Archive · 13 Sep 2025
India Annexes Hyderabad: The Story of Operation Polo
After India became independent, the Nizam of Hyderabad wanted his own country.
This worried India, as it could split the country.
India launched a military operation called Operation Polo, led by General Chaudhri, to take over Hyderabad.
The Nizam's army and a group called the Razakars resisted, but India quickly won.
The Nizam surrendered and agreed to join India, ending his dream of independence.
The operation aimed to unite India and prevent it from being geographically divided.
Operation Polo was launched by India on September 13, 1948, to annex Hyderabad.
The Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan, initially sought an independent state.
India feared an independent Hyderabad would divide the country geographically.
General J. N. Chaudhri led the Indian forces during the military operation.
The operation concluded with Hyderabad acceding to the Indian Union.
- Who
- Indian government, Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan, General J. N. Chaudhri
- What
- Operation Polo, a military operation to annex Hyderabad into India.
- When
- September 13, 1948
- Where
- Hyderabad, India
- Why
- To prevent Hyderabad from remaining independent and to integrate it into India.
- Event
- Operation Polo
- Date Launched
- September 13, 1948
- Purpose
- Annexation of Hyderabad into India
- Nizam's Stance
- Initially wanted an independent state
- Outcome
- Hyderabad acceded to India
- Key Figures
- Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan, General J N Chaudhri, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
