The Nizam of Hyderabad: Mir Osman Ali and his Contributions to Education
The Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan, was a prominent figure in Indian history known for his immense wealth and philanthropic efforts. His contributions to the field of education, particularly to Aligarh Muslim University and Banaras Hindu University, played a significant role in shaping the educational landscape of India during the early 20th century. Additionally, his connection with the Khilafat movement and the Indian national movement further solidified his legacy.
His portrait was on the cover of Time magazine in 1937.
He had his mint, printing his currency, the Hyderabadi rupee, and had a private treasury that was said to contain £100 million in gold and silver bullion, and a further £400 million of jewels (in 2008 terms).The major source of his wealth was the Golconda mines, the only supplier of diamonds in the world at that time. Among them was the Jacob Diamond, valued at some £50 million (in 2008 terms) and used by the Nizam as a paperweight.
Wealth and Philanthropy
Mir Osman Ali Khan, the seventh and last Nizam of Hyderabad, was one of the wealthiest individuals in the world during his time. His vast wealth came from the abundant resources of the Hyderabad State, including diamond mines, gold reserves, and fertile agricultural land.
Mir Osman Ali Khan was known for his modest lifestyle and his commitment to philanthropy. He believed in using his wealth for the betterment of society, particularly in the field of education.
In 1951, he not only started the construction of Nizam Orthopedic Hospital (now known as Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS)) and gave it to the government on a 99-year lease for a monthly rent of Rs.1, he also donated 14,000 acres of land from his estate to Vinobha Bhave‘s Bhoodan movement for re-distribution among landless farmers
By donating to major educational institutions throughout India, he introduced many educational reforms during his reign. Up to 11% of his budget was spent on education.[44] Schools, colleges and a Department for Translation were set up. Primary education was made compulsory and provided free for the poor.
Nearly all the major public buildings and institutions in Hyderabad city, such as the Hyderabad High Court, Jubilee Hall, Nizamia Observatory, Moazzam Jahi Market, Kachiguda Railway Station, Asafiya Library (State Central Library, Hyderabad), the Town Hall now known as the Assembly Hall, Hyderabad Museum now known as the State Museum; hospitals like Osmania General Hospital, Nizamia Hospital and many other buildings were constructed under his reign. He also built the Hyderabad House in Delhi, now used for diplomatic meetings by the Government of India.
Donation to Temples
The Nizam donated Rs. 82,825 to the Yadagirigutta temple at Bhongir, Rs. 29,999 to the Sita Ramachandraswamy temple, Bhadrachalam and yearly donation of Rs. 8,000 to the Tirupati Balaji Temple.
He also donated Rs. 50,000 towards the reconstruction of Sitarambagh temple located in the old city of Hyderabad, and bestowed a grant of 100,000 Hyderabadi rupees towards the reconstruction of Thousand Pillar Temple.
He also donated 1,525 acres of Land to “Sita Rama Swami Temple” located in Devaryamjal [61]
After hearing about the Golden Temple of Amritsar through Maharaja Ranjit Singh, he started providing it with yearly grants.
In 1932, there was a need for money for the publication of the Holy Mahabharata by the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute located in Pune. A formal request was made to Mir Osman Ali Khan who granted Rs. 1000 per year for 11 years.
He also gave Rs 50,000 for the construction of the institute’s guest house which stands today as the Nizam Guest House
.
Contributions to Aligarh Muslim University
One of the significant contributions of the Nizam of Hyderabad was his support for Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). AMU, founded by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, played a crucial role in promoting modern education among Muslims in India. Mir Osman Ali Khan recognized the importance of this institution and provided substantial financial assistance to help it flourish.
The Nizam’s contributions to AMU included funding the construction of buildings, establishing scholarships for students, and supporting research and development activities. His generosity helped AMU become a renowned educational institution that continues to produce leaders and intellectuals.
Support for Banaras Hindu University
In addition to his contributions to AMU, the Nizam of Hyderabad also supported Banaras Hindu University (BHU). BHU, founded by Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, aimed to promote education based on Indian values and traditions. Mir Osman Ali Khan recognized the importance of this institution in fostering harmony and understanding between different communities.
The Nizam’s support for BHU included financial aid for the construction of various buildings and the establishment of scholarships for deserving students. His contributions helped BHU become a leading educational institution that continues to promote the values of inclusivity and diversity.
Connection with the Khilafat Movement and Indian National Movement
Mir Osman Ali Khan’s connection with the Khilafat movement and the Indian national movement further enhanced his reputation as a leader committed to the welfare of his people.
The Khilafat movement, initiated to support the cause of the Ottoman Caliphate in Turkey, gained significant momentum in India. Mir Osman Ali Khan actively supported this movement and contributed generously to its funds. His financial aid helped sustain the movement and garnered support from various sections of society.
Furthermore, the Nizam of Hyderabad played a crucial role in the Indian national movement. He supported the Indian National Congress and its leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi. His financial aid and moral support helped the movement gain traction and achieve its goals.
In October 1962, during the Sino-Indian War, the PM Lal Bahadur Shastri visited Hyderabad and requested the Nizam to contribute to the National Defence Fund, set up in the wake of the Indo-Chinese skirmishes. Consequently the Nizam donated five tonnes (5,000 kg) of gold to the Indian army. In terms of today’s gold price in the international market, this donation translates to Rs 22250000000.
The Death of the Last Nizam, Mukarram Jah, in Turkey
The last Nizam of Hyderabad, Mukarram Jah, who was the grandson of Mir Osman Ali Khan, lived a significant part of his life in Turkey. He maintained close ties with the country and its people.
In 1971, Mukarram Jah passed away in Istanbul, Turkey, where he had been residing. His death marked the end of an era for the Nizams of Hyderabad and their contributions to education and philanthropy.
Conclusion
The Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan, left a lasting impact on the field of education through his contributions to institutions like Aligarh Muslim University and Banaras Hindu University. His support for the Khilafat movement and the Indian national movement further solidified his legacy as a leader committed to the welfare of his people. The death of the last Nizam, Mukarram Jah, in Turkey marked the end of an era, but their contributions to education and philanthropy continue to be remembered and celebrated.
For further reading on the topic
Refer to the book “The Last Nizam “
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