The Farman of 1919 was a significant proclamation issued by the Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Pasha, aimed at addressing the growing concerns regarding employment opportunities for the local population in the Hyderabad State. This farman established a framework for the administration concerning local versus non-local residents regarding jobs and educational opportunities.

Key Features of the Farman of 1919:

  1. Definition of Mulki:

    • The Farman laid the foundation for defining Mulki individuals as those who were born in the Hyderabad State or had a continuous residence in the state for a specified period, thus recognizing their rights over government jobs and educational opportunities.
    • This definition distinguished them from Non-Mulki individuals, who were considered migrants from other regions.

  2. Employment Reservations:

    • It stipulated that jobs in the civil service and other government departments should be reserved for Mulki individuals, ensuring that the local population benefited from the state's administrative positions.
    • The intention was to promote local employment and curb the increasing influx of outsiders who were competing for jobs in Hyderabad.

  3. Social Justice:

    • The Farman was an effort to address social justice concerns and protect the rights of the local populace against perceived external threats, especially as Hyderabad was witnessing demographic changes due to migration.
    • It aimed to foster a sense of identity and ownership among the residents of Hyderabad.

  4. Implementation:

    • Although the Farman was a significant step toward protecting local interests, its implementation faced challenges and resistance over the years, leading to ongoing tensions between Mulki and Non-Mulki residents.

Definition of Mulki

The term Mulki refers to individuals who are considered natives or locals of the Hyderabad State. The definition of Mulki is crucial in understanding the socio-political landscape of the region, particularly in the context of the Farman of 1919 and subsequent policies.

Key Aspects of the Definition of Mulki:

  1. Local Residency:

    • Mulki individuals are typically defined as those who have either been born in the Hyderabad State or have resided there continuously for a specified period (often interpreted as 15 years).

  2. Rights and Privileges:

    • Mulki individuals are entitled to certain privileges, especially concerning government jobs, educational institutions, and social welfare programs. This status is aimed at ensuring that the local population benefits from state resources.

  3. Cultural Identity:

    • The definition of Mulki is also intertwined with cultural identity, as it reflects the historical roots and heritage of the local communities in the Hyderabad State.

  4. Social and Political Implications:

    • The Mulki identity has significant social and political implications, particularly in terms of representation, resource allocation, and communal harmony. It has also been a focal point in the struggles for rights and recognition in the state.

Conclusion

The Farman of 1919 and the definition of Mulki play crucial roles in the historical and socio-political dynamics of the Hyderabad State and Telangana. They highlight the complexities of identity, local rights, and the challenges of managing diversity in a rapidly changing socio-economic landscape. Understanding these concepts is essential for grasping the historical context of contemporary issues related to regional identity and rights in Telangana.