A jagir was a feudal land grant assigned by a ruler to a noble, official, or soldier (a jagirdar) in return for administrative or military service. The jagirdar had the right to collect land revenue from the assigned area, which was his income, but he did not own the land itself. This system was inherited from Mughal times by the first Nizam and continued until it was abolished by the Hyderabad Jagirdar Abolition and Regulation Act of 1949 after the state's merger with the Indian Union.
Sarfa Khas Jagirs (Crown Lands)
Purpose: Lands directly managed by the Nizam's own revenue department. The entire income from these lands went to the Nizam's personal treasury (Sarfa Khas), used for the royal household, court expenses, and the sovereign's personal troops.
Management: Had its own separate administration, often considered the most efficiently managed part of the state.
Management: Had its own separate administration, often considered the most efficiently managed part of the state.
Assigned Land
1. Service Jagir (Mukhasa)
Paigah (Elite Service)
A unique and powerful class of elite nobles in Hyderabad, second only to the Nizam. They were the only ones allowed to maintain private armies and had their own courts.
Purpose: This was a unique and powerful institution. The Paigah nobles were a Shia Muslim aristocracy, related to the Nizams by blood and marriage, who served as the highest-ranking ministers, diplomats, and military commanders.
Grant & Obligation: They received enormous jagirs, but with a specific condition: they were required to maintain a contingent of troops (paigah) for the Nizam's service. This was a form of a "service jagir" at the highest level. Their estates were so vast and their courts so grand that they were states within the state.
Grant & Obligation: They received enormous jagirs, but with a specific condition: they were required to maintain a contingent of troops (paigah) for the Nizam's service. This was a form of a "service jagir" at the highest level. Their estates were so vast and their courts so grand that they were states within the state.
Military or Mansabdari Jagirs (Service)
Grants given to officials (mansabdars) based on their rank (zat and sawar) for military service, a system inherited from the Mughals.
Purpose: Granted to officials (mansabdars) based on their rank (zat and sawar). The revenue from the jagir was their salary.
Management: The jagirdar had the right to collect the land revenue, but he did not own the land. He was expected to maintain a certain number of troops and present himself for service when called. This system was prone to abuse, as jagirdars often maximized short-term extraction without investing in the land's productivity.
Purpose: Granted to officials (mansabdars) based on their rank (zat and sawar). The revenue from the jagir was their salary.
Management: The jagirdar had the right to collect the land revenue, but he did not own the land. He was expected to maintain a certain number of troops and present himself for service when called. This system was prone to abuse, as jagirdars often maximized short-term extraction without investing in the land's productivity.
Deshmukh Jagirs (Service)
Grants given to support specific government officials or institutions (e.g., Deshmukhs, Deshpandes).
Deshmukh: A hereditary local chief who acted as the head of a pargana (a group of villages). He was not a government employee but a powerful intermediary with rights to a share of the revenue. His knowledge of the local area was indispensable.Deshpande: The village-level accountant who maintained land records.
Patel: The village headman responsible for revenue collection and law and order.
Government functionaries and local officials:
• Deshmukh (Pargana-level chief)
• Deshpande (Pargana-level accountant)
• Patel (Village headman)
• Patwari (Village accountant)
• Police officials (Talari)
• Messengers, etc.
Examples: Many prominent Hindu temples in Telangana, like the Sree Rajarajeshwara Temple in Vemulawada, held inam lands granted by the Qutb Shahis and confirmed by the Nizams. This was a key policy of state patronage and integration.
• Deshmukh (Pargana-level chief)
• Deshpande (Pargana-level accountant)
• Patel (Village headman)
• Patwari (Village accountant)
• Police officials (Talari)
• Messengers, etc.
Inam Jagirs (Granted Lands)
Purpose: These were tax-free grants given to support religious institutions (mosques, temples, mathas), scholars, or individuals for a specific service rendered to the state.Examples: Many prominent Hindu temples in Telangana, like the Sree Rajarajeshwara Temple in Vemulawada, held inam lands granted by the Qutb Shahis and confirmed by the Nizams. This was a key policy of state patronage and integration.
2. Samsthanams (Semi-Autonomous Estates)
Large, semi-autonomous princely estates, often ruled by ancient Hindu or tribal dynasties that predated the Nizams. They had significant internal autonomy.Examples: Gadwal, Wanaparthy, Jatprole.
Nature: These were ancient princely houses that predated the Nizams. They pledged allegiance and paid an annual tribute (peshkash) but retained significant internal autonomy. They had their own armies, administered their own justice, and managed their own revenue systems. The Nizam's government interfered very little in their internal affairs.
Gadwal Samsthanam
Jogulamba Gadwal One of the largest and most prominent. A Hindu Raju dynasty. Famous for the Gadwal Fort and the production of the legendary Gadwal Saris. It signed a subsidiary treaty with the British in 1853.
Wanaparthy Samsthanam
Wanaparthy Samsthanam
Wanaparthy Known as the "model state," it was one of the most prosperous and well-administered. Ruled by the Hindu Rao dynasty. Built the impressive Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple and the Phanfar Palace.
Jatprole Samsthanam Mahabubnagar
Jatprole Samsthanam Mahabubnagar
A powerful estate ruled by the Hindu Reddy dynasty. Played a significant role in the regional politics of the Deccan.
Amarchinta Samsthanam Nagarkurnool / Wanaparthy
Amarchinta Samsthanam Nagarkurnool / Wanaparthy
Noted for its historical significance and size. The rulers were influential nobles in the Nizam's court.
Gurgunta Samsthanam Raichur (Karnataka) but bordered Telangana
Gurgunta Samsthanam Raichur (Karnataka) but bordered Telangana
A strategically located samsthanam on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, with strong historical ties to the Telangana region.
Mallur Samsthanam Nagarkurnool
Mallur Samsthanam Nagarkurnool
A smaller but notable estate in the Mahabubnagar region.
Paloncha Samsthanam Bhadradri Kothagudem
Paloncha Samsthanam Bhadradri Kothagudem
An estate located in the eastern part of the state, in the Telangana heartland.
Bomraspet Samsthanam Nagarkurnool / Vikarabad
Bomraspet Samsthanam Nagarkurnool / Vikarabad
Another of the significant estates in the Mahabubnagar region.
Shorapur Samsthanam Yadgir (Karnataka) but bordered Telangana
Shorapur Samsthanam Yadgir (Karnataka) but bordered Telangana
Extremely important historically. It was a very large and powerful samsthanam ruled by the Hindu Raj Gonds. Its influence extended into the Telangana districts of Mahabubnagar and Rangareddy.
Other Notable Jagirs and Estates
Some estates were technically large jagirs but functioned with a degree of autonomy similar to samsthanams. Furthermore, some famous samsthanams were located just outside the modern borders but were deeply interconnected with Telangana's politics.
Domakonda Samsthanam: (Now in Kamareddy district)
Other Notable Jagirs and Estates
Some estates were technically large jagirs but functioned with a degree of autonomy similar to samsthanams. Furthermore, some famous samsthanams were located just outside the modern borders but were deeply interconnected with Telangana's politics.
Domakonda Samsthanam: (Now in Kamareddy district)
Known for its beautiful Domakonda Fort.
Sirpur (T) Samasthanam: (Komaram Bheem Asifabad)
Sirpur (T) Samasthanam: (Komaram Bheem Asifabad)
Ruled by the Hindu Raj Gond dynasty.
Jangaon Region: While not a single samsthanam, this area was a collection of various smaller estates and was historically significant.
Sir Vicar-ul-Umra Bahadur
Significance: Served as Prime Minister of Hyderabad. He is most famous for building the Falaknuma Palace, which he later gifted to the 6th Nizam, Mahbub Ali Pasha. His estate was colossal.
Sir Asman Jah Bahadur
Significance: Also served as Prime Minister and was a member of the Council of Regency. The Asman Garh Palace in Hyderabad was built in his name.
Sir Khurshid Jah Bahadur
Significance: Held the high post of Daftar-i-Mal (Revenue Minister) and was a senior military commander. The Khurshid Jah family was known for its immense wealth and patronage.
Sir Shamshir-ul-Mulk Bahadur
Significance: A senior military commander and a prominent figure in the Nizam's court. The family was known for its martial traditions.
Sir Rafat-ul-Mulk Bahadur
Significance: A key noble whose family held high administrative and military posts for generations.
Sir Salar Jung I (Mir Turab Ali Khan, Nawab Salar Jung Bahadur)
Significance: The most famous and reforming Diwan of Hyderabad (1853-1883). While he was a statesman, his family was granted vast estates and became one of the most powerful noble houses. The Salar Jung Museum is part of his family's legacy.
Mir Alam (Nawab Mir Alam Bahadur)
Significance: Served as Diwan (1804-1808) and was a key commander. He negotiated the Treaty of 1800 with the British. The Mir Alam Bahadur family remained one of the leading noble houses, with extensive jagirs.
Siraj-ul-Mulk (Maharaja Sir Kishen Pershad)
Significance: A highly influential figure who served twice as Prime Minister. He was a Hindu Kayasth in a Muslim-dominated court, a testament to his brilliance and loyalty. He was a great patron of arts and culture and held vast estates.
Maharaja Chandu Lal
Significance: A powerful Hindu Kayasth who served as Peshkar (a high minister, effectively finance minister) for decades in the early 19th century. He was a kingmaker and amassed enormous wealth and jagirs, founding the Maharaja Chandu Lal line of nobles.
Category 3: Influential Samsthanam Rulers (Selected)
Significance: Rulers of one of the largest and most powerful samsthanams. Famous for their patronage of the Gadwal sari weaving tradition and their formidable fort.
Raja Rameshwar Rao I, II, and III (Wanaparthy)
Significance: Known as progressive and effective administrators. They transformed Wanaparthy into a "model state" with modern infrastructure, schools, and temples.
Raja Bahadur Venkatarama Reddy (Jatprole)
Significance: A powerful Reddy ruler whose samsthanam was a major political and military force in the Mahabubnagar region.
Jangaon Region: While not a single samsthanam, this area was a collection of various smaller estates and was historically significant.
Category 1: The Paigah Nobility (The Second Most Powerful Elite)
These families were the pinnacle of the nobility, second only to the Nizam himself.Sir Vicar-ul-Umra Bahadur
Significance: Served as Prime Minister of Hyderabad. He is most famous for building the Falaknuma Palace, which he later gifted to the 6th Nizam, Mahbub Ali Pasha. His estate was colossal.
Sir Asman Jah Bahadur
Significance: Also served as Prime Minister and was a member of the Council of Regency. The Asman Garh Palace in Hyderabad was built in his name.
Sir Khurshid Jah Bahadur
Significance: Held the high post of Daftar-i-Mal (Revenue Minister) and was a senior military commander. The Khurshid Jah family was known for its immense wealth and patronage.
Sir Shamshir-ul-Mulk Bahadur
Significance: A senior military commander and a prominent figure in the Nizam's court. The family was known for its martial traditions.
Sir Rafat-ul-Mulk Bahadur
Significance: A key noble whose family held high administrative and military posts for generations.
Category 2: Powerful Prime Ministers (Diwans) & High Officials
Many of the most powerful Diwans were granted enormous jagirs as a reward for their service.Sir Salar Jung I (Mir Turab Ali Khan, Nawab Salar Jung Bahadur)
Significance: The most famous and reforming Diwan of Hyderabad (1853-1883). While he was a statesman, his family was granted vast estates and became one of the most powerful noble houses. The Salar Jung Museum is part of his family's legacy.
Mir Alam (Nawab Mir Alam Bahadur)
Significance: Served as Diwan (1804-1808) and was a key commander. He negotiated the Treaty of 1800 with the British. The Mir Alam Bahadur family remained one of the leading noble houses, with extensive jagirs.
Siraj-ul-Mulk (Maharaja Sir Kishen Pershad)
Significance: A highly influential figure who served twice as Prime Minister. He was a Hindu Kayasth in a Muslim-dominated court, a testament to his brilliance and loyalty. He was a great patron of arts and culture and held vast estates.
Maharaja Chandu Lal
Significance: A powerful Hindu Kayasth who served as Peshkar (a high minister, effectively finance minister) for decades in the early 19th century. He was a kingmaker and amassed enormous wealth and jagirs, founding the Maharaja Chandu Lal line of nobles.
Category 3: Influential Samsthanam Rulers (Selected)
These rulers were jagirdars of the highest order, governing their territories as virtual kings.
Raja Somanadri / Rama Krishna Rao IV (Gadwal)Significance: Rulers of one of the largest and most powerful samsthanams. Famous for their patronage of the Gadwal sari weaving tradition and their formidable fort.
Raja Rameshwar Rao I, II, and III (Wanaparthy)
Significance: Known as progressive and effective administrators. They transformed Wanaparthy into a "model state" with modern infrastructure, schools, and temples.
Raja Bahadur Venkatarama Reddy (Jatprole)
Significance: A powerful Reddy ruler whose samsthanam was a major political and military force in the Mahabubnagar region.
Category 4: Other Powerful Noble Families
Bashir-ud-Daula (Nawab Bashir-ud-Daula Bahadur)Significance: A leading nobleman, military commander, and a close confidant of the 7th Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan. His family held one of the most prominent positions in the state.
The Shikarpuri Hindu Nobles
Significance: While not a single family, financiers and merchants from Shikarpur (now in Pakistan) became extremely powerful as mustajirs (revenue farmers) and were later granted jagirdari status. Families like the Mukhis played a crucial role in the state's finances.
Summary Table of Notable Jagirdars
These individuals were more than just landowners; they were the pillars of the Hyderabad State, responsible for its administration, its military, its finances, and its culture. Their legacies are etched into the architecture, social fabric, and history of modern Telangana.
Deshmukhs
The Deshmukh was a pivotal figure in the rural power structure of the Deccan, and later, the Hyderabad State. While many were local figures, some rose to become extremely powerful, wielding influence that rivaled or even surpassed that of smaller jagirdars.The Deshmukh of Bhongir / Bhongir Talukdars
Region: Bhongir (Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district)
Significance: Bhongir was a strategically important pargana with a massive fort. The Deshmukh who controlled this region would have been a key power broker, controlling trade routes and a large territory. Their influence extended across a significant part of the state.
The Deshmukhs of Nalgonda / Suryapet
Region: Nalgonda, Suryapet districts
Significance: This fertile and populous region had several powerful Deshmukh families, often from the Reddy or Velama communities. They controlled vast agricultural lands and were central to the revenue collection for the state.
The Deshmukhs of Medak / Nizamabad
Region: Northern Telangana (Medak, Nizamabad, Kamareddy districts)
Significance: These families, often from the Velama and Reddy communities, were the dominant landholding class in this agriculturally rich region. Their influence was critical for the stability of the northern parts of Hyderabad State.
The Deshmukhs of Mahabubnagar
Region: Mahabubnagar, Wanaparthy, Jogulamba Gadwal districts
Significance: This area was a complex patchwork of powerful Samsthanams (like Gadwal and Wanaparthy) and equally powerful Deshmukhs. The Deshmukhs here often had to navigate relationships with these semi-independent rulers while maintaining their own power base.
The Deshmukh of Shabad (Ranga Reddy District)
Region: Shabad, near Hyderabad
Significance: Proximity to the capital, Hyderabad, made the Deshmukh of Shabad particularly influential. Control over the food supply and resources to the capital was a source of immense power and wealth.
Region: Shabad, near Hyderabad
Significance: Proximity to the capital, Hyderabad, made the Deshmukh of Shabad particularly influential. Control over the food supply and resources to the capital was a source of immense power and wealth.
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