He ascended the throne upon his uncle's death in 1801.
As soon as Azim-ud-Daula ascended the throne, he was compelled to sign a Carnatic Treaty handing over the civil and municipal administration of the Carnatic to the British East India Company.
Azim-ud-Daula was, therefore, reduced to the position of a mere titular ruler.
In return, Azim-ud-Daula was entitled to one-fifth of the total revenue of the state and the honour of a 21-gun salute.
A portrait of Azim-ud-Daula by Thomas Day hangs in the Museum at Fort George, Chennai.
