Osman Ali Khan, Asaf Jah VII, Indian ruler (d. 1967)

Mir Osman Ali Khan, Asaf Jah VII (born between 5 and 6 April 1886, passed away on 24 February 1967), holds a significant place in history as the last ruling Nizam of the Princely State of Hyderabad. Ascending to the throne on 29 August 1911 at the age of 25, he presided over the largest and arguably most influential princely state within British India until its annexation by the newly independent nation of India in 1948. His official title, His Exalted Highness (H.E.H.) the Nizam of Hyderabad, reflected his semi-autonomous status, a unique position that granted him considerable authority within his dominion.

The Richest Man of His Era

Mir Osman Ali Khan was not merely a ruler; he was widely regarded as one of the wealthiest individuals in recorded history. Estimates of his colossal fortune often placed it at a staggering 2% of the U.S. GDP during his time, a testament to his unparalleled financial power. His fame even led to his portrait gracing the cover of Time magazine in 1937, a rare honor for a foreign dignitary.

As a semi-autonomous monarch, he wielded powers akin to those of an independent sovereign, including the right to mint his own currency, the Hyderabadi rupee. His private treasury was legendary, reportedly holding an astonishing £100 million in gold and silver bullion, complemented by another £400 million in precious jewels (valued in 2008 terms). The primary wellspring of this immense wealth was the historic Golconda mines, which for a significant period were the world's sole supplier of diamonds. Among his prized possessions was the magnificent Jacob Diamond, a gem valued at approximately £50 million (in 2008 terms), which, remarkably, he reputedly used as a mere paperweight.

Architect of Modern Hyderabad: A Legacy of Development

During his extensive 37-year reign, Mir Osman Ali Khan championed a transformative agenda that fundamentally reshaped Hyderabad. His vision earned him the moniker "Architect of modern Hyderabad," a title well-deserved given the extensive development projects undertaken. Under his leadership, the state witnessed the introduction of electricity, a significant modernization step, alongside the robust expansion of railways, roads, and airports, which greatly improved connectivity and commerce.

He is profoundly credited with establishing numerous vital public institutions that continue to serve the city and its people. These include:

Beyond these, his foresight extended to urban planning and public safety. Following the devastating Musi River flood of 1908, he initiated the construction of two crucial reservoirs, Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar, during his reign. These monumental engineering feats were designed to control river flow and prevent future catastrophic floods, safeguarding the city for generations to come.

The Complex Road to Indian Integration

The period leading up to India's independence in 1947 presented a significant dilemma for the princely states, including Hyderabad. Initially, the Nizam had contemplated acceding to India. However, following the British departure, he expressed a desire for Hyderabad to remain an independent entity, rather than joining the newly formed Indian Union. This stance set the stage for a tense standoff.

By this time, his effective power had been significantly eroded by internal strife. The Telangana Rebellion, a widespread peasant uprising against feudal landlords and the Nizam's administration, had destabilized the rural areas. Concurrently, a radical pro-Nizam militia known as the Razakars rose to prominence, committing acts of violence and further complicating the political landscape. The Nizam found himself unable to effectively control either the rebellion or the extremist actions of the Razakars.

In September 1948, faced with an untenable situation, the Indian Army launched "Operation Polo," a military intervention that led to the swift annexation of Hyderabad State. The Nizam, left with no alternative, was compelled to surrender.

Post-Independence Role and Philanthropic Endeavors

Despite the loss of his sovereign rule, Mir Osman Ali Khan continued to play a significant, albeit ceremonial, role in the newly integrated India. From 1950 to 1956, he served as the Rajpramukh (a constitutional head, equivalent to a governor) of Hyderabad State. After 1956, the state was reorganized and partitioned, its territories becoming integral parts of the modern Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.

Even in his later years, Mir Osman Ali Khan demonstrated remarkable philanthropy and a continued commitment to public welfare. In 1951, he initiated the construction of the Nizam Orthopedic Hospital (which evolved into the prestigious Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences or NIMS). He then leased this substantial facility to the government for an astonishingly symbolic monthly rent of just Re. 1 for 99 years, ensuring its benefit to the common people. Furthermore, he made an extraordinary donation of 14,000 acres (approximately 5,700 hectares) of land from his personal estate to Vinoba Bhave's Bhoodan movement. This significant contribution was aimed at redistributing land to landless farmers, reflecting his enduring concern for social justice and the well-being of the less fortunate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Mir Osman Ali Khan?
Mir Osman Ali Khan, Asaf Jah VII, was the seventh and last Nizam (ruler) of the Princely State of Hyderabad, reigning from 1911 to 1948. He was widely considered one of the wealthiest individuals in history and a key figure in the modernization of Hyderabad.
What made Mir Osman Ali Khan so wealthy?
His immense wealth stemmed primarily from the Golconda mines, which were the world's only source of diamonds for a period. His private treasury held vast amounts of gold, silver, and jewels, including the famous Jacob Diamond.
What were his major contributions to Hyderabad?
He is known as the "Architect of modern Hyderabad" for introducing electricity, developing infrastructure like railways, roads, and airports, and establishing numerous public institutions such as Osmania University, Osmania General Hospital, State Bank of Hyderabad, Begumpet Airport, and the Hyderabad High Court. He also built two major reservoirs, Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar, for flood prevention.
Why did Hyderabad not join India immediately after independence?
After India gained independence in 1947, the Nizam wished for Hyderabad to remain independent rather than accede to the new nation. This decision was complicated by internal factors like the Telangana Rebellion and the rise of the radical Razakar militia, ultimately leading to India's military intervention and annexation of the state in 1948.
What was his role after Hyderabad was annexed?
Following annexation, he served as the Rajpramukh (governor-like constitutional head) of Hyderabad State from 1950 to 1956. He also continued his philanthropic work, donating a hospital for a token rent and contributing 14,000 acres of land to the Bhoodan movement for landless farmers.