The Nizam’s Visit to the Carnatic

In the early 18th century, the Deccan and the Carnatic were stages of constant political negotiation, power struggles, and shifting alliances. Among the most significant figures of this period was Nizam-ul-Mulk Asaf Jah I, founder of the Hyderabad state and one of the most powerful nobles of the Mughal Empire. His presence in the Carnatic left a lasting mark on the region’s history.

Political Background

By the end of 1726, the Nizam had begun open warfare against Shahu, the Maratha king. This conflict eventually led to the famous campaign of Palkhed (1728) and the Treaty of Mungi Shevgaon, which:

• Averted a civil war in Maharashtra

• Strengthened Shahu’s position against his rival

• Made Baji Rao I the dominant figure in Shahu’s court

It was during this turbulent decade that the Nizam also turned his attention to the Carnatic, ruled at the time by Nawab Sadatullah Khan.

Narayanan’s Chronicle

A vivid account of the Nizam’s march to the Carnatic comes from the Chronicle of Narayanan, a contemporary writer. According to this source:

• Nizam-ul-Mulk Asaf Jah, Wazir of the Deccan under Emperor Muhammad Shah, left Delhi and halted at Hyderabad before setting out to recover the tribute of the Carnatic.

• Crossing into the region, he camped near the Palar River, close to a town founded by Dakkana Roy, a former Diwan.

• From his camp, the Nizam sent a farman (royal order) to Nawab Sadatullah Khan, as well as to the kings and killedars (fort commanders) of the Carnatic, demanding that they bring forth complete accounts of revenue, expenditure, and jaghirs.

The Nawab’s Response

Upon receiving this order, Sadatullah Khan immediately instructed his head accountant, Nandi Krishnaji Pandit, to prepare all the accounts—particularly those related to the jaghirs and forts. The Nawab’s Diwan, Rupa Chand (brother of Dakkana Roy), was also ordered to be present.

The next day, Sadatullah Khan, accompanied by his full retinue of officers—including the Diwan, Sheristadar, Kanakku Gumasta (accountant), and Muftis—visited the Nizam’s camp.

It was not until the second day that they were granted audience with Asaf Jah, to whom they presented nazars (formal offerings).

The Meeting

The Nizam received Sadatullah Khan with great courtesy, asking him to sit close by and inquiring after his health. However, he expressed dissatisfaction with the state of Carnatic finances.

Here, Krishnaji Pandit played a crucial role. He presented detailed accounts of revenue collections, balances due, jaghirs, killedari charges, and the expenses of subordinate officials. His explanations, delivered with clarity and confidence, satisfied the Nizam.

Impressed by the Nawab’s administration, Asaf Jah granted valuable concessions. In return, Sadatullah Khan presented five lakhs of rupees as a gift and one lakh rupees for the expenses of the Nizam’s entourage.

The Nizam remained in the Carnatic for about ten days, during which cordial relations were maintained, before marching back up the Deccan.

The Question of Dates

Historians have debated the exact date of the Nizam’s first visit to the Carnatic during Sadatullah Khan’s lifetime.

• One account places it in 1721, based on a Maratha newsletter dated February of that year, which mentions the Nizam’s movements near Savanur, Darwar, and Bednore.

• Another view suggests 1726, when his campaigns against the Marathas were at their peak.

It is possible that in 1721, during the summer, the Nizam briefly visited the Carnatic, met Sadatullah Khan, and settled the jaghir accounts.

The Nizam’s visit to the Carnatic was not just a financial inspection but also a political assertion of authority. By reconciling with Sadatullah Khan and regularizing the revenue system, Asaf Jah strengthened his influence over the southern Mughal provinces.

This episode illustrates the delicate balance of power between Delhi, Hyderabad, and the Carnatic—a balance that would continue to shift through the 18th century as the Mughal Empire declined and regional powers asserted themselves.