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Nizam-ul-Mulk was the title of the ruler of Hyderabad state from 1724 to 1949. The state is therefore sometimes referred to as a nizamate. Like their Mughal predecessors, the nizams were Muslims and very secular in matters of State. The title nizām-al-mulk was first used in Urdu around 1600 to mean "governor of the realm", probably in reference to Nizam al-Mulk. It, in turn, derives from the Arabic word, nizंām نظام, meaning "order, arrangement". The Nizam was, and often still is, referred to as Ala Hadrat or Nizam Sarkar meaning the exalted highness. The first Nizams ruled on behalf of the mughal emperors, but as their power waned with the death of Aurangazeb - the last great moghul, the nizams split away to form their own nizamate. This continued until the British who allowed the Nizams to rule their princely states. This was accepted by the Nizams and retained power over Hyderabad state until it was invaded and occupied by Indian forces after Indian independence. The British granted Independence to India under certain terms that the princely states could either join India or Pakistan or remain independent. India although a signaotory went back on it and invaded Hyderabad who was fully entitled to opt for independence. Joining Pakistan was not practical for it's distance but India levels that allegation. The Nizam by all accounts was a very benevolent ruler and looked at Hindua and Muslims with the same campassion. It did not matter what the religion of the ruler was so long as the subjects were happy. The will of the people was never ascertained. Yet India invaded after having enforced an illegal total economic blockade on a land locked state. The military adventure was code named Operation Polo under General Choudhry. It was attacked from many fronts by air and ground. The State of Hyderabad was unprepared and Gen Idroos handed over the command at Bolaram (outside the city of Hyderabad). The Nizam's dynasty was known as Asaf Jahi dynasty. Though it is said that 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 the dynasty. They are not officially recognized as the rulers and hence there are just seven known Nizams. There is a myth about the first Nizam. It is said 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. All of the Nizams are buried in the Royal graves at the Mecca Masjid, near Charminar except the last Nizam who is burried in his mussoleum opposite "The King Kothi".
The list of Nizams See also | ||||||||
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