Meet world’s richest Nizam, uncover the controversy surrounding his ‘Marwari Seth’ father

Did you know that the last Nizam of Hyderabad was among the richest people in the world? However, a controversy surrounded him throughout his life, as he was believed to be the illegitimate son of a Marwari Seth. The last Nizam, Osman Ali Khan, whose full name was Mir Osman Ali Khan, also known as Asaf Jah, faced this controversy. His father, Mehboob Ali Khan, was the sixth Nizam of Hyderabad. Notably, these Nizams ruled under the Mughal Empire, and when the empire weakened, they rebelled, establishing their own state.

Regarding the “Marwari Seth’s son” controversy, Mehboob Ali Khan reportedly filed a complaint with the Indian Government, claiming that Osman was not his son. Mehboob considered his two other sons to be his legitimate heirs. The entire controversy surrounding the last Nizam of Hyderabad was detailed by Diwan Jarmani Dass in his book *Maharaja*. Let’s explore his story further.

Innovative Strategies for Revenue Generation

The word on the street is that the Nizam conjured up creative ways to gather funds from his citizens. Though his paycheck was sizable, his lifestyle was unextravagant. Whenever there were events or guests to be entertained, the associated expenses were typically covered by the state’s coffers.

Money, Wives And A Palace Full Of Mistresses

Even having crores of rupees in his jewel tower he spend a very less amount on himself and his mistresses. Notably, the Nizam’s palace was filled with mistresses and he had a large harem. The Nizam had several wives and children.

Simple living or a way to save money

The Nizam was quite humble when it came to his fashion choices. His socks had a habit of drooping down his limbs, revealing some part of his legs above due to the unusually short pyjamas he favoured. Another favorite piece of his attire was a cap, aged more than 35 years, and despite its weary look, it held a special place in his heart.

The sixth Nizam, despite being married to multiple Begums, found an unexpected companion in the lover of a Marwari Seth. This unusual bond resulted in the birth of a son who, interestingly, held a striking resemblance to a Marwari. The Nizam, unfazed by societal norms, accepted and acknowledged him as his own, prompted by the woman’s assertions.

When the boy brought to the palace, the Nizam announced that he was his son. But when the boy grew, his appearance and habits resembled that of a Marwari Seth, specifically his tendency to save money.

A Complain To Indian Government

After failed in changing the boy’s habits the Nizam reached to the Indian government and complained that he was not his son, insisting that his two sons Salavat Jah and Basavat Jah, born to his legitimate wives. He also stated that the two sons should be recognized as his real heirs.

The Act Of Cleverness

From a young age, Osman Ali demonstrated shrewdness. He was aware that the sixth Nizam had communicated about his ancestry to the Viceroy. Following the ill-fated demise of the sixth Nizam, Osman Ali, considered the eldest son, stepped up to the throne, weathering resistance from the Nizam’s other sons. After claiming leadership, he promptly distanced all relatives from the royal premises, compelling some to survive on the streets. Salavat Jah and Basavat Jah, alleging they were the legitimate heirs to the Hyderabad State, pleaded with the British government for help. The two accused Osman Ali of forcefully and cunningly grabbing the throne.

Appeal Reached England

Salavat and Basavat passionately voiced their objections before King Edward VII, expecting his favor because their case resonated with him. Fate, however, had a different plan. Before he could deliver his judgment, the King’s health took an unfortunate turn towards the worst, and he left this world. This unexpected event was leveraged by Osman Ali, who then swung things in his personal favor, essentially dismissing his brothers’ protest and establishing himself as the undisputed and legitimate ruler of the Hyderabad State.

Salavat Jah was given the keys to the lavish Hyderabad Palace located in Mumbai. But, with time, Osman Ali coveted it and succeeded in wresting it from him. Distressed by the loss of his home, Salavat sought justice from the British Resident, who then commanded Osman Ali to return the palace. Osman Ali saw an opportunity and proposed a brilliant compromise. He offered to buy the palace from Salavat Jah, but still keep it under his control. This proposal was accepted by both the British Resident and Salavat Jah, creating a win-win scenario for everyone involved.