Why in the news?

  • September 13 marks the 77th anniversary of Operation Polo.

Operation Polo

  • What is it?: Operation Polo was a military operation carried out by the Indian government in 1948 to annex the princely state of Hyderabad.
  • Background:
    • After Independence (1947), princely states were given the option to join India or Pakistan.
    • The Nizam of Hyderabad, Osman Ali Khan, initially wanted to remain independent.
    • A paramilitary group of the Nizam called the Razakars created communal violence, lawlessness, and instability in Hyderabad state.
    • Razakars suppressed dissent, targeted Hindus, causing mass unrest.
  • The Operations
    • In order to suppress the activities of the Razakers and to bring peace in the state of Hyderabad, Operation Polo was initiated by India.
    • It was under Maj. Gen. J.N. Chaudhuri of the Indian Army.
    • Swift armoured and infantry advanced from multiple directions and the Hyderabad forces surrendered in five days.
  • Outcome of the Operation:
    • Nizam surrendered on 17 September 1948 and signed the Instrument of Accession.
    • Hyderabad became part of the Indian Union as a Part ‘B’ state and later integrated into Andhra Pradesh in 1956.
    • Nizam retained the titular position as Rajpramukh (Governor) till 1956.