Symbol of Continuity and Honour

The Regal Coronation

• What is the Asaf Jahi/Nizam-Ul-Mulk dynasty?

  The Asaf Jahi/Nizam-Ul-Mulk dynasty was founded in 1724 by Qamaruddin, who was the Moghul subedar of Hyderabad Deccan. He was given the title Nizam-Ul-Mulk 1 & Asaf Jah 1. The dynasty is known for prioritising the welfare of family, subjects and troops, and for its commitment to meritocracy over gender biases. The Asaf Jahi Nizams ruled Hyderabad until 1948 when the Indian army took over and absorbed the Hyderabad State into the Union of India.

• How was the succession to the seat of the Nizam determined?

  The succession of the Asaf Jahi dynasty did not always follow a clear set of rules. While Islam does not enforce any rule regarding succession to a ruler, the Asaf Jahis seemingly did not adhere to primogeniture either. The first Nizam chose his grandson, Muzaffar Jung, to succeed him, bypassing his six sons. Muzaffar Jung was granted titles and the Subedari of Bijapur by the Moghuls on the recommendation of his grandfather. After the death of the founder, his second son, Nasir Jung, seized the seat of the Subedar, but he was later defeated by Muzaffar Jung. History highlight that anyone within the family with support from influential people or the majority could make a claim to the seat, and if successful, their claim would be considered legitimate.

• What role did external powers play in the succession of the Nizams?

  External powers, such as the French, the British, and the Marathas, played a significant role in the succession of the Nizams. For example, the French collaborated with Muzaffar Jung to help him gain power, and they later placed Salabat Jung, the third son of the founder, on the seat after Muzaffar Jung’s death.

• Why were some Nizams not recognised as legitimate successors?

  Although ten people held the seat of power during the Asaf Jahi dynasty, only those who held the same title as the founder, Nizam-Ul-Mulk and Asaf Jah, were typically counted in the official list of Nizams. This led to some rulers, including the second, third and fourth Nizams, being overlooked despite ruling for significant periods.

• What happened to the Nizams after the independence of India?

  The rule of the last Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan (listed as Asaf Jah VII) ended in 1948 when Hyderabad was integrated into India.  The title “Nizam of Hyderabad” ceased to exist after the state’s merger with India. The descendants of the Nizams continue to live in India, but they no longer hold any political power.

• Who is H.H. Nawab Raunaq Yar Khan and why is he considered the XII Nizam?

  Nawab Raunaq Yar Khan is a direct descendant of the Asaf Jahi dynasty.  He was elevated to the esteemed designation of XII Nizam by a large majority of the descendants of the 1-6 Nizams. This decision was made after the death of Asaf Jah VIII, Barkat Ali Khan, whose own succession was not universally accepted. H.H. Nawab Raunaq Yar Khan’s claim is supported by a large group of descendants, legal experts, and government officials.

• What is the current status of the Asaf Jahi dynasty's properties?

  The properties of the Asaf Jahi dynasty are currently contested. H.H. Nawab Raunaq Yar Khan, as the proclaimed XII Nizam of the Asaf Jah Dynasty, along with a registered society of intellectuals and government officials, is working to retrieve the dynasty’s properties that they claim are being sold off and the proceeds taken out of the country. They argue that these properties belong to all members of the extended royal family who are legally entitled to them under Indian law.

• What is the significance of the events at "Khaja Ka Chilla"?

  “Khaja Ka Chilla” is a religious shrine in Hyderabad revered by the Asaf Jahi dynasty.  On March 2, 2023, a large number of descendants of the 1-6 Nizams gathered at the shrine and announced their decision to select H.H Nawab Raunaq Yar Khan as the XII Nizam.  This event marked a significant turning point in the history of the dynasty, as it demonstrated the collective will of the descendants to assert their rights and choose their own leader.

• What are the future plans of H.H Nawab Raunaq Yar Khan as the XII Nizam?

  H.H. Nawab Raunaq Yar Khan plans to work towards retrieving the Asaf Jahi dynasty’s properties for the benefit of all the descendants.  He has established a legally aware group that aims to prevent the sale and removal of family assets from India.  H.H. Nawab Raunaq Yar Khan also emphasises that any recovered properties will not be his alone but will belong to all members of the extended royal family who are legally entitled to them.

• What are the key issues surrounding the current succession dispute within the Asaf Jahi dynasty?

  Following the death of the Asaf Jah VIII, Barkat Ali Khan, in 2023, a succession dispute arose within the Asaf Jahi dynasty. Barkat Ali Khan’s son was crowned by a small group of family members and associates, but this was not widely accepted by the extended family or the government.  The government of India does not recognise the title of “Nizam of Hyderabad” or any claims to the former properties and powers of the Nizams. Additionally, the merger of Hyderabad into India in 1948 and subsequent legislation by the Indian government in 1971 legally prevent the automatic devolution of any titles or privileges to any individual descendant without consensus or legal scrutiny. The dispute centres on the question of legitimacy and authority within the dynasty, particularly regarding the control and management of the Asaf Jahi family’s assets and properties. A large section of the dynasty’s descendants, exceeding 4,500 individuals, have come together to assert their rights and have selected H.H. Nawab Raunaq Yar Khan as the XII Nizam of the Asaf Jah Dynasty of Hyderabad. This group argues that the properties and wealth of the dynasty belong to all the descendants and should be managed collectively, rather than being controlled by any single individual claiming the title of “Nizam of Hyderabad”.