Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: TH
Context: The Central government has declared September 17 as ‘Hyderabad Liberation Day’ annually, commemorating the integration of Hyderabad into the Indian Union in 1948.
The announcement, made by the Ministry of Home Affairs through a gazette notification, honours the martyrs who liberated Hyderabad from Nizam’s rule during Operation Polo. This decision aims to instil patriotism.
Background:
In 1947, Hyderabad, the largest Princely State, encompassed present-day Telangana and parts of Karnataka and Maharashtra, ruled by the seventh Nizam, Mir Usman Ali. As India transitioned to independence, provinces were given the choice to join India, Pakistan, or remain independent. Despite efforts by Home Minister Sardar Patel to integrate Hyderabad into India, the Nizam declared it an independent nation. A Standstill Agreement was signed in November 1947, granting India control over foreign affairs, defence, and communications while leaving domestic affairs to the Nizam. However, internal dissent grew, with the Hyderabad State Congress and Communist-led peasant movements opposing the Nizam’s rule. The Nizam’s response was ruthless, employing the Razakars, a para-military force, to suppress dissent. In the face of escalating violence, the Union government initiated Operation Polo, deploying the army to integrate Hyderabad into India on September 13, 1948.
