Political conditions from 1687 to 1724 (2020 Feb)

 

 

Q: Political conditions from 1687 to 1724 (2020 Feb)

Ans: Political Conditions of Telangana (1687 to 1724)

The period from 1687 to 1724 in the history of Telangana was marked by significant political changes due to the fall of the Qutb Shahi dynasty and the subsequent rise of the Mughal Empire and the Asaf Jahi dynasty (Nizams of Hyderabad). This era witnessed a shift in power dynamics, leading to the decline of the Qutb Shahis, the expansion of the Mughal influence, and the establishment of the Nizam's rule.

1. Fall of the Qutb Shahi Dynasty (1687)

• Conquest by the Mughals: The Qutb Shahi dynasty, which had ruled the region of Golconda (modern-day Telangana and Andhra Pradesh), was overthrown by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1687. The last Qutb Shahi ruler, Sultan Abul Hasan Qutb Shah, was defeated after a long siege of the Golconda Fort.
• Surrender of Golconda: Despite a prolonged and valiant defense, the Golconda Fort fell to the Mughals, and Sultan Abul Hasan was captured. The fall of the Qutb Shahi dynasty marked the end of an independent Golconda Sultanate and its absorption into the Mughal Empire.

2. Mughal Control (1687 – Early 1700s)

• Mughal Domination: Following the conquest of Golconda, Aurangzeb annexed the Qutb Shahi territories into the Mughal Empire. The Deccan region, including Telangana, came under Mughal administration, and the area was made part of the larger province of the Deccan under the governance of Mughal officials.
• Mughal Rule and its Impact: The Mughals faced constant challenges in governing the vast and diverse territories of the Deccan, and their control was often met with resistance from local chiefs and regional powers.
• Heavy Taxation: The Mughals imposed high taxes, especially on the agricultural sector, which caused discontent among the local population.
• Rebellions and Resistance: Despite the Mughal conquest, there was continuous resistance, particularly from the Marathas, local chieftains, and the former Qutb Shahi nobles who rebelled against Mughal authority.
• Administrative Changes: The Mughal emperors, including Aurangzeb, installed Mughal nobility and military governors in the region. However, the Mughal centralization was not effective in fully consolidating control over the Deccan due to the vast geographical expanse and the ongoing resistance from local rulers.

3. Rise of the Asaf Jahi Dynasty (Nizams of Hyderabad)

• The Rise of the Nizams: The Nizam-ul-Mulk Asaf Jah was a prominent Mughal official who held the position of Subahdar (governor) of the Deccan during the reign of Aurangzeb. However, following Aurangzeb's death in 1707, the Mughals began to weaken, and Nizam-ul-Mulk sought greater autonomy.
• Founding of the Asaf Jahi Dynasty: In 1724, Nizam-ul-Mulk declared his independence and founded the Asaf Jahi dynasty, becoming the first Nizam of Hyderabad. He established his capital in Hyderabad and secured control over the territories of Golconda, Telangana, and other parts of the Deccan.

Key Events Leading to the Rise of the Nizam:

• Death of Aurangzeb: The weakening of Mughal authority following the death of Aurangzeb in 1707 created an opportunity for local rulers to assert their independence.
• Establishment of the Nizam's Rule: Nizam-ul-Mulk, after successfully establishing his power in Hyderabad, continued to expand his influence in the region and gradually laid the foundation for the future Nizam dynasty. The Asaf Jahi dynasty would go on to rule Hyderabad until the Indian independence in 1947.

4. Early Nizam Rule (1724)

• Consolidation of Power: After the establishment of the Asaf Jahi dynasty, Nizam-ul-Mulk was able to consolidate his power by defeating local rulers, nobles, and other rivals. He strengthened the administration, military, and taxation system in his newly established kingdom.
• Autonomy from the Mughals: Although the Nizam acknowledged the Mughal emperor as the nominal ruler of India, he enjoyed significant autonomy. The Nizam's territories (Hyderabad, Telangana, and parts of the Deccan) became a semi-independent state under the nominal Mughal suzerainty.
• Formation of Nizam's Army: The Nizam formed a strong and independent army to defend his territory from both Maratha invasions and potential Mughal attempts to reassert control. The Nizam's military included both infantry and cavalry, which proved essential for maintaining the autonomy of the kingdom.
• Administrative Reforms: The Nizam implemented several administrative reforms, including the restructuring of the revenue system, which allowed for greater control over the economy and the region’s resources. This helped him stabilize the kingdom and fund military expenses.

5. Relations with the Marathas and Other Powers

• Maratha Threat: The Nizam faced constant pressure from the expanding Maratha Empire to the west. The Marathas frequently raided the Deccan and had considerable influence over the southern parts of India. The Nizam’s relationship with the Marathas was often tense, marked by both alliances and conflicts.
• Nizam-Maratha Wars: There were several wars between the Marathas and the Nizams during this period, especially under the leadership of Chhatrapati Shivaji and later his successors. The Nizam had to defend his kingdom from these frequent incursions.
• Conflict with the Mughals: Despite nominal Mughal suzerainty, the Nizam's growing power caused tension with the Mughal empire. The Mughal emperors, particularly after Aurangzeb’s death, were unable to prevent the rise of the Asaf Jahi dynasty as an independent power in the Deccan.

6. Conclusion: Political Landscape by 1724

By 1724, the political landscape of Telangana and the larger Deccan region had undergone a major transformation:

• The Mughal Empire had significantly weakened after the death of Aurangzeb, losing its control over the Deccan.
• The Qutb Shahi dynasty had been conquered in 1687, leading to the Mughal annexation of Golconda.
• The Nizam-ul-Mulk Asaf Jah had emerged as the independent ruler of Hyderabad, effectively establishing the Asaf Jahi dynasty that would rule the region for centuries.

The Nizam's rise marked the end of direct Mughal rule in Telangana and the Deccan, although nominal Mughal suzerainty persisted for several more decades. The period from 1687 to 1724 was marked by the transition from Mughal domination to the establishment of a semi-independent Hyderabad state, which would have far-reaching effects on the region’s political, cultural, and economic history.