Basics
- Event: Operation Polo (Sept 13–17, 1948) was India’s military action that led to the integration of the princely state of Hyderabad into the Indian Union.
- Background: Hyderabad, ruled by the Nizam, was the largest princely state (2 lakh sq. km., 16 million population, majority Hindus under a Muslim ruler).
- Fact: The Nizam refused to accede to India post-1947, leading to military intervention.
Relevance : GS-I (Modern Indian History), GS-II (Polity: Federalism, Integration)
Why in News
- The editorial marks the 77th anniversary (Sept 2025) of Operation Polo, reflecting on the political, social, and military aspects of Hyderabad’s merger with India.
Overview
- Polity/Legal
- The Instrument of Accession was the legal basis for merging princely states.
- Hyderabad’s refusal posed a constitutional crisis—could a large independent enclave exist within Indian territory?
- Operation Polo reinforced India’s unity and territorial integrity.
- Governance/Administrative
- Post-accession, Hyderabad was placed under military administration until Dec 1949.
- Later, civilian governance was restored, and elections were held in 1952.
- Demonstrated the importance of central authority in unifying governance structures.
- Economy
- Hyderabad was rich in agriculture, textiles, and culture but feudal landholding and oppressive taxation led to agrarian distress.
- Land reforms and integration opened Hyderabad to wider economic modernization.
- Society
- Hindu majority faced repression under the Nizam’s Razakars (paramilitary group).
- Social tensions, religious polarization, and peasant movements (e.g., Telangana armed struggle) shaped public opinion in favor of integration.
- International
- The Nizam sought UN and Commonwealth intervention.
- India’s swift action prevented internationalization of the Hyderabad issue, unlike Kashmir.
Challenges
- Religious violence during Razakar brutality and after integration.
- Managing international criticism of India’s “police action.”
- Ensuring smooth governance transition from monarchy to democracy.
- Reintegrating diverse linguistic regions (Telugu, Kannada, Marathi) under one state.
Way Forward
- Lessons for present-day federal integration: dialogue first, but decisive action if national unity is threatened.
- Promote inclusive governance to address regional grievances (learning from Telangana struggle).
- Strengthen historical awareness: integrate Operation Polo in public discourse as part of India’s nation-building journey.
- Use constitutional safeguards (Art. 355, 356, special provisions) carefully for balancing unity with diversity.
Conclusion
Operation Polo symbolized India’s resolve to integrate princely states into a united democratic nation. While marked by violence, it laid the foundation for political stability, democratic governance, and India’s federal structure.
