In pictures: 50 years ago, a sea of people turned up for the death of Hyderabad's last Nizam

Hyderabad lost its last Nizam, Asaf Jah VII, also known as Mir Osman Ali Khan, on February 24, 1967.

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It was half a century ago, when Hyderabad lost its seventh and final Nizam, Asaf Jah VII, more commonly known as Nawab Mir Osman Ali Khan.



Born on April 6, 1886, Osman Ali Khan ruled the princely State of Hyderabad, from 1911 to 1948.



Considered as one of the wealthiest rulers in the world during his reign, he is widely given credit for several projects, which have now become a symbolic part of Hyderabad.



This include setting up places like the Osmania University, the State Bank of Hyderabad (then Hyderabad State Bank), several other colleges in the Old City area and even hospitals like the Niloufer Hospital and Osmania General Hospital.



Even the Begumpet airport was built under the supervision of the late Nizam.



He also established the Hyderabad High Court, inaugurated in 1920, which still operates from the same premises.



After Hyderabad State acceded to the Indian Union, he was appointed Rajpramukh of the state in 1948 and held the administrative title till 1956 when the post was abolished.



Hugely popular in the city, the Nizam was also known for his welfare programs for the poor.



It was no wonder then that when he died on February 24, 1967 at the age of 81, a sea of people came out onto the streets, to pay their last respects to the ruler.



On the last Nizam's demise, the then Andhra Pradesh government remembered him by issuing an extraordinary gazette.



The government declared state mourning on February 25, 1967, the day when he was buried. State government offices remained closed as a mark of respect while the national flag was flown at half-mast on all government buildings throughout the state.



The Nizam's grave is presently located at the "Masjid-e-Judi" opposite King Kothi Palace, which was his residence.



Images from his funeral procession can be found below. All credit for the images goes to the Deccan Trust and Dr Mohammed Safiullah. (The Nizam's final resting place today)

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