Page:The Imperial Durbar Album of the Indian princes, chiefs and zamindars.djvu/25

Rh owing to this supposed unpatriotic deed, and even^plots and conspiracies, which happily proved abortive, were ^concocted by his enemies for his assassination.

Nasir-ud-daula died in 1857 A.D. and was succeeded by his son Afzal-ud-daula. This change of rulers did not bring on any troubles owing to the firmness of the Minister : and the British Government have acknowledged that if Sir Salar Jung had not faithfully adhered to the solemn pledge plighted to the English, it is hardly possible to say now with certainty what would have become of the British power in India. The work of reform was patiently and strenuously carried on by Sir Salar Jung to his death, though not without frequent obstructions both from the court gentry, as also from the Nizam himself. In 1869 A.D. Afzal-ud-daula died and was succeeded by his son Mir Mahabub Ali. During his minority. Sir Salar Jung was practically the ruler. The Minister made an effort, owing to the improved condition of the treasury, to get back the province of the Berars, but he was told that nothing could be done during the minority of the Nizam. In 1876 A.D. Sir Salar Jung went to England with a view to appeal to the British authorities at headquarters to obtain the release of the Berars, but his mission proved unsuccessful. In 1883 A.D. Sir Salar Jung died, and the administration was entrusted to a Council of Regency.

H. H. Mir Mahabub Ali Khan attained his majority in 1884 A.D. and was installed on the musnad by the then Viceroy Lord Ripon personally. The office of Minister was held by Sir Salar Jung II upto 1888 A.D., by Sir Asaman Jah upto 1893 A.D., by Sir Vikar-ul-Umara upto 1901 A.D., and since then it has been in the hands of Maharaja Sir Kishen Pershad Bahadur K. C. I. E. In November 1902 A.D. the question of 'the assigned districts' of the Berars came up, and they were leased in perpetuity to the British Government at an annual rental of 25 lacs of Rupees.

During the rule of His Highness Nawab Mir Sir Mahabub Ali, Khan Bahadur Fateh Jung, G. C. S. I. several reforms were introduced in the administration by which the State has vastly benefited and made great progress both materially as well as morally. This ruler evinced* a geniune interest in the welfare of his subjects all of whom he treated with justice and toleration irrespective of caste and creed. He maintained friendly relations with the Paramount Power and has fully justified the attribute "Our Faithful Ally". After a rule of 27 years H. H. Mir Mahabub Ali Khan died on August 27, 1911 A.D. widely bemoaned by the Indian Empire. He was a thoughtful and benignant ruler much esteemed and loved by his people. His son Mir Osman Ali, Khan Bahadur whose education and practical training augur every prospect of his following in the footsteps of his worthy father, has succeeded him.

The State of Hyderabad is of great interest to the archaeologist as well as the geologist and the mineralogist; to the former, on account of the numerous ancient caves, and temples, scattered throughout the country; and to the latter, for the peculiar rock-formations and rich mines in which it abounds.

The total area of the Hyderabad State is 82,698 square miles, having a population of about lj crores, with a revenue of 470 lacs of Rupees. The Nizam is entitled to a salute of 21 guns.