Paigah family

Paigah is a noble family in the senior aristocracy of Hyderabad State, who were associated with the ruling Nizam since its inception and each maintained his own court, individual palaces, and a standing army of about fourteen thousand troops, both infantry and cavalry.

History

The word ''Paigah'', which means pomp and rank in Persian, was a title given by the second Nizam of Hyderabad to Nawab Abul Fateh Taig Jung Bahadur in appreciation of the royal services rendered by him. The Nawab was also conferred with the title of ''Shams-ul-Umra'', ''Shams-ul-Mulk'' ''Shams-ud-Daula'' Shams-ul-Umra which Means "The Sun among Nobles" and he became the founder of the Paigah family.

Shaikh Muhammad Bahauddin who was Governor of Shikohabad under Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb was the twelfth direct descendant of Shaikh Fariduddin Ganjshakar a saint of Indian subcontinent-(now Punjab, Pakistan), whose linage is traced up to Omar bin Al-Khattab-the second Caliph of Islam.

Abul Khair Khan son of Shaikh Muhammad Bahauddin was in the service of Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah, it was during those time when he was bestowed the title of ''Khan Bahadur'', Abul Khair Khan's statesmanship was noticed by Nizam-ul-Mulk-(the then Prime Minister of Mughal, and later founded Asaf Jahi dynasty and known as Nizam I) he was appointed as Deputy Governor of Malwa and Khandesh, he joined Nizam on his way to Deccan and accompanied him in the battles against Maratha. During Nizam I campaign to Delhi in the process to negotiate and stop Nadir Shah, Khan safeguarded his Nizamat in Deccan and overthrow rebellion by his Son Salabat Jung. During his career under Nizam I; he was appointed as ''Qila Dar'' of Dhar-1724, ''Faujdar'' of Nabinagar, Mandu-1724, and later elevated up to ''Naib Subadar''-Deputy Governor Khandesh and Aurangabad. He died in 1952 and was buried in Burhanpur. His titles are ''Khan Bahadur'', ''Shamsher Bahadur'', and ''Imam Jang I''. Abul Khair Khan had two sons, his first Abul Barakat Khan Imam Jung II was shot to death during lifetime of his father while inspecting the fort near Poona, which was captured from Maratha, he is buried in Burhanpur. his second son Abul Fateh Khan joins the services of Nizam II and being regarded as the head of Paigah. 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 1 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).

After Abul Fateh's death in 1791, his son Fakhruddin Khan inherited the estates and titles. He was given the title ''Amir-e-Kabir'', which meant Head of the Nobles. He also married the daughter of Asaf Jah II, Sahebzadi Bashirunissa Begum in 1797. Thus began the tradition of marrying the Nizam's daughters to young men of the Paigah family.
Fakhruddin Khan's grandson through his third son was Sir Asman Jah, Jah had one son Moin-Ud-Dowlah Bahadur Asman Jah who had 14 sons and 7 daughter, Fakhruddin Khan's fourth son Rasheeduddin Khan had two sons, Viqar-ul-Umra and Khurshid Jah.

Nawab Iqbal Uddin Khan son of Nawab Moin-Ud-Daula Bahadur Asman Jahi married to the saehbzadi Ahmed unisa begum menternal grand daughter of H.H Mahboob Ali Khan and perantal grand daughter of Sultan ul-Mulk,Viqar-ul-Umrahi Iqtidar ud-Daula, their son Sahebzade Nawab Muhaammed Hyder uddin Khan is member of both Asaf Jahi dynasty and Paigah Family

Bashir Yar Jung, a grandson of Viqar-ul-Umra married Saleha Sultan, the daughter of Sajida Sultan and Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi. Their son Saad Bin Jung is a member of the Paigah family as well as Pataudi Royal Family.

Family and Amir's

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. The 3 Branches of The House of 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 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 Jah Paigah

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 JahK.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 Moin-Ud-Dowlah Bahadur Asman Jah (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.

Amir e Paigah Nawab Moin ud Dowla Bahadur Asman Jah Inayath Jung Had 15 sons 8 Daughters: Amir-i-Paigah-i-Asman Jahi, Zahir Yar Jung, Latif ud-din Khan, Baha ud-din Khan Bahadur, Bashir Jung, Iftikhar ud-din Khan, Mazhar ud-din Khan, Abidin Khan, Ahmad ud-din Khan, Afsar ud-din Khan, Iqbal ud-din Khan married to sahebzadi Ahmed unisa begum daughter of Fareed nawaz Jung Their son sahebzade Nawab Hyder Uddin Khan is memeber of both Asman Jahi Paigah & Viqar-ul-Umrahi Paigah , Wajid ud-din Khan, Badar ud-din Khan, Jalal ud-din Khan, Ghazi ud-din Khan, Waris ud-din Khan and Daughters Farid un-nisa Begum, Laiq un-nisa Begum, Izzat un-nisa Begum, Iftiqar un-nisa Begum, Sultan Jahan Begum, Malika Jahan Begum, Akhtar Jahan Begum, Daud un-nisa Begum.

Sir Viqar-ul-Umrah 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-Umra 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 949.

Amir e Paigah Nawab Sultan-ul-Mulk Bahadur had seven sons: Abul Fatah Khan, Muzaffar Nawaz Jung, Fareed Nawaz Jung married to Sahebzadi Ghouse unisa Begum Daughter of Mahboob Ali Khan, Nazeer Nawaz Jung, Khair Nawaz Jung, Hassan Yar Jung, and Waheed Yar Jung.

Khursheed Jah 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.

Family tree

* Nawab Abul Fateh Khan Tegh Jung, Shams ud Dowla I, Shams ul Mulk I,Shams ul Umra I
** Shams ud Dowla II, Shams ul Mulk II, Shams ul Umra II, Amir e Kabir I, Nawab ‘Abu’l Fakhr Muhammad Fakhr ud-din Khan Bahadur (served as Prime Minister of Hyderabad)
*** Sahibzada Muhammad Farid ud-din Khan (died without issue)
*** Shams ul Umra III, Amir e Kabir II, Nawab Rafi ud-din Khan Bahadur (died without issue, adopted nephews Sir Asman Jah and Muthasham ud Dowla)
**** Bashir ul-Mulk, Muhtasham ud-Daula, Nawab Muhammad Sultan ud-din Khan Bahadur
**** Asman Jah, Amir e Akbar, Nawab Sir Muhammad Mazhar ud-din Khan Bahadur son of Nawab Sultanuddin Khan (served as Prime Minister of Hyderabad)
***** Amir-e-Paigah-e-Asman Jahi, Moin-ud-Daula Bahadur Asman Jah Innayat Jung, Nawab Muhammad Moin uddin Khan Bahadur
******Raheem Unnisa Begum Sahiba (First Wife)
******Ladli Begum Sahiba (Second Wife) Kulsum Begum Sahiba successor of Ladli Begum Sahiba
******Liyaqath Begum Sahiba (Third Wife)
******Mehboob Begum Sahiba (Fourth Wife)
******* Amir-i-Paigah-i-Asman Jahi, Zahir Yar Jung
******* Sahibzada Muhammad Latif ud-din Khan
******* Sahibzada Muhammad Baha ud-din Khan Bahadur
******* Bashir Jung Bahadur
******* Iftikhar ud-din Khan
******* Mazhar ud-din Khan.
******* Abidin Khan.
******* Nawab Ahmaduddin
*******Afsar ud-din Khan
******* Iqbal ud-din Khan qbal Pasha******** Sahibzada Muhammad Farid uddin Khan.
********Nawab Sahibzada Muhammad Hyder uddin Khan
******** Sahibzadi Moin unnisa Begum Sahiba.
********Sahibzadi Iqbal unnisa Begum (Wife of Sahibzada Mir Muhammad Nusrath ‘Ali Khan, son of Prince Hashim Jah)
******* Wajid ud-din Khan
******* Badar ud-din Khan (Married to Sahibzadi Asmat unnisa Begum)
*******Nawab Jalal ud-din Khan
*******Nawab Ghazi ud-din Khan
******* Viqar ul Umra II, Iqtedar-ul-Mulk, Iqbal-ud-Dowla, Sikandar Jung Amir e Paigah, Nawab Sir Muhammad Fazl ud-din Khan Bahadur (served as Prime Minister of Hyderabad1893 to 1901).
***** Viqar ul Umra III, Iqtedar-ul-MulkII, Iqbal-ud-Dowla II, Nawab Sultan-ul-Mulk Bahadur, Iqtedar-ud-Dowla, Namwar Jung, Amir-e-Paigah 1902 -1949
****** Nawab Abu'Fatah Khan Bahadur (eldest son of Nawab Sultan ul Mulk).
****** Nawab Muzaffar Nawaz Jung Bahadur (Second son of Nawab Sultan ul Mulk).
****** Nawab Fareed Nawaz Jung Bahadur (Third son of Nawab Sultan ul Mulk) Married to Princess Sahibzadi Ghous unnisa Begum (Daughter of Mir Mahboob Ali Khan Asaf Jah VI Nizam) Their Daughters are member of both Nizam And Paigah
******* Sahebzadi Asmathunnisa Begum
******* Sahebzadi Ahmedunnisa Begum Wife of Nawab Iqbal Uddin Khan
******** Sahibzada Muhammad Farid uddin Khan
******** Nawab Sahibzada Hyderuddin Khan
******** Sahibzadi Iqbal unnisa Begum (Wife of Sahibzada Mir Muhammad Nusrath ‘Ali Khan, son of Prince Hashim Jah)
******** Sahibzadi Moin unnisa Begum
*****Nawab Nazeer Nawaz Jung Bahadur (Fourth son of Nawab Sultan ul Mulk).
***** Nawab Khair Nawaz Jung Bahadur (Fifth son of Nawab Sultan ul Mulk).
***** Nawab Hassan Yar Jung Bahadur (Sixth son of Nawab Sultan ul Mulk).
***** Nawab Waheed Yar Jung Bahadur (died young and without issue)
***** Wali ud-Daula, Nawab Wali ud-din Khan Bahadur (served as Prime Minister of Hyderabad) (younger son of Sir Vicar ul Umra Bahadur)
***** Nawab Mumtizm Jung Bahadhur (Son of Nawab Wali ud-Daula ))
***** Nawab Iqbal uddin khan(Son Nawab Mumtizm Jung Bahadhur ))
***** Nawab Siraj uddin khan(Son Nawab Mumtizm Jung Bahadhur ))
***** Nawab Kareem uddin khan(Son Nawab Mumtizm Jung Bahadhur ))
***** Nawab Naseer uddin khan(Son Nawab Mumtizm Jung Bahadhur ))
***** Kaheerunsissa Begum ( Daughter Nawab Mumtizm Jung Bahadhur ))
***** Nawab nizam uddin khan (Son Nawab Iqbal uddin khan Grand Son of Nawab Mumtizm Jung Bahadhur ))
****** Sahebzadi Sultanunnissa Begum (Daughter of Nawab Wali ud-Daula & Wife of Omer Nawaz Jung (Nawab Mohammed Bin Omer))
******* Shamsheerunnisa Begum
******* Omer Bin Mohammed
******* Awad Bin Mohammed
******* Sardar Unnisa Begum
******* Abdullah Bin Mohammed
******* Vicarunnissa Begum
******* Mohsin Bin Mohammed
******** Safia Begum (wife of Mohsin Bin Mohammed)
****** Nawab Muhammad Bashir ud-din Khan Bahadur, Bashir Yar Jung
******* Nawabzada Muhammad Saad Bin Jung

''Note: The family tree only covers some notable members. There are hundreds of members''

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 Paigah's were considered next only to the Nizams. The ''Paigah jagir'' was the largest in the state, second only to the Nizam.

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.)

Tombs

The Paigah Tombs are the tombs belonging to the nobility of Paigah family. They were constructed over a period of time during the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. They are located at the Santoshnagar locality of Hyderabad. The tombs are made out of lime and mortar with beautiful inlaid marble carvings.

Places Named after the Paigah family

Vikarabad a town in telengana is named after H.E Viqar-ul-Umra, and the town of Shamshabad on which today Rajiv Gandhi International Airport built on also named after The Shams-ul-umra family the paigah Family and thee other side of it also called Moinabad was named after Nawab Moin-Ud-Daula Bahadur Asman Jahi and the area of Begumpet was also the gift to the paigah family, when abul fateh Khan's son Fakhr uddin Khan was married to the daughter of Nizam Ali Khan, Asaf Jah II Sahebzadi Bashirunissa Begum.

Paigah Deodis

The Paigah noblemen were known for their residences, usually known as ''Devdis''. 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:
* Chiraan Fort Palace
*Saroonagar Palace
*Asman Garh Palace
* Paigah Palace
* Khursheed Jah Devdi
* Vikhar Manzil
*Devdi Iqbal ud-Dowla
*Basheer Bagh Palace

See also

* Falaknuma Palace
* Paigah Tombs
* Chiraan Fort Palace

References

{{reflist

External links

The Hindu feature

People from Hyderabad State
Indian noble families