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For the districts in Delhi, see Safdarjung (Delhi).
Safdar Jung
Safdarjung, second Nawab of Awadh, Mughal dynasty. India. early 18th century
Mirza (Royal title)
Nawab of Oudh
Nawab Wazir al-Mamalik
Wazir ul-Hindustan (Prime Minister of India)
Subedar of Kashmir, Agra & Oudh
Khan Bhadur
Meer-e-Atash
Firdaus Aaramgah[nt 1]
Preceded by Saadat Ali Khan I
Succeeded by Shuja-Ud-Daulah
Personal details
Born 1708
[citation needed]
Died 5 October 1754(1754-10-05)
Sultanpur, India
Religion Islam

Safdar Jung (Hindi language: सफ़्दरजंग, Urdu language: صفدرجنگ‎ ) (b. c. 1708 – d. 5 October 1754), was the Subadar Nawab of Oudh (the ruler of the Indian state of Oudh, also known as Awadh) from 19 March 1739 to 5 October 1754.[1] He was a descendant of Qara Yusuf from the Kara Koyunlu.

Biography[]

In 1739 he succeeded his father-in-law and maternal uncle, the Burhan ul Mulk Saadat Ali Khan I to the throne of Oudh, apparently by paying Nadir Shah twenty million rupees. The Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah gave him the title of "Safdarjung".[2]

Safdarjung was an able administrator. He was not only effective in keeping control of Oudh, but also managed to render valuable assistance to the weakened Muhammad Shah. He was soon given governorship of Kashmir as well, and became a central figure at the Delhi court. During the later years of Muhammad Shah, he gained complete control of administration in the Mughal Empire. When Ahmad Shah Bahadur ascended the throne at Delhi in 1748, Safdarjung became his Wazir ul-Mamalik-i-Hindustan or Chief Minister of Hindustan. He was also made the governor of Ajmer and became the "Faujdar" of Narnaul. However, court politics eventually overtook him and he was dismissed in 1753.[2] He returned to Oudh in December 1753, and made Faizabad military headquarter. He died in October 1755 at the age of 46 years in Sultanpur near Faizabad.[2]

Tomb[]

Safdarjung tomb

Safdarjung's tomb in Delhi

Safdarjung's Tomb was built in 1754 and is situated on a road now known as Safdarjung Road, in New Delhi.[3]

There are several other structures that carry his name today in the area, like Safdarjung Airport, Safdarjang Hospital, Safdarjung Terminal, and a nearby residential neighbourhood of Safdarjung (colony).

See also[]

  • Abul-Hasan ibn Mirza Ghiyas Beg

References[]

Notes[]

  1. title after death

External links[]

  • The complete genealogy of Safdarjung can be found here.
  • Indiacoins has an article on Safdarjung here.
  • Tomb of Safdarjung [1].
Preceded by
Borhan al-Molk Mir Mohammad Amin Musawi Sa`adat 'Ali Khan I
Subadar Nawab of Oudh
1739–1748
(1st time)
Succeeded by
post abolished
Preceded by
new creation
Nawab Wazir al-Mamalik of Oudh
1748–1753
(acting to 29 Jun 1748)
Succeeded by
post abolished
Preceded by
new creation
Subadar Nawab of Oudh
1753–1754
(2nd time)
Succeeded by
Jalal ad-Din Shoja' ad-Dowla Haydar
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