# Asaf Jah I of Hyderabad

> 18th-century Nizam of Hyderabad

**Wikidata**: [Q29896](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q29896)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nizam-ul-Mulk,_Asaf_Jah_I)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/asaf-jah-i-of-hyderabad

## Summary
Asaf Jah I of Hyderabad was the 18th-century Nizam of Hyderabad and founder of the Asaf Jahi dynasty, which ruled the Kingdom of Hyderabad from 1734 to 1948. He served as a prominent politician and military leader during the Deccan wars between the Maratha Empire and the Mughal Empire. His legacy established Hyderabad as a significant princely state in British India.

## Biography
- Born: 20 August 1671
- Nationality: Indian (under Mughal Empire)
- Education: Not specified in source material
- Known for: Founding the Asaf Jahi dynasty and serving as the first Nizam of Hyderabad
- Employer(s): Mughal Empire (military service), Hyderabad State (as Nizam)
- Field(s): Politics, military leadership

## Contributions
Asaf Jah I established the Hyderabad State in 1724, creating a sovereign princely state that would last for over two centuries. He played a crucial role in the Deccan wars, serving as a military commander for the Mughal Empire before establishing his own independent rule. His administrative and military reforms helped stabilize the region and create a lasting political legacy through the Asaf Jahi dynasty.

## FAQs
What was Asaf Jah I's original name?
Asaf Jah I was born as Mir Qamar-ud-din Siddiqui and was also known as Chin Quilich Khan and Nizam-ul-Mulk.

When did Asaf Jah I establish Hyderabad State?
He founded Hyderabad State on January 1, 1724, marking the beginning of the Asaf Jahi dynasty's rule.

What was Asaf Jah I's role in the Deccan wars?
He served as a military commander for the Mughal Empire during the Deccan wars between the Maratha Empire and the Mughal Empire.

## Why They Matter
Asaf Jah I's establishment of Hyderabad State created one of the most significant princely states in British India, which maintained its sovereignty for over two centuries. His political and military leadership during a turbulent period in Indian history helped stabilize the Deccan region and created a lasting administrative framework. The Asaf Jahi dynasty he founded would rule Hyderabad until 1948, making it one of the longest-lasting princely states in Indian history.

## Notable For
- Founding the Asaf Jahi dynasty in 1734
- Establishing Hyderabad State as an independent princely state in 1724
- Serving as the first Nizam of Hyderabad
- Military leadership during the Deccan wars
- Creating a political legacy that lasted until 1948

## Body
### Early Life and Background
Asaf Jah I was born Mir Qamar-ud-din Siddiqui on August 20, 1671. He belonged to the Siddiqui family and was later known by various titles including Chin Quilich Khan and Nizam-ul-Mulk. His early life was spent during the height of the Mughal Empire, where he would later serve in military and administrative capacities.

### Military Career and Deccan Wars
Asaf Jah I gained significant military experience serving the Mughal Empire during the Deccan wars, which were conflicts between the Maratha Empire and the Mughal Empire. His military leadership and strategic capabilities during these conflicts established his reputation as a capable commander and administrator in the Deccan region.

### Establishment of Hyderabad State
In 1724, Asaf Jah I founded Hyderabad State, marking the beginning of his independent rule and the establishment of the Asaf Jahi dynasty. This principality would become one of the most significant and long-lasting princely states in British India, maintaining its sovereignty until 1948.

### Political Legacy
Asaf Jah I's political acumen and administrative reforms helped stabilize the region and create a lasting political structure. The Asaf Jahi dynasty he founded would rule Hyderabad for over two centuries, from 1734 to 1948, making it one of the most enduring princely states in Indian history.

### Administrative Achievements
During his rule, Asaf Jah I implemented various administrative and military reforms that helped consolidate his power and establish effective governance in the region. His leadership style combined military prowess with diplomatic skills, allowing him to navigate the complex political landscape of 18th-century India.

### Cultural Impact
The establishment of the Asaf Jahi dynasty under Asaf Jah I led to the development of Hyderabad as a major cultural and political center in India. The dynasty would go on to patronize arts, architecture, and education, contributing significantly to the cultural heritage of the region.

### Death and Succession
Asaf Jah I died on June 1, 1748, after establishing a strong foundation for the Asaf Jahi dynasty. His death marked the beginning of a succession that would continue the dynasty's rule over Hyderabad for nearly two more centuries, maintaining the political and administrative structures he had established.

## References

1. general catalog of BnF
2. BnF authorities
3. [Source](https://lingualibre.fr/wiki/Q205281)
4. [Source](https://lingualibre.fr/wiki/Q205994)
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. Virtual International Authority File
7. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File