Bogdankdu at 05:16, 23 April 2026

2026-04-23T05:16:38Z

New page

{{short description|First Prime Minister of Nizam of Hyderabad}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2025}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2025}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name = Khwaja Kamal
| office = The last [[Subahdar]] of [[Berar Subah]]
| native_name = {{nobold|خواجہ کمال}}
| native_name_lang = Hindustani
| appointer = [[Mir Jumla III]]
| country = Mughal Empire
| monarch = [[Aurangzeb]] [[Muhammad Azam Shah]] [[Bahadur Shah I]] [[Jahandar Shah]] [[Farrukhsiyar]] [[Rafi ud-Darajat]] [[Shah Jahan II]] [[Muhammad Shah]]
| title = Iwaz Khan Azad-u’d Daulah Bahadur Amir-al Umara
| constituency = [[Berar Subah]]
| alongside = 
| predecessor = [[Ghazi ud-Din Khan Feroze Jung I]]
| term_end = 1724
| term_start = ?
| office2 = Prime Minister of Hyderabad
| order2 = First
| successor2 = Anwarullah Khan
| term_end2 = 1730
| term_start2 = 1724
| monarch2 = [[Asaf Jah I]]
| birth_place =
| death_date = 1730
| death_place = [[Mughal Empire]]
| allegiance = [[Mughal Empire]] [[Nizam of Hyderabad]]
| rank = 7,000/7,000 [[Mansabdar]]
| battles = [[Battle of Balapur]] [[Battle of Shakar Kheda]] Nizam's Carnatic campaigns (1725-27)
| resting_place = [[Khuldabad]], [[Dargah]] of [[Burhanuddin Gharib|Sheikh Burhanuddin]]
}}
'''Khwaja Kamal''', commonly known as '''Iwaz Khan''', was a [[Turan]]i [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] leader who served as the last [[Subahdar]] of the [[Berar Subah]] under the Mughal empire. He also held the distinction of being the first [[Dewan]] (Prime Minister) of the [[Nizam of Hyderabad]].

He earned the title Iwaz Khan from Emperor [[Aurangzeb]] of the [[Mughal Empire]] and served as the [[Faujdar]] of Berar under the patronage of [[Mir Jumla III]], maintaining this position until 1724. Subsequently, he allied with his nephew [[Nizam-ul-Mulk, Asaf Jah I|Nizamul Mulk]], providing crucial support in various conflicts against the Mughal Empire and the [[Sayyid brothers|Sayyid Brothers]], a pivotal role in the establishment of the [[Asaf Jahi dynasty]]. Recognizing his contributions, Nizam appointed him as the prime minister of his dominions and elevated his Mansabdar to 7000/7000, granting him the prestigious title of Amir-al Umara of the realm.

== Early life ==
Khwaja Kamal, the grandson of [[Kilich Khan]] through his daughter and the nephew of [[Ghazi ud-Din Khan Feroze Jung I|Ghaziuddin Khan Firoz Jang]], arrived in India from [[Turan]] during [[Aurangzeb]]'s reign. He was closely associated with Firoz Jang, who subsequently suggested to Aurangzeb to bestow upon him the title of 'Iwaz Khan'. Khwaja served as the trusted aide of Ghaziuddin Khan during his tenure as the [[Subahdar]] of [[Gujarat Subah|Gujarat]] under [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] rule.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book |last=Khan |first=Yusuf Husain |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qH_UzwEACAAJ |title=The First Nizam: The Life and Times of Nizamu'l Mulk Asaf Jah I. |date=1963 |publisher=Asia Publishing House |pages=117, 187, 209 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Malik |first=Zahiruddin |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=S8W3AAAAIAAJ |title=The Reign of Muhammad Shah, 1719-1748 |date=1977 |publisher=Asia Publishing House |isbn=978-0-210-40598-7 |pages=225–226 |language=en}}</ref>

Following Firoz Jang's passing, [[Mir Jumla III|Mir Jumla]] took Khwaja Kamal under his wing and facilitated his appointment as the [[Faujdar]] of [[Berar Subah|Berar]]. Subsequently, Khwaja ascended to the position of [[Subahdar|Nazim]] of the Province. He continued in his role during [[Husain Ali Khan]]'s tenure as Subahdar until [[Nizam-ul-Mulk, Asaf Jah I|Nizamul Mulk]] rebelled against the [[Sayyid brothers|Sayyid Brothers]], marching from [[Malwa]].<ref name=":0" />

== Military campaigns==
{{Main|Battle of Balapur|Battle of Shakar Kheda|Battle of Palkhed}}

Iwaz Khan, the maternal uncle of Nizamul Mulk, lent his support to his nephew when he rebelled against the Sayyid Brothers, marching from Malwa to Deccan.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Eaton |first1=Richard M. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=h0_xhdCScQkC |title=Expanding Frontiers in South Asian and World History: Essays in Honour of John F. Richards |last2=Faruqui |first2=Munis D. |last3=Gilmartin |first3=David |last4=Kumar |first4=Sunil |date=2013-03-07 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-1-107-03428-0 |pages=24 |language=en}}</ref> Alongside his troops, Iwaz Khan sided with Nizamul Mulk, participating in both the Battle of Balapur and the Battle of Burhanpur, both of which resulted in victories for Nizamul Mulk and his allies against the Sayyid Brothers.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite book |last=Cheema |first=G. S. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=f_RtAAAAMAAJ |title=The Forgotten Mughals: A History of the Later Emperors of the House of Babar, 1707-1857 |date=2002 |publisher=Manohar Publishers & Distributors |isbn=978-81-7304-416-8 |pages=164 |language=en}}</ref> Following this, Nizam honoured Iwaz Khan by the title 'Azad-u’d Daulah Bahadur' for his loyalty.<ref name=":0" /> Before departing for [[Delhi]] in 1722, Nizamul Mulk appointed Iwaz Khan as the Deputy of [[Deccan Plateau|Deccan]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ggduAAAAMAAJ |title=A Comprehensive History of India: 1712-1772, edited by A. C. Banerjee and D. K. Ghase |date=1978 |publisher=People's Publishing House |pages=206–208 |language=en}}</ref>
[[File:Battle of Shakar Khera.jpg|thumb|Position of Iwaz Khan in the Battle of Shakar Kheda]]

During the Battle of Shakar Kheda between the Mughal Empire and the Nizam, Iwaz Khan played a pivotal role in the victory of the Nizam's forces. He repelled a larger contingent of Mughal cavalry, totaling 9,000, which had been ordered by Mubariz Khan. This successful defense contributed significantly to the defeat of the Mughal forces and led to the establishment of the [[Asaf Jahi dynasty]], marking the independence of the Nizam.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Sandhu |first=Gurcharn Singh |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Xi3cAAAAMAAJ |title=A Military History of Medieval India |date=2003 |publisher=Vision Books |isbn=978-81-7094-525-3 |pages=203 |language=en}}</ref>

In 1724, Aiwaz Khan assumed the position of prime minister of the Nizam.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Bilgrami |first=Syed Ali Asgar |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wgo97XF0XuYC |title=Landmarks of the Deccan: A Comprehensive Guide to the Archaeological Remains of the City and Suburbs of Hyderabad |date=1992 |publisher=Asian Educational Services |isbn=978-81-206-0543-5 |pages=90 |language=en}}</ref> As part of efforts to consolidate power, the Nizam sent an army commanded by Iwaz Khan to the [[Carnatic region]] in 1725, with the aim of suppressing [[Maratha Empire|Maratha]] revenue collections.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Gordon |first=Stewart |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iHK-BhVXOU4C |title=The Marathas 1600-1818 |date=2007-02-01 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-0-521-03316-9 |pages=120 |language=en}}</ref> Iwaz Khan led a successful campaign against Maratha tax collectors in the Carnatic region, effectively expelling them from the villages. In the ensuing clashes, the Marathas suffered significant losses and were compelled to withdraw. Expanding his operations, Iwaz Khan advanced into the Maratha-controlled [[Thanjavur Maratha kingdom|Tanjavur Kingdom]] and seized [[Tiruchirappalli|Trichinopoly]] from [[Serfoji I]]. This action prompted a response from the Maratha [[Chhatrapati]] [[Shahu I|Shahu]], who dispatched larger forces under the leadership of Fateh Singh Bhonsle. Bajirao accompanied him but didn't command.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Gordon |first=Stewart |url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/marathas-16001818/1098497E96D2AFA760D18DB311A91C80 |title=The Marathas 1600–1818 |date=1993 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-0-521-26883-7 |series=The New Cambridge History of India |location=Cambridge |pages=120 |quote=The Maratha response came within months. Fateh Singh Bhonsle led an expedition, reputed to be 50,000 horse, into the Karnatak. This leader was originally from Akalkot (in southern Maharashtra) and knew the terrain well. Bajirao accompanied him, but did not command.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Khan |first=Yusuf Husain |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qH_UzwEACAAJ |title=The First Nizām: The Life and Times of Nizāmu'l-Mulk Āsaf Jāh I. |date=1963 |publisher=Asia Publishing House |pages=154 |language=en |quote=Fateh Singh Bhonsla was directed to march towards the Carnatic at the head of 50,000 troops. He had a special interest in and was also familiar with the country and its people. He held the Jagir of Akkalkot on the borders of the Carnatic. Baji Rao also accompanied him.}}</ref><ref name=":2" />

In August 1727, while Bajirao was pillaging [[Jalna, Maharashtra|Jalna]], the Nizam urgently dispatched Iwaz Khan to take action. Despite Iwaz Khan's attempts to engage in a decisive battle, Bajirao swiftly moved through the countryside without staying at a single place. In response, Iwaz Khan deployed rapid response units to pursue Bajirao, who moved to [[Mahur, Maharashtra|Mahur]] and then towards [[Khandesh]]. Meanwhile, Nizamu’l-Mulk, foreseeing the threat to [[Burhanpur]] posed by Bajirao, outpaced him to intercept his advance. Faced with the pursuit from both armies, Bajirao marched towards [[Gujarat]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Khan |first=Yusuf Husain |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qH_UzwEACAAJ |title=The First Nizām: The Life and Times of Nizāmu'l-Mulk Āsaf Jāh I. |date=1963 |publisher=Asia Publishing House |pages=157 |language=en}}</ref> The Nizam was ultimately defeated by Bajirao at the [[Battle of Palkhed]] in 1728 and was forced to sign the [[Treaty of Mungi-Shevgaon]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Gordon |first=Stewart |url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/marathas-16001818/1098497E96D2AFA760D18DB311A91C80 |title=The Marathas 1600–1818 |date=1993 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-0-521-26883-7 |series=The New Cambridge History of India |location=Cambridge |pages=122 |quote=The implications, however, were much more important. First, in the military sphere, Bajirao had defeated the best-equipped Mughal army of the day under its best general.}}</ref>

== Ranks and legacy==

Khwaja Kamal was titled as 'Iwaz Khan' by Emperor Aurangzeb and 'Azad-u’d Daulah Bahadur' by Nizamul Mulk, was granted a Mansabdar of 5000/5000,<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite book |last=Nayeem |first=M. A. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wRweAAAAMAAJ |title=Mughal Administration of Deccan Under Nizamul Mulk Asaf Jah, 1720-48 A.D. |date=1985 |publisher=Jaico Publishing House |isbn=978-81-7224-325-8 |pages=63 |language=en}}</ref> earning him the title 'Amir-al Kabir' (the Great Amir).<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Adle |first1=Chahryar |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WwAeaz4BRK4C |title=History of Civilizations of Central Asia: Development in contrast : from the sixteenth to the mid-nineteenth century |last2=Habib |first2=Irfan |date=1992 |publisher=Unesco |isbn=978-92-3-103876-1 |pages=913 |language=en}}</ref> In recognition of his contributions, he was promoted to a rank of 7,000 zat and 7,000 horse,<ref name=":1" /> which made him 'Amir-al Umara' (Amir of Amirs).<ref>{{Cite book |last=Rahim |first=Muhammad Abdur |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-cG9df_YdUQC |title=Social and Cultural History of Bengal: 1576-1757 |date=1963 |publisher=Pakistan Historical Society |pages=167 |language=en}}</ref> Known for his efficient administration and affinity for scholars and [[Sufism in India|Sufis]], he died in 1731 and was laid to rest at the [[Dargah]] of [[Burhanuddin Gharib|Sheikh Burhanu’d-Din]] in [[Khuldabad]].<ref name=":1" />

Upon the passing of 'Iwaz Khan, Nizāmu'l-Mulk expressed,

{{Blockquote|text="Now I feel that I have to perform all the duties of a Sübahdar of Deccan"|author=Nizamul Mulk, Asaf Jah|title=Haqiqatul- Alam|source=<ref name=":1" />}}

Iwaz Khan served as his most trusted advisor, and Nizamu'l-Mulk relied heavily on his counsel, never embarking on any campaign or daily administrative task without seeking Iwaz Khan's advice.<ref name=":1" />

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Prime ministers of Hyderabad State]]
[[Category:Mughal generals]]
[[Category:1730 deaths]]

Khwaja Kamal - Revision history

Bogdankdu at 05:16, 23 April 2026