Operation Polo
The 77th anniversary of Operation Polo, marked on 13 September 2025, recalls the decisive military campaign that integrated Hyderabad into the Indian Union. This brief but decisive operation ended the Nizam’s bid for independence and shaped India’s territorial unity soon after independence.
Background
At independence in 1947, Hyderabad was one of the largest princely states. Ruled by the Muslim Nizam Mir Usman Ali Khan, it covered over 80,000 square miles with a population of about 16 million. The majority were Hindus speaking Telugu, Kannada, and Marathi. The Nizam sought to remain independent rather than join India or Pakistan, a stance that alarmed Indian leaders. Hyderabad’s central location meant its independence could disrupt national unity.
The Nizam’s Position and Strategy
The Nizam, one of the richest men globally, held immense prestige. His refusal to join the Chamber of Princes and desire for direct ties with the British Crown reflected his ambition. He employed Sir Walter Monckton, a top British lawyer, to negotiate. The Nizam also threatened to join Pakistan if pressured. His standstill agreement with India in November 1947 maintained the status quo but postponed resolution.
Internal Unrest and Opposition
Within Hyderabad, a peasant revolt was growing. The Andhra Mahasabha and Communist Party mobilised against the Nizam’s exploitative and communal rule. The movement gained support among tenant farmers and small landholders. Opposing them was the Ittihad-ul-Muslimeen led by Kasim Razvi, who formed the Razakars, a paramilitary group that violently suppressed dissent and supported the Nizam’s rule.
Indian Government’s Response
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel viewed Hyderabad’s independence as a cancer in the belly of India. By mid-1948, the internal situation worsened with Razakar violence. Patel urged Prime Minister Nehru for decisive action. After negotiations failed, the Government of India resolved to annex Hyderabad by force to preserve national unity.
Execution of Operation Polo
On 13 September 1948, the Indian Army launched Operation Polo. Major General Jayanto Nath Chaudhuri led two infantry brigades, an armoured brigade, and supporting forces. The Indian Air Force also conducted bombing raids. The Hyderabad army and Razakars were quickly overwhelmed. By 17 September, the Nizam surrendered and accepted accession to India.
Aftermath and Integration
Following surrender, the Nizam banned the Razakars and urged peace. Hyderabad came under military administration until December 1949. An unelected civilian government was then installed, with democratic elections held in 1952. This marked Hyderabad’s full integration into the Indian Union, ending princely autonomy.
| Related | |
|---|---|
