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The area of the Hyderabad State is 82,698 square miles, and the land is thus divided :

Sarf-i-khas, or crown land, which is privately owned by H. H. the Nizam.

Paigah land, belonging to the descendants of the late Sir Asman Jah, Sir Khurshed Jah, and Sir Vikar-ul-Umara, a sort of feudal tenure for the maintenance of troops for the Nizam's service.

Jagir land. Gifts of land made by former Nizams as royal gifts, or for the support of troops for the Nizam's use.

Khalsa, or government land.

The Sarf-i-khas, Paigah, and Jagir lands make up one-third of the whole area of the State, and in speaking of the administration, revenue, etc., it must be clearly understood that only the Khalsa or Government land is referred to in this book.

And it must not be forgotten that a Nizam is in his State absolute.