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The Progressiveness and Advocacy of Gender-Equality of the Nizams
The Unpredictable Intricacies of Succession 1724-2024 from Violent to Vote
The year 2024 marks the third centenary of the glorious Asaf Jahi Dynasty/ Nizam-Ul-Mulk Dynasty of Hyderabad. As we explore the extraordinary succession pattern within Asaf Jahi Dynasty who were initially semi-independent subedars/viceroys of the Moghuls for the Deccan from 1724,*1 a notable and exemplary ‘absence of gender discrimination emerges.*2 This distinguished dynasty prioritized the welfare of family, subjects and troops*3 even if it meant ruling parent sacrificing their immediate children in succeeding them.*4
Our study delves into the unpredictable dynamics governing the succession of founder Asaf Jahi/Nizam-Ul-Mulk in great detail as it’s a comprehensive study of the clear commitment to meritocracy over gender biases as exemplified in their first ever choice of successors. This commitment was evident from the outset, notably after the death of the founder Qamaruddin in 1748. The dynasty witnessed a departure from the usual succession norms by opting for a grandson, Muzaffar Jung, through the founder’s daughter Khair Unnisa, bypassing six more able sons.*5 As a start, the title of Muzaffar Jung and the government of Raichur and Adoni*6 , (later Subedari of Bijapur)*7 with the right of the Deccan Subedari on the strength of a Firman said to be from the Moghul Emperor, were conferred on Muzaffar/Hidayat Mohi Uddin Khan on founder Nizam-Ul-Mulk’s recommendation at the Moghul court, and assurance of succession in future included as is evident.
This marked the beginning of a pattern of succession that defied linear chronology and gender biases but valued merit, a legacy that unfolded through subsequent generations till the last ruling Nizam also naming a grandson as his succesor.*8 Note that the earlier successions moved from brother to brother rather than father to son.*9
[NOTE: To clarify any confusion, all serial numbers assigned to any of the rulers of the Deccan irrespective of their stature as Subedar of Moghul or Monarch and irrespective of titles take Founder as I, even though initially his title did not assign him as ‘I’ until advent of ‘II’ and ‘III’ that initiated the qualification as a Dynasty. ]
From the favourite nominee to power struggle:
Qamruddin, according to various historical records, was appointed the Moghul subedar of Hyderabad Deccan in 1713 and bestowed with the title of Nizam-Ul-Mulk 1 (but he did not settle permanently in Deccan until 1724).
It was not until 1724, following his victory in the battle of Shakar Kheda (by some accounts on 31 July 1724 and others on 11 October 1724), that Qamaruddin settled for good in Hyderabad, Deccan and spawned a dynasty subsequently*10 and later granted the title of Asaf Jah on his bringing order in the region. Historically his dynasty came to be considered to be established in 1724.
After his death, his second son Nasir Jung, though once in jail for having revolted against Qamaruddin to grab power*11, and despite his unpopularity with his founder father and the public at large*12, grabbed the seat as 2nd Subedar of Moghuls*13 at the time when Muzaffar was stationed in Bijapur as the Governor*14. Nasir Jung already had titles but did not acquire titles of Nizam-Ul-Mulk or Asaf Jah, even though this makes him the second on seat, as explained later.
Nasir was defeated and put to death by Muzaffar’s efforts in rallying the relevant prevailing forces to consent with him as was the norm prescribed closest to Ijma.*15 Ijma, a Muslim concept, is consensual decision. Nasir’s short stint was the result of his elimination also backed by a determined combined group of the founder’s original supporters, Muzaffar’s supporters as well as Salabat (the third son of the Founder) and the French who dominated the process of the succession by eliminating Nasir.*16 They collectively thought that Muzaffar befitted the throne better than Nasir and fulfilled the Founder’s wishes. (And consensus obliges most but doesn’t please all). He was earlier legitimised in his father’s lifetime and awarded Subas and various titles by the Moghuls as their future Subedar on the behest of his Founder grandfather.*17
Coming to Muzaffar, the favourite, slated to succeed his founder grandfather (as ubiquitously mentioned across historical accounts)*18, was the first ever nominee for succession and was slated to be the second on the seat (as founders don’t succeed anyone but lay out the norms) by the founder grandfather*19, but was the second to succeed the Founder and a third to gain the seat*20. The eldest 1st son of Qamruddin was placed by Qamaruddin to have a presence in the Moghul court in Delhi. However, do note Qamruddin despite his stature failed to get his grandson on the subedar seat*21 on his own steam though that was his wish according to many accounts, even having made a ‘will to that effect later produced by Muzaffar.*22
This proves a ruler wanting his choice executed into a result is subject to conducive prevailing conditions. This also proves that anyone, especially within the family, with support from the people in influence, power or majority in numbers could make a claim to the seat, which if successful would be legitimate there on*23. In fact, the Moghul Aurangazeb who was chiefly instrumental in the eventual elevation of the Asaf Jahi Nizams to be the rulers of Hyderabad by overthrowing the Qutub Shahs that originally founded Hyderabad (without any provocation), demonstrated rank outsiders succeeding in hostile takeovers was perfectly in order. It’s a historical fact that Aurangazeb had imprisoned his father & killed his elder brother.*24 Yet Aurangazeb with all his apparently dark deeds was considered no less a legitimate emperor & a pious one at most, by most of the same faith, demonstrating it’s all justifiable and acceptable in acquiring power.*25 It’s only after Muzaffar’s death at the hands of his estranged and disgruntled earlier associates (owing to Muzaffar’s dependence on the French in exclusion to them or Moghuls)*26 did the Moghuls attempt to place Ghazi Jung, the eldest of the Founder’s sons, on to the subedar’s seat reiterating the past acceptance of Muzaffar. However, Muzaffar missing out on his grandfather’s title is dealt with later. (Note: it was widely acknowledged that the mother-son duo of Nizam Ali Khan, youngest son of Qamaruddin, poisoned Ghazi Jung).*27 This success of the grandson Muzaffar reiterates that there are no clear rules to succeeding to a ruler’s or administrator’s seat as he was a generation below 6 brothers, who were all eligible next generation of the founder and all capable in handling the Moghul Subedar seat*28 (three clearly demonstrating capability ascending the seat with one as vizier*29 at the Moghul court and another two as leaders locally).
After Muzaffar died in battle, the French placed Salabat Jung, the 3rd son of Qamaruddin as 4th on the seat counting Qamaruddin making him as 1st, showing external powers too had a role & not just the dynasty’s founder or ruling father.*30
No wonder, Islam too does not attempt to enforce any rule regarding succession to a ruler, as rules can only be enforced on subjects under a ruler, not bind his challenger who could be an absolute stranger or a blood brother.
Being Muslim, employing Islamic principles of governance, Qamruddin could have been taking cues from the Prophet’s nonlineal successor, his father-in-law Abu Bakar Siddiqui R. A. (whose direct descent the Asaf Jahis proudly proclaimed through affixing Siddiqui to their names), guided by consensus, or the Prophet’s daughter who was the sole link to the Prophet’s continuity of his blood line, or even the daughter of a ruler, Razia Sultan in Delhi, superseding her three elder brothers onto the seat of Sultan. From the first to the last Nizam both seemed to have no regard for primogeniture, to say the least.*31 The father to eldest son succession is only likely in absence of all other routes that could be employed to gain the seat; and all sons being equal, they choose the eldest. Even in the case if any one son is superior, he takes charge over any inept son, logic being if an inept son happens to take charge it may lead to annihilation of the dynasty, royal family as well as the subjects.
The Factual Chronology of Succession: 7 Nizam Fiction*A
Though the initial succession was founded on lofty progressive principles in intent, the quest for power could steep the family into intermittent bloody skirmishes including fratricide*32. Salabat, the third son of the Founder, was dethroned, ‘jailed and killed’*33 by the youngest and by far the most treacherous brother Nizam Ali Khan*34 with the interplay of the British and Marathas. His mother on his behalf was considered the assassin of the eldest son of the Founder by poisoning him.
In Nasir’s case, (2nd son of founder/ the second to seat himself after founder’s demise/) his deprivation from his father’s titles by Moghuls could be the result of his attempt to overthrow his founder father (a Moghul favourite since childhood) in his father’s lifetime and his father’s diktats after his death as well as the relatively fleeting stint Nasir enjoyed, could have contributed for not being further conferred titles akin to ones that were bestowed on his father. The pattern of succession, the titles and the numbering (the universally accepted chronology) seems all ad hoc due to scanty data, the most apparent common thread being that the three successors just after the Founder (i.e.2nd, 3rd, 4th) came into power through foreign forces and with no consultation or dependence on the Moghuls. This gives us the reason to believe that the first successor and the second successor after Founder (second and third on seat including Founder as I) were more or less autonomous rulers/monarchs and did not even depend on titles from the Moghuls.
Muzaffar 2nd to succeed the founder in reality (grandson of founder through his daughter / 3rd on seat counting founder as 1st) : Muzaffar though primed to be second on the seat immediately after founder, with titles and positions by the Moghuls on the behest of his father did not get a recognition as Subedar with titles identical to his father on actually gaining control of the Deccan. This can only mean his coming into power through the foreign source completely independent of the Moghuls came in the way of gaining his father’s titles from Moghuls. Not that he needed the blessings as he was truly independent of the Moghuls with French support. This places him in the category of a Monarch. The same could be said about the first on seat after the Founder irrespective of the devious unilateral path he chose to the seat of power.
Though Salabat, the third successor after the Founder (the fourth on seat), was in due course anointed as Subedar by the Moghuls, and though helped by foreign forces, he too was given title of titles of ‘Madarul-Mulk Asafud daula’ with Subedari. This was in variance to his Founder father. Though Salabat ruled for over eleven years which could again point to his being elevated to power without Moghul consent coming in the way of his full Moghul recognition.
Yet all three prior to the universally accepted Nizam-ul-Mulk II, Asaf Jah II (who was Fifth on seat) are not considered or enumerated in sequence of the Asaf Jahi / Nizam Ul Mulk Dynasty by historians. This omission is even though the historians unanimously agree that there were these three on the seat after the Founder and before Nizam-ul-Mulk II/Asaf Jah II.
Thereafter the successors of Asaf Jah II/Nizam-Ul-Mulk II were subsequently titled Asaf Jah III as well as Nizam-Ul-Mulk III and these two particular titles continued thereon up to the seventh who was the last ruling Nizam*34 (and in reality the tenth on the seat but a monarch) now universally titled ‘Nizam of Hyderabad’. And though the seventh had titled his grandson as eighth, the seventh’s rule itself was terminated in 1948 by the Indian army absorbing the princely Hyderabad State into the Union of India*35
The succession of Nizams III and IV was not very eventful to serve any example in this context.
The obvious fact was overlooked that there were 10 formidable & recognised successors to sit at the helm of this dynastic seat.*36 The most relevant context in compiling the composition of a dynasty is to enumerate the entities straddling power and ensuring they are from the same bloodline to identify and qualify it as a dynasty and in being considered as part of the dynasty. Having this or that title shouldn’t be of any consequence, yet there seems to be a glaring lapse by collating only those on the seat that carried the same title of the founder and omitting the three in line after demise of founder.
Another proposition: for three rulers prior to the Nizam Ul Mulk/Asaf Jah II left out from the universal count – (When we talk about the term ‘Dynasty’ which comes into play only after a couple of successors or generations by which time, let’s say, Sikander Jung, the universally/popularly listed Nizam Ul Mulk Asaf Jah III, (6th on seat) could have counted his father Nizam Ali Khan as (Asif Jah II) and linked his father Nizam Ali Khan to the Founder counting the founder as I in retrospect who clearly wasn’t titled as ‘I’ as there was no anticipation of subsequent successors (all concerned in this titles exercise here bore the same titles conveniently). The founder would not have been titled as (I or 1st) on the outset (as there were no second or third or any signs of a dynasty. Sikander Jah May have eliminated the mention of his father’s brothers/sons of Founder, prior to his father on seat at a later point. This obscuring of the three of the predecessors of his father may be due to the embarrassment of his father and his father’s mother on his father’s behalf, being responsible for the death of two sons of the Founder – Ghazi and Salabat. The historians subsequently may have been in the influence of Sikander Jah even officially coerced with his abridged version as power devolved through universal Nizam II and III and theron.
There is little to indicate that some titles are superior to others in many cases, but the historians maybe under the influence of Nizam Ul Mulk II (the fifth on seat) and Sikander and his progeny, seem to be responsible in giving one set of titles priority and advantage over others. These assumptions seem appropriate with the data in hand.
This aberration in chronology in enumerating the dynastic succession (dealt in earlier chapters) became the norm even though this seat was legitimately in succession held by two sons of the Qamaruddin & a grandson through a daughter of founder Qamaruddin in between Qamaruddin & Nizam Ali Khan.*37
However, with these inputs it is sensible to say that the two who are not mentioned as Moghul subedars under Asaf Jahi dynasty banner were in fact closest to being Monarchs in their own rights and in that way somewhat superior to the other descendants of the founder upto the Vth who again could claim sovereignty brought to him in 1858 by the termination of the Moghul reign itself.*38 At this third centenary juncture, it seemed fitting to bring some recognition to the hitherto obscured rulers of the Deccan region.
Afzal-Ud-Dowla, Nizam-Ul-Mulk V/Asaf Jah V (actually 8th on seat) , who was initially a subedar of the Moghuls became an independent Monarch as the British exiled Moghul ruler Bahadur Shah Zafar to Rangoon bringing the curtains down on the Moghuls.*39 The present recognised Nizam Nawab Raunaq Yar Khan’s great grandfather H.H. Mahboob Ali Khan (listed historically the 6th Nizam) the most secular and beloved*40 had the grandest distinction of being born in a Monarchy, ruling since 2.8 years of age and dying as a Monarch in 1911.*41
Except for stipulating and promoting consensus in the aforementioned situations in propounding the concept of ‘Ijma’, Islam plays no role in any guidelines in power succession*42 (Although Islam is so particular about succession of property & wealth of any Muslim person, whether in power or not, devolving on the person’s sons & family after his/ her demise). In the absence of a powerful king/queen no likely compliance to even their wishes in successfully replacing him/her by a successor is guaranteed. In the complete absence of a ruler or king, pure consensus through majority is all that’s available & valid in a democratic family in a democratic country like India, rallying consent or related forces for achieving position is acceptable for aspiring contenders and proposition in Islam.
Similarly, India too now vigorously stipulates democratic consensus, even shuns gender discrimination as its enforceable principle.
Recently, a trigger to revive Asaf Jahi values:
On 14 January 2023 on the demise of the VIII Nizam Barkat Ali Khan (Mukarram Jah) who was the grandchild of the VIIth and last ruler up to 1948 (VIIth had skipped his own next generation including two sons in anointing Prince Barkat)*43, Prince Barkat’s son was coronated by only a part of his intimate family & some associates that approximated a dozen. This even excluded his father’s own brother and his other son among others. * 44 Media links
This event was unlikely to be accepted, as the late Nizam VIII*45 Media links himself bereft of even the titular title of “Nizam of Hyderabad” that he once carried, had as well as the family’s favour, for they soon enough noted he typically held them in obvious disdain as evidenced in his statement on page 252 in the book ‘The Last Nizam’ by John Zubryzcky*44 . As acts speak louder than words, his negative conviction is consistent with his act of completely relocating himself to a strange country Australia turning his back on a 300-year prime connect with India. The book quotes an infamous statement over some estate he was to purchase in Australia, “I love it, there isn’t a bloody Indian in sight”*45 clinching how deep the indifference to compatriots and kin ran. He all but turned his back except when he visited occasionally to sell some of the family properties here and it is logical to assume where he transferred the funds.*46 [For the layman, the very title of the book ‘The Last Nizam’ written by a famous author with personal interview of Mukarram Jah/Barkat with all his progeny already born, says it all.]*47 In fact, he wasn’t even really a Nizam especially at that point or even a titular Nizam in the formal Indian context.
The extended family also noted and mentioned to interviewers that Mukarram Jah’s eldest son (Azmet Jah), no better, included his father too in his own disdain for royal family by apparently stating in a notice to defendant, dated 23-12-94 and later joined by rest of the family members in their echoing Azmet’s contempt as reiterated on pages 10, 11, 20 and 21 in judgement of O.P. 147 of 1995*48 that is to the effect that Mukarram Jah is unfit to be head of family, has created debts & can create further debt through his spendthrift ways & disgrace his family.*49 In the face of all these conflicting contentions as well as the inability of the eldest son to clearly demonstrate how he specifically & individually can succeed his father as the favoured child among others including his own male sibling, considering he himself was once ranged against his father in spiteful litigation for pecuniary self-gain queers his contention to succeed his father as the head of the family. His poor opinion of his dad is re-confirmed in H.C. case of No. WP 9569 of 1991*50 wherein Azmet (in agreement with his immediate family) showed urgency to acquire his father’s wealth in his father’s lifetime rather than after his demise, in an obvious self-centered trait which did not go unnoticed by the family and who could no longer trust him for their own wellbeing, eliminated him as contender to the top family position. A case filed by his aunt Ahmadunnissa in 1967 got a high-court division bench order in 1068 dt. 29th Jan 1968 reported in AIR 1969AP423 as Ahmadunnisa Begum VS Union of India*51 which is available on Google (which is supposed to be compromised merely just between the duo, the compromise in another court has no effect on the above reasoned High Court Order that considered all prevailing Indian Laws and declared the VIIIth as a citizen of India under applicable Indian law). Now almost the whole extended family is against the eldest son who stepped into his father’s shoes after the demise of his father (titular till 1971) VIIIth Nizam. It’s not proper to predict results as these are subjudiced cases and mired in litigation at various levels.
Discussed within the wider family
Also, under what logic can a son contending that his father is not fit to be the head of his family in a formal court of law, substantiate he should succeed that same father (his father himself being the grandson of previous ruler), just because he is the eldest son & then go on to proclaim himself as ‘Nizam of Hyderabad’ to succeed his father in position and title with no other validation or qualification with just a handful of incomplete immediate family. Besides, he wishes to be the Nizam of Hyderabad after abolition of all titular titles in India in 1971 and absence of princely state of Hyderabad from 1948. The consensus being only route to heading a family today and anyone, be it son or family lacking it completely can only absurdly hope for inherit a title which anyway no longer exists for half a century. The government did not recognise the succession*52 Media Links (& their view is evident on the Internet in most cases and legal documents), neither did the extended family of royals *53 Media links who shortlisted someone reliable & beneficial to head them; in some cases, head them against the previous dispensation and immediate family of the VIII Nizam. Earlier, the rest of the family, the present title-claiming eldest son included, was already ranged against the late Nizam.
A new O.S. 404 filed in 2021*54 initiated by Mukarram Jah’s cousin adds to all the above relied cases as well as newer cases piling up against a sole or narrow claim that is attempting to exclude the vast family by the late titular Nizam Mukarram Jah and, now whoever is similarly claiming to succeed him in keeping the larger family out.
PART 3, COMING TO THE PRESENT:x
With a firm inclination to select their own Nizam head of Dynasty, almost all the Sahebzadgans (descendants of the Nizams, specifically represented under a Society that represents 1 to 6 Nizam) that exceed 4500 of the clan (as reported in press like Times of India(55), Deccan Chronicle 56 Media links & Indian Express 57 Media links & numerous of the E-Media 58 Media Links & the internet itself 59 Media links publicised in a large press conference on 11th February 2023*60 Media lnks), took this momentous initiative at “Khaja Ka Chilla”, a religious shrine in Hyderabad revered by the Dynasty on 2nd March 2023, creating history. Reaffirming this publicly on 4th June 1923 *61 Media links and reiteration by the largest section of descendants of the VIIth Nizam on 12th January 2024.*62 Media links which included top government officials keen on protecting their country’s financial interests warning likely buyers to desist buying into these contested properties.*63 Dinesh Reddy on Media on 12 Jan 2024*squander The Last Nizam
With a spontaneous impetus by the largest group of the 7th Nizam’s descendants (that claim equal social standing and rights as well as to property of the earlier designated NizamH.C.ourt OS 1969 *64, especially after independence of India in 1947 and central government enactment of 1971, joining in, this momentous decisive action became a firm irrevocable reality. With thousands of the supporters backing this eventually in a legal format permissible*65 1 to 9 Society papers in website in courts to retrieve properties & with more numbers joining by the day, this decision has taken root and been cemented to stay. He is also now completely accepted by the press* 66 Media Links which had initially announced Azmat’s sole elevation freely till Raunaq came into the picture forty days later forcing them to reconsider logically. Moreover these steps are in accordance to Indian Court rulings (that include orders passed in O.P 147 dated 21-06-1999H.C 1979 *67 Ahmadunissa vs. Union of India*68, as well as a catena of similar rulings) that point to the rights of the present extended royal family in major decisions, have elevated a notable direct royal descendant of the family, Nawab Raunaq Yar Khan, by almost complete majority, to the esteemed designation of IX Nizam of the *Asaf Jah Dynasty* within a legal framework through the only available legitimate sequential process, independent of Govt. regulation. Any interference or any other fabrication of the designation of the erstwhile title of Nizam of Hyderabad is fantasy and fiction. Now due to the 26th constitutional amendment bill formally ending royalty and its privileges (except for some unrelated privileges) the Nizam, titular to begin with, lost his titular title too including the right to nominate.
Now in a rational progression of the ‘Nizam of Hyderabad’ title, a misnomer since1971, was transposed to present Indian context to adapt to the Indian context was substituted into a perfectly apt Nizam of the Asaf Jahi title, the Nizam of Asaf Jahi has superseded and appropriately substituted the very same now redundant title of Nizam of Hyderabad.
However, Raunaq Yar Khan, a bachelor and with no progeny of his own, makes it abundantly clear that all recoveries of Dynastic properties will not be just his personally at all and belong to everyone in the extended royal family who are legally entitled as per sharia/Muslim law applicable to all Muslims in India today. The erstwhile title, now a misnomer is now frequently used to fraud the gullible in certain matters. Raunaq lacking descendants that could tempt into divert funds seems to be a win-win situation for the family that chose him as the head.
The dynastic family has made Raunaq Yar Khan commit to assigning a successor in case he wants to abdicate for any reason of his own, for they are sure that the vacuum will create upheaval in the people to take his place or decide the next Nizam of the dynasty which will derail all the good work he would have done so far. The written authority given to Raunaq Yar Khan is otherwise irrevocable in itself.
Non-investigative gossip or fashion magazines put up their own opinion on the basis of simplistic assumptions, similar to earth being flat. On the other hand, there are thousands from the family who have recognized Nawab Raunaq as their 9th Nizam of their Dynasty, most on court admissible documents. However many among them want to keep their participation restricted to courts to bolster him when the need arises in cases that involve financial benefits, but are avoiding the media or are media-shy. A very large number stand as silent moral supporters who only want intangible involvement in the going-ones in the eventual assurance of gaining whatever benefits accrue through Raunaq Yar Khan’s efforts for the family as a whole, in which case they would anyway be valid beneficiaries/sharers if legalities go in favour of the wider family. Azmet is now taking over religious trust created by his ancestors with the help of the trustees trying to imply that it entitles him in title and succession. But trusts have little to do with that aspect (just as family has more to do with choosing their head). Trusts handle funds for religious purposes and needs. The family’s plan to attack this move on technicalities are afoot. They strive to disqualify and him to be replaced by their own person of confidence.
Future:
In his respected social media page, renowned Political Analyst and a top-notch advisor to Indian Government Mr. Mohan Guruswamy says, “MJ (Mukarram Jah) himself was born to a Turkish lady. When he died a couple of years ago a son, a London based photographer, quietly “coronated” himself as ‘Nizam’, and is trying to grab for himself what is left of Osman Ali Khan’s estate. Also claiming this are an association of Nizam descendants organised by Nizam Mehboob Ali Khan’s great grandson, Raunaq Yar Khan. RYK too has been ‘coronated’ as a ‘Nizam’.” He adds, “I don’t think the laws (and national mood) will support the claim of the London photographer”. https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02sqJoPM7rHwHJgRnhJJLeZrFQpN5TpntNZFTj7Xhr2WAvadd2cmwvTQrrzdfc1E1Ml&id=1500196238&mibextid=Nif5oz *A This was even before the overwhelming documented support across the royal Asaf Jah family. Mr. Guruswamy backed this opinion on his social media page citing a research paper awaiting PhD which appeared in a double-peer reviewed journal titled ‘Journal of Diversity Studies’*B by Ms. Zeenathfar Azmi Syed, a Gold-Medallist PhD Research Scholar from Osmania University wherein she discusses the validity of unpredictable succession patterns as enumerated in the previous sections of this write-up and that popular consensus or powerful forces are most likely to provide the fulcrum to the incumbent as the head of the Asaf Jahi dynastic family as their present Nizam. In her meticulously analysed thesis Zeenathfar draws the conclusion that Nawab Raunaq Yar Khan is the IX Nizam of the Asaf Jahi dynasty based on the irrefutable evidences.
Nawab Raunaq Yar Khan has already created a registered Society of intellectuals and top Govt. officials, IAS, IPS and Army etc., who are aware of the present legalities. This legally aware group that affirmed via a press conference on 12th January 2024 wherein Mr. Dinesh Reddy – former DGP HOPS of United Andhra Pradesh vociferously reiterated in front of a few thousand strong gathering of the extended family, assuring they will not be sidelined and that 69 Media Links they all will no longer have to tolerate monies generated in India from sale of family properties and valuable articles to be taken out of the country.*70 This siphoning out was being done earlier by specific people of the Nizams family claiming singular succession as “Nizam of Hyderabad”, with none of them or their benefiting immediate family living in India. This will be a boon to India too. With Hyderabad being absorbed into India in 1948 and the 1971*71 Media Links enactment by government of India, there can in any case be no title as “Nizam of Hyderabad*” nor powers or properties of the earlier Nizams devolving on any individual automatically through succession to any one descendant without consensus or scrutiny through relevant legal guidelines in Indian courts.
References:
*B Zeenatfar’s PhD Paper double peer reviewed journal (Journal of Diversity Studies):Zeenathfar Azmi Syed. Ph.D Research Scholar, Department of Sociology, Osmania University, Hyderabad, TS-India. A Gold-medalist from Osmania University awaiting her PhD award.
B. HISTORY OF THE DECCAN by J.D.B Gribble, Vol. 2, Rupa Publishers
*16 p18-p19 support of Chanda Sahib, Chanda Sahib communicating with the French
*16 *30 p19 Top para French Dupleix support
*16 *30 p20 Dupleix support
*13 *18 *21 p.15 Para 1: [Asaf Jahs Successors] – 1st para Nasir ‘SEIZED’ the treasury and throne, Nasir confined in Nander fortress, MUZAFFAR TOP FOR THRONE
*11 p.15 Para 1: [Asaf Jahs Successors] – 2nd para: Nasir confined in Nander fortress
*2 p.15 Para 1: Nizam’s favourite grandson from his daughter; mention of other sons
*12 *15 *16 *23 p.23 NASIR killed BY OWN SUPPORTERS who did not like Nasir’s Deceit by JAILING MUZAFFER after they invited Muzaffar for a compromise between Nasir and Muzaffar. Also felt this was a second deceit as Nasir ignored his father’s wish for Muzaffar to succeed the founder Nizam. The army fell in line with this too. NASIR’S Disillusioned Cuddappa, Karnool, Savaoor MUZAFFAR was widely supported.
*5 *17 *18 p.26 Last 3 lines: Muzaffer Jung was the favourite grandson of Nizam-ul-Mulk and all hastened to pay him their respects.
*11 Unpopular Nasir last para top IMP P15 P16.
*7 *14 Muzaffar appointed Governor of Bijapur
*16 *30 P21 “The French having taken the side of Muzaffar Jung, it was natural that the English would support the other side”: Clearly the French supported Muzaffar.
*15 *23 Imp P26 UNPOPULAR NASIR IMP & p.26 army is ready for all round acceptance (Army & all) – Important to Muzaffar as considered Rightful Heir by People army (Caddapah Karnool Savanoor)*
*21 *26 *30 Muzaffar killed by NON-FAMILY (Cudappa Karnool Savanoor) IMP who were disgruntled and Jealous of French Advantage given to French over themselves after their help to Muzaffar in gaining the seat.
*27 *32 p34 POLITICAL DEATH Imp Eldest Ghazi Jung killed by Gang of Nizam Ali’s Mom-Son duo
p15 first para
C.The Splendour of Hyderabad by M. A. Nayeem, Hyderabad Publishers, Edition 2011
Chapter XII, ‘History of the Asaf Jahs of Hyderabad State’, Part Three ‘The Asaf Jahi Period
*3, *10 p. 131: basics
*1, *3, *10 p.134 – p.136: talks about Nizam’s loyalty to the Moghuls as opposed to Wikipedia saying they declared independence
*6, *7 *17 p.138 Sec 2. Para 1: About Muzaffar as Subedar but brief
*28 p. 138 Para 1: Nizam Ali Khan last son
*13 p.138 Sec 2nd Para : Nasir ‘seized’ opportunity and treasure
*2 p. 138, subheading 2, para: Nasir Jung, Muzaffar Jung and Salabat Jung (1748-62)
*15 p.139 1st para: Nasir Jung shot dead, Muzaffar becomes subedar by French support
*17 *20 *22 p.138, subheading 2, para: Muzaffar produces a will and Subedari of Bijapur
*4 *5 *18 *19 *20 p.138 Sec 2 3rd Para: Muzaffar Fave + Supposed to succeed Nizam 1 Great
*16 p. 138 Sec 2 Para 4: Muzaffar makes alliance with Chanda Sahib Arcot and Dupleix
*5 *8 p.138, subheading 2, para 1 (reference to Qamaruddin’s kids; daughter’s son; sequence of family – Nizam Ali Khan youngest)
*16 *20 *21 *30 p.138 last para (continued on p139): French supported Muzaffar
*30 p.139 Sec Para 5: Salabat had accompanied his 3rd Nizam Muzaffar (nephew), so on his untimely freak death Salabat declared 4th Nizam and ruled for 11 years
p.139, para 2 – lack of hostility towards Muzaffar notable
*30 p. 139, para 2 – the French placed Salabat Jung
*30 p. 139, para 2 – Mughal Emperor sent a Farman granting the subedari of the Deccan to Salabt Jung with the title of Madarul-Mulk Asafud daula, which was received at Hyderabad on September 12, 1751 (Tuzuk-i-Wala Jahi, 64: Tarikh-i-Deccan, 84f)
*33 p.140: Salabat overthrown and died in jail
*28 *34 *36 *37 p.140 Sec 2 Chap 13: Mention of 10 Kings v. favourably – Also bears many references
D. Pictorial Hyderabad vol. 1
Chapter: “Dynastic history of his exalted highness the Nizam”, starts at P.67
- *11 p73 Para 1: [Nasir vs. Father clear animosity], Nasir confined in Nanded fortress
*26 p74: Muzaffar got into affray with Pathan Chiefs
*26 p74 Para 2 Muzaffar killed by Pathans (others say Nawabs of Cudappa/Karnool/Savanoor)
*27 p75 Para 2 Nizam Ali Khan – Eldest is poisoned by Nizam Ali and Salabat killed
*9 *29 *36 p75 Para 3 Admission on 10 Nizams and puts it well, says History ignores them though the 3 ruled minimum of 11 years (1751-1761) (Salabat lost 1761or 1762, some say died in jail (Splendour of 1762 lost to Nizam Ali Khan)
*31 *33 p75 Salabat Killed by Nizam Ali Khan in 1761
*31 *33 p75 Salabat ruled over a decade killed by Nizam Ali Khan who killed Ghazi eldest
*5 *8 “Dynastic history of his exalted highness the Nizam”, p.74, para 2
“Dynastic history of his exalted highness the Nizam”, p.75 (Muzaffar favourite of Nizam-ul-Mulk)
E. *35 *47 The Last Nizam by John Zubrzycki, Macmillan, first published in 2006
*8 *31*43 Introduction p. XIV = Nizam skipped son to secure the family’s fortunes
*46 *63 *70 Introduction p. XVII = Nizam squandering historical wealth largest in the world
*42 Chapter II, “In the Court of Hyderabad”, p. 23, para 2 (rulers/Muslim Law no guide)
*17 *19 *31 Chapter II, “In the Court of Hyderabad”, p. 26, para 1 (Muzaffar right guy by dad)
*30 Chapter II, “In the Court of Hyderabad”, p. 26, para 3 (foreign powers had influence)
*11 Chapter II, “In the Court of Hyderabad”, p. 26, para 2 (crossed swords with his father)
*38 *39 Chapter 4 on Afzal ud Daula, the Vth Nizam
*44 *45 Chapter 11. Page 252. ‘No bloody Indian in sight’, says Mukkarram Jah.
*41 VI Nizam ruled since the age of 2.8
F. Memoirs of Cyril Jones, Omar Khalidi, first published in 1991
*40 p.69, Chapter II, A tour diary, Cyril Walter Lloyd Jones: [A railway engineer in Hyderabad (VI Nizam a saint)]
*40 G. The Untold Charminar: Writings On Hyderabad by Syeda Imam, 1 Jan 2008
p.139 Chapter ‘Letter tell stories too’ by Sarojini Naidu (VI Nizam a saint)
*40 H. The Days of the Beloved, Harriet Ronket Lynton & Mohini Rajan, Orient Black Swan (first published 1974) [the whole books talks about the VI Nizam being the beloved for being generous, sensitive, secular]
I. Hyderabad 400 years by Raza Ali Khan
J. Wikipedia link: Muzaffar Jang Hidayat
*18 Muzaffar fav
*6Raichor and Adoni Governorship
*17 lofty titles and subas
*24 *25 I. Dara Shikoh by Avik Chandra
*24 *25 G. Aurangzeb by Audrey Truschke
*51 *64 *68 Ahmadunnisa Begum vs Union Of India on 29 January, 1968
A.I.R 1969 A.P at Page No. 423: the properties of the Nizams /Monarchs or erstwhile Hyderabad State, their Properties which constituted their respective Matrukta would still devolve upon all their legal heirs as per Muslim personal law (Shariat).
*50 WP No. 9569 of1991
*48 *49 *67 O.P. 147 of 1995: Azmet clearly mentions father as unfit [CRP no./ Form 65B to be retrieved] had applied for in lower court, still not got any answer {Narsimha also applied in May 2024} from the lower court unable to provide with the copy. We need the CRP number. We have to apply in this soon-to-be-obtained Civil Revision Petition in High Court..we need this CRP from Moiz through Imran [spoke on 18 June 2024] Full set of CRP required from High Court.
Social Media:
*69 Mohan Guruswamy (renowned political analyst)’s social media page https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02sqJoPM7rHwHJgRnhJJLeZrFQpN5TpntNZFTj7Xhr2WAvadd2cmwvTQrrzdfc1E1Ml&id=1500196238&mibextid=Nif5oz