Explain the following statement with reasons: Ultimately the princely state of Hyderabad was merged in India.

Answer: The statement is true.

• The Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Usman Ali, wanted to remain independent and did not join India in 1947, though most of his people wanted to join India.
• The Razakars led by Kasim Rizvi spread terror among the people; the people’s struggle for merger was led by Swami Ramanand Tirth with leaders like Govindbhai Shroff.
• The Nizam broke the standstill agreement and the situation got out of control, so the Government of India, under Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, started a police action called ‘Operation Polo’ on 13 September 1948.
• The Nizam’s forces surrendered on 17 September 1948 and Hyderabad was merged in India. This day is celebrated as Marathwada Liberation Day.