Patel Orders Army Action in Hyderabad
Deputy Prime Minister Vallabhbhai Patel ordered the Indian Army to integrate Hyderabad into the Indian Union after negotiations with the Nizam failed. Tensions had escalated due to the Nizam's refusal to accede to India. Military action commenced in response to the need for unity and stability in newly independent India.
Hyderabad was an independent princely state.
Negotiations failed before military intervention.
Operation Polo began on September 13, 1948.
Hyderabad surrendered by September 17, 1948.
What Happened?
The integration of Hyderabad into the Indian Union was a significant event following the partition of India in 1947. The Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Pasha, had declared his intention to remain independent, despite the surrounding region's integration into India. Vallabhbhai Patel, as the Deputy Prime Minister, saw the retention of Hyderabad as a potential source of instability and a challenge to the territorial integrity of India. After prolonged negotiations and diplomatic efforts failed to persuade the Nizam to accede to India, Patel authorized military action to ensure Hyderabad's integration. Starting on September 13, 1948, the operation, named 'Operation Polo,' involved a strategic military campaign aimed at swiftly overwhelming the forces of the Nizam. The Indian Army moved decisively, leading to a swift conclusion of hostilities by September 17, resulting in Hyderabad’s surrender.
Why Does it Matter?
The integration of Hyderabad was a crucial step toward solidifying the political landscape of post-independence India. By successfully militarily integrating princely states into the union, the event underscored the central government's authority and helped establish the territorial contours of the modern Indian state. This action set a precedent for handling similar situations in other princely states and is often seen as a pivotal moment in establishing a unified India.