Nizam-British Relations

 

QUESTION:  Nizam-British  Relations      .              www.osmanian.com

Answer: Introduction to Nizam-British Relations

The relations between the Nizams of Hyderabad and the British East India Company, later the British Crown, spanned over two centuries, evolving from cautious alliances to a complex protectorate system that shaped the political destiny of the Deccan region. Beginning in the early 18th century with the foundation of the Asaf Jahi dynasty by Nizam-ul-Mulk Asaf Jah I, these interactions were marked by strategic partnerships against mutual threats, economic dependencies, and eventual subordination of Hyderabad's sovereignty. The Nizams, ruling a vast princely state encompassing parts of modern Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra, navigated British expansionism while preserving internal autonomy. This relationship was pivotal in maintaining Hyderabad's stability amid the decline of the Mughal Empire and the rise of British colonialism. Over time, it transitioned from military cooperation to administrative influence, culminating in tensions during India's independence and Hyderabad's integration in 1948. Understanding this dynamic reveals how princely states like Hyderabad balanced loyalty, pragmatism, and resistance in the face of imperial power.

Early Contacts and the Foundation Era (1724-1750s)

The inception of Nizam-British relations coincided with the establishment of the Asaf Jahi dynasty in 1724. Nizam-ul-Mulk, having broken away from the weakening Mughal court, consolidated power in the Deccan, a region rich in resources but contested by Marathas and local sultanates. The British, operating through the East India Company from coastal enclaves like Madras and Bombay, viewed the Nizam as a potential ally against French rivals and indigenous powers. Initial contacts were tentative; in 1742, the British sent a modest gift hamper from Fort St. George to Nizam-ul-Mulk, acknowledging his dominance in the Deccan. In response, the Nizam asserted his authority by prohibiting the British from minting their own currency, a directive they complied with, signaling early respect for his sovereignty.

During Nizam-ul-Mulk's reign, relations were shaped by shared interests in curbing Maratha expansion. The Nizam's defeats at Palkhed (1728) and Bhopal (1737) against the Marathas highlighted vulnerabilities, prompting indirect overtures to the British for support. His successor, Nasir Jung (1748-1750), deepened ties amid succession disputes involving French and British interventions. The French, under Dupleix, backed Muzaffar Jung, while the British supported Nasir Jung, leading to the Battle of Gingee in 1750 where British forces helped secure his brief rule. This marked the beginning of European meddling in Hyderabad's internal affairs, setting a precedent for future alliances. Salabat Jung (1751-1762), with French aid initially, later shifted toward the British as French influence waned after the Battle of Plassey (1757). These early years established a pattern: the Nizams leveraged British military prowess for stability, while the British gained footholds in the Deccan trade networks.

The Subsidiary Alliance and Military Cooperation (1760s-1800s)

Under Nizam Ali Khan (Asaf Jah II, 1762-1803), relations formalized through the Subsidiary Alliance system, a cornerstone of British policy in India. In 1766, the Nizam ceded the Northern Circars (coastal districts) to the British in exchange for protection against Marathas and Tipu Sultan of Mysore. This treaty, renewed in 1768, obligated the Nizam to maintain a subsidiary force funded by Hyderabad but commanded by British officers. It effectively made Hyderabad a buffer state, shielding British interests in southern India.

The alliance proved mutually beneficial during the Anglo-Mysore Wars. In the Second Anglo-Mysore War (1780-1784), Nizam Ali Khan initially allied with Hyder Ali against the British but switched sides after British assurances, contributing troops that helped isolate Mysore. The Third Anglo-Mysore War (1790-1792) saw stronger cooperation; Hyderabad's forces joined the British-Maratha coalition, leading to Tipu's defeat and territorial gains for the Nizam. The 1798 Treaty of Subsidiary Alliance, imposed by Lord Wellesley, required the Nizam to disband French-trained battalions and accept a permanent British subsidiary force of 6,000 troops, stationed in Secunderabad Cantonment. This deepened British control, as the Nizam paid an annual subsidy of Rs. 24 lakhs, straining finances but ensuring protection.

In the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War (1799), Nizam's contingents played a key role in besieging Seringapatam, resulting in Tipu's death and further annexations. The 1800 treaty expanded the subsidiary force to 8,000 infantry and 1,000 cavalry, ceding more territories like Berar. These pacts transformed Hyderabad from an independent power to a protected ally, with British Residents like Henry Russell influencing court policies. While securing the Nizam against external threats, they eroded sovereignty, embedding British military presence and fostering economic dependencies through trade monopolies on cotton and salt.

19th Century Reforms and Loyalty During Crises (1800s-1850s)

Sikandar Jah (Asaf Jah III, 1803-1829) inherited a state burdened by subsidies and internal unrest. British Residents, such as Charles Metcalfe, pressured for administrative reforms to ensure timely payments. The Nizam's reluctance led to tensions, but the alliance held during the Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817-1818), where Hyderabad's forces aided British victories, rewarding the Nizam with minor concessions.

Nasir-ud-Daula (Asaf Jah IV, 1829-1857) faced financial crises exacerbated by the subsidiary system. British intervention intensified; in 1853, under the Treaty of Berar, the Nizam assigned Berar districts to the British for debt repayment and troop maintenance. This "Hyderabad Assigned Districts" arrangement effectively placed a fertile region under British administration, highlighting the unequal partnership.

The era's highlight was the tenure of Diwan Salar Jung I (1853-1883), who modernized administration with British guidance. Salar Jung, educated in British-style governance, reformed revenue, judiciary, and education systems, drawing on models from British India. He negotiated the 1860 treaty, which adjusted subsidies and returned some control over Berar, though it remained assigned. British influence permeated through advisors in departments like railways and irrigation.

During the 1857 Indian Revolt, Nasir-ud-Daula's loyalty was crucial. Despite unrest in Hyderabad, including Rohilla uprisings, the Nizam suppressed rebellions with British aid, providing troops to quell mutinies in Central India. This fidelity earned British gratitude; Queen Victoria's 1858 Proclamation assured princely states' integrity, reinforcing the alliance. Post-revolt, Hyderabad became a model loyal state, with British paramountcy solidified.

Economic and Infrastructural Interdependence (1860s-1900s)

Under Afzal-ud-Daula (Asaf Jah V, 1857-1869) and Mahboob Ali Khan (Asaf Jah VI, 1869-1911), relations emphasized economic collaboration. The British invested in Hyderabad's infrastructure to integrate it with imperial networks. The Nizam's Guaranteed State Railway, initiated in the 1870s, connected Hyderabad to Bombay and Madras, funded partly by British loans and guaranteed returns. This facilitated coal exports from Singareni mines, discovered in 1871 and developed with British expertise.              .              www.osmanian.com

Irrigation projects like the Nizamsagar Dam drew on British engineering, boosting agriculture and revenue for subsidies. Trade flourished; British firms dominated imports of machinery and textiles, while Hyderabad exported cotton and hides. Salar Jung's visits to England in 1875 strengthened ties, securing investments and cultural exchanges.

However, dependencies bred resentments. The Berar issue festered; despite Nizam's claims, the British retained control, using revenues for imperial purposes. Social reforms, influenced by British models, included anti-slavery measures and education initiatives, but cultural frictions arose over missionary activities.

20th Century Dynamics and World Wars (1900s-1940s)

Mir Osman Ali Khan (Asaf Jah VII, 1911-1967) presided over the zenith and nadir of relations. Ascending amid global shifts, he modernized Hyderabad with British-inspired reforms in education (Osmania University, 1918) and health. During World War I (1914-1918), the Nizam contributed troops, funds (Rs. 60 lakhs), and resources, earning the title "Faithful Ally of the British Government."

The interwar period saw strains from India's nationalist movement. Osman Ali Khan supported British efforts against the Khilafat Movement but faced internal pressures from the Indian National Congress and Muslim League. The 1921 Non-Cooperation Movement echoed in Hyderabad, prompting British Residents to advise suppression of dissent.

World War II (1939-1945) reinforced loyalty; the Nizam donated aircraft, funds (over Rs. 1 crore), and established war industries. British reciprocated by overlooking his autocratic rule and Razakar militia formations.

Tensions Leading to Independence and Annexation (1940s)

Post-1945, relations deteriorated amid decolonization. The Nizam sought independence or dominion status, rejecting accession to India. British paramountcy lapsed on August 15, 1947, leaving Hyderabad sovereign but isolated. Negotiations for a Standstill Agreement in 1947 allowed continued relations, but border disputes and Razakar atrocities escalated tensions.

India's Operation Polo in September 1948 annexed Hyderabad militarily, ending Nizam rule. Osman Ali Khan surrendered, later serving as Rajpramukh until 1956. This marked the abrupt end of Nizam-British relations, transitioning to Indo-Hyderabad integration.

Legacy and Impact

Nizam-British relations profoundly influenced Hyderabad's development, from military alliances fostering stability to economic ties driving modernization. While providing protection, they imposed financial burdens and eroded autonomy, contributing to post-colonial challenges. The legacy endures in institutions like Secunderabad Cantonment and railways, symbolizing a partnership that balanced cooperation with subjugation.