Amin Jung Bahadur

Nawab Sir Ahmed Ussatn Nun Jung Bahadur, K.C.I.E., C.S.I., later known as Amin Jung Bahadur, was born in Madras (now Chennai) on August 11, 1863 into the family of a leading businessman with an LL.P. degree. After matriculating from the Church of Scotland Mission institution of Madras and joining Christian College, Madras, he graduated in 1885. In 1889, he received a Law degree from the Presidency College, where he became the first Muslim to earn a Master’s degree from Madras University. Afterward, he served as Deputy Collector and Magistrate in the district of Madras before joining the Bar at Madras.

He visited Hyderabad in 1893 to appear in the Nizam’s High Court in a civil suit. Within three months of his arrival, he was appointed Assistant Peshi Secretary to Nizam VII. When Sarwar Jung, the Peshi Secretary, retired in 1896, the Nizam appointed Sir Amin Jung as Peshi Secretary. Sir Amin Jung served the Nizam with great distinction during the last fifteen years of the rule of Mir Mahboob Ali Khan, Nizam VI. The day Nizam VI died, Sir Amin resigned, but Nizam VII persuaded him to remain in service. He enjoyed complete confidence and trust from Nizam VII as well. During the reign of Nizam VII, he was promoted to “Sadar-ul-Muham” Peshi and entrusted with the actual work of Prime Minister after the retirement of Salar Jung III. When the Nizam administered directly for six years, he was the “de facto” Prime Minister.

Nawab Amin Jung attended the Delhi Durbar of 1902 as Peshi Secretary to Nizam VI and the Coronation Durbar in 1911 as Chief Secretary to Nizam VII. In 1922, he received the insignia of C.S.I., K.C.I.E. He was also a member of the Hyderabad delegation to the Round Table Conference in London.

Sir Amin Jung’s library was renowned in Hyderabad, and he was closely associated with the first Urdu Freemason Lodge of Hyderabad.