H.H. Nawab Raunaq Yar Khan, the 9th Nizam of the Asaf Jahi dynasty of Hyderabad, embodies a unique blend of heritage, social responsibility, and a forward-looking vision for his community. He stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of his lineage, adapting to the changing tides of time while championing the values of unity, cultural preservation, and inclusivity.
From Royal Lineage to Community Champion: A Life of Service
Born into a family steeped in history, H.H. Nawab Raunaq Yar Khan is the great-grandson of Mahboob Ali Khan, the 6th Nizam of Hyderabad, a ruler revered for his secularism and commitment to communal harmony. Carrying this legacy forward, H.H. Nawab Raunaq Yar Khan has dedicated his life to serving the people of Hyderabad, transcending the boundaries of his inherited title to become a true champion of his community.
His dedication to public service began early, evident in his transformative voluntary role as Advisor to the Delhi Traffic Police in the 1980s. Recognising the urgent need to improve road safety, particularly for young motorists, he spearheaded innovative changes in traffic regulation, advocating for universally understandable signage, training police personnel to educate commuters, and implementing cost-effective signage solutions (reducing the signage board costs by 80%). His efforts were driven by a deep sense of social responsibility, transcending caste and creed, to foster a spirit of brotherhood and collective well-being.
He also put up 13 feet high potted plants on beautiful ornate structures (fitted with pretty but durable waste bins), that went with architecture of Connaught Place and could be watered by car windshield washing jets from a car driven parallel to the footpath. He put up social and civic messages of hygiene, importance of adherence to road-rules, communal unity, etc. He did this work for ten years without accepting any remuneration for the noble work.
Bridging Communities, Cultivating Harmony: A Legacy of Inclusivity
H.H. Nawab Raunaq Yar Khan’s commitment to communal harmony resonates deeply with the legacy of his great-grandfather, Mahboob Ali Khan, who was widely respected for his inclusive approach and promotion of interfaith understanding (as vouched by Sarojini Naidu in her work titled ‘Letters tell stories too’ where she talks as to how the ninth Nizam was venerated & how varied faiths supplicated at his grave after his passing). Drawing inspiration from this rich heritage, H.H. Nawab Raunaq Yar Khan has made interfaith dialogue and cultural exchange cornerstones of his work, striving to bridge divides and nurture a society where diverse communities thrive together.
For over five decades, he has hosted vibrant Sankranti and Holi festivities at his property, welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds to participate in these joyous cultural celebrations. These events, initially intimate gatherings, evolved into grand celebrations of unity and shared heritage, showcasing the syncretic culture of Hyderabad.
H.H. Nawab Raunaq had been conferred a doctorate in community bridging by a German University long ago, but rarely brings it up, as he feels a formal designation would hamper his casual & disarming style of fostering brotherhood between communities.
He was also on the board of Wockhardt Foundation advising the founding member, Dr. Huzaifa Korakiwala (Trustee & CEO) in disbursing funds towards charitable causes.
His column “Man About Town” was published on one & at times two sheets of Deccan Chronicle, the largest selling English daily, in which he portrayed the diverse “Ganga-Jamuni” culture of Hyderabad by contributing the pictures he took of the huge amount of social functions he visited.
He also created the tallest hill in Hyderabad on 7 acres, making it accessible by vehicle to enhance the area, which previously had no chance of greenery due to sheet rock, and established an amphitheater to promote intercommunity understanding in the future.
H.H. Nawab Raunaq Yar Khan’s dedication to inclusivity extends beyond festive occasions. He has consistently championed interfaith understanding through a multitude of initiatives:
- Facilitating interfaith gatherings at his mosque: He encourages people of all faiths to visit and participate in prayers at his mosque, fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect and shared spirituality. He believes that the Azan, the call to prayer, is a melodious art that can enhance the charm of the city when delivered by trained exponents. He envisions a system where callers are graded and regulated by their community leaders, which could improve the current soundscape. Callers could be recognized and awarded based on their level of acoustic pleasantness, and the volume of the call could be adjusted to what is truly needed.
- Promoting the understanding of Vedic sciences: H.H. Nawab Raunaq Yar Khan has served as a brand ambassador for the “Mahan Bharat Abhiyan,” supporting initiatives to disseminate knowledge of Vedic scriptures while emphasizing their relevance to contemporary society and their potential benefits for people of all faiths. Further demonstrating his commitment to interfaith harmony, he launched a book on Vedic sciences in Bangalore alongside the renowned saint Sri Sri Sri Tridandi Chinna Srimannarayana Ramanuja Jeeyar Swami. This book aims to highlight the scientific knowledge embedded in Vedic scriptures and its potential applications for contemporary rural communities, inviting individuals of all faiths to benefit from this ancient wisdom.
- Brokering peace between communities: He actively engages in dialogue and mediation efforts to resolve conflicts and foster reconciliation between communities, advocating for forgiveness and understanding as the foundation for lasting peace.
Further illustrating his commitment to interfaith harmony, H.H. Nawab Raunaq Yar Khan has actively participated in and supported religious and cultural events across a spectrum of faiths. His presence at these gatherings transcends mere symbolism, reflecting a genuine desire to foster understanding, respect, and shared celebration:
- He served as the chief guest at a Hindu pooja for departed souls who couldn’t afford the ceremony, an event aimed at securing a Limca Book of Records title for the largest gathering of its kind.
- He advised a women’s organization on strategies to bring the Guinness World Record for the largest yoga congregation back to India.
- He was the chief guest at the largest Durga Pooja in Hyderabad, organized by a Bengali cultural association.
- He graced a Christmas ball hosted by a Christian MLA, highlighting his inclusive approach to celebrating significant events across various faiths.
- For several years, he was the chief guest at the largest and most geographically spread-out Sufi congregation commemorating the death anniversary of Hyderabad’s patron saint at Dargah Yousufain.
- H.H. Nawab Raunaq Yar Khan is also in sole control of the administration of a mosque that prays for people of all faiths in Friday congregations. This includes Mr. S.K. Joshi, the former Chief Secretary, and Mr. Kishan Reddy, the current Central Minister, and his family, with the consent of the minister’s wife. This practice is intended not only for the well-being of those involved but also to encourage the community to extend their goodwill and prayers to deserving individuals from all faiths.
H.H. Nawab Raunaq Yar Khan’s efforts to bridge communities extend beyond Hyderabad. He was invited as a guest of honour, alongside Janab Ilyasi, President of the All India Imam Association, to participate in a peace initiative between Muslims and Israel. This event, held in Bangalore, aimed to foster dialogue and understanding before Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel. The meeting was broadcast live in Israel, with the participation of the Israeli Prime Minister. H.H. Nawab Raunaq Yar Khan believes that forgiveness and a willingness to overlook past hurts are essential for initiating a genuine peace process.
These instances underscore H.H. Nawab Raunaq Yar Khan’s commitment to transcending religious and cultural boundaries, fostering a spirit of unity and shared celebration in Hyderabad and beyond.
Reclaiming a Legacy, Redefining a Title: The 9th Nizam
The appointment of H.H. Nawab Raunaq Yar Khan as the 9th Nizam marked a significant turning point in the history of the Asaf Jahi dynasty. His ascension was not a simple inheritance of a title, but a deliberate and collective decision by the extended royal family, signifying a shift in focus towards community engagement, social responsibility, and the preservation of Hyderabad’s unique cultural heritage.
In 2023, following the death of Mukarram Jah, the 8th Nizam, a dispute arose over the succession. Prince Azmet Jah, Mukarram Jah’s eldest son, declared himself the 9th Nizam, a claim contested by the Majlis-E-Sahebzadagan Society, representing the vast majority of the dynasty’s descendants.
The Society criticized Azmet Jah’s absence from Hyderabad, his perceived detachment from the family’s affairs, and his unilateral approach to the succession. Seeking a leader who genuinely embodied the values and aspirations of the dynasty, they nominated and formally recognised H.H. Nawab Raunaq Yar Khan as the 9th Nizam of the Asaf Jahi Dynasty of Hyderabad. This decision was met with overwhelming support from the extended royal family, highlighting their trust in his leadership and their belief in his vision for the future.
A Vision for the Future: Heritage, Empowerment, and Shared Prosperity
H.H. Nawab Raunaq Yar Khan’s approach to his role as the 9th Nizam reflects a deep understanding of the evolving socio-political landscape and the need for the dynasty to adapt and contribute meaningfully to contemporary society. His vision centres on:
Preserving and Celebrating Heritage
- Restoring and revitalizing neglected properties and artifacts: Recognizing the importance of preserving the tangible remnants of his family’s history, he has initiated efforts to restore dilapidated palaces and safeguard the dynasty’s art and cultural treasures.
- Promoting Hyderabad’s unique Ganga-Jamuni culture: He actively supports initiatives to celebrate the city’s syncretic cultural heritage, highlighting its harmonious blend of Hindu, Islamic, and other influences.
- Creating spaces for cultural exchange: He envisions transforming historic spaces into vibrant centers for cultural dialogue, encouraging artistic expression, and fostering cross-cultural understanding.
Empowering the Underprivileged
- Supporting educational initiatives: He has established a school at his estate, focusing on providing quality education and fostering a love for nature and outdoor learning. It’s on 3 acres on his estate of 80 acres in mid Jubilee Hills, the most expensive & central real estate in the city.
- Uplifting marginalized members of the royal family: He advocates for equitable distribution of the dynasty’s assets, ensuring that the underprivileged members of the family receive their rightful share and opportunities for economic empowerment.
- Engaging in philanthropic endeavours: He actively supports various charitable causes, focusing on providing healthcare, education, and economic opportunities for the less privileged.
Promoting Unity and Inclusivity
- Fostering interfaith dialogue: He encourages regular interactions between religious leaders and communities, promoting understanding, respect, and peaceful coexistence.
- Celebrating shared cultural events: He continues to host inclusive celebrations of traditional festivals, bringing people from diverse backgrounds together to experience the richness of Hyderabad’s cultural tapestry.
- Creating platforms for constructive engagement: He envisions establishing platforms for dialogue and collaboration between communities, addressing social issues, and working towards a more just and equitable society.
A Legacy Reclaimed, A Future Embraced
H.H. Nawab Raunaq Yar Khan’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of embracing heritage while simultaneously adapting to the demands of a changing world. He stands as a symbol of hope and renewal for the Asaf Jahi dynasty, demonstrating that a legacy rooted in the past can be a catalyst for positive change in the present and a foundation for a brighter future. His vision, centered on inclusivity, community engagement, and the equitable sharing of resources, offers a compelling model for how inherited privilege can be harnessed for the betterment of society.
As the 9th Nizam, H.H. Nawab Raunaq Yar Khan has embarked on a mission to reclaim the true spirit of his lineage, transforming a title once associated with power and opulence into a symbol of service, unity, and a commitment to building a more just and harmonious society. His story is an inspiration, reminding us that the past can be a source of strength and guidance as we navigate the complexities of the present and strive to create a better future for all.
