Archive · 25 Oct 2025
Nizam's Jewels: Heir Calls for Auction or Display in Hyderabad
The Nizam's jewelry, a collection of 173 priceless pieces, is currently held by the Indian government.
The great-grandson of the last Nizam wants the jewels back in Hyderabad or auctioned off.
He believes a display in Hyderabad would attract tourists and boost the city's appeal.
Alternatively, an auction could raise over Rs 1 lakh crore.
The government bought the jewels in the 1990s.
The great-grandson has suggested using the proceeds to help the poor.
Some of the jewels have been displayed in the past.
Heritage experts support a permanent display in Hyderabad.
The Nizam's 173-piece jewellery collection is held by the Union government.
Himayat Ali Mirza advocates for displaying the jewels in Hyderabad or auctioning them.
The jewels were purchased by the Centre for Rs 217 crore and are now valued over Rs 1 lakh crore.
The collection was displayed previously in Delhi and Hyderabad.
An auction's proceeds could be used for poverty alleviation, housing, and healthcare.
- Who
- Himayat Ali Mirza, the great-grandson of the seventh Nizam, and heritage experts
- What
- Renewed calls for the display or auction of the Nizam's jewellery collection
- When
- The acquisition was completed in 1995; the appeal is ongoing.
- Where
- Hyderabad, with the jewels currently held by the Union government.
- Why
- To boost tourism and potentially generate funds for poverty alleviation.
- Collection Size
- 173 pieces
- Original Purchase Price
- Rs 217 crore
- Current Estimated Value
- Rs 1 lakh crore+
- Acquisition Completion Date
- 1995
- Great-grandson
- Himayat Ali Mirza