Hyderabad State

Quick Facts: Who was Hyderabad State?

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Hyderabad State

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A powerful princely state in South India, ruled by the Nizams from 1724 to 1948.

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Origins & Early Life

Hyderabad State (), also referred to as the Nizamate of Hyderabad, was a princely state in the Deccan region of south-central India with its capital at the city of Hyderabad. It is now divided into the present-day state of Telangana, the Kalyana-Karnataka region of Karnataka, and the Marathwada region of Maharashtra in the Republic of India. The state was ruled from 1724 to 1948 by the Nizam, who was initially a viceroy of the Mughal Empire in the Deccan. It had also become a protectorate under the Maratha Empire, until the empire's overthrow in 1818 and gradually became one of the first princely states to come under British paramountcy by signing a subsidiary alliance agreement. At the time of the British Raj in 1901, the state had a revenue of ₹41.7 million (equivalent to ₹16 billion or US$170 million in 2026).

Career & Major Achievements

The native inhabitants of Hyderabad State, regardless of ethnic origin, are called "Mulki" (countryman), a term still used today. The ruler of the state was also called as Nizam-ul-Mulk (Nizam of the country). The dynasty declared itself an independent monarchy during the final years of the British Raj. After the Partition of India, Hyderabad signed a standstill agreement with the new dominion of India, continuing all previous arrangements except for the stationing of Indian troops in the state. Hyderabad's location in the middle of the Indian Union, as well as its diverse cultural heritage led to India's invasion and annexation of the state in 1948.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Subsequently, Mir Osman Ali Khan, the seventh Nizam, signed an instrument of accession, joining India. Hyderabad State was founded by Mir Qamar-ud-din Khan who was the governor of Deccan under the Mughals from 1713 to 1721. In 1724, following the Battle of Shakar Kheda, he resumed rule from the Mughal provincial capital of Aurangabad, under the title of Asaf Jah (granted by Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah). His other title, Nizam ul-Mulk (Order of the Realm), became the title of his position "Nizam of Hyderabad". By the end of his rule, the Nizam had become independent from the Mughals, and had founded the Asaf Jahi dynasty.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1713: 1713 Milestone — Hyderabad State was founded by Mir Qamar-ud-din Khan who was the governor of Deccan under the Mughals from 1713 to 1721.
2. 1724: 1724 Milestone — The state was ruled from 1724 to 1948 by the Nizam, who was initially a viceroy of the Mughal Empire in the Deccan.
3. 1818: 1818 Milestone — It had also become a protectorate under the Maratha Empire, until the empire's overthrow in 1818 and gradually became one of the first princely states to come under British paramountcy by signing a subsidiary alliance agreement.
4. 1901: 1901 Milestone — At the time of the British Raj in 1901, the state had a revenue of ₹41.
5. 1948: 1948 Milestone — Hyderabad's location in the middle of the Indian Union, as well as its diverse cultural heritage led to India's invasion and annexation of the state in 1948.
6. 2026: 2026 Milestone — 7 million (equivalent to ₹16 billion or US$170 million in 2026).

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Hyderabad State

True or False: “The Nizamate of Hyderabad was fully integrated into India immediately after the Partition in 1947.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Hyderabad signed a standstill agreement with India after Partition and was annexed by Indian forces in 1948.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Hyderabad State