In Conversation with Azmet Jah, the Ninth Head of the Asaf Jahi Dynasty of Hyderabad

Hyderabad: During our visit to offer our condolences to the Ninth head of the Asaf Jahi Dynasty, Azmet Jah on the passing of Mukarram Jah Bahadur, our conversation evoked his memories with his father, the Eight titular Nizam of Hyderabad, Mukarram Jah Bahadur. Princess Esra and sister Princess Shehkar remember him for his humility.

Nawab Mohammed Abul Faiz Khan, a scion of the Paigah family, whose great grandfather Nawab Sir Viqar ul Umra built the Falaknuma Palace in 1880's, accorded a humble welcome.

Faiz Bin Jung another noble of the Paigah family, grandson of Nawab Wali-Ud-Dowla on his father's side and grandson of the Nawab of Pataudi and Begum of Bhopal on his mother's side were also present.

The Palace built by the Paigah Amir Sir Vicar-ul-Umara, and later owned by the Sixth Nizam of Hyderabad Nawab Mir Mehboob Ali Khan, Falaknuma Palace was also used as royal guest house for the likes of King George V and Queen Mary among others.

The Nizam himself, it is said, adored the palace, and its commanding view of the city. In its vicinity, the Noor Mahal too - the locus of this conversation - is reflective of this grandeur.

Princess Esra took no time to respond to our salam with the traditional Hyderabad regal Aadaab as did Princess Shehkar and Prince Azmet Jah.

Simple and approachable Prince

Prince Azmet Jah is simple and approachable. He doesn’t shy away from expressing his emotions, listens patiently and is candid to converse. Princess Esra, former wife of Prince Mukarram Jah Bahadur, who is credited with personally indulging in the meticulous restoration of Falaknuma Palace and the Chowmahalla Palace to its former glory and her daughter Princess Shehkar Jah too are seated across the table.

There are many tales about Prince Mukarram Jah that people of Hyderabad are recollecting after his demise.

What is your fondest memory about Prince Mukarram Jah?

Princess Esra: The best thing about Prince Mukarram Jah was that he was deeply humble. That was his greatest trait.

He visited Golconda Fort very often during the 1970s and during his visits, a lot of people used to gather around to catch a glimpse of him. He used to make himself comfortable on the bonnet of his car and interact with them for a long time. Sometimes, he would join them for a cup of tea at their residence.

As his son, what do you remember about Prince Mukarram Jah with regard to Hyderabad?

Prince Azmet Jah : He [Walashan Mukarram Jah] loved the people of Hyderabad deeply, even when he did not live here. His connection with the people of Hyderabad, the way he conducted himself, was truly Hyderabadi.

Having stayed abroad for a long time, do you miss Hyderabad, its culture and people?

Prince Azmet Jah: There is no place like Hyderabad. I have always admired the love and affection the people would show us when we would go out, or visit the Makkah Masjid. People would come and surround us in huge numbers. But this [trip to Hyderabad] was a very different experience. There were so many hands wanting to touch their Nizam [at his funeral]. It was an overwhelming display of love.

Has Hyderabad of the Nizam’s era contrasted through the ages? What changes do you notice when you visit Hyderabad each time?

Prince Azmet Jah: Many cities have changed over time, but Hyderabad has largely remained the same. It continues to be a melting pot of cultures. After my father's mortal remains arrived in Hyderabad, there were so many people from all walks of life who offered condolences and prayed for family. That is just a glimpse of our true culture and values, and it is unique indeed.

As a son, what is your fondest memory with Walashan Mukarram Jah?

Prince Azmet Jah: He taught me how to drive. It was an American jeep that we drove inside the Chiraan Palace. During our younger days, Princess Shehkar and I would visit and spend time at the Palace during the holidays. He was a good father, and a very humble person.

Princess Shehkar spoke very sparingly and seemed rather quiet. Perhaps she was reminiscing about her time spent with father Mukarram Jah Bahadur discreetly holding back tears while glancing through some photos of the departed Prince. Everything including the high-ceilings, the antiquely ornate furniture, the crystal chandeliers, the lush green lawns and the royal mannerisms, was befitting on an evening with royalty. But the Prince and the royal family were unassumingly simple, candid and pretenseless in their conversation and conduct.

My condolences evoked Princess Esra’s memories with H.E.H Prince Mukarram Jah. The family remembered Prince Mukarram Jah Bahadur for his humility.

*At the time of this conversation (29th January 2023), Walashan Azmet Jah and the royal family were mourning the passing away of Prince Mukarram Jah Bahadur and a formal interview would have been discourteous. These are some excerpts from an informal conversation.*