Hyderabad Freedom Movement

The beginning of growing British political and military influence.

The Subsidiary Alliance with Hyderabad was established through two important agreements:

September 1, 1798 (Initial Treaty): Nizam Ali Khan (Asaf Jah II) entered into a Subsidiary Alliance with the British under Governor-General Lord Wellesley. The agreement required the Nizam to dismiss his French-trained military contingent and maintain a British force in his dominions by paying an annual subsidy. The British undertook to provide military protection against external threats.

October 12, 1800 (Supplementary Treaty): The Nizam agreed to cede territories acquired from Mysore following the wars of 1792 and 1799. These territories subsequently became known as the Ceded Districts. The arrangement strengthened British control over Hyderabad's military and external relations.

Hyderabad continued as a princely state under the Asaf Jahi dynasty, but its military and foreign-policy autonomy was substantially restricted. The British Resident and Subsidiary Force became important instruments of British influence in the Deccan. Hyderabad also served as a strategic ally and buffer in British imperial policy. Resistance to British influence and the Nizam's administration continued in different forms over the following decades.

Source: Hyderabad State Committee, The Freedom Struggle in Hyderabad; Government of India records.

1804–1808 CE: Raja Mahipat Ram, associated with the administration of Berar, opposed growing British influence and attempted to establish connections with the Holkars and Sindhias. Following his dismissal, he sought refuge in Indore and remained associated with anti-British resistance.

1806 CE: Raja Rao Rambha Nimbalkar and Noor-ul-Umra. The two figures were associated with military disaffection and opposition to British influence in Hyderabad. The controversy over military uniforms and religious practices among sepoys contributed to the wider atmosphere of unrest. Nimbalkar and Noor-ul-Umra were accused of encouraging discontent among troops and attempting to weaken British influence. Historical accounts describe their subsequent removal from positions of influence and the punishment imposed on Nimbalkar.

These developments are discussed in the Hyderabad State Committee's historical account of the early freedom movement.

Further reading: The Freedom Struggle in Hyderabad, 1800–1857.

The 1806 Sepoy Uniform Controversy involved British regulations intended to standardise the appearance and dress of Indian soldiers. The introduction of new headgear and restrictions affecting traditional religious and cultural practices generated considerable resentment among sepoys. These measures were interpreted by some soldiers as an attempt to interfere with their religious identities.

1812: A mutiny involving Indian troops stationed at the British Residency in Hyderabad resulted in Major Edward Gordon being threatened by mutineers. The dispute concerned pay and the treatment of soldiers. The ringleaders were subsequently punished.

1827: A military disturbance occurred at Mominabad cantonment involving the Hyderabad Contingent. Historical accounts associate the incident with the death of Colonel Davies.

1855: Bolarum Cantonment Trouble. During Muharram, a dispute arose over restrictions on a religious procession. Historical accounts describe an incident in which Havildar Ghulam Khadir attacked Brigadier Mackenzie. The episode reflected growing discontent among soldiers serving under British military authority.

1817 Maratha War: Sardar Khan Kadezahi crossed over to the side of Peshwa Baji Rao during the conflict, according to historical accounts of military disaffection in the Deccan.

1818: Local chieftains including Dharmaji Pratap Rao of Bhir, Navasji Naik of Nanded and Veerappa of Koppal resisted the authority of the Nizam and the expanding British political order. Their activities were connected with local grievances, military resistance and opposition to administrative control.

1819: The Bhil chieftain Chil Naik resisted British authority in the Deccan region. Historical accounts describe his activities around Aurangabad and his eventual execution. Bhil resistance continued under other leaders in subsequent decades.

1840s: Regional resistance is also associated with Lingappa of Bidar, Krishnaji Deshmukh of Nandapur, Narsinga Rao of Belgaum and Hasnappa Nayak of Sholapur. Their activities reflected the continuing opposition to expanding British influence.

1840: Rohilla groups in the Bhadrachalam region participated in resistance against British authority. Historical accounts describe the killing of Captain Hayvar during the disturbances in the Godavari Valley.

1840–1848: Apparao of Jangaon is associated with an uprising and the occupation of Jangaon Fort. The duration and details of the occupation should be read in the context of the historical records of the period.

"Mir Gowhar Ali Khan Siddiqi, known as Mubarez-ud-Dowla, was a younger brother of the Nizam who became associated with an anti-British political conspiracy. He was detained and imprisoned at Golconda Fort, where he remained until his death in 1854."

The Wahabi movement in Hyderabad had religious as well as political dimensions. By the late 1830s, Gowhar Ali Khan (Mubarez-ud-Dowla) had become associated with an anti-British network. The Nawab of Kurnool was also linked to plans for resistance against British authority.

British authorities investigated the suspected conspiracy and took action against its participants. Mubarez-ud-Dowla and several associates were detained. Documents and correspondence examined during the investigation reportedly indicated contacts with rulers and political figures in different parts of India, including Satara, Baroda, Banda, Bhopal and other regions.

Mubarez-ud-Dowla was imprisoned at Golconda Fort, where he died in 1854. His case illustrates the political tensions between the British authorities, the Hyderabad court and individuals who opposed British supremacy.

Placards on mosque walls · The Residency attack · Regional rebellions

When the Great Uprising of 1857 broke out in northern India, the Nizam, Afzal-ud-Daulah, remained aligned with the British. His Prime Minister, Salar Jung I, also played an important role in maintaining the relationship with the British authorities.

However, sections of Hyderabad's population and military establishment sympathised with the uprising. Placards appeared in public places urging resistance against British rule and calling upon the Nizam to support the revolt. Reports from the period described growing anti-British sentiment in Hyderabad.

Another important episode was the rebellion of Raja Venkatappa Naik of Shorapur. He maintained contacts with anti-British figures, including Nana Saheb Peshwa, and organised resistance in the Shorapur region. British forces eventually defeated the rebellion. The Raja was captured and sentenced to transportation. Accounts differ regarding the circumstances of his death, so the claim that he shot himself should not be treated as established without further documentary evidence.

Source: Hyderabad Sepoy Revolt 1857; Hyderabad State Committee records.

July 17, 1857 · An armed uprising in Hyderabad

Turrebaz Khan, a Rohilla leader, joined Maulvi Allauddin in leading an attack on the British Residency in Hyderabad on July 17, 1857. The attack involved Rohilla and Arab supporters and aimed to challenge British authority and secure the release of an imprisoned Indian soldier.

The attack was unsuccessful. Turrebaz Khan was captured but escaped from prison on January 18, 1859. A reward was announced for his capture. He was subsequently located and killed by a pursuing force. Historical accounts record that his body was brought to Hyderabad and publicly displayed in chains.

Turrebaz Khan is remembered in Hyderabad's popular history as an important participant in the 1857 uprising.

Full story: Turrebaz Khan · The Rohilla Who Attacked the Residency.

1860 · Veyyi Urula Marri · Tribal resistance in northern Telangana

Ramji Gond is remembered as a leader of tribal resistance in the Nirmal region during the nineteenth century. His uprising is associated with opposition to the combined authority of the Nizam's administration and British power in the Deccan.

Historical accounts associate the rebellion with 1860 and describe the defeat and execution of Ramji Gond and members of his force. The site became associated with the name Veyyi Urula Marri, commonly translated as the Banyan of a Thousand Nooses or Thousand Hangings. Local oral traditions preserve the memory of mass executions, although the claim that exactly 1,000 people were hanged from a single tree has not been independently established by historical documentation.

A memorial stupa marks the site associated with the uprising near Nirmal. Ramji Gond is remembered in Telangana's tribal history as a symbol of resistance.

Full story: Ramji Gond – The Forgotten Tribal Leader.

1862: The Nizam received the British honour of the Order of the Star of India. The post-1857 period also witnessed attempts by former rebel leaders and their associates to continue resistance. Accounts mention Rao Saheb Peshwa and other figures in connection with political activities and suspected conspiracies. British surveillance and the changing political situation gradually weakened the earlier organised anti-British networks.

Father of Sarojini Naidu · Public protest and exile

The growth of organised public opinion in Hyderabad is associated with the controversy surrounding the Chanda Railway scheme in 1883. Educated residents and public figures questioned aspects of the railway proposal, including the financial arrangements and the role of British interests.

Dr. Aghore Nath Chattopadhyaya, father of Sarojini Naidu, became associated with the agitation. He and other public figures questioned the administration's decisions. Chattopadhyaya was subsequently dismissed from service and expelled from Hyderabad. He is widely remembered as one of the earliest prominent public critics of the Nizam's administration to face exile.

In 1885, the Indian National Congress was founded. Mulla Abdul Qayum became associated with the Congress movement and was an important Muslim nationalist from Hyderabad. He worked alongside other educated public figures to encourage political awareness.

By the late nineteenth century, several newspapers and journals were contributing to public debate in Hyderabad. Publications included English-language newspapers such as Hyderabad Telegraph, Deccan Standard, Deccan Times, The Deccan Budget and The Deccan Mail, along with Marathi, Telugu and Urdu publications. The Hyderabad administration also imposed restrictions on publications that criticised government policy.

"The political awakening in Hyderabad was preceded by a literary and cultural renaissance. The establishment of libraries and literary organisations helped create public awareness about language, history, education and political rights."

Krishna Devaraya Andhra Bhasha Nilayam was established in Hyderabad in 1901 through the efforts of K.V. Lakshman Rao and other literary enthusiasts. It became an important centre for Telugu literature, reading and public discussion.

Libraries and literary organisations subsequently emerged in different parts of Hyderabad State. They helped promote education, regional languages, historical awareness and discussions about social reform and political rights.

Social reform · Education · Opposition to forced labour

The Andhra Jana Sangham was established in Hyderabad on November 12, 1921. It became an important organisation for promoting Telugu language, education, social reform and public awareness among Telugu-speaking people of Hyderabad State.

Leaders such as Suravaram Pratap Reddy, Madapati Hanumantha Rao, Burgula Ramakrishna Rao and Mandumula Narsing Rao participated in the wider movement for social and political reform.

The organisation addressed issues including vetti (forced labour), arbitrary levies, educational backwardness and restrictions on public activity. Its work contributed to the development of a wider regional political movement.

The Andhra Jana Sangham developed into the Andhra Maha Sabha, which later became an important platform for social, political and agrarian mobilisation in Hyderabad State. It did not simply merge into the Hyderabad State Congress; the organisations followed distinct but interconnected political paths.

Restrictions on public meetings · Constitutional reform campaigns

In 1921, political activists in Hyderabad sought to organise conferences to demand constitutional reforms and greater public participation in administration. Restrictions imposed by the Nizam's government made it difficult to hold such gatherings within the State.

The first Hyderabad Political Conference was held at Kakinada in 1923, under the presidency of Madhav Rao Ane of Berar. It raised demands for representative institutions, responsible government and civil liberties.

The subsequent conferences were held at Bombay in 1926, Poona in 1928 and Akola in 1931. The 1928 Poona conference was presided over by N.C. Kelkar and was addressed by Subhas Chandra Bose.

Bose drew attention to the similarities between bureaucratic autocracy in British India and the princely states. His remarks emphasised that people living under princely rule also had a legitimate claim to democratic rights and responsible government.

The first Andhra Maha Sabha conference was held at Jogipet in March 1930, under the presidency of Suravaram Pratap Reddy. The Nizam's administration imposed restrictions on the conference through regulations commonly associated with Gasthi Nishan.

Permission for the gathering was subject to conditions relating to the identity of the president, religious sensitivities and restrictions on political discussion. Despite these limitations, the conference adopted resolutions concerning education, social reform, public rights and the removal of restrictive administrative practices.

An associated women's gathering was held under the leadership of Nadimpally Sundaramma, reflecting the growing participation of women in social and educational movements.

The second Andhra Maha Sabha conference was held at Deverakonda in 1931, under the presidency of Burgula Ramakrishna Rao.

The third conference was held at Khammam in 1934, under Pulijala Ranga Rao. Government restrictions and security conditions reflected the increasing political importance of the organisation.

"1938 marked an important turning point in Hyderabad State's organised political movement, as activists began a coordinated campaign for civil liberties, representative government and political participation."

Political activists in Hyderabad had been associated with Congress-oriented constructive work, including Khadi promotion and social reform. However, the Nizam's government restricted the activities of political organisations operating under the Congress name.

In January 1938, a provisional organisation of the Hyderabad State Congress was announced. Govindrao Nanai was associated with its initial leadership. The organisation sought public participation in administration, freedom of the press, civil liberties, equal treatment in public employment and the establishment of responsible government.

The government prohibited the organisation in September 1938, before its planned general meeting. The administration described it as a communal and politically unacceptable organisation. The State Congress rejected this characterisation and maintained that its objectives were democratic and inclusive.

The ban led to a satyagraha campaign in Hyderabad State.

The Hyderabad State Congress launched its satyagraha on October 24, 1938. Leaders including Govindrao Nanai, Ramakrishna Dhoot, Ravi Narayana Reddy, Janardhan Rao Desai and Srinivas Rao Bonkar participated in the early batches.

Police used force against gatherings of supporters, including a lathi-charge at Gowliguda. On the third day, Swami Ramananda Tirtha was arrested. Eighteen successive batches of satyagrahis participated in the campaign.

Other prominent participants and arrestees included Sardar Jamalapuram Keshava Rao, Baddam Yella Reddy, Nagulapally Kodanda Ram Rao, Digamber Rao Bindu, Kashinath Rao Vaidya, Mandumula Ramachander Rao, Kaloji Narayana Rao and T. Hayagrivachary.

The State Congress satyagraha coincided with campaigns by the Arya Samaj and other civil-liberties organisations. Mahatma Gandhi expressed concern about the possibility of the movement being portrayed as communal. The State Congress satyagraha was called off on December 24, 1938.

Gandhi subsequently communicated with Prime Minister Sir Akbar Hydari regarding recognition of the State Congress and the release of political prisoners. The arrested satyagrahis were released, but the ban on the organisation continued until 1946.

The Vande Mataram movement emerged as an important student protest during the political awakening in Hyderabad State. Students at Osmania University objected to restrictions on singing Vande Mataram in educational institutions.

The university administration and government authorities took disciplinary action against participating students. Several students were suspended or rusticated, and some left Hyderabad to continue their education at institutions outside the State, including universities in Nagpur and other parts of central India.

The student agitation became an important expression of political awareness among young people. Some of the students later returned to Hyderabad and participated in the wider freedom movement.

Vandemataram Ramachandra Rao became associated with the movement and is remembered for continuing to sing Vande Mataram despite punishment and intimidation. Accounts of the movement also describe the use of the Tiktiki torture method against some detainees.

Mass arrests · Political repression · Student participation

The Quit India Movement, launched by the Indian National Congress in August 1942, influenced political activity in Hyderabad State despite the Nizam's government not being directly under British provincial administration.

Activists associated with the Hyderabad State Congress, Maharashtra Parishad and Karnataka Parishad participated in protests and civil-disobedience activities. Some gave up government employment, courted arrest and organised demonstrations.

Prominent figures associated with the period included Sarojini Naidu, Hansh Chandra Heda, Shankumari Heda, Dr. G.S. Melkote, Burgula Ramakrishna Rao, Katam Lakshminarayana and other political activists.

Authorities arrested political workers and imposed restrictions on public activity. Student groups and underground activists also participated in demonstrations. Some incidents involved attacks on government property, railway infrastructure and communication facilities.

The movement contributed to the expansion of political participation among students, workers and regional organisations in Hyderabad State.

During the 1940s, the Andhra Maha Sabha increasingly became a platform for competing political ideologies. The Communist Party of India gained influence among sections of the organisation, particularly through its work among agricultural labourers, tenants and rural communities.

The Communist Party's position on the Second World War changed following Germany's invasion of the Soviet Union in June 1941. The party described the war as a people's war and opposed the Quit India Movement of 1942.

The Andhra Maha Sabha's ideological division became particularly pronounced at the Bhuvanagiri conference in 1944. Its communist-oriented section increasingly concentrated on agrarian mobilisation and opposition to landlordism, forced labour and feudal exploitation.

The moderate nationalist section maintained a different political approach and supported constitutional reforms and cooperation with the Hyderabad State Congress. In 1945, nationalist leaders organised a separate Andhra Maha Sabha conference under M. Narsing Rao.

The two streams subsequently followed different political paths. The communist-oriented movement became closely associated with the Telangana peasant armed struggle, while the nationalist section worked alongside the Hyderabad State Congress in the campaign for democratic government and Hyderabad's integration with India.

"The political situation in Hyderabad changed significantly after the Second World War. Growing public mobilisation, constitutional demands and the changing political climate in British India increased pressure on the Nizam's administration to reconsider its restrictions on political organisations."

By 1945, political developments across India were increasing pressure on princely states to introduce representative institutions and responsible government.

Following negotiations and political changes within the administration, the ban on the Hyderabad State Congress was lifted in June 1946. Swami Ramananda Tirtha became its president.

The State Congress held an important public conference in Hyderabad in June 1946. The gathering was attended by large numbers of people and called for political reforms, responsible government and the protection of civil liberties.

A major resolution associated with Burgula Ramakrishna Rao called upon the people to prepare for a sustained political struggle to secure responsible government and establish Hyderabad's relationship with the emerging Indian Union.

The conference was also addressed by national leaders and public figures including Shanker Rao Deo, Kamaladevi Chattopadhyaya, Prof. N.G. Ranga and Nijalingappa.

Ramamurthy Naidu · Katam Lakshminarayana · Border camps

Following the end of the Second World War, the demand for India's independence gained momentum. Political activists in Hyderabad State increasingly sought a democratic administration and integration with independent India.

While senior leaders such as Burgula Ramakrishna Rao, Kashinath Rao Vaidya, Janardhan Rao Desai and K.V. Ranga Reddy supported political negotiations and constitutional methods, younger activists demanded more direct action.

Ramamurthy Naidu and Katam Lakshminarayana were associated with the organisation of the Hyderabad State National Youth Congress. Its workers participated in demonstrations, satyagraha campaigns and the organisation of border camps outside Hyderabad State.

Following the launch of the Join Indian Union satyagraha on August 7, 1947, Youth Congress volunteers played an important role in political mobilisation. Some activists also participated in armed resistance against Razakar groups and the Nizam's security forces.

Border camps became centres for organising volunteers, distributing information and coordinating resistance. Their activities formed part of the wider political campaign for Hyderabad's integration into India.

On June 11, 1947, the Nizam issued a firman declaring Hyderabad's intention to claim the right to determine its political future following the end of British paramountcy. The Nizam's government sought to maintain Hyderabad's independence rather than immediately join the Indian Union.

Negotiations took place between Hyderabad and the Government of India. The political situation became increasingly tense during October 1947. On October 27, Razakar supporters reportedly prevented members of a Hyderabad delegation from proceeding to Delhi with the negotiated draft agreement.

A revised delegation subsequently completed negotiations, and the Standstill Agreement was signed on November 29, 1947. It maintained existing administrative arrangements for a transitional period while negotiations concerning Hyderabad's political future continued.

The agreement covered important matters including defence, external affairs and communications. It did not resolve the fundamental disagreement over Hyderabad's eventual relationship with India.

Relations deteriorated further over Hyderabad's external contacts, military preparations and financial arrangements. The Nizam's government sought military equipment and explored international support. A substantial loan to Pakistan was also reported. Restrictions on Indian currency and attempts to establish independent external relations further increased tensions with the Government of India.

Sir Walter Monckton, a British constitutional lawyer, served as an adviser to the Nizam and participated in efforts to negotiate a settlement.

"If the Nizam does not recognize the people, the people too will not recognize the Nizam. He will go the way the other dictators in the world have gone."
— Jayaprakash Narayan, attributed to his address at Karbala Maidan, Hyderabad.

The visit of Jayaprakash Narayan to Hyderabad became an important episode in the campaign for democratic rights. His public statements challenged the Nizam's claim to rule without recognising the political aspirations of the people.

Following his address at Karbala Maidan, the Hyderabad authorities deported him from the State. The incident generated public protests and demonstrations by Congress supporters.

Meetings organised by State Congress leaders were also restricted. Arrests followed, including the detention of political activists who continued to conduct satyagraha against the restrictions.

Political repression · Attacks on civilians · Campaign for integration

On August 7, 1947, the Hyderabad State Congress launched the Join Indian Union Satyagraha, demanding that Hyderabad become part of the Indian Union.

Several batches of volunteers conducted demonstrations in Hyderabad city, district towns and villages. On August 15, 1947, when India became independent, activists in Hyderabad State also hoisted the Indian national flag in defiance of the Nizam's administration.

Prominent leaders including Swami Ramananda Tirtha, Dr. G.S. Melkote, Krishnamachari Joshi and Jamalapuram Keshava Rao participated in the political movement. Many were arrested or detained.

The period also witnessed increasing violence by the Razakars, the armed volunteer organisation associated with the Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen. The political organisation was established in Hyderabad in 1927. Under Kasim Razvi, who became its leader in 1946, the Razakar organisation expanded its activities and became associated with intimidation, coercion and attacks on political opponents and civilians.

Razakar violence affected several districts and neighbouring areas. Reports described looting, assaults, intimidation and attacks on villages and political workers. The violence created fear among communities and intensified the conflict between Hyderabad and the Government of India.

It is important to distinguish the Razakar organisation from the wider Muslim population of Hyderabad. Many Muslims opposed Razakar violence and supported political reform and a peaceful settlement.

Parkal: The firing on a gathering at Parkal in the then Warangal district became one of the remembered incidents of violence during the Hyderabad freedom movement. Accounts differ regarding the precise date and number of casualties. The incident should be understood in the wider context of the campaign for national flag-hoisting and the repression of political gatherings.

"Reports of attacks on political prisoners in Hyderabad State prisons became part of the wider allegations of Razakar intimidation and violence during the final phase of the struggle."

Political prisoners in Hyderabad State faced difficult conditions during the final phase of the struggle. Historical accounts describe incidents in which armed Razakar groups entered prison premises and attacked detainees.

Nizamabad Jail: Accounts of the period describe an attack on political prisoners by armed Razakars and supporters. Several detainees were reportedly injured. Revolutionary poet Dasarathi Krishnamacharya is associated with the political prisoners who suffered during this period.

Gulbarga Jail: Another reported incident involved an attack on political prisoners at Gulbarga Jail, where Swami Ramananda Tirtha was detained. Prisoners were attacked during the disturbances, and the incident became part of the wider record of violence against political detainees.

These incidents should be understood through prison records, contemporary reports and testimonies of political prisoners, as accounts differ on some individual details and casualty figures.

Shoebullah Khan, editor of the Urdu newspaper Imroz, was an important journalist who advocated political reform and criticised Razakar violence.

He supported a peaceful political settlement and opposed attempts to maintain the Nizam's rule through intimidation. His newspaper published criticism of the Razakars and supported the cause of responsible government.

On August 21, 1948, Shoebullah Khan was murdered by armed attackers while returning from his newspaper office. His killing became one of the most widely remembered attacks on journalists during the final months of Hyderabad State's existence.

The murder caused widespread outrage among journalists, political activists and sections of the business community. His death symbolised the dangers faced by people who publicly criticised armed political organisations.

The case also became part of subsequent legal proceedings concerning the violence of the period.

Full story: Shoebullah Khan · Editor of Imroz.

"After negotiations failed to resolve the political crisis, the Government of India initiated military action in Hyderabad State on September 13, 1948. The operation, code-named Operation Polo, was officially described by the Indian government as a Police Action."

The Government of India decided to intervene militarily after the continuing political confrontation, Razakar violence and failure of negotiations over Hyderabad's political future.

On September 13, 1948, Indian forces entered Hyderabad State under the command of Major General J.N. Chaudhuri. The operation involved military advances from several directions, including routes from the Bombay and Madras regions.

The operation was code-named Operation Polo. The Government of India described the intervention as a Police Action, presenting it as an effort to restore order and resolve the Hyderabad question.

Resistance from Hyderabad State forces and Razakar groups continued during the initial stages, but the military situation rapidly deteriorated.

During the operation, the Indian Agent-General in Hyderabad, K.M. Munshi, was placed under restrictions by the Nizam's administration.

On September 17, 1948, the Nizam ordered a ceasefire and announced the decision to disband the Razakar organisation. Major General Syed Ahmed El Edroos, commander of the Hyderabad State Forces, surrendered to the Indian military command.

The Nizam also communicated with Governor-General C. Rajagopalachari, informing him of his cabinet's resignation and requesting the assumption of responsibility for the political situation.

In his radio broadcast, the Nizam announced that his government had resigned and that he had requested the Governor-General to assume charge of the political situation. He also ordered the release of political prisoners, including Swami Ramananda Tirtha.

Indian forces entered Secunderabad on September 18, 1948. Major General J.N. Chaudhuri subsequently assumed the administration as Military Governor.

Source: September 17, 1948 · Operation Polo; Government of India records; Hyderabad Reborn (1949).

September 17, 1948 · Ceasefire and the end of the Nizam's independent political rule

September 18, 1948: Indian troops entered Secunderabad and Major General J.N. Chaudhuri assumed charge as Military Governor of Hyderabad State.

Kasim Razvi: The Razakar leader was arrested following the integration of Hyderabad. He was subsequently tried and imprisoned before being deported to Pakistan in 1957.

Post-Police Action violence: The period following the military operation also witnessed serious communal violence and reprisals against sections of the Muslim population. The violence was later examined by an official investigative committee commonly known as the Sunderlal Committee. Its findings documented serious incidents that followed the operation.

August 15, 1949: The Hyderabad Abolition of Jagirs Regulation brought the jagirdari system to an end. The abolition transferred the administration of jagir lands to the state; it did not automatically confer ownership of all land on tenants.

1950: The Hyderabad Tenancy and Agricultural Lands Act provided a separate legal framework for agricultural tenancy and tenant rights.

January 26, 1950: Hyderabad became a Part-B State within the Indian Union. The Nizam became Rajpramukh, and M.K. Vellodi, an Indian Civil Service officer, headed the appointed government as Chief Minister.

1952: Hyderabad State held its first general elections. Burgula Ramakrishna Rao became the first elected Chief Minister, with the popular ministry taking office in March 1952.

1956: Following the States Reorganisation Act, Hyderabad State was reorganised. The Telangana region became part of the newly formed Andhra Pradesh, while the Marathi-speaking and Kannada-speaking regions were integrated into Maharashtra and Mysore State respectively. Hyderabad city became the capital of Andhra Pradesh.

Resistance to feudal exploitation · Vetti · Landlordism

The Telangana armed struggle was a major agrarian movement that developed in Hyderabad State from 1946 and continued until 1951. It was led primarily by the Communist Party of India and involved agricultural labourers, tenants, village workers and sections of the peasantry.

The movement challenged feudal practices, including vetti (forced labour), illegal levies, exploitation by landlords and oppressive village-level administration. It became particularly significant in the districts of Nalgonda, Warangal and Khammam.

Ravi Narayana Reddy, Baddam Yella Reddy and other communist leaders played important roles in organising the movement. Women and ordinary villagers also participated in large numbers.

The struggle overlapped with the final years of Nizam's rule and continued after Hyderabad's integration into India in September 1948. Its objectives, political leadership and methods were distinct from the Hyderabad State Congress's Join India movement, although both movements opposed aspects of the Nizam's administration.

The Communist Party withdrew the armed struggle in 1951. The movement remains a major chapter in the social and agrarian history of Telangana.

The integration of Hyderabad into the Indian Union in September 1948 brought an end to the Nizam's independent political rule. However, the transition to democratic government and social reform continued through the following years.

The Hyderabad freedom movement included many different political traditions and communities. The early resistance to British influence, the 1857 uprising, the cultural and literary awakening, the Hyderabad State Congress satyagraha, the Vande Mataram student movement, the Telangana peasant struggle and opposition to Razakar violence all contributed to this complex history.

September 17 is commemorated in Telangana as a significant date associated with the integration of Hyderabad State into the Indian Union. India's independence remains constitutionally dated August 15, 1947, while September 17, 1948 marks the end of the Nizam's independent rule.