Capture of Aurangabad in Operation Polo

September 14th, 1948

September 14th, 1948

Capture of Aurangabad in Operation Polo
How Long Ago?

76 years, 6 months, 1 day ago

Location

Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India

Category

Military & Warfare

People
  • Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
  • Jawaharlal Nehru
  • General R. N. Aiyer
Links & References
Tags

Capture of Aurangabad in Operation Polo

The Indian Army captured Aurangabad as part of Operation Polo, a military operation aimed at annexing the princely state of Hyderabad. Conducted under the order of the Indian government, this action resulted in the swift takeover of key locations within the state, including Aurangabad, which was an important city in the context of the operation. The military campaign facilitated the integration of Hyderabad into the Indian Union, marking a significant moment in India's post-independence history.

Operation Polo aimed to integrate Hyderabad into India.

Aurangabad was a key strategic location during the operation.

The operation faced minimal resistance from local forces.

Hyderabad was annexed, reaffirming India's territorial unity.

What Happened?

Operation Polo was a crucial military operation launched by the Indian Army in September 1948, aimed at integrating the princely state of Hyderabad into the newly independent nation of India. Hyderabad, ruled by the Nizam, had opted to remain independent despite India's partition into two nations in 1947. The Nizam’s reluctance to join India and the rise of local militant movements posed a threat to regional stability. In response, the Indian government decided to take military action to ensure the smooth integration of Hyderabad into India. On September 14, the Indian Army moved to capture the strategic city of Aurangabad, which was vital for controlling the region and gaining a foothold in Hyderabad. The operation was executed with a blend of armored units and infantry, meeting minimal resistance as the Indian forces advanced. Within days, the entire state was effectively subdued, marking a decisive moment for India in its consolidation efforts post-independence. The capture of Aurangabad symbolized not only a military victory but also a foundational step in shaping the political landscape of modern India.

Why Does it Matter?

The capture of Aurangabad and the subsequent annexation of Hyderabad had a profound impact on India's territorial integrity and national unity. This military action demonstrated the Indian government's resolve in unifying various princely states that had remained independent after the British withdrawal in 1947. The operation showcased the strength of the Indian military and set a precedent for handling similar situations in the future, influencing how India would manage its internal boundaries and regional conflicts.

Discover More Historic Events from September 14th

Cultural Traditions

Queen Elizabeth II's Coffin Procession

September 14th, 2022 2 years ago

Queen Elizabeth II's coffin was taken from Buckingham Palace on a gun carriage of The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery. The procession traveled through London to Westminster Hall, where her lying in state was held for four days, allowing mourners an opportunity to pay their respects. The public queue for this solemn occasion stretched along the River Thames for miles, reflecting the deep connection the citizens had with the late monarch.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Houthi Attack on Saudi Oil Facilities

September 14th, 2019 5 years ago

Yemen's Houthi rebels executed a significant drone attack on key Saudi Arabian oil facilities, marking a pivotal escalation in regional tensions. The attacks targeted the Abqaiq processing facility and the Khurais oil field, crucial for global oil supply. The Houthis claimed responsibility, stating it was a retaliation for Saudi airstrikes in Yemen. This assault led to a dramatic reduction in Saudi oil production and triggered a spike in oil prices worldwide as fears of supply disruption surged.

Continue Reading
Science & Technology

First Observation of Gravitational Waves

September 14th, 2015 9 years ago

The LIGO and Virgo collaborations made the groundbreaking discovery of gravitational waves, a phenomenon predicted by Albert Einstein. Detected on September 14, 2015, these ripples in spacetime resulted from the merger of two black holes approximately 1.3 billion light-years away. The observation marked a monumental milestone in astrophysics, as it confirmed Einstein's theories while opening new pathways in the study of the universe's most violent events.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

Aeroflot Flight 821 Crashes Near Perm

September 14th, 2008 16 years ago

Aeroflot Flight 821, a Boeing 737-500, crashed while approaching Perm International Airport in Russia. The aircraft, carrying 88 individuals, lost contact with air traffic control and went down, striking a section of the Trans-Siberian Railway. This incident occurred in challenging weather conditions, and all on board were killed. The tragedy underscored the importance of air safety and led to investigations into the causes of the accident and the pilot's decisions.

Continue Reading
Economics & Industry

Northern Rock Bank Run in the UK

September 14th, 2007 17 years ago

Northern Rock, a major UK bank, faced a sudden and unexpected bank run, marking the first occurrence of such an event in the United Kingdom in 150 years. Customers rushed to withdraw their savings amid fears of insolvency after the bank requested emergency funding from the Bank of England. The scene outside Northern Rock branches quickly escalated, with long queues of anxious depositors forming, reflecting widespread panic over the stability of the financial system. This incident highlighted vulnerabilities in the banking sector leading up to the larger global financial crisis.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Kumba Ialá Ousted in Bloodless Coup

September 14th, 2003 21 years ago

General Veríssimo Correia Seabra led a military coup against the Bissau-Guinean President Kumba Ialá, successfully ousting him without any reported violence. The coup unfolded rapidly in the capital, Bissau, as military forces took control of key locations. The political instability in Guinea-Bissau had been brewing due to unrest and dissatisfaction with Ialá's governance. Following the coup, General Seabra announced the formation of a transitional government, aiming for stability in the nation.

Continue Reading