Paigahs of Hyderabad

The Paigah (c.1760 CE - 1948 CE) were the premier nobility of the Hyderabad State, a powerful coalition of families that formed a "state within a state." Second only to the Nizams themselves in power and prestige, they were the kingdom's kingmakers, military commanders, and chief administrators. The name "Paigah" (from the Persian Pāygāh meaning "stable" or "foundation") symbolized their role as the foundational pillar of the Asaf Jahi dynasty. 

Founded by Shams-ul-Umra I (Abul Fateh Khan Tegh Jung), the Paigahs became semi-autonomous jagirdars who maintained private armies, administered large estates around Hyderabad, intermarried with the Nizam’s family, and left a rich architectural and cultural legacy across Telangana.

1. Origins and rise

The Paigah's ascendancy began with Nawab Abul Fateh Khan Taig Jung (c. 1748-1822), a distinguished nobleman of Turkic ancestry in the Mughal court. His fortunes were irrevocably tied to the Asaf Jahi dynasty when he married Shahar Bazaar Begum, the daughter of the first Nizam, Asaf Jah I. This marital alliance made him the Damad (son-in-law) of the sovereign, a position of immense influence.

In recognition of his status and the need to maintain a substantial cavalry force for the state, the Nizam granted him a vast hereditary estate. This estate, and the military household it supported, became known as the "Paigah." Upon his death, the estate was divided among his descendants, forming the three great branches—the Shiina—that would dominate Hyderabad's politics for the next 150 years

Rise: Through military service, land grants, marriage alliances with the Asaf Jahi family, and acquisition of jagirs, the Paigahs expanded into multiple branches (notably the Shams-ul-Umra senior line and the Viqar-ul-Umra, Asman Jah, Khursheed Jah branches).
Peak: 19th century — they controlled hundreds of villages and significant revenue, maintained private forces, and held top court offices.

2. Core Jagirs and Districts 

Spread Across Telangana and other parts of the former Hyderabad State
According to the 1901 census, the Paigah Estates comprised 23 taluks (administrative subdivisions) and 1,273 villages, covering an area of approximately 4,000 square miles.

Modern Indian State Districts Mentioned in Historical Records (1901 Census)

Telangana: Medak (a major district), Nizamabad, Atraf-i-Balda (the areas immediately surrounding Hyderabad city), Warangal (scattered villages), Mahbubnagar (scattered villages),Nalgonda (scattered villages).

Maharashtra Nander, Osmanabad, Aurangabad (scattered villages).
Karnataka Bidar, Gulbarga.

Specific Localities in and around Hyderabad (Telangana)
Within the capital area of Hyderabad (Telangana), the Paigahs owned and effectively governed large estates and founded towns, many of which still carry their names today:

Vikarabad: Named after Viqar-ul-Umra, a Paigah nobleman and Prime Minister, who founded the town.
Shamshabad: Named after Shams-ul-Umara (the hereditary title of the Paigah family head). The Hyderabad international airport is now located here.
Moinabad: Named after Moin-ud-Dowla (son of Asman Jah Paigah).
Begumpet: Named after the Begum (wife) of a Shams-ul-Umra, who owned the land. The Paigah Palace in Begumpet is a famous landmark.
Basheer Bagh: Named after Asman Jah (whose given name was Basheer-ud-Daula).
Urban Lands: The Paigah family holds current claims to historic lands in areas now known as Hafizpet, Hydernagar, Hashmatpet, Malkaram, and Nacharam.

The Paigah family's control was based on being the premier noble family after the Nizam. They did not govern the entire state, but they held the largest set of private estates (Jagirs) and exercised near-total authority within those 4,000 square miles of territory. They maintained their own administration, judicial systems, palaces, and a standing army of about 14,000 troops

2. Paigah Family Tree

1. Nawab Abul Fateh Khan Tegh Jung Bahadur (c. 1760–1791 CE)

Founder of the Paigah Dynasty
The Paigah dynasty was established by Nawab Muhammad Abul Fateh Khan Bahadur, Tegh Jung Bahadur, who served as a crucial military figure and trusted commander to Nizam Ali Khan (Asaf Jah II). He died on January 1, 1791, having been born around c. 1731.
Titles, Role, and Military Power
Nawab Abul Fateh Khan was granted several high hereditary titles by the Nizam, including Tegh Jung Bahadur (his war-name), Shams-ul-Umra ("The Sun among Nobles"), Shams-ul-Mulk, and Shams-ud-Daula.
His dedicated service led to the creation of the hereditary Paigah rank, a term that literally means "pomp and rank" in Persian and symbolized his position as the Nizam's "right-hand man" or "footstool." By 1781, his power was formalized when he was given command of a massive private army consisting of 9,000 sowar (cavalry) and a Paigah contingent of 12,000 troops.
Estates and Legacy
The foundation of the Paigah jagir (landed estate) was a direct result of his service, making it the second-largest in the entire Hyderabad State. This immense landholding included vast areas like Chandrayangutta, Maheswaram, and portions of the region that would later be known as Shamsabad (named after his Shams-ul-Umra title). His ultimate legacy is tied to the Paigah Tombs complex in Hyderabad, where he is buried, which went on to serve as the family's distinguished mausoleum for generations.

2. Nawab Fakhr-ud-din Khan (1791–1863 CE)

First Amir-e-Kabir and Consolidator of the Estate
Nawab Abu'l Fakhr Muhammad Fakhruddin Khan was the son of the founder and the first member of the family to hold the senior titles of Shams-ul-Umra I and Amir-e-Kabir I (Head of the Nobles). He was born between c. 1776 and 1780 and died on April 10, 1863. He served under both Asaf Jah II and Asaf Jah III.

Key Alliance and Estate
His most critical move was establishing the enduring marital alliance between the Paigahs and the Nizam dynasty. In 1797, he married Sahebzadi Bashirunissa Begum, a daughter of Asaf Jah II (Nizam Ali Khan).
He significantly consolidated and expanded the Paigah estates, particularly around Shamsabad and Medchal and their adjoining parganas. He also began the tradition of interring Paigah nobles at the family's renowned mausoleum, known as the Paigah Tombs.

The Great Division
Upon his death in 1863 CE, the Paigah estate was divided between his two surviving sons, initiating the branching of the Paigah family:

Nawab Rafi-ud-din Khan Bahadur (d. 1877): Inherited a share and the title Shams-ul-Umara II.
Nawab Rashid-ud-din Khan Bahadur (d. 1881): Inherited a share and later held the title Shams-ul-Umara III.

3. Nawab Rafi-ud-din Khan Bahadur (1863 CE – 1877 CE)

He was the elder son of Fakhr-ud-din Khan and held the title Shams-ul-Umara II until his death.

4. Nawab Rashid-ud-din Khan Bahadur (1863 CE – 1881 CE)

The younger son of Fakhr-ud-din Khan, he held the title Shams-ul-Umara III and was the ancestor of the two great Paigah branches: Khursheed Jah and Viqar-ul-Umra.

5. Nawab Sir Muhammad Mazharuddin Khan Bahadur (1877–1898 CE)

Founder: The Asman Jah Branch

The title Jah is an honorific Persian word meaning "dignity," "rank," or "station."
The full title, Asman Jah, is derived from Persian words:
Asman (آسمان): Meaning "sky" or "heaven."
Jah (جاه): Meaning "rank," "dignity," or "stature."
When combined, Asman Jah (آسمان جاه) means "One whose Rank is as high as the Sky" or "Dignity of the Heavens."

Nawab Sir Muhammad Mazharuddin Khan Bahadur (Born 1839, Died July 16, 1898) was the most powerful figure of the Asman Jah Branch. His tenure as Amir-e-Paigah began in 1877, succeeding his uncle's portion of the estate. He held the rank of Amir-e-Kabir II and served the Nizams Asaf Jah V and Asaf Jah VI.
Key Achievements and Estates
Nawab Sir Asman Jah was a renowned statesman, serving as Prime Minister (Diwan) of Hyderabad from 1887 to 1893.
His estate included jagirs around eastern Hyderabad and the Asman Garh area. His architectural and philanthropic legacies include:
The construction of Asman Garh Palace and Basheer Bagh Palace.
The erection of the Mahboob Chowk Clock Tower.
Numerous civic projects, alongside a known commitment to philanthropy and educational initiatives.

6. Muhammad Fazluddin Khan Bahadur (1881 CE – 1902 CE)

Founder : The Viqar-ul-Umra Branch

The name Viqar-ul-Umara (meaning "Dignity of the Nobles") refers to a title held by multiple Paigah nobles of the Hyderabad State, and eventually became the name of one of the three main Paigah family branches.
Lifespan : c. 1856–February 15, 1902

Titles: Iftikhar-ul-Mulk and served Nizam Asaf Jah VI (Mahbub Ali Pasha).
Key Achievements and Estates
He succeeded to a portion of the estate in 1881 and also served as Prime Minister (Diwan) of Hyderabad from 1893 to 1901.
He was the most lavish builder in the family's history, responsible for some of Hyderabad’s most famous structures:
The Falaknuma Palace (which he later presented to the Nizam).
The neo-classical Paigah Palace in Begumpet (his later residence).
The unique Spanish Mosque (Begumpet).
He also held estates around Falaknuma and Begumpet.

7. Nawab Sir Muhammad Muhi ud-din Khan Bahadur (1881 – 1902 CE)

Founder : The Khursheed Jah Branch

The title Khursheed Jah (also spelled Khurshid Jah) is an honorific Persian title meaning "Dignity of the Sun."
It is derived from two Persian words:
Khursheed (خورشید): Meaning "Sun."
Jah (جاه): Meaning "dignity," "rank," or "stature."
The full title, therefore, implies a person of the highest rank or brilliance, like the Sun.

Nawab Sir Muhammad Muhi ud-din Khan Bahadur (c. 1841–February 16, 1902) was the head of the Khursheed Jah Branch. He held the titles of Shams-ul-Umra V and Amir-e-Kabir IV, serving under Asaf Jah IV and V.
Family and Legacy
He was the son of Amir-e-Kabir Nawab Mohammed Rasheeduddin Khan Bahadur (Shams-ul-Umara III) and the brother of Sir Viqar-ul-Umara Bahadur. He inherited one-third of the Paigah estate after his father’s death in 1881.
His major estate holdings were near Shah Gunj and the Falaknuma area. 

Achievements
Building the Khursheed Jah Devdi (palace).
Being a great patron of the arts and promoting Urdu–Persian learning.

Nawab Imam Jung and Nawab Zafar Jung: These were the two sons of Nawab Sir Khursheed Jah Bahadur who were considered his legitimate heirs upon his death in 1902. Their claims led to a commission appointed by the Nizam to deal with the division of the estate among the numerous claimants.

8. Nawab Muhammad Hafiz ud-din Khan (1902 – February 7, 1907)

The Khursheed Jah Branch

Lifespan: July 13, 1866 - Not Known

Titles : Shams ul-Mulk, Zafar Jang
One of the sons of Nawab Muhammad Rashid ud-din Khan Bahadur (Shams-ul-Umara III)
He is also listed as an Amir-i-Paigah-i-Khurshid Jahi heir, suggesting a period of joint or sequential leadership among the descendants in the early 20th century.

These later Paigah heads were primarily responsible for managing the substantial inherited jagirs, particularly in the Shah Gunj–Moghalpura region and overseeing the family's iconic burial site, the Paigah Tombs complex.The three family branches continued into the 20th century, with their descendants managing the separate Paigah estates until the abolition of the jagirs.

9. Nawab Muhammad Lutf ud-din Khan  (February 7, 1907 – March 31, 1937)

Khursheed Jah Branch 

Lifespan : July 16, 1883 - March 31, 1937
Titles : Lutf ud-Daula, Latafat Jung
He succeeded his elder brother, Nawab Muhammad Hafiz ud-din Khan, as the Amir-i-Paigah of the Khurshid Jahi branch on February 7, 1907 and held the position until his death on March 31, 1937. He was also granted the title of Lutf ud-Daula on February 13, 1923.
He was recognized as the Amir-i-Paigah-i-Khurshid Jahi in the early 20th century. He was a prominent figure, serving as a member of the Executive Council for the Nizam, holding portfolios like the Military and Public Works Departments. He was instrumental in managing the estate after it was released from the Court of Wards in 1929, continuing his administrative duties for the Nizam.
He died on board the ship Viceroy of India near Aden while returning to Hyderabad after undergoing medical treatment in Vienna. The Lutfuddaulah Oriental Research Institute was established in his memory circa 1937.

The person who succeeded Nawab Muhammad Lutf ud-din Khan as the Amir-i-Paigah of the Khurshid Jahi branch in 1937 was his younger brother:

10. Nawab Muhammad Azim ud-din Khan Bahadur ( March 31, 1937 - 1948 CE)

Khursheed Jah Branch 

Title : Himayat Nawaz Jang
He was the last recognized Amir of the Khurshid Jahi Paigah branch until the annexation of Hyderabad State into the Indian Union in 1948.

11. Nawab Sultan ul-Mulk Bahadur (c. 1902–1930s CE)

Viqar-ul-Umra Branch

Lifespan : November 3 1875 - 1930

He managed the Begumpet–Falaknuma jagirs under Asaf Jah VII (Mir Osman Ali Khan). His primary achievement was continuing the Paigah administration and overseeing estate adjustments necessitated by early 20th-century reforms.

12. Nawab Abul Fatah Khan Bahadur (1930 CE -1948 CE)

Nawab Abul Fatah Khan Bahadur was the eldest son of Nawab Sultan ul-Mulk Bahadur and the last member of the Paigah family known to have resided in the Paigah Palace (Aiwan-e-Begumpet).

It is also noted that Nawab Sultan ul-Mulk Bahadur had several other sons who were also prominent members of the family, including:

Nawab Muzaffar Nawaz Jung Bahadur
Nawab Fareed Nawaz Jung Bahadur
Nawab Nazeer Nawaz Jung Bahadur
Nawab Khair Nawaz Jung Bahadur
Nawab Hassan Yar Jung Bahadur

12. Nawab Asman Jah II (c. 1898–1948 CE)

Asman Jah Branch

He oversaw estates like Asman Garh and Malakpet, serving under Asaf Jah VI and VII. His role involved maintaining cultural and charitable institutions, though the autonomy of the jagir was reduced after the early 1900s.

Legacy and Modern Status

Descendants of all three Paigah branches continued to hold hereditary titles until the abolition of jagirs in 1949 and the subsequent abolition of privy purses in 1971. Following independence, family members diversified into education, business, heritage, and politics.

Today, the Paigah legacy is preserved in its magnificent architecture, which now serves as key heritage sites in Hyderabad:

Falaknuma Palace (now a Taj Hotel)
Paigah Palace (Begumpet)
Asman Garh Palace
Paigah Tombs (Santoshnagar)
Khursheed Jah Devdi (near Shah Gunj)

3. Administration

Jagirdari system: Each Paigah branch administered its jagirs with its own revenue officers (amils), diwans, and courts.
Autonomy: They exercised near-complete civil and criminal jurisdiction within their estates, collected revenue, and maintained law and order.
Military role: Maintained private troops and cavalry; responsible for local defense and often supplied troops to the Nizam.
Integration with state: Though autonomous locally, Paigahs owed allegiance to the Nizam and participated in state ceremonies; many served as ministers and commanders.

4. Economy and trade

Land revenue: Principal income from agriculture — large village estates produced grain, cotton, and other crops.
Forestry & minerals: Some jagirs contained forests and mineral resources (timber, occasional mineral extraction).
Markets and trade routes: Paigah estates controlled local markets, caravan rest-points, and tolls on trade routes around Hyderabad.
Revenue administration: Systematic revenue collection funded palaces, troops, and public works; they also engaged in philanthropic spending (mosques, schools, tanks).

5. Society

Elite society: Paigahs formed an elite that blended Persianate court culture with Deccani traditions; they intermarried with the Nizam’s family.
Patronage: Major patrons of Sufi shrines, mosques, educational institutions, and local festivals.
Social structure: Their jagirs had a hierarchy of revenue tenants, village headmen, military retainers, and artisans; Paigah rule impacted social mobility in their zones.
Religious and linguistic makeup: Muslim ruling elite; their subjects included Hindu and Muslim peasants, Telugu and Marathi speakers in border areas.

6. Art and culture

Architecture: Built some of Hyderabad’s iconic structures — Falaknuma Palace, Paigah Tombs, Asman Garh Palace, Khursheed Jah Devdi, Spanish Mosque (Begumpet). Paigah tombs are notable for delicate stucco, marble work, and mixed Persian-Deccani motifs.
Literature & music: Patrons of Urdu poetry, classical music, and courtly arts.
Material culture: Commissioned textiles, carved woodwork, and inlay work; supported craftsmen who contributed to the Deccani style.

7. Foreign relations (external interactions)

With the Nizam and British: Paigahs operated within the political framework of the Hyderabad State under the Nizam but had to negotiate authority with the British Resident from the early 19th century onward.
With neighboring states: Maintained relations with neighboring rulers (Maratha chieftains, Mysore, Berar chiefs) primarily through the Nizam’s diplomacy.
Colonial impact: British expansion curtailed some Paigah autonomy (e.g., Berar cession, legal reforms), but many Paigahs cooperated with British authorities and served in administration.

8. Achievements and legacy

Administrative model: Demonstrated a hybrid jagirdari-court model combining autonomous administration with loyalty to a princely state.
Architectural legacy: Left major monuments that define Hyderabad’s historic landscape.
Cultural imprint: Deep influence on Hyderabadi court culture, language (Urdu), cuisine, and arts.
Modern legacy: Descendants retain some palaces and are involved in heritage conservation; Paigah contributions are major components of Deccan historiography.

9. Chronology, dating and inscriptions

c. late 1700s: Shams-ul-Umra I rises under Nizam Ali Khan (Asaf Jah II) — foundation of Paigah status and jagirs.
Early–mid 1800s: Paigah families consolidate landholdings; build estates and tombs (Paigah Tombs complex originates in this period).
Mid–late 1800s: Viqar-ul-Umra and Asman Jah serve in high offices; Falaknuma Palace and Asman Garh built (Falaknuma completed c. 1893).
Late 1800s–early 1900s: Paigahs are principal nobles; inscriptions on tombs, mosques, and devdis commemorate donors and construction dates (many tombs bear Persian/Urdu epigraphs with dates in Hijri and regnal or Gregorian equivalents).
1948–1949: Operation Polo (17 Sept 1948) and subsequent legal reforms lead to political integration; 

Hyderabad Jagir Abolition measures follow.
1971: Abolition of privy purses ends official royal stipends; thereafter Paigah estates become private property or are converted into trusts.
(Note: many Paigah-built monuments have foundation inscriptions in Persian/Urdu and dateable Hijri years — specific transliterations/dates require epigraphic evidence from the monuments themselves.)

10. Successor states / vassals

Within Hyderabad: Paigah jagirs were not “states” that continued after 1948 — they were abolished or integrated; some smaller jagirs and samsthans that had been tributary to Paigahs or operated within their sphere were absorbed into the Indian administrative system (districts/mandals).
After abolition: Former Paigah territories became part of Hyderabad State (and later Andhra Pradesh/Telangana). Many former jagirdari estates were redistributed, settled as zamindari/ryotwari holdings, or converted to government land.
Descendants & trusts: Paigah families continued as private landowners; several palaces were sold or converted into hotels/museums (e.g., Falaknuma → hospitality use under conservation). Family trusts manage heritage properties and charitable institutions in modern times.

Sources

Wikipedia (primarily the articles for "Viqar-ul-Umra" and "House of Paigah").
DBpedia (metadata related to the "Viqar-ul-Umra" article).
Royal Ark (genealogical resource on the "HYDERABAD The Amir-i-Paigah Family (Viqar ul-Umara) GENEALOGY").
Heritage Times (article titled "Amir e Paigah, Nawab Sir Viqar-ul-Umara Bahadur, the Prime Minister of Hyderabad").
Genii (genealogical profile for "H.E. Nawab Sultan ul Mulk Bahadur...").
The Islamic Heritage (article on "Paigah Palace").
Bharatpedia (an article on the "Paigah family").