Part of: Telangana Gk set 14

What was the code name of the Hyderabad "police action" in September 1948, by the newly independent India against the Hyderabad State?

Category: Telangana Gk

Hint: Consider the historical context of India's integration of princely states.

Correct Answer: B) Operation Polo.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC

Difficulty: Moderate

Explanations:

The Hyderabad Police Action, also known as Operation Polo, was a significant military operation conducted by the Indian Armed Forces in September 1948. This operation was aimed at integrating the princely state of Hyderabad into the newly independent India. The operation was necessary due to the refusal of the Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan, to accede to the Indian Union. The Nizam had aspirations of maintaining Hyderabad as an independent state, which posed a threat to the territorial integrity of India.

The Hyderabad State, under the rule of the Nizam, was a large and prosperous princely state located in the southern part of India. It was one of the last princely states to accede to the Indian Union. The Nizam's refusal to join the Indian Union led to a series of negotiations and diplomatic efforts by the Indian government, but these efforts were unsuccessful. The Nizam's forces, known as the Razakars, were increasingly becoming a threat to the peace and stability of the region.

As a result, the Indian government decided to take military action to integrate Hyderabad into the Indian Union. The operation was codenamed "Operation Polo" and was launched on September 13, 1948. The Indian Army, under the command of Major General J.N. Chaudhuri, quickly overpowered the Nizam's forces and secured the state within a few days. The operation was successful in bringing Hyderabad under the control of the Indian government and marked a significant milestone in the integration of princely states into the Indian Union.

It is important to note that the name "Operation Polo" was chosen as a code name for the operation. The choice of the name is often attributed to the fact that polo was a popular sport among the ruling class in Hyderabad, and the operation was seen as a swift and decisive action, much like a polo game. The operation was a military success and helped to consolidate the territorial integrity of India.

Understanding the historical context of Operation Polo is crucial for students preparing for competitive examinations such as the UPSC, SSC, and State PSC. It is a part of the broader narrative of India's struggle for independence and the subsequent integration of princely states into the Indian Union. The operation highlights the challenges faced by the Indian government in the early years of independence and the measures taken to ensure the unity and territorial integrity of the nation.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: Incorrect. Operation Blue Star was a military operation conducted in 1984 in the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab, and is unrelated to the Hyderabad Police Action.
  • Option B: Correct. Operation Polo was the code name for the military operation conducted by India in September 1948 to integrate the princely state of Hyderabad into the Indian Union.
  • Option C: Incorrect. Operation Vijay was the codename for the Indian military operation in 1961 to integrate Goa, Daman, and Diu into India, not Hyderabad.
  • Option D: Incorrect. Operation Gibraltar was a military operation conducted by Pakistan in 1965 to infiltrate Jammu and Kashmir, and is unrelated to the Hyderabad Police Action.

Mnemonic: Polo: P for Police Action, O for Operation

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