Indian Annexation of Hyderabad 1948

When the British relinquished their claims to imperial rule in India, the 562 independent princely states were given the option to joining either of India or Pakistan. A few princely states acceded to Pakistan, but most – except Hyderabad (the largest of the princely states with 132,000 square kilometers and a population of more than 14 million), Jammu and Kashmir (with 3 million inhabitants), and Junagadh (with a population of 545,000) – joined with India. India successfully annexed Hyderabad and Junagadh after "police actions" and promises of privileges to the rulers.

The nawab of Junagadh and the nizam of Hyderabad were both Muslims, though most of their subjects were Hindus, and both states were surrounded by India. Junagadh, however, faced Pakistan on the Arabian Sea; when its nawab announced his decision to join Pakistan on Sept. 15, 1947, popular opposition emerged and India military forces intervened and took control of the territory.

The Nizam of Hyderabad elected to resume independent status rather than join India. On Nov. 29, 1947, he signed a standstill agreement with India to last one year, and Indian troops were withdrawn. Indian pressure on Hyderabad persisted. The Nizam continued to assert his autonomy and he appealed to King George VI of Great Britain for support. On Sept. 13, 1948, Hyderabad was invaded by India, and within four days Hyderabad's accession to India was achieved. After a period of military and provisional civil government, a popular ministry and legislature were set up in the state in March 1952.

References

Hyderabad; India; India - A Country Study.

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