17th September 1948 is perhaps more significant than 15th August 1947 to the natives of erstwhile “Hyderabad State”.

Seventy years ago, on this day, 17th September 1948 Hyderabad State was liberated from Nizam’s Rule by the Indian Army and got annexed to The Indian Union.  When India became Independent on 15th August 1947, The State of Hyderabad did not join the Indian Union like many other Princely States. Hyderabad State was then the largest Princely State with a population of 1.7 Crore and a territory of 82,698 sq. miles which is more than that of England and Scotland put together. Hyderabad State had its own Army, Postal Department, Railway, Airline, Telecommunication network, Currency, Radio broadcasting stations and a GDP larger than that of some European countries and its ruler Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan was the world’s richest man. It is in this context that Nizam decided to remain Independent. However due to several reasons, most importantly the civil unrest in the State and the failure of negotiations between the Indian Government and the Nizam, a situation so arose that India commenced military action on 13th September 1948. Hyderabad State was attacked from different directions in what is popularly known as ‘Hyderabad Police Action’ and also as ‘Operation Polo’ because there were 17 Polo grounds in Hyderabad State then. After 5 days of hostilities, the Nizam surrendered on 17th September evening. Hyderabad State got liberated and became a part of India that is 13 months after India became Independent.

News of Nizam’s surrender and the liberation of Hyderabad State soon spread and celebrations commenced on 18th September. And it was a day of double celebrations for our family as my brother; Dr. Lakshminarsu was born on that day – 18th September 1948, a day of celebrations for India and the majority of people of Hyderabad State who wanted to be a part of India.

The above map is of the erstwhile Princely Province of “Hyderabad State”. After the reorganization of Indian States in 1956, some areas of Hyderabad State have become part of Karnataka and Maharashtra States and in all these areas today is celebrated as Liberation Day.

A Video on Liberation of Hyderabad State: