Question

Describe the events that led to the merger of princely state Hyderabad with India.

Answer 1

The merger of the princely state of Hyderabad with India was a significant event in the annals of India's independence. It transpired in 1948 and was preceded by a sequence of events that culminated in the incorporation of Hyderabad into the newly established Republic of India. The following is a summary of the primary events:

1. Independence and Partition of India (1947): On August 15, 1947, India achieved independence from British rule. The subcontinent was partitioned into two distinct nations, India and Pakistan, on the basis of religious beliefs. Hyderabad, which was governed by the Nizam, continued to function as an autonomous princely state.
2. The Nizam's Desire for Independence: Mir Osman Ali Khan, the Nizam of Hyderabad, was apprehensive about joining either India or Pakistan. He aspired to preserve Hyderabad's independence or, alternatively, to merge with Pakistan, due to its Muslim majority. Nevertheless, Hyderabad was encircled by Indian territory on all sides, rendering it a landlocked city within India.
3. Pressures for Integration from India: The Indian government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, endeavored to incorporate all princely states into the Indian Union. Negotiations, diplomacy, and occasionally military action were all part of the integration process.
4. Operations Polo: In September 1948, the Indian government initiated 'Operation Polo' amid the escalating tensions between the Nizam's government and India. Minimal resistance from the Nizam's forces was encountered by Indian military forces as they rapidly entered Hyderabad. Hyderabad was annexed into the Indian Union as a consequence of the operation.
5. Accession of Hyderabad to India: After Operation Polo was successful, the Nizam gave up and signed the Instrument of Accession. On September 17, 1948, Hyderabad became an official part of the Dominion of India. Once Nizam's rule was over, Hyderabad joined the Indian Union.
6. Aftermath: People had different feelings about Hyderabad becoming a part of India. As a big step toward national unity, it was praised across most of India. However, some people in Hyderabad who wanted freedom or to join with Pakistan were angry and protested.