The First billionaire of India used diamonds as paper weights! Owned 50 Rolls Royce and a private Airline!
While growing up, we all have heard stories of India being a rich and prosperous country and how it was called the ‘Golden Bird’ in the olden days. But then came the outsiders and deprived us of our own riches and wealth. Do you know that India’s first billionaire was a man who was not just a billionaire in India but the richest man in the world one time? Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan, a native of Hyderabad, was the country’s first billionaire. He was the country’s first billionaire, according to reliable records of his enormous wealth and real estate holdings. There may have been other kings who were wealthier than Nizam Ali, but there are no tangible records of their wealth, therefore we may assume that Nizam Ali was the first billionaire in India. Time magazine dubbed Nizam Ali of Hyderabad “The Richest Man in the World” in its issue from February 22, 1937. Nizam Osman Ali possessed enormous fortune, and sources claim that more than Rs 3 billion of Nizam Ali’s money is still in deposit in an English bank.

It is also said that Osman Ali owned a private airline, 50 Rolls Royces, and many other expensive possessions. The Nizam’s private airline, named “Deccan Airways”, was founded in 1932. It was the first airline in India to offer scheduled flights. The Nizam owned a fleet of 12 aircraft, including Douglas DC-3s and Lockheed Constellations. The Nizam also owned a large collection of Rolls Royces. He reportedly owned 50 Rolls Royces, including the Silver Ghost Throne Car. The Silver Ghost Throne Car was a custom-built Rolls Royce that was used by the Nizam as his personal vehicle. It was equipped with a throne in the back seat, so that the Nizam could travel in comfort and style.

In addition to his private airline and Rolls Royces, the Nizam also owned many other luxurious possessions. He owned a palace, a zoo, and a private golf course. He was also a patron of the arts and sciences, and he donated generously to many charitable causes. The Nizam was a controversial figure, but there is no doubt that he was a man of great wealth and luxury. His private airline and Rolls Royces are a testament to his wealth and power. The Nizam had a special attachment with jewellery and diamonds. He had some of the most rare diamonds of those time like:

1 Jacob Diamond: Also known as the Imperial or Victoria Diamond, this is a 184.75-carat colorless diamond. It was found by Mir Osman Ali Khan in the toe of his father’s shoe at Chowmahalla Palace and used it as a paper weight for a long time. It was bought by the government of India for an estimated $US13 million in 1995.

2 Nizam Diamond: Also known as the “little Koh-i-noor”, this diamond was a famous diamond in the 1800s. It is said to have been around 340 carats (68 g) in size, and was mined from the now-submerged Kollur mine in the Krishna River valley in the year 1830. It is believed to have gone missing shortly after the 1948 Annexation of Hyderabad.

3 Princie Diamond: This diamond is a 32.38-carat yellow diamond that was cut from a larger diamond that was found in Kollur in 1860. It was named after the Nizam’s son, Prince Azam Jah. The Princie Diamond was sold by the Nizam’s family in 1948 and is now owned by the American philanthropist Harry Winston.

4 Darya-e Nur: This diamond is a 186-carat white diamond that was found in Golconda in the 17th century. It was originally owned by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, but was later captured by the Persian king Nadir Shah. The Darya-e Nur is now part of the Iranian Crown Jewels.

5 Nur-ul-Ain: This diamond is a 62.03-carat blue diamond that was found in Golconda in the 17th century. It was originally owned by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, but was later captured by the Persian king Nadir Shah. The Nur-ul-Ain is now part of the Iranian Crown Jewels.

These are just a few of the diamonds that were owned by the Nizam. The Nizam was known for his love of jewels, and he amassed a collection that was one of the most valuable in the world. His diamonds are a testament to his wealth and power, and they continue to fascinate people today.