Muzaffar Jung: A Brief Life of Ambition and Intrigue
Muzaffar Jung, the third Nizam of Hyderabad, ruled for a fleeting six weeks in 1750-1751. His brief reign was marked by ambition, intrigue, and ultimately, betrayal.
Early Life and Lineage
Born into a lineage deeply intertwined with Mughal power, Muzaffar Jung was the grandson of Nizam-ul-Mulk Asaf Jah I, the founder of the Asaf Jahi dynasty and the first Nizam of Hyderabad. His father, Mutawassil Khan, served as the Deputy Governor of Bijapur. Muzaffar Jung’s grandmother, Khair-un-nisa Begum, was the daughter of Nizam-ul-Mulk, solidifying his connection to the Asaf Jahi dynasty.
The Path to Power
Upon his grandfather’s death in 1748, Muzaffar Jung aspired to the position of Nizam. However, his uncle, Nasir Jung, claimed the throne, sparking a succession crisis. This power struggle became entangled with the ambitions of European powers vying for control in the region. Muzaffar Jung allied himself with the French, led by the ambitious Joseph François Dupleix, the Governor-General of Pondicherry. He also sought support from three powerful Nawabs: the Nawab of Cuddapah, the Nawab of Kurnool, and the Nawab of Savanur.
Nasir Jung, on the other hand, allied with the British and Muhammad Ali Khan Walajah, the Nawab of Arcot. This set the stage for a conflict that would deeply involve the Europeans in Indian politics, marking the beginning of the Second Carnatic War.
The Rise and Fall of Muzaffar Jung
The French, under Dupleix’s command, proved to be shrewd strategists. They initially focused on capturing key strongholds in the Carnatic region, including Amboor and the formidable fortress of Gingee. These victories weakened Nasir Jung’s authority and emboldened Muzaffar Jung’s supporters.
In a dramatic turn of events, Nasir Jung was assassinated in 1750 by the Nawab of Kurnool. This paved the way for Muzaffar Jung’s ascent to the throne of Hyderabad. He was proclaimed Nizam on December 16, 1750, marking a significant victory for the French.
In a gesture of gratitude and political manoeuvring, Muzaffar Jung bestowed lavish rewards upon his French allies. He granted them significant territories, including Masulipatnam, Divi, and Yanam, as well as lucrative jagirs. Dupleix was even given the title of “Nawab” of the region south of the Krishna River, extending to Cape Comorin. This cemented the French influence in the Deccan and elevated Dupleix to a position of extraordinary power.
However, Muzaffar Jung’s reign was short-lived. Despite the rewards, the three Nawabs who had been instrumental in his rise remained dissatisfied. They harbored resentment towards the French and their growing influence over the new Nizam. This simmering discontent soon erupted into open conflict.
As Muzaffar Jung’s entourage journeyed from Pondicherry to Aurangabad, the Nawabs orchestrated a disturbance near the Lakkireddipalli Pass, a strategic mountain passage. This incident, triggered by a minor dispute, quickly escalated into a full-blown battle.
In the ensuing chaos, Muzaffar Jung was killed on February 13, 1751. The circumstances of his death are shrouded in conflicting accounts. Some sources state that he was struck in the head with a spear by the Nawab of Kurnool, while others suggest a javelin was the fatal weapon. Regardless of the precise details, Muzaffar Jung’s reign ended abruptly, barely six weeks after it had begun.
The Legacy of Muzaffar Jung
Muzaffar Jung’s brief time as Nizam had a profound impact on the political landscape of the Deccan. His alliance with the French ushered in an era of direct European involvement in Indian affairs. It also laid the foundation for the Second Carnatic War, a conflict that would shape the balance of power in South India for years to come.
Muzaffar Jung’s story serves as a reminder of the volatile nature of power during this period. His ambition, fueled by his lineage and the support of powerful allies, ultimately led to his downfall. He was a pawn in a larger game, manipulated by forces beyond his control.
Muzaffar Jung’s death created a power vacuum, leading to further instability and intrigue in the Deccan. The French, determined to maintain their grip on power, quickly installed Salabat Jung, another grandson of Nizam-ul-Mulk, as the new Nizam. This marked the continuation of a turbulent period in Hyderabad’s history, characterized by shifting alliances and relentless power struggles.
