House of Paigah
Paigah is the noble family name of the senior Hyderabad State aristocracy. They tended to be richer than the average Indian Maharajah, and each maintained their own court, their own extraordinary palaces, and their own three or four thousand strong private army.
Genealogy
The Paigah nobles claim their descent from Hazrath Omar bin Al-Khattab, the second Caliph of Islam, through Shaikh Fariduddin Gang-e-Shaker, one of the greatest Islamic saints in India, whose shrine is in present day Pakpatan in Punjab.
Shaikh Muhammad Bahauddin, Governor of Shikohabad under Emperor Aurangzeb was also appointed to an Imperial mensab of 2,000 zat, was twelfth in direct descent from Shaikh Fariduddin. To Shaikh Bahauddin was born a son, Abul Khair Khan. Under the tutelage of his father, Abul Khair Khan learned the arts of peace and war and grew up to be an accomplished young man. The Emperor Muhammad Shah bestowed upon him the title of "Khan Bahadur" and appointed him to the leadership of 200 cavalry and 500 foot. Abul Khair Khan's emergence as statesman was noticed by Emperor Muhammad Shah's senior minister, Mir Qamaruddin Khan, Nizam-ul-Mulk - the future Asaf Jah I.
Abul Khair Khan served as Deputy Governor of Malwa and Khandesh and attached his career to that of Nizam-ul-Mulk on his way to the Deccan. Renowned for being frank and outspoken in advice, he served Asaf Jah I well in this capacity in crucial battles like Shekar Khara, then quelling the rebellion of Nizam-ul-Mulk's son Nasir Jung, and also for defeating Bapuji Naik (a senior minister and General of Shahuji- the Maratha ruler) in 1745. Abul Khair Khan died in 1752 and was buried in Burhanpur. His titles at the time of death were Abul Khair Khan, Imam Jung I, Shamsheer Bahadur.Granted the hereditary title of Khan and rose to the command of an Imperial mansab of 2,500 zat under Emperor Aurangzeb, prom. to 4,000 zat and 2,000 sowar by Asaf Jah I, and 5,000 zat and 4,000 sowar by Salabat Jang. Qiladar of Dhar 1724, Faujdar of Nabinagar, Mandu 1724, Gulshanabad, and Baglana, Naib Subadar of Khandesh and Aurangabad. Raised to the titles of Khan Bahadur, Shamsher Bahadur, and Imam Jang. He died at Hyderabad, before 8th November 1752
Abul Khair Khan had two sons: (1) Abul Barakat Khan, Imam Jung II who was shot during his father's lifetime(according to family lore) while the Nizam was inspecting a fort near Poona captured from the Marathas he was also buried in Burhanpur. (2) Abul Fateh Khan,Abul Khair Khan II, Tegh Jung Bahadur, Shums-ud-Dowlah, Shums-ul-Mulk, Shums-ul-Umara I, Amir e Paigah I.
Family tree
- Khattab ibn Nufayl - Hazrat Umar ibn al-Khattab - 'Abdu'llah - Nasir - Tahir - Mansur - Adham - Ibrahim - 'Abu'l Fatah Ishaq - 'Ali, Wa'iz al-Akbar - Muhammad, Wa'iz al-Asghar - 'Abdu'llah - Masud Sama'an - Mahmud Sama'an - Shihab ud-din Ahmad Farukhshah - Yusuf - Ahmad - Shu'aib - Sulaiman Kiuliwal - Farid ud-din Masud Ganj-i-Shakar (died 668 AH) - Badr ud-din Sulaiman - Majd ud-din Maudad - Zain ud-din Musa - Mu'in ud-din Ma'araf - Karim ud-din Mutawakil - Jalal ud-din 'Abdu'l-Haq - Hisam ud-din Mahmud Danishmand - Kamal ud-din Daud - Malik ul-Ulama, Jalal ud-din Bhalul - Muhammad Firuz - Shaikh Muhammad Baha ud-din (general for Aurangzeb) and after this point his son Abul Khair Khan attached his career to that of Nizam-ul-Mulk,Nizam Asaf Jah I on his way to the Deccan.
History
Abul Fatah Khan founded the Paigah nobility while rendering service to Nizam Salabat Jung. For his dedication and efforts, Nizam Salabat Jung conferred upon him the hereditary title of Shams-ud-Doula, Shams-ul-Mulk, and Shams-ul-Umara, the latter title meaning "the sun among the nobles". The Nizam also conferred upon Abul Fatah Khan the exclusive right to maintain a “Paigah” or “troops of the household”. A jaagir was established for the maintenance of this private army of 14,000 strong - both cavalry and infantry, fetching an annual income of 30 lakhs of rupees. Henceforth, the "Shams-ul-Umara" family were also known as the Paigah family. Appointed to a mansab of 7,000 zat and 5000, sowar 1777, prom. to 9,000 sowar and a Paigah contingent of 12,000 troops 1781.Received the Naubat, Naqara and Mahi Maratib (ensigns of royalty). Constructed Nai Haveli 1201H (1782 AD). Abul Fatah Khan died at Pongel while on his way to face Tipu Sultan during the 2nd Mysore War on 1st January 1791. Abul Fatah Khan was interred at Paigah tombs beside dargah of Beranashah Saheb. His titles at the time of his death were: Abul Fateh Khan, Abul Khair Khan II, Tegh Jung, Shums-ud-Dowlah, Shums-ul-Mulk, Shums-ul-Umara I. He was survived by his son Muhammad Fakhruddin Khan and daughter Bibi Najeeba.(Commanded Battles: Battle of Udgir 1760 AD against Balaji Baji Rao Peshwa III,accompanied Nizam Ali Khan Asaf Jah II in all his campaigns,Commanded Campaign Adoni against Tipu Sultan 1200 H (1781 AD), Battle of Nirmal 1783 AD against Ehtasham Jung (Zafar ud Dowla Dhaunsa).
Relationship with the Nizams
The bond between the Nizams and the Paigah nobility strengthened with the marriage of Abul Fatah Khan’s son Fakhruddin Khan with the daughter of Mir Nizam Ali Khan, Asaf Jah II, Sahebzadi Bashirunissa Begum in 1797. Henceforth, Fakhruddin Khan’s descendants married daughters of other Nizams and consequently, in protocol, the Paigahs were considered next only to the Nizams. The Paigah jaagir was the largest in the state, second only to the Nizam. It was in fact "a state within a state" with its own postage,police,courts and standing army.
The Paigah nobility being sons-in-law and brothers-in-law to the Nizams, were to a certain extent above the law. The local police and courts did not have personal or in rem jurisdiction over their persons or property. They were subject only to the jurisdiction of the Nizam. (With such power and prestige there were times when individual noblemen didn’t foster an entirely cordial relationship with the Nizam.)
The family
Nawab Fakhruddin Khan died in 1862 at the age of 85. His titles at the time of death were: Abul Khair Khan III, Imam Jung III, Tegh Jung II, Khurshid-ul-Doula, Shams-ud-Doula, Khurshid-ul-Mulk, Shums-ul-Mulk, Shums-ul-Umra II, Amir-e-Kabir I. Fakhruddin Khan had three sons by the Princess Bashirunissa Begum(daughter of H.H Nizam Ali Khan, Asaf Jah II): (1) Fariduddin Khan (1802–1816) (no issue), (2) Rafiuddin Khan (1805–1877) (no issue, but later adopted Sultanuddin Khan’s sons), and (3) Sultanuddin Khan (1814–1845) Sultanuddin Khan had one son by an African wife - Sabaqat Jung and one son by his wife Sahebzadi Sultanunissa Begum (daughter of Asaf Jah III) - Sir Asman Jah]. Fakhruddin Khan also had one son by his wife Dilawarunissa Begum - Badruddin Khan (1805–1853) (no issue) and one son by his wife Sahebzadi Latifunissa Begum - Rashiduddin Khan (1815–1881) [Rashiduddin Khan had two sons by his wife Sahebzadi Hashmatunissa Begum (daughter of H.H Sikander Jah Bahadur, Nizam Ul Mulk, Asaf Jah III) - Sir Khurshid Jah and Sir Viqar-ul-Umara II].
At the death of Fakhruddin Khan, the Paigah estate was divided between his two sons that had surviving issue: Rafiuddin Khan and Rashiduddin Khan. Rafiuddin Khan's titles at the time of death were: Abul Khair Khan IV, Namwar Jung, Umdat-ud-Doula, Shums-ud-Doula, Umdat-ul-Mulk, Shums-ul-Umara III, Amir-e-Kabir II. Rashiduddin Khan's titles at the time of his death were: Abul Khair Khan V, Bahadur Jung, Iqtidar-ud-Doula, Shums-ud-Doula, Iqtidar-ul-Mulk, Shums-ul-Mulk, Shums-ul-Umara IV, Viqar-ul-Umara I, Amir-e-Kabir III.
When Rafiuddin Khan died in 1877, his Paigah estate was inherited by his two adopted sons Sabaqat Jung (1839–1880) and Sir Asman Jah (1840–1898). However, when Sabaqat Jung died in 1880 without issue, his portion of the Paigah estate was divided into three parts and allocated between his brother Sir Asman Jah and his cousins Sir Khurshid Jah and Sir Viqar-ul-Umra. When Rashiduddin Khan died in 1881, his share of the Paigah estate was divided between his two sons Sir Khurshid Jah Bahadur (1841–1902) and Sir Viqar-ul-Umara Bahadur II (1856–1902). It was decided during this period that there would be no further divisions of the three estates. The Paigah estates were henceforth known as the Asman Jahi Paigah, Khursheed Jahi Paigah, and Viqar-ul-Umarahi Paigah.
Each of the three branches has its own Amir, appointed by the Nizam entirely upon his own discretion. Preference was given to those individuals whose mothers were daughters of the Nizam, provided that they were fit for the post, regardless of other seniority factors such as age, etc. The newly appointed Amir would inherit the entire jaagir of the previous Amir and would be the ceremonial head of that branch of the Paigah family. The Nizam also had the authority to appoint one Amir from among the three Paigah Amirs to hold the honorary morchal (standard) behind the Nizam during Durbar.
According to the census of 1901, the three Paigah Estates in the Hyderabad State comprised of 23 taluks dispersed over the Districts of Bidar, Nander, Osmanabad, Gulbarga, Medak, Atraf-i-Balda, and Nizamabad, and a few scattered villages in Aurangabad, Warangal, Mahbubnagar, and Nalgonda, encompassing 1,273 villages, covering 4,134 square miles, over a population of 774,411 (The Imperial Gazetteer of India, vol. 1, 1909).
Sir Asman Jahi Paigah
Sir Asman Jah's full name and titles were: Muhammad Mazharuddin Khan, Nawab Rafat Jung, Bashir-ud-Doula, Umdat-ul-Mulk, Azam-ul-Umara, Amir-e-Akbar, Sir Asman Jah K.C.I.E. He was married to Sahebzadi Parwarishunissa Begum, daughter of Asaf Jah V. At the time of his death in 1898, his Paigah was inherited by his only son, Muhammad Moinuddin Khan, Nawab Enayath Jung, Moin-ud-Doula (1840–1898). Nawab Moin-ud-Doula Bahadur had nine sons and three daughters. His eldest son Nawab Muhammad Zahiruddin Khan Bahadur, born in 1910, was the last Amir of the Asman Jahi Paigah. Nawab Zahiruddin Khan was married to Sahibzadi Hashmathunissa Begum, the eldest daughter of Nawab Wali-ud-Doula of the Viqar-ul-Umarahi Paigah.
Sir Khursheed Jahi Paigah
Sir Khurshid Jah's full name and titles were: Muhammad Mohiuddin Khan, Nawab Abul Khair Khan VI, Tegh Jung III, Bahadur Jung II, Khurshid-ud-Doula, Shums-ud-Doula, Khurshid-ul-Mulk, Shums-ul-Mulk, Khurshid-ul-Umara, Shums-ul-Umara V, Amir-e-Kabir IV, Sir Khurshid Jah K.C.I.E. He was also the maternal grandson of Asaf Jah III (his mother being Sahebzadi Hashmatunissa Begum) and had two sons Muhammad Faizuddin Khan, Nawab Imam Jung Bahadur, Khurshid-ud-Doula, Khurshid-ul-Mulk (1865–1925) and Muhammad Hafizuddin Khan, Nawab Zafar Jung Bahadur, Shums-ud-Doula, Shums-ul-Mulk (1865–1906). Upon Khurshid Jah's death, his younger son, Nawab Zafar Jung was installed as the Amir of the Khurshid Jahi Paigah because his mother was the princess Sahebzadi Haseenunissa Begum (daughter of Asaf Jah V). Nawab Zafar Jung had ten sons and six daughters. Upon Zafar Jung's death, his eldest son, Muhammad Lutfuddin Khan, Nawab Latafat Jung, Lutf-ud-Doula (1883–1937) became the Amir of the Khurshid Jahi Paigah. Upon his death, his eldest son, Muhammad Azimuddin Khan, Nawab Himayat Nawaz Jung was the last Amir of the Khurshid Jahi Paigah. Nawab Himayat Nawaz Jung was married to Viqarunissa Begum, a daughter of Nawab Wali-ud-Doula of the Viqar-ul-Umarahi Paigah.
Sir Vicar-ul-Umarahi Paigah
Sir Vicar-ul-Umra's full name and titles were: Muhammad Fazaluddin Khan Bahadur, Nawab Sikandar Jung, Iqbal-ud-Doula, Iqtidar-ul-Mulk, Sir Viqar-ul-Umara II K.C.I.E. Prime Minister of Hyderabad state 1894–1901 (also officiated as prime minister in 1893). Like his brother Khurshid Jah, he was also the maternal grandson of H.H. Nawab Sikander Jah Bahadur, Nizam ul Mulk, Asaf Jah III (his mother being Sahebzadi Hashmatunissa Begum). Sir Viqar had one son Muhammad Mukhtaruddin Khan, Nawab Namwar Jung, Iqtidar-ud-Doula, Sultan-ul-Mulk Bahadur (1875–1949) and one daughter Sahibzadi Liyaqhatunnisa Begum Sahiba by his wife Sahebzadi Jahandarunissa Begum Sahiba Lady Vicar Ul Umra(daughter of H.H. Nawab Afzal Ud Dowla Bahadur, Nizam ul Mulk, Asaf Jah V). Sir Viqar had another son Muhammad Waliuddin Khan, Nawab Wali-ud-Doula Bahadur (1878–1935) and a daughter Sahibzadi Tabarakunnisa Begum Sahiba by his wife Muneerunissa Begum.He had no issue through his third wife Noor Jahan Begum(Dr.gulBai Vicajee).
Upon Sir Viqar's death 1856–1902,his elder son,Nawab Sultan-ul-Mulk Bahadur was installed as the Amir of the Viqar-ul-Umarahi Paigah.He Lived and travelled abroad after 1908, until his permanent return to Hyderabad in 1919. He died at Sultan Bagh Palace, Hyderabad on 11 March 1949.
Amir e Paigah, Nawab Sultan-ul-Mulk Bahadur had seven sons: Abul Fatah Khan, Muzaffar Nawaz Jung, Fareed Nawaz Jung, Nazeer Nawaz Jung, Khair Nawaz Jung, Hassan Yar Jung, and Waheed Yar Jung.
Nawab Abul Fatah Khan Bahadur born at Falaknuma Palace,Hyderabad, 21 June 1891, married Sahibzadi Fareedunnisa Begum daughter of Nawab Syed Sirajuddin Ali Khan (Mudfort) on 10 May 1928 he had issue two sons and three daughters..
(a) Nawab Muhammad Miftah ud-din Khan Bahadur.
(b) Nawab Muhammad Siraj ud-din Khan Bahadur.
(c) Sahibzadi Abid un-nisa Begum Sahiba.
(d) Sahibzadi Fazal un-nisa Begum Sahiba.
(e) Sahibzadi Karim un-nisa Begum Sahiba.
Nawab Muzaffar Nawaz Jung Bahadur born at Falaknuma palace,Hyderabad married Sahibzadi Asaf un-nisa Begum ,third daughter of Asaf Jah VI, Nawab Mir Mahbub 'Ali Khan Bahadur.
Nawab Farid Nawaz Jung Bahadur born at Falaknuma Palace,Hyderabad ,married Sahibzadi Ghaus un-nisa Begum, fifth daughter of Asaf Jah VI, Nawab Mir Mahbub 'Ali Khan Bahadur. He had issue, three daughters
a. Sahibzadi Fareed un-nisa begum sahiba.
b. Sahebzadi Asmath un-nisa begum sahiba.
c.Sahibzadi Ahmed un-nisa begum sahiba.
Nawab Nazir Nawaz Jung Bahadur born at Falaknuma palace Hyderabad,married, Sahibzadi Daud un-nisa Begum sixth daughter of Asaf Jah VI, Nawab Mir Mahbub 'Ali Khan Bahadur. He had issue:
a. Sahibzadi Nazir un-nisa Begum.
b. Nawab Rashid Nawaz Jung Bahadur married Sahibzadi Masud un-nisa Begum (born at King Kothi Palace, Hyderabad, 28 February 1923), daughter of Asaf Jah VII, Nawab Mir Osman 'Ali Khan Bahadur, by his third wife, Gowhar Begum Sahiba, daughter of Nawab Aga Mirza Nasru'llah Khan Bahadur, of the Aga Khan family, married (second), Aziz un-nisa Begum Saheba.
Nawab Rashid Nawaz Jung was the last Amir of the Viqar-ul-Umarahi Paigah, and was the Amir chosen amongst the three Paigah to hold the ceremonia morchal (standard) during the durbars of Asaf Jah VII and the ceremonial durbar of Asaf Jah VIII, Nawab Mir Barkat Ali Khan, Mukarram Jah.
c. Sahibzadi Latif un-nisa begum sahiba
d. Nawab Habeeb Nawaz Jung Bahadur
e. Nawab Fazal Yar Jung Bahadur
f. Nawab Mujeeb Yar Jung married Sahebzadi Ramzani Begum (born at King Kothi Palace, Hyderabad, daughter of Asaf Jah VII, Nawab Mir Osman 'Ali Khan Bahadur.
Nawab Khair Nawaz Jung Bahadur married on 28 April 1926, Sahebzadi Saadat un-nisa Begum Sahiba daughter of Nawab Quwat Jang Bahadur, by his wife, Padshah Liaqat un-nisa Begum, daughter of H.E. Nawab Sir Viqar ul-Umara Bahadur,He had issue, seven sons and one daughter:
a. Nawab Iqbaluddin Khan Bahadur died young
b. Sahibzadi Bashirunnisa Begum Sahiba
c. Nawab Mohommed Iqtedaruddin Khan Bahadur
d. Nawab Mohammed Hameeduddin Khan Bahadur
e. Nawab Mohammed Rafiuddin Khan Bahadur
f. Nawab Mahmood Jung Bahadur
g. Nawab Masood Ali Khan Bahadur
h. Nawab Bahbood Ali Khan Bahadur
Nawab Hassan Yar Jang Bahadur born at Hyderabad, 1 December 1905 married (first) at Hyderabad, 28 April 1926, Sahibzadi Tameezunnisa Begum Sahiba daughter of Nawab Quwat Jang Bahadur, by his wife, Padshah Liaqat un-nisa Begum, daughter of H.E. Nawab Sir Viqar ul-Umara Bahadur,married (second) at Hyderabad, 4 February 1940, Iqbal un-nisa Begum (born 1923), daughter of Major H.E. Wali ud-Daula by his wife, Amir un-nisa Begum. He had one son Nawab Mohammed Waliuddin Khan. Nawab Hassan Yar Jung later migrated to Pakistan.
Nawab Wahid yar Jung Bahadur, died young at Hyderabad.
Major H.E. Wali ud-Daula, Nawab Wali ud-din Khan Bahadur, Waliyat Jang,second son of H.E. Sir Vicar ul Umra Bahadur born at Hyderabad on 30 March 1880(son of Muneer un-nisa begun sahiba), educated Eton and RMC, Sandhurst, Cambridge Univ. and with ICC, Dehra Dun. Cmsnd. 2nd-Lieut. ILF 1905, attached 4th Queen's Own Hussars at Trimulghery, Ireland 1905–1908, prom. Lieut. 1908, served on the staff of the GOC Southern Cmd., Musketry Off. 1st and 2nd Hyderabad Lcrs. 1911, MEC and Minister for the Army 1911–1917, for Justice and Peace 1917–1924, President Executive Council 1924–1927, Minister for the Army, Education, Health and General Depts. 1927–1935. Vice-Chanc. Osmania Univ. Granted the title of Wali ud-Daula 13 February 1923. He died while on pilgrimage at Medina, Saudi Arabia, 22 February 1935, having had issue, seven sons and five daughters.
Paigah Palaces
Bashir Bagh Palace belonged to Sir Asman Jah, a Paigah Amir (noble) and Prime Minister of Hyderabad (1887–1893).
Sir Vicar-ul-Umra, the Paigah Amir(noble)and the then prime minister of Hyderabad state 1894–1901 (also officiated as prime minister in 1893) presented Falaknuma palace in 1897, easily one of the most opulent palaces in the country to the sixth Nizam, Mir Mahbub Ali Khan.
Other important Paigah Palaces were.
1.Jahannuma Palace.
2.Deodi Khurshid Jahi(Khurshidjah Baradari).
3.Deodi Asman jahi.
4.Deodi Iqbal ud dowla Vicar Ul Umra Shahgunj palace.
5.Begumpet Palace.
6.Aiwan E Begumpet.
7.Paigah Palace Begumpet.
8.Razak Gadh Vicar Manzil Begumpet.
9.Saroor Nagar Palace.
10.Lingumpalli Palace.
11.Asman Ghar.
12.Sultan Bagh.
13.Vilayath Manzil.
14.Nayee Haveli.
15.Phool Bagh.
16.Paigah Sir Vicar house Bombay.
17.Paigah House Hyderabad.
18.Phisalbanda palace of Nawab Zafar Jung Bahadur.
19.Devdi Doulatabad