Operation Polo: Hyderabad's Integration

75th Anniversary of Operation Polo: Integration of Hyderabad into India

India marked the 75th anniversary of Operation Polo on September 13, 2023. Operation Polo was a significant military action launched by the Indian Army in 1948 to integrate the princely state of Hyderabad into the newly independent nation of India. Let's delve into the background and reasons behind Operation Polo:

Background:

At the time of India's independence in 1947, the Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Shah, harbored the desire to maintain Hyderabad as an independent state and did not opt to join either India or Pakistan. This decision was partially facilitated by the distraction caused by the Kashmir conflict shortly after India gained independence.

The Nizam and the Indian government signed a standstill agreement in November 1947, which essentially meant maintaining the existing status quo between the Indian dominion and Hyderabad until a resolution could be reached. This agreement was meant to last for one year, during which the Indian government would not exert any authority over Hyderabad.

Reasons for Operation Polo:

1. Geographic Significance: Hyderabad, located in the Deccan region, was one of India's most populous and wealthiest states, consisting of 17 districts, including areas that are now part of Maharashtra and Karnataka.

2. Intention for Fraternal Relations with Pakistan: Despite having no common border with Pakistan, the Nizam expressed a desire to establish friendly relations with Pakistan, which raised concerns for India.

3. Rise of the Razakars: Taking advantage of the standstill agreement with India, the Nizam's administration expanded its irregular paramilitary force known as the Razakars, led by Maj Gen SA El Edroos. The Razakars were instrumental in resisting Hyderabad's integration into India and perpetrated atrocities against Hindus. They forcibly converted Hindus to Islam, killed many, and forced others to flee.

Operation Polo on the Ground:

Indian forces, led by Maj Gen Jayanto Nath Chaudhuri, who was the General Officer Commanding of 1 Armoured Division, launched Operation Polo. The Nizam of Hyderabad declared a ceasefire on September 17, 1948.

On September 18, Maj Gen Chaudhuri's forces entered Hyderabad city, and Maj Gen El Edroos surrendered. Subsequently, Maj Gen Chaudhuri was appointed as the Military Governor of Hyderabad.

In summary, Operation Polo was a significant military action undertaken by India to integrate the princely state of Hyderabad, which had expressed intentions of maintaining independence and had allowed the rise of the Razakars, who carried out atrocities against Hindus. The operation led to the accession of Hyderabad to the Indian Union.