The Story Of The Nizams
The Nizams of Hyderabad were among the wealthiest rulers in history, known for their immense fortune, extravagant lifestyle, and vast collection of jewels and treasures. Their wealth came primarily from the Golconda diamond mines, which produced some of the world's most famous diamonds, including the Koh-i-Noor, Hope Diamond, Seraphim Blue Diamond and the Jacob Diamond.
The Nizams of Hyderabad were the rulers of the Asaf Jahi dynasty, which governed the Hyderabad State from 1724 to 1948. Here is the list of all the Nizams, there were 7 Nizams in all.
THE NIZAMS
List of Nizams of Hyderabad (1724–1948)
- Mir Qamar-ud-Din Khan, Asaf Jah I (1724–1748)
- Mir Nizam Ali Khan, Asaf Jah II (1762–1803)
- Mir Akbar Ali Khan, Asaf Jah III (1803–1829)
- Mir Farkhunda Ali Khan, Asaf Jah IV (1829–1857)
- Mir Tahniyat Ali Khan, Asaf Jah V (1857–1869)
- Mir Mahbub Ali Khan, Asaf Jah VI (1869–1911)
- Mir Osman Ali Khan, Asaf Jah VII (1911–1948)
The rule of the Nizams ended in 1948 when Hyderabad was annexed by India through Operation Polo.
All through their reign, the Nizams controlled the Golconda mines, one of the richest diamond-producing regions in the world. The Jacob Diamond (nearly 185 carats) was used by the last Nizam as a paperweight! Their personal treasury contained tons of gold, pearls, and precious stones.
By the 1940s, the last Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan, was listed as the richest man in the world by Time Magazine, with an estimated worth of $2 billion at the time. The Nizam had deposits of over £1 million in gold and cash in the Bank of England!
After India’s independence in 1947 and the annexation of Hyderabad in 1948, the Nizam lost his princely state. Over time, legal battles, mismanagement, and government acquisitions led to a decline in the family’s wealth, though they remained influential.
Many of the legendary Golconda diamonds that were once part of the Nizams of Hyderabad's vast treasure eventually found their way across the world, often through auctions, private sales, or as part of royal collections. The Golconda region, known for producing some of history's most famous diamonds, yielded stones of exceptional clarity and quality.
AVAILABLE INFO
While not all the Golconda diamonds which once belonged to the Nizams could be traced, information about some of those diamonds was available over the years. A few examples are mentioned below.
The Jacob Diamond – One of the largest and finest Golconda diamonds, was rediscovered in the Nizam's slipper in the 20th century. It remains in India as part of the Nizam’s jewelry collection.
The Seraphim Blue Diamond – Claimed to be a fancy vivid blue Golconda diamond, apparently exited the Nizam’s collection quite early. Mir Nizam Ali Khan, Asaf Jah II the second of the 7 Nizams, was supposed to have presented the diamond to France. This was in exchange for military backing from France, through the French East India Company. The Seraphim Blue Diamond was very likely worn by the Nizams in their headgear (‘sarpech’).
The Hope Diamond – This deep blue diamond, now in the Smithsonian Institution in the U.S., is believed to have originated from Golconda, though its direct connection to the Nizams is unclear.
The Regent Diamond – A stunning diamond, now housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris, it passed through several European royal hands.
NOTE
Kaisilver does not have any commercial interest in the above mentioned diamonds or jewels. The report is published by way of information, it is always advisable to source such historic jewels from reliable sources.