Q. Critically examine the causes and consequences of the Indian Army’s Operation Polo (Police Action) against the Nizam’s rule.

Approach:
Introduction:
• Establish the post-1947 context: Hyderabad’s refusal to accede.
• Mention key trigger: violation of Standstill Agreement and Razakar violence.
• Clearly state the purpose and launch of Operation Polo in September 1948.
Body:
A. Causes of Operation Polo (Thematic structure with 5–6 core points)
1. Telangana Armed Struggle: Agrarian unrest and communist uprisings.
2. Razakar Violence: Atrocities destabilizing society.
3. Violation of Standstill Agreement: Breach of agreed peace terms.
4. Failed Diplomatic Engagements: Breakdown of talks with Indian officials.
5. International Angle: Complaint to the UNO and India’s legal-diplomatic maneuver.
6. Leadership and Strategy: Role of Sardar Patel, Goddard, Rajendra Singh.
B. Consequences of Operation Polo (Structured as Immediate, Administrative, and Long-Term)
1. Immediate: Suppression of Razakars, end of Nizam’s rule, integration into India.
2. Administrative: Military rule, land reforms, change in official language.
3. Political: Rise of mass politics, Communist resurgence.
4. Long-Term: Integration model for princely states, Hyderabad’s transformation.
Conclusion:
• Reaffirm the significance of Hyderabad’s integration.
• Note legal and constitutional developments (Part B state).
• Mention Telangana’s present-day observance of Praja Palana Day as legacy of self-rule.,

Introduction:
After independence in 1947, Hyderabad, under Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan, refused to join India, challenging national unity. The violation of the Standstill Agreement, along with Razakar violence, escalated the crisis. Acting on the firm stance of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Indian government approved a military operation, planned by Lt. Gen. E.N. Goddard, and Operation Polo was launched on 13 September 1948 to restore order and integrate Hyderabad into the Union.

Body:
Causes of Operation Polo:
1. Telangana Armed Struggle:
-A powerful agrarian uprising led by Communists against feudal landlords erupted in Telangana, exposing the instability and compelling Indian intervention to restore law and order.
2. Razakar Atrocities:
-The Razakars, led by Qasim Razvi, carried out violent attacks, looted villages, and silenced opposition voices, spreading fear among the people and increasing demand for government action.
3. Join India Movement:
-Launched in August 7^th, 1947 under the leadership of Swami Ramananda Tirtha, the Hyderabad State Congress and allied groups campaigned for Hyderabad to join India, but the Nizam’s regime suppressed it harshly.
4. Violation of Standstill Agreement:
-Despite signing the agreement in 1947, the Nizam allowed Razakar militias to function freely, increasing violence and communal tensions.
5. Failed Mediation:
-Efforts by Lord Mountbatten, through envoy Elan Campbell, failed to resolve the deadlock.
6. Breakdown in Diplomacy:
-The Diwan of Nizam’s government Mir Liq Ali, refused to provide accommodation to India’s Agent General, K.M. Munshi, signaling hostility and rejection of Indian presence.
7. Complaint to the UNO:
-The Nizam’s regime, through Moin Nawaz Jung, filed a complaint to the UNO under Article 35, while Ramaswamy Mudaliar defended India’s position.
8. Strategic Framing:
-Labeling it a ‘Police Action’ rather than a military invasion allowed India to avoid international objections — a move seen as smart diplomacy but legally questionable.
9. Timing and Leadership:
-After Jinnah’s death, support from Pakistan weakened. On Sardar Patel’s insistence, this police action took place under the leadership of Southern commander Lt.General Maharaja Rajendra Singh., and military expenses were shown under the Education Department budget to avoid political scrutiny.
Consequences of Operation Polo:
Immediate Outcomes
-Disbandment of Razakars restored public confidence and reduced communal violence.
-End of autocratic rule and the start of democratic governance in Hyderabad.
-Hyderabad was officially integrated into the Indian Union on 17 September 1948.
-However, the operation was not without humanitarian cost, the Sunderlal Committee later reported significant civilian casualties, raising concerns over post-integration reprisals.
Administrative and Political Changes
-Military Governance under Maj. Gen. J.N. Chaudhuri, who oversaw law and order and early reforms.
-Abolition of the Jagirdari system dismantled feudal landholding.
-Land Reforms redistributed land to tillers, empowering rural communities.
-Linguistic Realignment saw Urdu replaced by English and local languages, aiding national integration.
-Rise of Political Movements, notably the Communist Party in Telangana, reflected new political consciousness.
Long-Term Impact
-Hyderabad entered the socio-economic mainstream, benefiting from planned development.
-The city evolved into a cosmopolitan hub of heritage and modern industry.
-The operation set a precedent for integration of princely states.

Conclusion:
Operation Polo led to the successful integration of Hyderabad into the Indian Union on 17 September 1948. It was subsequently placed under Part B of the Indian Constitution, bringing an end to the Nizam’s oppressive rule. In recognition of this legacy, the Telangana State government now observes September 17th as Telangana Praja Palana Day — the Day of People’s Governance, marking the beginning of self-rule and public participation.

Additional Embellishment: