1. Foundation: The Qutb Shahi Dynasty (1591–1687)
Before the Nizams, Hyderabad was founded by the Qutb Shahi rulers of Golconda.
Founder: Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah in 1591.
The Legend: It is said he named the city Bhagyanagar after his beloved, Bhagmati (who later took the title Hyder Mahal).
Iconic Landmark: He built the Charminar as the centerpiece of the new city to commemorate the end of a plague.
Economy: Known as the "City of Pearls" and a global center for the Diamond Trade (from the famous Golconda mines).
2. The Rise of the Nizams: Asaf Jahi Dynasty (1724–1948)
As the Mughal Empire weakened after Aurangzeb’s death, a powerful noble carved out an independent state.
The Founder: Nizam-ul-Mulk Asaf Jah I (Mir Qamar-ud-din Siddiqi).
Originally a Mughal Viceroy of the Deccan.
In 1724, he established the independent Asaf Jahi Dynasty.
Relationship with the British: * Hyderabad was the first state to sign the Subsidiary Alliance (1798) under Lord Wellesley.
This made the Nizam a "protected" ally of the British, ensuring their internal rule remained while the British handled external defense.
3. The 7th Nizam: Mir Osman Ali Khan
He was the last ruler and one of the most famous figures in 20th-century history.
Wealth: Ranked as the richest man in the world during his time. He famously used the "Jacob Diamond" (one of the world's largest) as a mere paperweight!
Development: He founded Osmania University, Hyderabad State Bank, and built the Begumpet Airport.
Social Structure: A Muslim elite ruled over a population that was roughly 85% Hindu.
4. Integration into India (1947–1948)
This is a critical topic for your exams. Unlike other states, Hyderabad did not join India immediately on August 15, 1947.
A. The Conflict
Independence Ambition: The Nizam wanted Hyderabad to be an independent sovereign state or join Pakistan, despite being landlocked in the heart of India.
The Standstill Agreement (1947): A one-year agreement to keep things as they were while negotiations continued.
The Razakars: A private paramilitary force led by Kasim Razvi that supported the Nizam and committed atrocities against the local population who wanted to join India.
Telangana Rebellion: Peasants and communists rose up against the feudal oppression of the Nizam’s regime.
B. Operation Polo (The "Police Action")
The Decision: Seeing the law-and-order collapse and the threat to national unity, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel pushed for military action.
The Action: On September 13, 1948, the Indian Army launched Operation Polo.
The Result: It lasted only five days. On September 17, 1948, the Nizam’s forces surrendered, and Hyderabad officially joined the Indian Union.
5. Aftermath
The Nizam was kept as the Rajpramukh (ceremonial Governor) until 1956.
In 1956, based on the States Reorganisation Act, the state was divided along linguistic lines (Telugu, Kannada, and Marathi speaking areas), eventually forming the basis of Andhra Pradesh (and later Telangana).