Sayyid Lashkar Khan

Sayyid Lashkar Khan-Nasir Jung II, also known as Mir Isma'il (died 1757), was a diplomat who served as the Prime Minister of Hyderabad State under the rule of Salabat Jung. He held the title of Diwan and was noted for his expertise in warfare tactics. Prior to his tenure in Hyderabad, Lashkar Khan also worked under the Mughal emperor Muhammad Shah. His career spanned both Mughal and Nizam territories, contributing to the administration and governance of Hyderabad State.

Career Rebellion During the rebellion led by Nasir Jung against his father, Nizam ul Mulk Asaf Jah I, and supported by his uncle Muzaffar Jung, Nasir attempted to seize power but was defeated at the Eid Gah Maidan in Aurangabad on 23 July 1741. Shah Nawaz Khan sided with Nasir Jung, while Sayyid Lashkar Khan fought for Nizam ul Mulk. In the battle, Nasir Jung sustained serious injuries and, after the death of his elephant driver, courageously took the reins himself. At one point, his brother-in-law Mutawassil Khan aimed an arrow at him, but Nasir's son Hidayat Moideen Khan intervened, saving his uncle's life. Recognizing Nasir Jung, Sayyid Lashkar Khan saluted him and offered him a seat on his own elephant. Moved by this gesture, Nasir Jung accepted and was taken prisoner to Aurangabad.

Appointment as Bakshi of Bidar Rustam Beg Khan was moved from the post of the Bakshi of Mahur sarkar to commanding the military forces (faujdari) in the same area. On the other hand, Saiyid Lashkar Khan was shifted from leading the military (faujdari) to managing the administrative affairs in sair and later was promoted to the position of Bakshi of Bidar.

Titles Sayyid Lashkar Khan was conferred with the title of Nasir Jung and appointed as the commander-in-Chief of the armies. Qazi Muhammad Dayam was assigned the position of Faujdar of Baklaua. Additionally, Sayyid Sharif Khan, who served as the Subedar of Berar, received the title of Shujaat Jang Vakil-ul-Mutlaq, Rukn-ud-daulah, Madar-ul-Maham.

Military career Capture of Avandha Fort On 14 December 1746, Sayyid Lashkar Khan, prepared to capture Avandha Fort in Konkan. The strategic plans for the siege of Avandha Fort, orchestrated by Sayyid Lashkar Khan, were communicated to the Peshwa by Malhar Dadaji. Additionally, Raghunath Ganesh informed the Peshwa about Sayyid Lashkar Khan's military movements towards Avandha Fort and the Nizam-ul-Mulk's departure towards Dharur. Acting as the Marathas' deputy, Raghunath Ganesh provided intelligence to Shahuji, revealing that the Nizam was absent in Hyderabad, his troops had gained control of Avandha Fort, and his envoys had been sent to Surat, although their mission's purpose remained undisclosed.

Prime Minister of Hyderabad Within Salabat Jung's court, there was disapproval of the French intervention in Hyderabad's affairs, with a desire to free the Nizam from foreign domination. Sayyid Lashkar Khan, the Diwan, led the opposition against French influence in the Deccan. As a trusted advisor to Nizam-ul-Mulk, Sayyid Lashkar Khan consistently opposed foreign interference in Hyderabad State's internal matters, advocating for the preservation of the region's autonomy.