This book examines a crucial figure in the Nizam's Dominions which was originally a viceroyalty of the Mughal empire but accepted the suzerainty of the British Raj.
Salar Jang I was appointed Diwan to Nizam of Hyderabad in 1853, when he was only 24 years of age. The Hyderabad state had just lost to the British the rich province of Berar, and Salar Jang's family fortunes were at a low ebb. The Nizam and Salar Jang supported the British during the revolt of 1857, although the Nizams had always, till then, been loyal to the Mughal Emperor.

During the early years of his Prime Ministership he survived several intrigues against him in the state with the strong support of the British. From 1869 on wards, he functioned as Regent, as the sixth Nizam was a minor. In protecting the interests of the state, he found he had to oppose British policies towards Hyderabad.

As a backdrop the book explains how the Nizam's dynasty emerged after the collapse of the Mughal empire and maintained its control of the Deccan. Salar Jang's financial and administrative reforms, his tackling of the complex intrigues of his time, and his assertion of the Nizam's position during his visit to Great Britain are recounted in detail. The story is brought up to the accession of the seventh Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan.