The liberation of Hyderabad and its incorporation into the Indian Union is a historical moment marked by parallel events from different political perspectives.  After a police operation known as “Operation Polo” that reached its conclusion on September 17, 1948, the State of Hyderabad, which was governed by the Nizam, was incorporated into the Union of India. 

The Union government declared September 17 as Hyderabad Liberation Day, while the Telangana government declared it National Integration Day.

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What was Operation Polo?

On September 17, 1948, Indian soldiers invaded Hyderabad, and Mir Osman Ali Khan, the seventh Nizam in the Asaf Jahi dynasty, was forced to abdicate. Hyderabad supposedly joined the Indian Union on the same day as New Delhi.

Operation Polo, a military operation, compelled the Nizam of Hyderabad to submit in front of Indian soldiers. On January 26, 1950, when the Nizam was appointed “Rajpramukh” of the Hyderabad state by the union government, Hyderabad officially merged into the Union of India.

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Despite India‘s independence in 1947, Nizam and other political forces continued to rule over Hyderabad, a princely state. The courageous police action is frequently credited to Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Home Minister. Formerly part of Hyderabad were the states of Bellary, Telangana, the north-eastern districts of Kalaburagi, Bidar in Karnataka, Marathawada in Maharashtra, and Vijaynagara. Prior to annexation, the princely state of Hyderabad had a sizable territory.

On September 17, Karnataka and Maharashtra also celebrate Marathawada Mukti Sangram Diwas and Hyderabad-Karnataka Liberation Day, respectively. Govindbhai Shroff, Ramanand Tirtha, and PH Patwardhan were recognised for their achievements in the fight for independence from the Nizam during the annexation of Hyderabad.

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On September 17, Karnataka and Maharashtra also celebrate Marathawada Mukti Sangram Diwas and Hyderabad-Karnataka Liberation Day, respectively. Govindbhai Shroff, Ramanand Tirtha, and PH Patwardhan were recognised for their achievements in the fight for independence from the Nizam during the annexation of Hyderabad.