Saga Of Courage!

Hyderabad was one of the richest princely states in India. The Hyderabad State comprised five districts of Marathwada, eight districts of Telangana and three districts of the Hyderabad-Karnataka region. Marathi, Telugu, Kannada, Urdu and Hindi were spoken across the state, while Urdu was its official language.

The Nizam's dynastic rule continued for about two and a quarter centuries, from 1724 to 1948. Kamruddin was the founder of the Nizam dynasty, while Mir Osman Ali Khan was the seventh and last ruler of Hyderabad State. His rule, however, was despotic.

Hindus constituted about 85 per cent of the population, Muslims 10 per cent and others 5 per cent. Despite the Hindu majority, the Nizam favoured Muslims in government services and key positions. He aspired to establish an Islamic state and remained committed to his feudal system. He was also known for his immense wealth.

Although Hyderabad was under British paramountcy, the Nizam aspired to establish an independent sovereign state. When India became independent on August 15, 1947, he refused to accede to the Indian Union.

Restricted Freedom

The Nizam restricted the cultural and linguistic freedoms of Hindus. Urdu was the medium of instruction at all levels of education, while the administration and courts also functioned in Urdu. He established Osmania University in 1918, with higher education conducted in Urdu. Newspapers could not be freely published in Marathi, Telugu and Kannada, nor were newspapers from outside the state freely allowed.

A liberation movement was therefore launched against the Nizam's rule, with political, social, cultural and religious dimensions. The Arya Samaj played an important role, while the Hyderabad State Congress was established in 1938 but immediately banned. Organisations such as Andhra Parishad, Maharashtra Parishad and Karnataka Parishad mobilised people and created political awareness.

Swami Ramanand Teerth emerged as a leading figure of the Hyderabad liberation movement. Influenced by Mahatma Gandhi, he initially led the struggle through truth and non-violence. As Razakar violence intensified, the movement became increasingly militant, with arms procured, young patriots trained and nearly 90 border camps established.

The Razakars were accused of looting property, committing atrocities against women and killing civilians. Garta village in Bidar district was completely burnt, while communal violence was reported from several parts of the state. Narayan Pawar, Balkrishna, Jagdish Arya and Gangaram Palamkol attempted to hurl a bomb at the Nizam's car, but the attempt failed.

The armed struggle required money, weapons and logistical support. Wealthy supporters such as Pannalal Pitti and Puranmal Lahoti provided funds, shelter and other assistance. Freedom fighters also raided the Umri Bank in Nanded district and used the money for the liberation movement. Govindbhai Shroff is said to have later submitted accounts of the funds to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

The Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen was established in 1927 under Bahadur Yar Jung. After his death, Qasim Razvi became its leader and established the Razakar organisation, a paramilitary force that became notorious for violence and atrocities. Razvi opposed the integration of Hyderabad with India and sought to strengthen the Nizam's position.

At the same time, there were Muslims who opposed the injustices committed against Hindus. Shoebullah Khan, editor of the Urdu daily Imroze, wrote strongly against the Razakars and Qasim Razvi. He was assassinated by Razakar supporters. The Vande Mataram movement also spread across Hyderabad State, inspiring students and young people to participate in the struggle. Satyagraha became an important weapon in the fight for civil and political rights.

The Nizam apparently believed that Pakistan and other Muslim countries would support his attempt to maintain an independent Hyderabad. His expectations, however, were not fulfilled.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India's then Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, took the decision to launch military action against Hyderabad. The operation, led by Major General J. N. Chaudhuri, was code-named Operation Polo.

The operation began on September 13, 1948, and within five days the Nizam's forces surrendered. On September 17, 1948, Hyderabad State was integrated into the Indian Union, bringing an end to the Nizam's rule.

After the reorganisation of Indian states, Telangana became part of Andhra Pradesh, Marathwada was integrated into the bilingual Bombay State, and the Hyderabad-Karnataka region became part of Karnataka. Hyderabad State, after more than two centuries of Nizam rule, ceased to exist as a separate political entity.

September 17 is observed as Hyderabad Liberation Day. On this day, the contribution and sacrifice of numerous freedom fighters are remembered, including Govindrao Pansare, Bhai Shamlalji, Vedprakash, Bahiraji Shinde, Shoebullah Khan, Shridhar Vartak and Vasant Rakshasbhuwankar, along with others who sacrificed their lives during the struggle.

Their courage and sacrifice remain an important part of the history of Hyderabad State and the liberation of Marathwada.

(The writer is a Latur-Nanded-based journalist. Views personal.)