Part of: Telangana Gk set 18

How was the state of Hyderabad merged with the Indian Union?

Category: Telangana Gk

Hint: Consider the military and administrative actions taken by the Indian government.

Correct Answer: B) B] Police operation.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

The integration of Hyderabad State into the Indian Union is a significant event in the history of post-independence India. Hyderabad, under the rule of the Nizam, was a princely state that had declared its intention to remain independent after India's independence in 1947. The Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan, was reluctant to join the Indian Union and sought to maintain Hyderabad's sovereignty.

The Indian government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Home Minister Vallabhbhai Patel, was determined to integrate Hyderabad into the Indian Union. The Nizam's refusal to accede to the Indian Union led to a series of events that culminated in the police action known as Operation Polo.

Operation Polo was a military operation carried out by the Indian Army and the Indian Police in September 1948. The operation was designed to end the rule of the Nizam and to bring Hyderabad under the control of the Indian government. The operation was swift and effective, and within a few days, the Indian forces had taken control of Hyderabad.

The police operation was necessary because the Nizam's forces, known as the Razakars, were actively opposing the integration of Hyderabad into the Indian Union. The Razakars were a volunteer militia that supported the Nizam and were involved in violent activities against the Indian government and its supporters in Hyderabad. The police operation was aimed at neutralizing the Razakars and ensuring the smooth integration of Hyderabad into the Indian Union.

While Vallabhbhai Patel played a significant role in the integration of princely states into the Indian Union, the specific action that led to the integration of Hyderabad was the police operation known as Operation Polo. Patel's efforts were more focused on the political and diplomatic aspects of the integration process, but the actual military and administrative action was carried out through Operation Polo.

Understanding the historical context and the specific actions taken by the Indian government is crucial to comprehending the integration of Hyderabad into the Indian Union. The police operation was a critical step in ensuring the unity and integrity of the Indian nation, and it remains an important part of India's post-independence history.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is incorrect. The Razaks were volunteers who supported the Nizam of Hyderabad and were not the primary force used by the Indian government to integrate Hyderabad into the Union. The integration was achieved through a police operation, not with the help of Razaks.
  • Option B: This option is correct. The state of Hyderabad was merged with the Indian Union through a police operation known as Operation Polo. This operation was carried out by the Indian government to end the rule of the Nizam and integrate Hyderabad into the Indian Union.
  • Option C: This option is incorrect. While Vallabhbhai Patel played a significant role in the integration of princely states into the Indian Union, the specific action that led to the integration of Hyderabad was the police operation known as Operation Polo, not a direct fight led by Patel.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. The correct answer is that the state of Hyderabad was merged with the Indian Union through a police operation, which is explicitly stated in Option B.

Mnemonic: P for Police, P for Polo, remember Operation Polo.

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