ARMS AND THE NIZAMS, THE LEGACY LIVES ON
Fancied pistols and swords is drawing worldwide attention
The Nizam of Hyderabad’s reputation for taste extends to his armoury that has drawn worldwide attention.
From a diamond-studded sword, Cavalry pistols, exquisitely watered steel blades to the Deccani cannons and battle-axes, some have sold for millions of US dollars at auctions while a huge collection is lodged at the Chowmahalla Palace and other museums in the twin-city.
A close look at arms possessed for personal security by Muffakham Jah, the second grandson of the last Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan, is like a lesson in armoury.
The younger brother of Mukarram Jah, the current titular Nizam of Hyderabad, Muffakham Jah, his wife Esin Incealemdaroglu, and their two sons, Rafa’at Jah and Farhat Jah, own eight weapons which includes revolvers, pistols and more.
This newspaper has independently learnt that Muffakham Jah owns a rifle (35143), revolver
(22549) and another revolver (143522/19285). His wife Esin owns two weapons against her name, a 0.22 rifle
(1850/007147) and a 0.38 Non-Prohibited Bore pistol (1945).
Elder son Rafat Jah, who lives in London, owns a 12-bore doublebarreled (dbbl) gun. Younger son Farhat Jah, who recently visited the city to complete certain formalities in connection with arms licence, owns a
0.635 NP Bore pistol
(48018) and a 0.635 NP Bore pistol (478707).
A reliable source confirmed that both Muffakham Jah and his wife Esin intend to transfer their armoury to their sons and are likely to submit documents in this regard. However, it was not possible to access the make of the arms to understand the value, quality or price.
Talking about the Deccani weapons, an heritage enthusiast said: “The collection at Chowmalla Palace includes swords, shields, body armour, axes and lancers. The ceremonial swords are mostly European-made while the fighting weapons are both Deccani and from the Moghul dynasty.”