in the state. The construction of grand architectural works, such as the Macca Masjid and Chowmohalla Palace, showcased the artistic excellence of the period. Additionally, he supported educational initiatives that promoted learning and literacy, attracting scholars and artists to his court. This cultural flourishing not only enriched the local heritage but also positioned Hyderabad as a prominent cultural hub in India, influencing future generations.

Q3: Evaluate the challenges faced by Nizam-ul-Mulk during his rule and how they shaped his policies.

Answer: Nizam-ul-Mulk faced several challenges during his rule, including internal power struggles, external threats from neighboring states, and the overarching influence of the Mughal Empire. The need to establish authority in a politically fragmented region led him to implement decisive administrative reforms to consolidate power and stabilize the state. Additionally, external threats prompted him to enhance military capabilities and fortify defenses. These challenges shaped his policies towards fostering local governance, promoting economic development, and cultivating alliances with influential local leaders. The strategies he adopted in response to these challenges significantly impacted the governance and stability of the Hyderabad State during his reign.

Previous Year Questions on Nizam-ul-Mulk

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2021:

Question: Nizam-ul-Mulk was the founder of which of the following states?

A) Mysore
B) Hyderabad
C) Bengal
D) Awadh

Answer: (B)

Explanation: Nizam-ul-Mulk was the founder of the Hyderabad State, establishing it as a significant political entity during the 18th century.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2019 (GS Paper 1):

Question: "Assess the impact of Nizam-ul-Mulk's rule on the socio-political landscape of southern India." Discuss in detail.

Answer: Nizam-ul-Mulk's rule had a profound impact on the socio-political landscape of southern India, marking the transition from Mughal dominance to regional autonomy. His administrative reforms strengthened governance and established a more organized state apparatus, fostering stability in the region. The economic policies he implemented led to agricultural prosperity and improved infrastructure, enhancing trade and commerce. Culturally, his patronage of arts and education enriched the local heritage and positioned Hyderabad as a cultural hub. However, the internal rivalries and external pressures faced during his reign also set the stage for future conflicts, ultimately influencing the trajectory of the region's history. His legacy is reflected in the continued prominence of Hyderabad in India's political and cultural landscape.