Asaf Jah I, originally known as Mir Qamar-ud-Din Khan, took strategic advantage of the weakening Mughal control over the Deccan region, including Hyderabad, during the early 18th century. After the death of Emperor Aurangzeb in 1707, the Mughal Empire began to weaken significantly. Central authority eroded, and regional governors (subahdars) started asserting more autonomy.
THE FIRST NIZAM
Asaf Jah I (known as Mir Qamar-ud-Din Khan at that time) had served the Mughal court with distinction but eventually resigned as the Mughal Wazir (Prime Minister) due to court intrigues. In 1724, he marched to the Deccan and defeated a rival Mughal governor at the Battle of Shakar Kheda, establishing his authority. It was around this time that, he called himself Asaf Jah 1 and started the Asaf Jahi dynasty.
DEVELOPING THE DECCAN
Though he nominally continued to recognize Mughal sovereignty, in practice he ruled independently. His strategic move laid the foundation for the Hyderabad State under the Nizams. The neglect of the Deccan region as the Mughal power weakened, was obvious. Asaf Jah 1 had a broad vision of how, the Deccan region including Hyderabad, could develop as a strong force and also bring a better life for the people in the region.
ADMINISTRATIVE SKILLS
Asaf Jah I ensured internal stability, created an efficient administrative system, and focused on economic development, benefiting Hyderabad and the surrounding regions. Asaf Jah I (Mir Qamar-ud-Din Khan) had honed strong administrative and military skills during his long and distinguished service under the Mughal Empire, which played a crucial role in his later success as the founder of the Hyderabad state.
His exposure to the intricacies of the Mughal court and its administrative machinery gave him deep insight into managing a diverse population, collecting revenue efficiently, and ensuring law and order. Procedures and processes were clearly defined during the rule of Asaf Jah 1. They were followed by future Nizams until, the Nizam rule ended in 1948.
APPOINTMENTS BY MERIT
Having seen the inefficiencies caused by favoritism and factionalism in the Mughal court, Asaf Jah I emphasized merit and loyalty in appointments once he established his rule in the Deccan. He realized that an effective administrative system, required able persons to keep it functional. Religion and personal acquaintances were not allowed to feature, in the criteria for selection.
FINANCIAL STABILITY
As the first Nizam, Asaf Jah I understood the importance of a strong treasury. Drawing from Mughal practices, he set up a robust system of revenue collection and resource management, which allowed Hyderabad to prosper. A common practice that ran from the first to the last (seventh Nizam), was a to ensure the welfare of the people. This mindset was inculcated into the Nizams, by Asaf Jahh 1 the first Nizam.
The Nizam’s were considered to be one of the most wealthy ruling families during their time. Asaf Jah 1 ensured that, the personal wealth and funds for the development of Hyderabad were clearly differentiated.
MILITARY STRENGTH
As the first Nizam, he gave high importance to the military to ensure protection from external aggression and to maintain stability within the Deccan region, including Hyderabad. The early 18th century was marked by the decline of Mughal central authority, rising Maratha power, and increasing European influence (especially the French and British). Asaf Jah I understood that military strength was essential to safeguard his autonomy in such a volatile environment.
Subsequent Nizams, starting with Asaf Jah 2 the second Nizam of Hyderabad, negotiated settlements with the British and French. The Nizam would receive military help in return for a payment – gold, precious gems and even diamonds from the Golconda mines, were used as modes of payment.
SUMMARY
The Nizam rule in Hyderabad, which began with Asaf Jah I in 1724 and lasted until 1948, was characterized by a fair administrative setup and a genuine concern for the welfare of the people, which contributed significantly to the stability and prosperity of the region. People were generally happy and administration, was smooth and efficient.
