Hyderabad: Is Nizam dynasty imploding after Prince Mukarram’s death?
Azmet Jah was given the ceremonial post on January 20, 2023.
By Kaniza Garari Published on 14 Feb 2023 4:30 AM GMT
A bitter feud has broken out in the Nizam family after Prince Azmet Jah Bahadur was anointed the ninth Nizam of Hyderabad. Azmet Jah was given the ceremonial post on January 20, 2023.
The descendants known as Sahebzadas are divided into two groups, Majlis-e-Sahibzadagan and Majlis-e- Sahebzadagan Society. Majlis-e-Sahibzadagan is backed by Sarf-e-Khas Trust and they are supporting Prince Azmet Jah and pledged their loyalty to him.
Majlis E Sahebzadagan Society is formed in 1932 under the guardianship of Nizam VII Mir Osman Ali Khan but formally registered in 2020. This group has chosen Nawab Raunaq Yar Khan for the title of ninth Nizam of Hyderabad.
Descendants claim family heritage
Majlis E Sahebzadagan Society claims that there are 4500 descendants and they must be given their rightful share in property and allowances.
Majlis-e-Sahibzadagan has requested to allot land for a housing society for the descendants. Prince Mir Nazish Ali Khan, grandson of the Seventh Nizam Nawab Mir Osman Ali Khan said “Sahebzada is the term for Asif Jahi family members. ‘Nizam’ is the official title for the Asif Jahi rulers.
“The Majlis has requested the ninth Nizam to allot a piece of land for a residential colony which will benefit the Sahebzadagan families. Prince Azmet Jah has promised to donate Rs. 5 crore to society. We are requesting Prince Azmet Jah to sanction Rs 20 crore, and hope Prince Azmet Jah will honor our request”, he said.
Majlis-E-Sahebzadagan Society on the other hand has claimed that the other group is using their name to confuse the people of Hyderabad. They have warned of legal action against those who misguide or write wrongly about them.
Mir Mujtaba Ali Khan, President of Majlis-E-Shaebzadegan Society says, “We have chosen Nawab Raunaq Yar Khan as he is in Hyderabad and vocal about the heritage of the Nizam. With Prince Azmet Jah incommunicado we cannot have our problems resolved.” The properties and heritage structures of Nizam are mired in legal issues which require to be sorted out. But this infighting is expected to create further legal problems and delay the issue. Senior members of Nizam’s Trust which looks into the affairs of Prince Amet Jah have refrained from commenting on the claims of the two groups.
A legacy of neglect
With legal complications and too many claimants from Nizam I to Nizam VII, the issues of property and legal heirs are mired with complexities. Mir Hashmat Ali Khan, President of Majlis-e-Sahebzadagan (Hyderabad) said: “According to a 1950 deed of the Sarf-e-Khas Trust, “if a Sahebzada marries a girl from a non-Sahebzada family, their child will be considered among Sahebzadagan. But if a Sahebzada girl marries someone from the non-Sahebzada family, their children will not be considered among Sahebzadagan.”
These terms and conditions and their further interpretations by different members have led to legal disputes and claims which have made it difficult to identify the real claimants. While those who have the resources for legal aid and access to media are fighting the battle on both fronts. Some of them are not able to accumulate these resources and are left to fend for themselves.
Dilemma of Prince Azmet Jah
Azmet Jah came to Hyderabad with the mortal remains of his father Prince Mukarram Jah Bahadur, the 8th Nizam of Hyderabad on January 17th, 2023. He died on January 12 in Turkey and was buried in Mecca Masjid in Hyderabad.
Prince Azmet Jah after the burial was in Hyderabad for a week and met with different groups of members and listened to them. According to sources, he understood the situation but as there are too many legal complications it would require a clear understanding to settle the disputes. He is in London now and these developments in Hyderabad are being reported to him by his advisors.
A senior member close to the family explained, “Apart from being a complex issue with legal barriers, there are claimants from the family, government, and encroachers on various properties. All these aspects have to be considered. Those who have been closely monitoring the affairs are trying their level best but with so many stakeholders it will require proper guidance to resolve and also salvage whatever is left of the heritage properties.”
