Integration of Hyderabad into India

The integration of Hyderabad into India in September 1948 marked a decisive step in the post-independence unification of the country. Situated in the Deccan plateau, Hyderabad was the largest and wealthiest princely state in British India, covering over 82,000 square miles across parts of present-day Telangana, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. Despite a population that was over 85 percent Hindu, the Muslim Nizam desired an independent state or accession to Pakistan. The central government resolved the political impasse through a five-day military operation code-named Operation Polo, effectively ending feudal rule and integrating the territory into the Indian federal structure.

Historical Context and Demographics

The Asaf Jahi Dynasty

Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan, the seventh ruler of the Asaf Jahi dynasty, ruled Hyderabad. The state possessed its own army, railway network, postal system, and currency called the Osmania Rupee.

Demographic Realities

Non-Muslims comprised more than 85 percent of the total population of Hyderabad state. The administration and armed forces were heavily dominated by the Muslim elite, leading to agrarian and socio-political tensions across the region.

The Political Standoff and Standstill Agreement

Negotiations with the States Ministry

Union Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and States Ministry Secretary V.P. Menon urged the Nizam to sign the Instrument of Accession. The Nizam refused, seeking a special treaty status as an independent constitutional monarchy.

The Standstill Agreement (November 1947)

On November 29, 1947, India and Hyderabad signed a Standstill Agreement valid for one year. It preserved pre-independence administrative and economic arrangements while negotiations continued. K.M. Munshi was appointed as India’s Agent-General in Hyderabad to monitor the political situation.

The Internal Security Crisis

The Razakar Paramilitary Violence

Qasim Razvi led the Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (later MIM) and raised an armed paramilitary force called the Razakars. The Razakars launched violent campaigns against pro-integration activists, non-Muslim villagers, and political dissidents across rural Hyderabad and border districts.

The Telangana Peasant Armed Struggle

The Communist Party of India (CPI) organized the Telangana Peasant Rebellion against the jagirdari feudal system, local landlords (Deshmukhs), and the Nizam’s administration. Peasants formed local defense committees (Sanghams) and liberated hundreds of villages, creating a dual challenge to the Nizam’s authority.

Operation Polo and Military Action

Launch of Armed Action

In response to border incursions, attacks on railway traffic, and internal anarchy, the Government of India ordered military intervention. Code-named Operation Polo (also known locally as the Police Action), the military operation began on September 13, 1948.

Military Command and Execution

Lieutenant General Eric Goddard, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Southern Command, planned the military campaign. Major General J.N. Chaudhuri commanded the main thrust from the western border along Sholapur. Air Vice Marshal Subroto Mukherjee coordinated tactical air support.

Surrender of Hyderabad

Hyderabad forces under Commander-in-Chief Major General Syed Ahmed El-Edroos surrendered on September 17, 1948. The operation lasted 108 hours.

Post-Integration Administration and Reorganization

Military Governance and Rajpramukh

Major General J.N. Chaudhuri was appointed Military Governor of Hyderabad from September 1948 to December 1949. In December 1949, civil servant M.K. Vellodi took over as Chief Minister. On January 26, 1950, Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan signed the Instrument of Accession and was designated the Rajpramukh of Hyderabad State.

The Pandit Sundarlal Committee

Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru appointed an inquiry committee headed by Pandit Sundarlal to investigate post-operation communal violence and loss of life in rural regions.

Trifurcation and Linguistic Reorganization

The States Reorganisation Act of 1956 dissolved Hyderabad State on November 1, 1956:

• Telangana region: Merged with Andhra State to form Andhra Pradesh.
• Marathwada region: Merged into Bombay State (later Maharashtra).
• Kannada-speaking districts: Merged into Mysore State (later Karnataka).

Key Facts for Quick Reference

• Hyderabad was the premier 21-gun salute state in British India.
• Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan was ranked among the wealthiest individuals in the world during his reign.
• The Nizam issued the Osmania Rupee, which circulated alongside the Indian Rupee until full monetary unification.
• K.M. Munshi served as India’s Agent-General in Hyderabad during the 1947–1948 negotiations.
• The paramilitary wing of the Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen was known as the Razakars, commanded by Qasim Razvi.
• Operation Polo commenced on September 13, 1948, and ended with the formal surrender on September 17, 1948.
• Major General J.N. Chaudhuri served as the first Military Governor of Hyderabad after the takeover.
• The 7th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1956 facilitated the linguistic trifurcation of Hyderabad state.