INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

Hyderabad State has been a predominantly agrarian society. The majority of people in Hyderabad State were farmers and they acquired their income mainly through the agricultural produce. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the agrarian economy of Hyderabad State, particularly in the Telangana region, began to undergo significant changes. These changes were influenced both by internal efforts of the Nizam’s administration and by external factors such as global trade. Under the leadership of Sir Salar Jung , the Hyderabad state attempted to reform its agricultural and revenue systems. Recognizing the importance of land revenue as main source of income, Salar Jung introduced so many administrative reforms. Further, he promoted the use of modern farming techniques. Despite these reforms, the land continued to be controlled by jagirdars and other intermediaries, while actual cultivators had little security or ownership. This feudal structure remained a major obstacle to real agricultural development. To boost productivity, the state established the department of Agriculture in 1913 and created experimental farms in various districts. These farms conducted research on crops like cotton, paddy, and oilseeds, and promoted improved seeds and tools. However, these initiatives mostly benefited landlords rather than poor peasants.