Just like any other government, the Nizam's government too had a Prime Minister, who was an extremely powerful person and was the most important part of the entire governing machinery. Though the ultimate power rested in the hands of the Nizam, the Prime Minister, or the Diwan, played an important role in all activities of the State.
The Asaf Jahi Dynasty ruled over the State of Hyderabad from 1724 up to 1948 (when the Indian Government annexed Hyderabad). During this period, seven Nizam's ruled over the State and they had 40 Prime Ministers who served them loyally.
To pay tribute to these 40 men, the Department of Archaeology and Museums of the Government of Andhra Pradesh organised an exhibition of portraits of 17 Prime Ministers of the Asaf Jahi times, which was inaugurated on World Heritage Day.
Secular
The State of Hyderabad comprised of people from various castes, sects, religions and migrants from other states. The Nizam's treated people equally people. Not only did all these people live in harmony in the State, the Nizam's even had Prime Ministers from various sects and religions.
“Since the Prime Minister worked directly under the Nizam, they had to be very sharp and alert. They had to be able to give the Nizam good advice.
They were responsible for helping to maintain cordial relations between all factions of society and the development in the State depended a lot upon their abilities as good statesmen,” says Mr MA Qayyum, Former Deputy Director of Archeology and Museums of Hyderabad.
During the early part of the 19th century, the Banaiah family shifted into Hyderabad from Shorapur in Gulbarga District. They were a family of artists who specialized in miniature paintings.
The portraits of the Prime Minister's which were put up on display during the exhibition, were made by them.
These portraits clearly depict the Qutb Shahi style of miniature art.
