Aman Deep

The Indian Army advanced into Hyderabad with overwhelming force. The Nizam’s army, despite its numerical strength, was ill-prepared to withstand the well-equipped and disciplined Indian forces. 

The Razakars, known for their brutality against civilians, proved ineffective in facing the military might of the Indian army. Tanks rolled into key positions in Hyderabad, and within five days, the Indian forces had subdued the Nizam’s troops. Over 2,000 of the Nizam’s soldiers were killed, and another 3,600 were imprisoned.

On September 17, 1948, Nizam Osman Ali Khan officially surrendered to the Indian government. Hyderabad was formally integrated into the Indian Union, ending the Nizam’s dream of independence.

Timeline of Operation Polo 

1) September 6, 1948: The Tipping Point

• The first shots were fired when Razakar forces attacked an Indian outpost at the village of Chilkotah (or Chilcaluripet, as sometimes referred). This incident directly sent the message to the Indian Government that Nizam is willing to engage in an open conflict with India.

2) September 9, 1948: Final Preparations

• The Indian government issued an ultimatum to the Nizam, demanding that Hyderabad integrate into the Indian Union or face military intervention. However, the Nizam, encouraged by the Razakars and external support from Pakistan, refused to capitulate.

• Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Home Minister Sardar Patel, after assessing the situation, gave the green light for a military operation to annex Hyderabad. The operation was code-named Operation Polo.

3) September 13, 1948: Launch of Operation Polo

• Early Morning: The Indian Army, under the command of Major General J.N. Chaudhuri, launched the military operation. The attack was framed as a “police action” to maintain law and order and to prevent external criticism. The Indian Army’s Southern Command was tasked with leading the invasion.

• Main Objective: Indian forces aimed to neutralize the Razakars, dismantle the Nizam’s army, and bring Hyderabad under Indian control within the shortest possible time.

• Military Setup:
  • The Indian force comprised approximately 35,000 troops, including infantry, armored vehicles, and artillery units.
  • The Hyderabad State Army and the Razakars had an estimated combined strength of 24,000 troops. However, they were not as well-equipped or trained as the Indian Army.
• Key Targets:
  • The operation was strategically aimed at capturing key cities and communication hubs, including Secunderabad, Bidar, and Hyderabad itself.
• • The Indian Army also targeted the Razakars’ strongholds, which were scattered across rural areas and towns.

4) September 13, 1948: Battle at Kodar

• The first major military engagement occurred in the village of Kodar. Here, Indian forces clashed with the Nizam’s troops and Razakar fighters. Tanks were used to overwhelm the local defenders.

• Despite their large numbers, the Razakars were no match for the modern, mechanized units of the Indian Army. The Indian forces swiftly advanced through the region, forcing many Razakars to retreat or surrender.

Indian Army Tanks 

5) September 14, 1948: Capture of Jalna and Secunderabad

• On the second day of the operation, Indian forces captured the towns of Jalna and Aurangabad, two key locations in Hyderabad State. These victories helped secure control over important transport and communication routes.

• Indian forces also advanced on Secunderabad, the military cantonment that was under Nizam’s rule but had housed British troops before Indian independence.

• The 1st Armoured Division and the 7th Brigade of the Indian Army played key roles in this phase of the operation, using tanks and armored vehicles to clear out resistance from the Razakars and Hyderabad’s military units.

6) September 15, 1948: Intense Fighting and Advancements

• Indian forces continued to advance deeper into Hyderabad State, encountering pockets of resistance from the Razakars, particularly in rural areas. However, these forces were quickly overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the Indian Army.

• The Nizam’s forces attempted to mount defenses at key positions, but their equipment and morale were no match for the Indian Army.

• A major focus of this day’s operations was the strategic town of Bidar. By capturing Bidar, Indian forces gained control of a vital military and transportation hub.

7) September 16, 1948: Securing Surrounding Areas

• By this point, the Indian forces had secured most of the surrounding areas of Hyderabad city. Indian soldiers continued to neutralize Razakar strongholds and dismantle any remaining resistance from the Hyderabad State Army.

• The Indian Air Force played a crucial role in providing reconnaissance and supporting ground operations, ensuring that the Indian troops could swiftly move through Hyderabad’s territory.

• Psychological Impact: The rapid and decisive nature of the Indian Army’s advance demoralized the Nizam’s forces and the Razakars. Many began to surrender or flee in the face of overwhelming Indian superiority.

8) September 17, 1948: Hyderabad’s Surrender

• Morning: Indian forces reached the outskirts of Hyderabad city, where they encountered the last remnants of the Nizam’s army and Razakars.

• The Nizam, realizing that further resistance would be futile and would only lead to more bloodshed, agreed to surrender.

• Nizam’s Radio Address: On the morning of September 17, 1948, Nizam Osman Ali Khan made a public announcement over the radio, declaring his decision to surrender to the Indian Union and cease all military operations.

The Aftermath and Continued Violence