Death anniversary of the sixth Nizam

The death anniversary of the sixth Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Mehboob Ali Khan, was celebrated at Mecca Masjid on Thursday. People from all over the city thronged the masjid in order to pay their respects towards the late Nizam. He was the youngest Asaf Jah to inherit the domain of Hyderabad. His reign was 42 years long and he was beloved of the people. Hyderabad saw a period of peace and stability during his reign.

Mir Mehboob Ali Khan was invested with all administrative powers on February 5, 1884, at the still present Chowmahalla Palace in the presence of the then viceroy, Lord Ripon. He held many durbars and during the visits of foreign dignitaries, he revealed the full glory and splendor of the Asaf Jahi court. He was famous for his healing powers, it is said that he could abate the spread of snake venom in any person’s body. A known connoisseur of gems and jewellery, he rarely bejewelled himself. The only jewellery he was ever seen wearing was diamond studded cufflinks, buttons and rings.

Hyderabad saw a period of immense wealth, peace and stability during his reign and he established railways, oversaw the installation of electric power, telephone lines, telegraph cables and also schools and colleges. An organised press too was founded with journals and newspapers in Urdu and English. The city’s first library was founded during his reign. A domestic quarrel between a senior Begum nagging him to proclaim her son as his rightful heir, instead of his chosen heir led to the Nizam isolating himself at the Falaknuma Palace. After a glorious 42 year reign, the beloved Nizam died young at the age of 45. The life of a great ruler and public figure came to a sudden and tragic end.