Question

Write a detailed note on the 'Hyderabad Freedom Struggle'.

Answer 1

1. Hyderabad was the largest among the princely states in India.
2. It comprised Telugu, Kannada, and Marathi regional sections. It was ruled by Nizam. He put restrictions on the civil and political rights of his subjects to a great extent.
3. To fight against the suppressive policies of Nizam people of the state established various organizations, namely. ‘Andhra Parishad’ in Telangana, ‘Maharashtra Parishad’ in Marathawada, and ‘Karnataka Parishad’ in Karnataka.
4. Swami Ramanand Tirtha led Hyderabad's freedom struggle skillfully with the help of the loyal workers of these three organizations.
5. He founded the ‘Hyderabad State Congress' and gave momentum to the struggle for Hyderabad’s accession.
6. The ‘Hyderabad State Congress’ passed a resolution in favour of Hyderabad’s merger in India. It was opposed by Nizam for fear of losing his hold. He was willing to join Pakistan.
7. The people were in favour of India, while the ruler was in favour of Pakistan. Kasim Razvi, who could exercise considerable influence over Nizam, founded an organization called ‘Razakar’.
8. Kasim Razvi and his organization practiced many atrocities against the people who were fighting for democracy.
9. Nizam was adamant about his policies. He was averse to any negotiations and closed all channels of mediation.
10. Ultimately the Indian government launched a police campaign against Nizam. This campaign was named ‘Operation Polo’.
11. On 17th September 1948, Nizam finally surrendered and Hyderabad state was merged into India.