Nizam of Hyderabad During 1946-47: Identifying the Ruler

The question asks about the ruler of the princely state of Hyderabad during the critical period of 1946-47. This was a time leading up to India's independence from British rule, when the future of princely states was being decided.

Understanding the Nizam of Hyderabad

The Nizam was the title of the monarch of the Princely State of Hyderabad. The Nizam's dynasty, the Asaf Jahi dynasty, ruled Hyderabad for over two centuries, becoming a prominent power in the Deccan region.

The Last Nizam: Mir Osman Ali Khan

During the period 1946-47, the ruler of Hyderabad was Nawab Mir Osman Ali Khan Siddiqi, Asaf Jah VII. He was the seventh and last Nizam of Hyderabad. His reign began in 1911 and continued until the state was integrated into India in 1948 after 'Operation Polo'.

Mir Osman Ali Khan was known for his immense wealth and his complex position during the transition of India to independence. While most princely states acceded to either India or Pakistan, Hyderabad initially sought independence, which led to tensions and ultimately military action by India.

Analyzing Other Options

• Najm-ud-daula: He was a Nawab of Bengal in the mid-18th century, ruling much earlier and in a different region than Hyderabad in the 1940s.
• Kasim Razvi: He was a prominent and controversial political figure during the final years of the Hyderabad State. He was the leader of the Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen and the Razakars, a paramilitary organization that supported the Nizam's desire for independence. However, he was not the Nizam himself.
• Mir Vilayat Ali: This name does not correspond to any known Nizam of Hyderabad.

Conclusion on the Nizam of Hyderabad in 1946-47

Based on historical records, Mir Osman Ali Khan was the reigning Nizam of Hyderabad during 1946-47. His rule defined the state's position during India's independence movement.

Revision Table: Key Figures in Hyderabad's History (around 1947)

Additional Information: Hyderabad's Accession

The state of Hyderabad, under Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan, initially refused to join either India or Pakistan after the partition in 1947. The Nizam preferred to remain independent or join Pakistan, despite having a majority Hindu population. This led to a 'Standstill Agreement' with India, but tensions escalated due to internal unrest, including the activities of the Razakars.

In September 1948, the Indian Army launched 'Operation Polo', a military action to integrate Hyderabad into the Indian Union. The Nizam's forces and the Razakars were defeated, and Hyderabad became a part of India. Mir Osman Ali Khan was later made the Rajpramukh (governor) of Hyderabad state within India.