Nasir-ud-Daulah, the seventh Nizam of Hyderabad, ruled from 1829 to 1857, a period marked by financial struggles and increasing British influence. Despite inheriting a kingdom burdened by debt, he strived to uphold its sovereignty while navigating the complex political landscape of 19th-century India.
Early Life and Ascension
Born Mir Farkhunda Ali Khan in Bidar in 1794, Nasir-ud-Daulah was the eldest son of Nizam Sikandar Jah and his favourite wife, Fazilat-un-Nisa Begum. He ascended to the throne in 1829 after his father’s death, inheriting a kingdom facing a severe financial crisis. This was largely due to the mismanagement of his father’s revenue minister.
A Kingdom Grappling with Debt
Nasir-ud-Daulah’s reign was overshadowed by the substantial debts incurred by his predecessors. These debts were owed to various parties, including:
- Arabs
- Rohillas
- the British East India Company
The financial burden placed immense pressure on the kingdom’s resources, hindering its ability to function effectively.
The British: A Balancing Act
Nasir-ud-Daulah found himself in the delicate position of needing British support to manage the kingdom’s finances while also trying to safeguard his autonomy.
- Early in his reign, he requested the withdrawal of European superintendents from civil departments, a move that was granted by the then Governor-General, Lord William Bentinck. This demonstrated a desire to reduce direct British interference in Hyderabad’s internal affairs. Bentinck subsequently adopted a non-interventionist policy towards the Nizam’s administration.
- However, the mounting debt crisis forced Nasir-ud-Daulah to turn to the British for assistance. In 1853, he signed a treaty with the East India Company during the reign of Governor-General Lord Dalhousie. This agreement stipulated that the British would settle the Nizam’s debts in exchange for the cession of certain territories to the Company.
This treaty marked a significant shift in the relationship between Hyderabad and the British, further solidifying the latter’s influence over the kingdom.
Modernization Amidst Constraints
Despite the financial constraints, Nasir-ud-Daulah made notable efforts towards modernizing Hyderabad. One of his key achievements was the establishment of the Hyderabad Medical School in 1846. This institution played a crucial role in developing healthcare infrastructure and training medical professionals in the region.
A Legacy of Debt and Shifting Power
Nasir-ud-Daulah passed away in 1857, leaving behind a complicated legacy. While he managed to maintain a semblance of independence for Hyderabad, the kingdom remained heavily indebted, and its territorial integrity had been compromised due to the treaty with the British. His efforts to introduce modern institutions like the Hyderabad Medical School did offer a glimmer of progress, but they were ultimately overshadowed by the looming presence of the British, whose influence over Hyderabad continued to grow. He was laid to rest at the Makkah Masjid mosque in Hyderabad.
Personal Life
Nasir-ud-Daulah married twice. He had one son from each of his wives: Afzal-ud-Daulah and Roshan-ud-Daulah. Afzal-ud-Daulah, the elder son, succeeded his father as the eighth Nizam of Hyderabad.
