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, contesting the claims of Azmet Jah, the son of the last ruling Nizam, Mukarram Jah.
Although the title of Nizam holds no official power following Hyderabad’s annexation by India in 1948, it remains a ceremonial role within the Asaf Jahi family. Raunaq Yar Khan serves as the family’s representative, liaising with the government and overseeing their properties. Renowned for his passionate advocacy for Hyderabad’s heritage, he stands as a prominent figure of the dynasty.
Mukarram Jah, the last Nizam of Hyderabad, passed away in Turkey on Saturday night and was laid to rest in the family’s vault in the forecourt of Mecca Masjid. He was named the successor by Mir Osman Ali Khan on June 14, 1954, and was crowned at Chowmahalla Palace in 1967. Up until 1971, he was referred to as the Prince of Hyderabad and held the title of India’s richest person up to the 1980s.
Following the demise of his father Prince Mukarram Jah Mir Barkat Ali Khan, Mir Muhammad Azmat Ali Khan, popularly known as Azmat Jah, is likely to formally succeed as the Nizam of Hyderabad. According to some news reports, he will also probably take over Nizam Trusts at his father’s request.
The professional photographer and cinematographer, Azmat Jah, attended school in London and received his degree from California. He reportedly collaborated with people like Steven Spielberg and Richard Attenborough.
Azmat Jha was born to Mukarram Jah’s first wife Princess Esra on July 23, 1960, and was named heir apparent after his birth by the seventh Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan who was still alive then.
Since the Indian government abolished titles in 1971, the 63-year-old will not have the title of Nizam IX.
