Nasir Jung

Second Carnatic War

After the death of the Nizam-ul-Mulk, the Nizam of Hyderabad, a war for succession broke out in the south between Nasir Jung (son of the Nizam ) and his nephew Muzaffar Jung (grandson of the Nizam through his daughter). This opened a window of opportunity for Hussain Dost Khan, better known as Chanda Sahib. Chanda Sahib wanted to become Nawab of Carnatic and joined the cause of Muzaffar Jung, conspiring against Nawab Anwar-ud-din Muhammad Khan in Arcot.

At the same time, the governor-general of French India, Joseph François Dupleix, was attempting to use the political confusion to increase French influence in the region as part of a power struggle between British East India Company and the French Compagnie de Indes. Due to the peace between the two nations in Europe, outright hostility was impossible, diplomatic avenues such as alliances and local skirmishes were the best method to achieve this without spurring further international conflict. This led to the Second Carnatic War.

The French sided with Chanda Sahib and Muzaffar Jung to bring them into power in their respective states. But soon the British intervened. To offset the French influence, they began supporting Nasir Jung and Muhammad Ali Khan Walajah the son of late Nawab Anwar-ud-din Muhammad Khan who had recently been killed by the French in Battle of Ambur in 1749.

There were initial successes for the French in both Deccan and Carnatic in defeating and murdering their opponents and placing their supporters on thrones by 1750. It was during one such success that Nasir Jung was killed at Dupleix-Fathabad (Sarasangupettai), near Gingee, by the Pathan Himmat Khan who was Nawab of Kadapa, on 16 December 1750. He was buried at the mausoleum of Burhan ud-Din Gharib, Khuldabad. As a result, Muzaffar Jung acceded to the throne of Hyderabad.

Later, the famous capture of Arcot by the English under Robert Clive in 1751 led to successive British victories and of their South Indian Allies. The war ended with the Treaty of Pondicherry, signed in 1754–55. Muhammad Ali Khan Walajah was recognized as the Nawab of Carnatic. Joseph François Dupleix, the French governor-general, was asked to return to France. The directors of the French Compagnie de Indes were dissatisfied with the political ambitions of Dupleix, which had led to immense financial loss. In 1754, Godeheu replaced Dupleix.

Death

He was killed at Sarasangupettai, near Gingee, by Himmat Khan, the Nawab of Kurnool, on 16 December 1750. He is buried next to his father at Khuldabad, within the shrine of Burhan ud-Din Gharib.

Positions held

• Subedar of Aurangabad 1745–1746.
• Nizam