Osman Ali

His Exalted Highness Nawab Sir Mir Osman Ali Khan Siddiqi, Asaf Jah VII (6 April 1886 – 24 February 1967), was the last Nizam (ruler) of the princely state of Hyderabad, the largest princely state in British India. He ascended the throne on 11th August, 1911, at the age of 25 and ruled Hyderabad between 1911 and 1948, until it was annexed by India. He was styled as His Exalted Highness-(H.E.H) the Nizam of Hyderabad. He was one of the wealthiest people of all time. In 1937, he was featured on the cover of Time magazine as the richest person at the time. He was the 5th richest man in history of mankind and the richest Indian who ever lived.On taking the throne, he studied and understood all the State papers that his father sent to him.He was a benevolent ruler who patronised education, science and development. During his 37-year rule, electricity was introduced, railways, roads and airways were developed. He was known as Architect of modern Hyderabad and is credited with the establishment of numerous public institutions in the city of Hyderabad, including the Osmania University, Osmania General Hospital, State Bank of Hyderabad, Begumpet Airport, and Hyderabad High Court to name a few. Two reservoirs, namely Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar were built during his reign, to prevent another great flood in the city.He was also a philanthropist, donating millions of rupees to various educational and religious institutions all over India. Apart from his wealth, he was known for his eccentricities, as he used to knit his own socks, and borrow cigarettes from guests.The Nizam originally wanted to join India. However, after Indias independence in 1947, the Nizam did not wish to accede his state to the newly formed nation. By then, his power had weakened due to the Telangana movement and rise of a radical militia known as the Razakars. In 1948, the Indian Army invaded and annexed Hyderabad State, and the Nizam had to surrender. Post independence, he became the Rajpramukh of Hyderabad State between 1950 and 1956, after which the state was partitioned and became part of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra. The Nizam died in 1967.

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