The erstwhile State of Hyderabad was undoubtedly the largest among the Indian States, occupying a geographical extent of around 81,608 square miles and with a population of over 16 million. In fact, Hyderabad had its own Government, Currency, Posts, Telephone and Telegraph system, Civil Service, University, Railways, Industries, Army and Police, which were distinct from those of the remaining Princely States. Hyderabad State existed for more than a century under British suzerainty. It was neither a part of British India nor British territory, but was under the protection of the British Crown.

Hyderabad under the Nizam’s rule was feudal, autocratic and medieval in character. It ignored the political, social, economic and cultural interests of the majority of the people and exploitation became a common feature. The indirect rule of the British through Residents and ministers served as a constitutional counterweight to the Royal autocracy. Neither the Princess nor their ministers ever tried to share power with the people. The rulers did little to improve the socio-economic conditions of the people. The pomp and splendour of the Hyderabad Darbar was in sharp contrast to the poverty, illiteracy, and lawlessness in the countryside.

Under these circumstances, on 15th August 1947, the people of British India attained freedom after a prolonged struggle that lasted over a hundred years. The Indian Union and Pakistan were bifurcated on communal lines. Mir Osman Ali Khan, the VII Nizam, announced that the Hyderabad State would be an ‘Independent Country’ and not merge with either India or Pakistan, leading to the ‘Police Action’ by the Indian Government from 13th to 17th September 1948, merging the Hyderabad State into India.

BRITISH RELATIONS WITH NIZAM

The British were guilty of breaching treaties made with the Nizam in 1798, 1800, 1852, 1902, and 1936. They exploited the Nizam on several occasions but benefited themselves throughout the alliance, eventually betraying the Nizam. During the British withdrawal from India, the importance and rights of the Indian States were largely overlooked. Britain denounced its treaties and obligations with Hyderabad unilaterally.

However, Britain promised the Nizam an unfettered choice: to merge with India, Pakistan, or remain an independent sovereign country. The Nizam chose independence.