Mir Alam - Dewan of Nizam III

By Seven Oaks -

Mir Alam Bahadur, born Mir Abul Qasim, was a prominent nobleman and statesman in Hyderabad during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. 

He served as the Prime Minister of Hyderabad State from 1804 until his death in 1808, under the reign of Asaf Jah III, the third Nizam of Hyderabad. (The Hindu, Wikipedia)

Early Life and Career

Mir Alam was born near the Charminar in an area known as Irani Gully (now popularly known as Burqa Gully) in Hyderabad. 

His father hailed from the Shustar region of Iran and settled in Hyderabad. 

Mir Alam began his career as a vakil (legal representative) to one of the Nizam’s courtiers. He rose to prominence when he led the Nizam’s soldiers to fight Tipu Sultan in the Anglo-Mysore War of 1799. (The Hindu, hyderabadstory)

Contributions and Legacy

Mir Alam is best remembered for his contributions to Hyderabad's infrastructure and urban development:(The Hindu)

  • Mir Alam Tank: He commissioned the construction of the Mir Alam Tank, a reservoir built between 1804 and 1806 to supply drinking water to Hyderabad. The tank, designed by a French engineer, features 21 semi-circular arches and was a significant engineering feat of its time. (Hyderabad Tourism)

  • Mir Alam Mandi: He established the Mir Alam Mandi, a bustling market near Charminar, which became a central hub for trade in Hyderabad. (The Hindu)

  • Philanthropy: Mir Alam was known for his philanthropic efforts, including building rest houses (caravanserais) on roads connecting Hyderabad to Pune and Masulipatnam. (hyderabadstory)

Family and Descendants

Mir Alam belonged to the Salar Jung family, a lineage that produced several notable statesmen in Hyderabad's history:(Wikipedia)

  • Munir ul Mulk: Mir Alam's son-in-law, who served as a minister in the Nizam’s court.(hyderabadstory)

  • Salar Jung I (Nawab Mir Turab Ali Khan): Grandson of Munir ul Mulk, he became the Prime Minister of Hyderabad State in 1853 and was instrumental in modernizing the state's administration. (hyderabadstory)

  • Salar Jung II and III: Successors in the Salar Jung lineage who continued to serve in high-ranking positions. Salar Jung III, in particular, was known for his extensive collection of art and artifacts, which now form the Salar Jung Museum in Hyderabad. (Wikipedia)

Present Status of the Family

The Salar Jung family, descendants of Mir Alam, still exists today. While they no longer hold political power, their legacy continues through institutions like the Salar Jung Museum. The family's historical residences and contributions remain integral to Hyderabad's cultural heritage.

Notable Achievements and Monuments

  • Mir Alam Tank: An engineering marvel of its time, the tank was the primary source of drinking water for Hyderabad before the construction of Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar. (Wikipedia)



  • Mir Alam Mandi: A historic market that continues to operate, reflecting the city's rich trading history. (The Siasat Daily – Archive)

  • Salar Jung Museum: Established from the personal collection of Salar Jung III, the museum houses a vast array of artifacts and is one of India's premier cultural institutions. (Wikipedia)

Mir Alam's contributions to Hyderabad's development and his family's continued influence have left an indelible mark on the city's history and culture.


References:

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