The struggle was for rights and job opportunities for local residents against those from outside the region. The term “Mulki” refers to a local or native resident. “Gair Mulki” designates the resident of somewhere else. The Mulki issue has its roots in the medieval period. It has evolved into a full-fledged movement during the rule of the Asaf Jahis.

Historical Context of Mulki Issues

. m u 1. Bahmani Period (14th – 16th Century) The Bahmani Sultanate, which ruled the Deccan after the fall of the Kakatiyas, saw the beginnings of conflict between two groups. 2. Qutb Shahi Period (16th – 17th Century) The Qutb Shahi Sultanate, which for over a century ruled in the Deccan region, was another major power in early Islamic expansion.
Sunnis from the Delhi Sultanate, especially from the Khilji and Tughlaq dynasties, settled in the Deccan and became part of the Mulki.
The Aphakis, or those who hired Afaghana (those from Afghanistan) and Persian converts to Islam as administrators, were Shias who had migrated from Iran, Iraq, Arabia, and Turkey. Maps and globes in Mali prior to the 15th century had been created by Shias. The Shia also had a superior knowledge of the Arabic language, which helped them outshine their Sunni rivals in the Deccan and Shia rivals of the Sunnis in the Persian Gulf and Subcontinent.
The Deccanies were becoming increasingly frustrated, as this bias towards the Aphakis had passed onto the officials as well.

2. Qutb Shahi Period (16th – 17th Century) In the Qutb Shahi dynasty, the founder, Quli Qutb Shah, was an Aphaki, but he was careful not to replicate the errors made by the Bahmani rulers. His policies encompassed:
Putting Deccanies in government service so they could be administrators, to ensure stability. Supporting local cultures (like that of the Telugu people), to keep local-and-outside relationships peaceful. Choosing Telugu key officials (like Akkanna and Madanna), to make sure that no local grievances (like the Mulki) arose during his rule. *Result:* A relatively peaceful period in terms of both local employment policies and administrative representation.

3. Period of Asaf Jahi (1724 – 1948) The Asaf Jahi dynasty, which the Nizam-ul-Mulk established in 1724, revived Mulki concerns, which had been largely neglected before, especially regarding key policymaking appointments. In this period, important developments include:
The Nizam brought with him a band of loyal followers, appointing them as ministers and administrators. These officials and their descendants settled in the Deccan but were still regarded as Gair Mulkis (outsiders). The situation worsened during Afzal-ud-Daulah’s reign (1857-1869), as Gair Mulkis occupied key positions, leading to resentment among native Mulkis. This frustration, which ultimately gave rise to the Mulki Movements, would later intensify under the last Nizam.