The Feudatory State of Hyderabad

Hyderabad, located in the Deccan region of South India, was one of the most prominent princely states in British India. It was established in the early 18th century and lasted until its annexation by the newly independent Indian Union in 1948.

Foundation

Hyderabad’s foundation as a princely state can be traced back to the collapse of the Mughal Empire. In 1724, Mir Qamar-ud-Din Khan, a Mughal viceroy of the Deccan region, declared independence and assumed the title of Nizam-ul-Mulk, establishing the Asaf Jahi dynasty. The Nizams, as the rulers were called, governed Hyderabad as an autonomous state, though nominally under Mughal suzerainty. Hyderabad’s location in the Deccan plateau gave it both strategic and commercial importance.

The Nizam and the British EIC

Over time, Hyderabad became one of the largest and wealthiest princely states in India, covering an area of 82,000 square miles (about the size of modern-day Belarus) and boasting a population of more than 16 million by the early 20th century. The state’s rulers maintained a high degree of autonomy even after coming under British suzerainty following the defeat of Tipu Sultan in 1799 and the subsequent treaties with the East India Company.

Hyderabad played a key role in British India’s military campaigns and diplomacy. The Nizams signed multiple treaties with the British, who provided them protection in exchange for military and political support. The Nizams became among the richest men in the world due to the state’s wealth, which was built on a combination of agriculture, trade, and the famous Golconda diamonds. Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan, who ruled from 1911 to 1948, was particularly known for his immense wealth.

Internal Development

The Nizams were known for their secular rule, despite being Muslim rulers in a state with a Hindu majority population. They maintained religious harmony, and under their rule, Hyderabad became a flourishing cultural and economic hub. The city of Hyderabad, its capital, was known for its blend of Islamic and Hindu architecture and culture. The Charminar and Mecca Masjid, both landmarks in Hyderabad city, are iconic symbols of the city’s Islamic history.

The Nizams invested in education, health, and infrastructure. The Osmania University (1918), Osmania General Hospital, and other institutions became symbols of modern progress in the state.

Annexation and Operation Polo (1947-1948)

When India gained independence in 1947, the princely states were given the option to join either India or Pakistan or remain independent. Hyderabad was unique in that it was a Muslim-ruled state with a largely Hindu population, and it had a significant strategic position in the heart of India. The Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan, chose neither, declaring his intention to remain independent.

Negotiations between the Indian government and the Nizam failed to reach an agreement, and law and order in Hyderabad began to deteriorate due to growing communal tensions. The situation escalated as Hyderabad’s irregular forces, including the Razakars (a militia loyal to the Nizam), sought to resist Indian integration and indulged in acts of massacre against the local Hindu civilians, leading to a situation where the Government of India had to intervene.

In September 1948, the Indian government launched Operation Polo, a military action to annex Hyderabad. In a swift five-day operation, Indian forces entered Hyderabad, and the Nizam’s forces surrendered. Hyderabad was then integrated into the Indian Union.

Post-Integration and Legacy

After the annexation, Hyderabad was reorganized, and in 1956, it was divided along linguistic lines. The Telugu-speaking parts of the state were merged with Andhra Pradesh, while other areas were absorbed into neighbouring states like Maharashtra and Karnataka.

The Nizam’s descendants lost formal political power, but the legacy of Hyderabad continues through its rich culture, architecture, and history. Hyderabad remains a major centre for commerce, technology, and education in modern India, while the cultural contributions of the Nizams, particularly in literature, music, and cuisine, continue to influence the region today.

Stamps of Hyderabad

In the late 19th century, the state of Hyderabad, like several other princely states, began developing a more structured postal system. The Nizam’s government officially established the Hyderabad State Post in 1869, under Mir Mahbub Ali Khan, the sixth Nizam. This was a significant development, as it meant that the state had its independent postal administration, even though British India’s postal service was dominant across the subcontinent.

The Hyderabad postal system operated independently but was recognized by the British Indian postal authorities. Letters sent within Hyderabad were carried by the state postal service, while international or out-of-state letters were handed over to the British Indian postal system at the borders of the state.

First Stamps

Hyderabad issued its first postage stamps in 1869, which marked a major milestone in its postal history. These early stamps, known as Dawk stamps, were used for official purposes and were perforated. They were hand-printed and had a very basic design, primarily for internal use. The stamps were inscribed in Persian, the official language of iNizam’s court, and featured designs with intricate patterns and Arabic numerals representing the denomination.

Postage and Revenue Stamps (1871-1909)

In subsequent years, Hyderabad expanded its postal service and began issuing postage and revenue stamps. These stamps were notable because they served dual purposes: for paying postage and for use in legal and fiscal transactions. Between 1871 and 1909, Hyderabad issued several new series of stamps, each with different designs and colours, covering a wide range of denominations.

Bilingual Stamps (1909-1940s)

In subsequent years, Hyderabad expanded its postal service and began issuing postage and revenue stamps. These stamps were notable because they served dual purposes: for paying postage and for use in legal and fiscal transactions. Between 1871 and 1909, Hyderabad issued several new series of stamps, each with different designs and colours, covering a wide range of denominations. The designs incorporated elements from Hyderabad’s cultural heritage, such as symbols of the Asaf Jahi dynasty, local architecture and cultural motifs. 

Hyderabad Postal Currency (1914)

In 1914, Hyderabad introduced a postal currency system, which was unique to the state. The currency was introduced to facilitate easier transactions through the postal system, particularly for remittances and money orders. The Hyderabad rupee was used in these transactions, further solidifying the state’s independence in postal matters.

Final Issues (1947-1949)

Hyderabad issued its last set of independent stamps in 1949, shortly before the postal system was merged with that of the Indian Union. After this, Hyderabad’s postal services came under the direct control of the Indian postal authorities, and its stamps were no longer valid for use.