Raunaq Yar Khan

Nawab Raunaq Yar Khan (born 13 April 1960, at Viqar-Ul-Umra Palace, Begumpet, Hyderabad) currently serves as the democratically elected IXth Nizam of the Asaf Jahi dynasty of Hyderabad,^[1][2][3][4] representing the continuation of the historic Asaf Jahi dynasty that once ruled over one of India's largest princely states of Hyderabad State (now part of the Indian state of Telangana, part of Maharashtra with Aurangabad as the capital and the Kalyana-Karnataka region of Karnataka). His coronation in March 2023 marked a significant moment in the modern history of the former royal family, though it came with its share of controversy.^{[5][6][7][8][9]}

The title "Nizam of Hyderabad" flowing from Nizam-Ul-Mulk Asaf Jah I denoted the rulers of this significant state from the 18th to the mid-20th century, representing a lineage that profoundly influenced the culture, arts, socio-economic fabric, and educational landscape of what is now Telangana.^[10][11] This designation, IXth Nizam of the Asaf Jahi Dynasty, while carrying significant traditional and familial weight, exists within the framework of a republic where royal titles were officially abolished by the Government of India since the passage of the 26th Amendment to the Indian Constitution in 1971.^{[12][13][14][15]}

Nawab Raunaq Yar Khan is connected to the Asaf Jahi dynasty through his maternal lineage, as he is the great-grandson of Nizam Sir Mir Mahboob Ali Khan, the VIth Nizam of Hyderabad. His grandmother, Dawood Unnisa Begum, was the daughter of the VIth Nizam Mahboob Ali Khan and was married to the nobleman Nawab Muhammad Nazir ud-din Khan Bahadur, Nazir Nawaz Jang^[16] (also a descendant of the Vth Nizam, Afzal-ud-Daulah). Raunaq Yar Khan is the son of Lateef Unnisa Begum, their daughter.^[17] His father, Ahmad Yar Khan,^[18] and his mother, Lateef Unnisa Begum,^[18] are both of the Islamic faith.^[19][20]

His early education began at the Parsi Pre-primary School, which was established by close friends of the family and Parsi nobility.^[21]

Following his early education, Raunaq Yar Khan attended the renowned Hyderabad Public School, Begumpet (once called Jagirdars College, estate donated by his great-grandmother, Jahandar Unnisa Begum), an institution deeply intertwined with his family's legacy. The school buildings themselves were constructed under the patronage of the VIIth Nizam of Hyderabad, H.E.H. Nawab Mir Osman Ali Khan Bahadur, who was his great-great-grandmother, Jahandar Unnisa's nephew.^[21]

After completing his schooling, he pursued higher education in science. He served as a voluntary advisor to the Delhi Police between 1989 and 1999.^[9] Raunaq Yar Khan attended courses on Glass Fibre Reinforced Plastic technology at IIT Madras at Guindy, now Chennai, India.^[22] Eventually, he became involved in his father's manufacturing business, where he explored his interests in product design and innovation, particularly in fibreglass technology.^[21]

The designation of Nawab Raunq Yar Khan as the IXth Nizam of the Asaf Jahi Dynasty occurred in the wake of significant events within the family. Nizam Mir Barkat Ali Khan Siddiqi, known as Mukarram Jah, the VIIIth Nizam of Hyderabad, passed away in Turkey on January 14, 2023, and was subsequently buried in Hyderabad.^[23][24][25] Following his death, Mir Muhammad Azmet Ali Khan, known as Azmet Jah, his eldest son from first wife, Esra Birgen from Turkey, was anointed as the IXth head of the House of Asaf Jahs on January 21, 2023.^{[26][27][28][29][30]} This initial succession was a private and relatively simple affair but was opposed by various sections of the Nizam family.^[31][32][33]

Subsequently, a significant and largest faction of the extended Asaf Jahi family, represented by the Majlis-E-Sahebzadagan Society (MESS, a registered Welfare Society and Association formed for the Asif Jahi Dynasty Family members in the year 1932 under the guardianship of H.E.H. Nawab Mir Osman Ali Khan Bahadur, the VIIth Nizam of Hdyerabad),^[3][4] comprising approximately 4,500 Shahebzada and Sahebzadi (direct descendants of the first six Nizams) and Umra (Nobles of Nizam), decided to designate Nawab Raunq Yar Khan as the IXth Nizam on March 2, 2023, that challenged a previous succession arrangement.^[1][2][3][4] This ceremony took place at Khaja Ka Chilla in the Old City of Moghalpura.^[4] The Majlis-E-Sahebzadagan Society is a representative for the Sahebzadis and Sahebzadas of Sarfhekhas Mubarak who are the Successive descendants of the Asif Jahi Dynasty also known as "Wakful Aulad" as per the Trust Deed made by H.E.H Nawab Mir Osman Ali Khan Bahadur, the VIIth Nizam of Hdyerabad, as per The Nizams Trust Deeds (Validation) Act, 1950.^[34]

This unusual situation arose after the Asaf Jahi family expressed significant disappointment with Azmet Jah, who reportedly did not assume the responsibilities associated with representing the dynasty's rich cultural heritage and remained largely incommunicado. The Majlis-E-Sahebzadagan Society organized a traditional coronation ceremony to honour Nawab Raunq Yar Khan. The society emphasized that their choice was motivated by Nawab Raunq Yar Khan's consistent and vocal advocacy for Hyderabad's heritage and culture.^[35][36]

The media statement issued by the society read,^[37]

“The Majlis-E-Sahebzadagan Society reached a consensus of choosing Raunaq Yar Khan as the IXth Nizam of Hyderabad’s Asaf Jahi Dynasty as Azmet Jah went incommunicado & failed to take-up responsibilities of the Hyderabad’s Asif Jah Dynasty.”

The MESS Society adhered to the Muslim-prescribed law for governing successions, called “Ijma” (consensus among the relevant authorities or heads). While a father may logically prefer his son, nothing of this process, or any other, is encouraged, propagated, or mentioned as a guideline in Muslim principles.^[38]

In the Asaf Jahi dynasty, the selection of the family head requires the consensus of a majority of its members, as mandated by legal rulings, particularly O.P. 147/1995, issued on June 21, 1999. This ruling stipulates that the descendants of Nizam I through Nizam VI must be consulted on significant decisions affecting the dynasty. These legal frameworks, including the ruling in Ahmad Unissa Begum vs. Union of India,^[39] affirm the rights of the extended royal family in major matters. As a result, Nawab Raunaq Yar Khan has been elevated to the position of IX Nizam of the Asaf Jahi dynasty by a significant majority, following the legitimate democratic succession process independent of government regulation. While trusts have been established for the welfare of certain family members, the legal rulings highlight the necessity for a thorough evaluation of these arrangements.^[35][36][40]

The legal framework in India does not support a singular claim to leadership by any individual, thereby ensuring that all family members have a voice in dynastic matters, including coronations and the distribution of family assets. As a result, there has been resistance among the descendants of Nizams I through VII to recognize the coronation of Azmet Jah as the successor to the VIII Nizam. This reluctance is based on the assertion that the reign of Mukarram Jah, the VIII Nizam, has effectively ended in 1971, as per Indian law and relevant parliamentary acts.^{[12][13][14][15][35][36][40]}

The designation of Nawab Raunq Yar Khan as the "IXth Nizam of the Asaf Jahi dynasty" must be understood within the context of the legal and social framework of modern India. It is important to note that this title signifies his position as the leader of the Asaf Jahi Dynasty of Hyderabad, rather than the ruler of Hyderabad. The Government of India abolished all Titles and Privy Purses in 1971,^{[12][13][14][15]} meaning that the title held by Nawab Raunq Yar Khan has no political or legal standing. Therefore, his role as Nizam is primarily symbolic and traditional, reflecting the continued adherence of a segment of the Asaf Jahi family to their historical customs and lineage. This role is not merely titular but also functional.^[41] Matters of property division and inheritance within the family are now governed by Indian law, ensuring that all members are considered equal citizens with equal rights.^[42][43]

As the chosen head of the extended Asaf Jahi family, Raunaq Yar Khan faces numerous responsibilities related to preserving the dynasty's legacy. These include managing various family trusts, addressing internal family matters, maintaining historical properties, and serving as a steward of cultural traditions that span nearly three centuries of Hyderabad's history.^[21][43][44] He has taken on a coordinating role, assisting family members in their legal battles to reclaim and safeguard their properties, organizing gatherings to educate them on their legal rights under Indian Muslim Law.^[45]

Nawab Raunaq Yar Khan is recognized as a prominent cultural figure in contemporary Hyderabad.^{[46][47][48][49]} His deep roots in the city have positioned him as an authentic representative of Hyderabad's distinctive "tehzeeb" (refined culture) and cosmopolitan spirit that developed through centuries of multicultural interaction under Asaf Jahi rule.^[6][21][50] His involvement in both Hindu celebrations^[51] like Holi^{[52][53][54][55][56][57]} and Islamic traditions^[19][20] promotes harmony among communities. Nawab Raunq Yar Khan’s Holi parties to commemorate the VIth Nizam Mahboob Ali Khan’s secular rule are legendary in Hyderabad.

Nawab Raunq Yar Khan is known as a philanthropist, actively contributing to the well-being of society.^[58] His contributions to Hyderabad also include his role as the proud owner of an expansive 80-acre film facility situated on a 115-acre estate in Jubilee Hills.^[59][60][61] This facility, considered one of the largest in the city, features a unique man-made hill known as H.I.G.H. (Highest In Greater Hyderabad Hill) and has served as a location for numerous major film productions, including 'Rangasthalam'.^[59][62]

• Nizams of Hyderabad
• Asaf Jahi dynasty

• Official website
• Website of Majlis-E-Sahebzadagan (MESS)