He became the heir-apparent and regent when Ghulam Muhammad Ghouse Khan succeeded Azam Jah on the former's death in 1825.

On his death in 1855, the throne became vacant and in the absence of a legitimate male heir to Ghouse Khan, the state was formally annexed by the British according to the Doctrine of Lapse.

Azim Jah protested claiming that he was the legitimate successor to the throne but met with little success.

After protracted negotiations and court cases, finally, in 1867, Azim Jah was granted the title of Nawab of Arcot or Amir-i-Arcot by Queen Victoria and given a political pension.

The Letters Patent issued by the Queen was formally presented to Azim Jah at a banquet held by the Governor of Madras on 12 April 1871.