Nizam ul Mulk

 

Question: Nizam ul Mulk

 

Answer:

Introduction to Nizam-ul-Mulk Asaf Jah I

Nizam-ul-Mulk, whose full name was Mir Qamar-ud-din Khan Siddiqi Bayafandi, stands as a pivotal figure in Indian history, renowned for his administrative prowess and military acumen during the declining years of the Mughal Empire. Born on August 20, 1671, in Agra, he founded the Asaf Jahi dynasty, which ruled the princely state of Hyderabad from 1724 until 1948. Often regarded as the most efficient and trustworthy noble in the Mughal court, Nizam-ul-Mulk grew disillusioned with the intrigues and corruption in Delhi, prompting him to shift his base to the Deccan. There, he established one of the most enduring kingdoms in modern India, blending Mughal traditions with local governance. His legacy as a statesman, warrior, and reformer shaped the political landscape of southern India, navigating alliances with Mughals, Marathas, and emerging European powers. Despite his loyalty to the Mughal throne, he effectively created an autonomous realm, marking the transition from imperial viceroyalty to independent rule.

Ancestry and Family Background.              www.osmanian.com

The ancestry of Nizam-ul-Mulk traces back to Central Asia, reflecting a blend of Turkic and Persian influences that enriched his cultural and religious outlook. His great-grandfather was Shaikh Miran, commonly known as Alam Shaikh, a learned scholar and Sufi saint from the Bukhara region near Samarkand in present-day Uzbekistan. Alam Shaikh claimed descent from Abu Bakr, the first Caliph of Islam, which bestowed a sense of religious legitimacy on the family. As a prominent intellectual of his time, he earned the title Alam-ul-Ulema (Scholar of Scholars) for his expertise in Islamic jurisprudence and mysticism. His wife belonged to the esteemed Mir Humdum clan of Samarkand, further elevating the family's status through matrimonial alliances.

Nizam-ul-Mulk's grandfather, Khwaja Abid Khan (corrected from the variant spelling "Qwaza Abid"), migrated from Samarkand to India during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Arriving in the mid-17th century, Khwaja Abid joined the Mughal service as a mansabdar (a ranked official) under Aurangzeb. His valor quickly distinguished him; in 1680, he suppressed a revolt led by Prince Akbar, Aurangzeb's rebellious son, earning the emperor's favor and the title Qilich Khan (Sword Khan). This title symbolized his martial prowess and loyalty. Khwaja Abid played a crucial role in consolidating Mughal authority in the Deccan, assisting in administrative reforms and military campaigns that strengthened peace and order during Aurangzeb's early rule.

In 1686, Khwaja Abid aided in the conquest of Bijapur, a key Deccan sultanate, for which Aurangzeb appointed him Subedar (governor) of Bidar (then known as Jafarabad). He later governed Ajmer and Multan, showcasing his administrative versatility. During the 1687 siege of Golconda, Khwaja Abid marched from Multan with his forces but lost his right arm in battle. Despite this grievous injury, he vowed to return to the fight, but he succumbed to his wounds on January 30, 1687. Buried at Attapur near Golconda, his severed arm was later found on the battlefield and interred at Kismatpur. Khwaja Abid's unwavering service exemplified the family's dedication to the Mughals, setting a precedent for future generations.

Nizam-ul-Mulk's father, Ghazi ud-Din Khan (also known as Mir Shihab ud-Din Siddiqi), was born in 1649 in Samarkand. He migrated to Delhi in 1668 to join his father and was appointed a mansabdar of 300 zat (personal rank) and 70 sowar (cavalry) by Aurangzeb. Ghazi ud-Din distinguished himself in numerous campaigns: he played a key role in subduing the Rana of Udaipur, earning the title "Khan." His assault on Sambhaji, the Maratha leader, brought him the title Feroze Jung (Victorious Lion). Further valor in the Bijapur conquest added "Farzand Arjumand" (Beloved Son) to his honors. In 1687, as army chief during the Golconda conquest, he captured forts like Udgir and Adoni. By 1705, after defeating the Sindhia of Malwa, he received the title Sipah Salar (Army Commander) and governed Elichpur, Berar, and Gujarat. Married to Safiya Khanam (daughter of Shah Jahan's Grand Vizier Sa'dullah Khan; corrected from user's "Safiya Khanam" variant), Ghazi ud-Din fathered Mir Qamar-ud-din as his eldest son. His courage and loyalty deeply influenced Nizam-ul-Mulk, embedding a tradition of service and ambition. .              www.osmanian.com

Early Life and Relation with Aurangzeb

Mir Qamar-ud-din Khan, later Nizam-ul-Mulk, was born to Ghazi ud-Din Khan and Wazir un-Nisa Begum (also recorded as Safiya Khanum in some sources, but primary accounts confirm Wazir un-Nisa). Aurangzeb personally named him at birth, foreshadowing his close ties with the emperor. Raised in a milieu of courtly education, he received private tutoring in Islamic sciences, Persian literature, and military strategy. By his early teens, he accompanied his father on campaigns, displaying innate warrior skills. .              www.osmanian.com

In 1688, at age 17, he participated in the assault on Adoni fort, earning a promotion to 2,000 zat and 500 sowar, along with an Arabian horse. At 19, for capturing Wakinkhera fort, Aurangzeb bestowed the title Chin Fateh Khan (Young Conqueror Khan). His defining moment came during the 1705 Siege of Wagingera Fort, where he led assaults against Marathas, earning the title Chin Qilich Khan (Young Sword Khan) in 1690-91 (user's 1690 aligns). Raised to 5,000 zat and 5,000 sowar, he received vast rewards, including elephants and jewels. By age 26, he became Commander-in-Chief and Viceroy of Bijapur, then Malwa and the Deccan, solidifying his bond with Aurangzeb, who treated him like a protégé.

Life After Aurangzeb's Death

Aurangzeb's death in 1707 plunged the empire into succession wars among his sons. Nizam-ul-Mulk remained neutral initially, focusing on consolidation. Under Bahadur Shah I (1707-1712), he governed Oudh and Gorakhpur until 1711. Opting for a brief private life in Delhi after Bahadur Shah's death, his respite ended in 1712 when Farrukhsiyar persuaded him to become Viceroy of the Deccan, granting titles Nizam-ul-Mulk (Regulator of the Realm) and Fateh Jung (Victorious in Battle) in 1713.

Enemies at court, including the Sayyid brothers, accused him of building an independent power base while remitting token tributes to Delhi. Recalled in 1715 and demoted to Malwa's governorship, he navigated intrigues adeptly. In 1719, he helped Farrukhsiyar against the Sayyids but switched allegiance post-Farrukhsiyar's murder, aiding Muhammad Shah in eliminating the brothers by 1720. .              www.osmanian.com

Tenure as Grand Vizier and Conflicts

Rewarded with the Grand Vizier post in 1722, Nizam-ul-Mulk attempted reforms to curb corruption, eunuch influence, and court excesses, advocating Shah Jahan-era etiquette. This alienated courtiers, who poisoned Muhammad Shah against him. Transferred to Awadh in 1723, he resigned in disgust and marched to the Deccan, effectively rebelling.

Viceroy of the Deccan and Battle of Shakar Kheda

In 1715, Mubariz Khan had been appointed Deccan's Viceroy by Farrukhsiyar, restoring order but prioritizing loyalty to Delhi over local needs. In 1724, Nizam-ul-Mulk challenged him for control. The decisive Battle of Shakar Kheda (also Fateh Kheda) in Berar saw Nizam-ul-Mulk, with Maratha allies, defeat and kill Mubariz Khan. Muhammad Shah, acknowledging his strength, confirmed him as permanent Viceroy and bestowed the title Asaf Jah (Equal to Asaf, Solomon's Vizier) in 1725, the highest Mughal honor.

This marked the Asaf Jahi dynasty's foundation in 1724, though without formal ceremonies. Nizam-ul-Mulk insisted on nominal Mughal loyalty, minting coins in the emperor's name until 1858 and reading Friday prayers accordingly.

Conflicts with Marathas.              www.osmanian.com

From 1725, Marathas under Peshwa Baji Rao I demanded chauth (tribute) and sardeshmukhi. Refusing, Nizam-ul-Mulk clashed in 1727-1728, suffering defeat at Palkhed near Nashik in March 1728. The Treaty of Mungi-Shevgaon forced tribute payments. Further wars included Bhopal in 1737, ending in a 1738 peace. In 1730, he commanded over 1,026 war elephants, 225 armored, underscoring his military might.

Role in Nadir Shah's Invasion

In 1739 (corrected from user's 1738), Persian invader Nadir Shah advanced through Afghanistan and Punjab, defeating Mughal forces at Karnal. Nizam-ul-Mulk sent troops but negotiated after Delhi's sack. Amid a massacre triggered by local unrest, he boldly intervened, urging Nadir Shah to halt the bloodshed with poignant words: "You have taken thousands of lives; if you wish more, revive the dead and kill them again." Impressed, Nadir Shah ended the carnage and withdrew, highlighting Nizam-ul-Mulk's diplomatic courage.

Relations with the British and Administrative Reforms

By 1742, British from Fort St. George in Madras sent gifts acknowledging his leadership. In return, Nizam-ul-Mulk warned against minting currency, enforcing compliance. As Deccan's Viceroy, he headed executive and judicial functions, appointing officials and drafting laws. Assisted by a Diwan, he raised armies, flew his flag, and formed a government while paying lip service to Delhi.

He divided the kingdom: one-third Sarf-i-Khas (private estate), one-third Diwani (government expenses), and one-third to nobles (jagirdars, zamindars, deshmukhs) who paid nazars. The Paigah nobility, second only to the Nizams, served as generals. Jagirs were fragmented to prevent rebellions, ensuring steady revenue until 1950. This system amassed wealth from estates, mines (Golconda diamonds), and spoils.

Titles and Positions.              www.osmanian.com

Nizam-ul-Mulk's titles evolved: Khan (1685), Khan Bahadur (1691), Chin Qilich Khan (1697 by Aurangzeb), Khan-i-Dauran Bahadur (1707), Ghazi ud-Din Khan Bahadur and Firuz Jang (1712), Khan-i-Khanan, Nizam-ul-Mulk, Fateh Jang (1713 by Farrukhsiyar), Asaf Jah (1737 by Muhammad Shah; user's 1725 corrected), Amir ul-Umara and Bakshi ul-Mamalik (1739). Final titles included Chin Fateh Khan et al.

Positions: Faujdar of Carnatic and Talikota (1701-1705), Bijapur et al. (1705-1706), Raichur et al. (1706-1707), Firoznagar (1707), Subedar of Oudh (1707-1711), Deccan and Carnatic (1713-1715), Moradabad (1717-1719), Patna (1719), Malwa (1719-1724), Gujarat (1722-1724).

Legacy and Death

Nizam-ul-Mulk's rule fostered stability, cultural patronage, and economic growth in Hyderabad. He died on June 1, 1748, at 76, buried in Burhanpur. His descendants ruled as Nizams, preserving his vision until India's integration in 1948. As a Sufi-influenced leader, he balanced loyalty, ambition, and reform, leaving an indelible mark on Indian history.