Investigating the Political Status of “Foreigners”in Nizam Shahi Sultanate

Ghariban (i.e. Foreigners) or Afaqians were mainly Shia immigrants who went to India from different places, especially Iran, and played an important role during the Nizam Shahi period in the Deccan. This research, using a descriptive-analytical approach and based on desk studies, seeks to find an answer to the question of what political status this group of immigrants had during the Nizam Shahi era and what causes or factors were involved in strengthening or weakening of their political and social position. The findings of the research indicate that in the first half of the ruling of this dynasty, the Ghariban had a high position and succeeded in being the origin of important political and cultural services in their host society, however, after weakening of the ruling body and increase in the competition of the Ghariban with the people of Deccan, their position became unstable and a large number of foreigners migrated to the neighboring countries. Although with the improvement of political conditions, some of them returned to Ahmednagar, but they could never attain their previous status.