NEWS – September 13 marks the 77th anniversary of Operation Polo, the military operation launched by newly independent India to annex the state of Hyderabad. Led by Major General Jayanto Nath Chaudhuri, Operation Polo lasted less than four days and brought to heel the Nizam who had been resolute in his decision not to accede to India.

HIGHLIGHTS

Background

• Post-1947, over 500 princely states integrated into India.
• Hyderabad, the largest princely state (80,000 sq miles, 16 million population), sought independence.
• Ruler: Nizam Mir Usman Ali, one of the world’s richest men, aspired for sovereignty and direct ties with the British Crown.
• Standstill Agreement (Nov 1947): Status quo between India and Hyderabad, but unrest persisted.

Hyderabad’s Internal Tensions

• Majority Hindu population under a Muslim ruler.
• Agrarian discontent: Exploitative, communal land system sparked revolts since 1920s; peaked by 1946.
• Ittihad-ul-Muslimeen & Razakars: Led by Kasim Razvi, armed militias supported the Nizam, brutally suppressing dissent.

India’s Concerns

• An independent Hyderabad risked splitting north and south India.
• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: Called Hyderabad a “cancer in the belly of India,” determined to secure integration.

Military Operation Polo (13–17 Sept 1948)

• Commanded by Major General J.N. Chaudhuri.
• Forces: Two infantry brigades, one armored brigade, smaller strike force, and IAF support.
• September 13: Indian Army entered Hyderabad.
• September 17: Hyderabad forces and Razakars overwhelmed; Nizam surrendered.

Aftermath

• Nizam announced ban on Razakars, urged peace with Indians.
• Military administration until Dec 1949, then civilian rule installed.
• First democratic elections in Hyderabad held in 1952.