H.E. Nawab Raunaq Yar Khan, the esteemed great-grandson of His Exalted Highness, Sir Mir Mahboob Ali Khan, the VI Nizam of Hyderabad State, was crowned as the IX Nizam of the Asaf Jahi Dynasty in March 2023. This momentous occasion was supported by over 4,500 members of the Royal Family, marking a significant chapter in the dynasty’s illustrious history. Despite the title of Nizam holding no official power following Hyderabad’s annexation by India in 1948, it remains a ceremonial role within the Asaf Jahi family. H.E. Nawab Raunaq Yar Khan serves as the family’s representative, liaising with the government and overseeing their properties.
H.E. Nawab Raunaq Yar Khan is renowned for his passionate advocacy for Hyderabad’s heritage, standing as a prominent figure of the dynasty. His narratives are a blend of academic rigor and captivating storytelling, often enriched by personal anecdotes that breathe life into historical accounts. His writing style reflects the opulence of Mughal culture, employing British English interspersed with Urdu and Persian phrases. His ornate prose, characterized by elaborate descriptions and intricate sentence structures, evokes a sense of grandeur. He uses a rich vocabulary and poetic devices such as metaphors and similes to enhance the expressiveness of his narratives.
Incorporating Islamic cultural terminology, he references religious practices and historical figures to provide depth and context. He engages readers through symbolic elements that allow for multiple interpretations, and employs rhythmic and repetitive storytelling techniques to captivate his audience. He maintains a tone that balances authority with approachability, honoring the IX Nizam of Hyderabad while resonating with modern sensibilities.
Mir Mohammed Azmat Ali Khan Azmet Jah, the eldest son of the titular eighth Nizam of Hyderabad, Prince Mukarram Jah, was anointed the ninth Nizam of the House of Asaf Jahi Dynasty. A declaration was issued by the office of Azmet Jah Bahadur, stating that he was anointed as the successor in title and to accede his father as the IX th head of Asaf Jahi Dynasty for all symbolic, ceremonial, titular and ancillary purposes.
However, since the Indian government abolished titles in 1971, Azmet Jah will not have the title of Nizam IX. He is likely to take over Nizam Trusts at his father’s request, in addition to his plethora of responsibilities.
Jah is also a filmmaker, professional photographer, and cinematographer. He went to school in London and received his degree in California. He has collaborated with a number of high profile personalities, like Steven Spielberg and Richard Attenborough. Jah is the child of Mukarram Jah’s first wife, Princess Esra, and was named heir apparent after his birth by the seventh Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan, who was still alive.
Mukarram Jah passed away in Istanbul and was buried earlier this week at the Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad. Following the conclusion of his father’s mourning period in February, Azmet Jah will be formally installed as the new Nizam at a solemn coronation at Chowmahalla Palace.
The legacy of the Nizam of Hyderabad ended with the passing of Mir Mukkaram Jah. He was named the successor to Mir Osman Ali Khan on June 14, 1954. In 1967, he was crowned at Chowmahalla Palace. Up until 1971, he was referred to as the Prince of Hyderabad. He held the title of India’s richest person up until the 1980s.
