Page:The Imperial Durbar Album of the Indian princes, chiefs and zamindars.djvu/24



HYDERABAD is the first Mahomedan as well as the premier Native State in India. Its rulers hold the title of the Nizam. The dynasty was founded by Asaf Jah a Turk Subhedar of Delhi in the time of Aurangzeb. In 1719 A.D. Asaf Jah was raised to the position of Grand Vazier, but he preferred a modest independent rule in the Deccan to the subordinate office of Vazier at Delhi. Asaf Jah died in 1748 A. D. leaving behind him six sons who quarrelled among themselves for succession with the help of the English and the French, who were then the rising rival powers in India. Nasir Jung, Salabut Jung, and Muzafar Jung had each his turn at the musnad. The Mahrattas earned on a continuous warfare with the Nizam. In 1760 A.D. they won the battle of Udgir and conquered part of the Nizam's territory. In 1766 A.D. a treaty was concluded between the English and the Nizam, by which the former were allowed to retain the districts acquired by them under a firman from the Emperor of Delhi, in consideration of an annual payment of nine lacs of rupees and a promise of military assistance whenever required. ^These friendly relations were temporarily disturbed through' the machinations of Hyder Ali of Mysore, but were soon again restored. In 1794 A.D. the quarrel between the Nizam and the Mahrattas came to a point; and, at Kharda the Nizam sustained a disastrous defeat and had to yield a territory having an income of 35 lacs of rupees and to pay a war^indemnity of Rupees three crores. After a temporary absence the English battalions were permanently established near Hyderabad and the French soldiery was finally disbanded. In 1799 A.D. the Nizam rendered valuable assistance to the English against Tipu who was defeated and killed at Shrirangpattan, and he equally shared with them the conquered territories. In 1800 A.D. by a fresh treaty, the strength of the English contingent at Hyderabad was increased and the British permanently took upon themselves the protection of the Nizam.

Nizam Ali died in 1803 A.D. at the age of 104. His second son Sikandar Jah succeeded him. During his reign the internal affairs were in great disorder but were eventually put right by the famous Diwan Chandulal, a protege of the British Government. In 1817 A.D. the Nizam rendered assistance to the British against the Peshwa and obtained territories yielding a revenue of about six lacs. Sikandar Jah died in 1829 A.D. and was succeeded by Nasir-ud-daula. In 1 839 A.D. a rebellion was headed by a brother of the Nizam, but was ultimately put down. In 1853 A.D. a misunderstanding arose between the Nizam and the English over the stipulations about the Hyderabad contingent. Accounts were then taken and fresh arrangements made. The annual expenditure of the contingent was reduced to 24 lacs, and the province of Berars was hypothecated to the English as a guarantee to cover the obligation. This arrangement was generally disapproved by the Nizam's subjects. In 1853 A.D. the famous Minister Sir Salar Jung assumed the duties of the Diwan and at once commenced the work of reform. He left no department untouched and succeeded in giving a model tone to the entire administration. The revenues of the State were increased and the subjects began to enjoy for the first time the fruits of peace and plenty. In 1857 A.D. the Indian Mutiny rendered the situation of the English very critical. But the Nizam kept his faith by them most scrupulously and the situation was saved in the Deccan. Sir Salar Jung became extremely unpopular at the time