Mir Qamar-ud-din Khan Siddiqi Bayafandi (11 August 1671 – 1 June 1748), commonly known as Nizam-ul-Mulk and Asaf Jah I, was the founder of the Asaf Jahi dynasty and the first Nizam of Hyderabad. He was also known by the titles Chin Qilich Kamaruddin Khan and Nizam I.
Early Life and Career
Mir Qamar-ud-din Khan Siddiqi Bayafandi was born on 11 August 1671 and began his career as a favourite of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, who promoted him through various administrative positions. He started as a Noble under Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb and remained loyal to him till his death in 1707.
Rise to Power
He was intermittently viceroy of the Deccan (peninsular India) under the Mughal emperors from 1713 to 1721 and served as administrator of six Mughal governorates. After Aurangzeb’s death in 1707, the Mughal Empire began fragmenting, creating opportunities for ambitious governors.
In 1720, he defeated the Imperial forces on 19 June 1720 at Hasanpur and formed an independent state of his own. The Mughal emperor was eventually forced to recognize his authority.
Establishment of Independent Rule
On 11 October 1724, the Nizam established autonomous rule over the Deccan region and started what came to be known as the Asaf Jahi dynasty. At that time he became virtually independent and founded the dynasty, though he remained loyal to the Mughal Emperor, did not assume any imperial title, and continued to acknowledge Mughal suzerainty.
Even though he was now an independent ruler, he remained loyal to the Mughal Emperor in name. He did not take on any imperial titles himself.
Administrative Achievements
As Viceroy of the Deccan, Nizam Ul Mulk led an efficient administration: He organized the administration and made it efficient. He improved the revenue and finance of the province. He strengthened his control over Deccan, including the Carnatic region.
Asaf Jah wielded authority to appoint officials, enact laws, maintain his army, and govern under his flag and administration. His administrative reforms became the foundation for the Hyderabad state that would last over two centuries.
Military Campaigns
The Nizam was not just an administrator but also a capable military commander. He even prevented the Maratha from collecting tribute in his territories, demonstrating his military strength and political acumen.
Death and Legacy
Nizam-ul-Mulk, who had ruled for 24 years, died in 1748 at age 76. His tomb is situated in Khuldabad. After his death, power struggles involved the British, French, and other regional powers, but the Asaf Jahi dynasty he founded continued to rule.
Subsequent rulers retained the title Nizam ul-Mulk and were referred to as Asaf Jahi Nizams, or Nizams of Hyderabad.
Connection with Gingee
The Nizam’s influence extended throughout the Deccan, including the strategically important Carnatic region where Gingee fortress was located. Sadatullah Khan later became the Nawab of the two Carnatics in 1713, under Nizam-Ul-Mulk. He was the regular and acknowledged Nawab of the Carnatic between the years 1710 and 1732.
This appointment was crucial for Gingee’s history. When the Mughal headquarters needed to shift from the unhealthy Gingee fortress to Arcot, Daud Khan appointed Sadatullah Khan as his Diwan and Faujdar in 1708 before he became the full Nawab under Nizam-ul-Mulk’s authority.
Mohammed Sayyid was the last mughal governor who was appointed as Nawab of Carnatic with the title Saadatullah Khan I and moved his capital from Gingee to Arcot. This decision, made under the Nizam’s suzerainty, marked the end of Gingee’s role as a major political center and the beginning of Arcot’s prominence in South Indian politics.
The Nizam’s administrative control over the Carnatic meant that the carnatic region was under the control of Deccan Subedar Nizam-ul-Mulk, making him indirectly responsible for the governance changes that affected Gingee fortress and its surrounding territories.
Later, when the Marathas occupied Carnatic territories, Asaf Jah I led an expedition to liberate the Carnatic he was joined by Sadatullah Khan II and Anwaruddin Khan together they recaptured Arcot, demonstrating his continued involvement in the region’s affairs even after Sadatullah Khan I’s death.
Titles and Names
- Mir Qamar-ud-din Khan Siddiqi Bayafandi (birth name)
- Chin Qilich Kamaruddin Khan
- Nizam-ul-Mulk (Order of the Realm)
- Asaf Jah (Minister like Asaf)
- Nizam I (First Nizam)
Dynasty
The Asaf Jahi dynasty founded by Nizam-ul-Mulk ruled the Deccan for over 200 years until Indian independence in 1947, making it one of the longest-lasting princely states in Indian history.