---
title: "Hyderabad: Largest Princely State of India | Model Diplomat"
description: "Hyderabad was the richest princely state in British India, ruled by the Nizam who sought independence in 1947 before its annexation in 1948."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/hyderabad"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Hyderabad was the largest and richest princely state of British India whose Nizam sought independence in 1947 but was annexed by the Indian Union through the September 1948 military action codenamed Operation Polo.
- What was the Standstill Agreement of November 1947?
- Who were the Razakars and what role did they play?
- How did Hyderabad's integration differ from Junagadh and Kashmir?
- What happened to Hyderabad State after 1948?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

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## Timeline

1. 13 September 1948

   On , the Indian Army launched Operation Polo (also called the "Police Action"), a five-day campaign under Major General J.

2. 17 September 1948

   Chaudhuri that overran the Hyderabad State Forces and the Razakars by .

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Example

In September 1948, Sardar Patel ordered Operation Polo; the Indian Army overran Hyderabad in five days, compelling Nizam Osman Ali Khan to accede and ending his bid for independence.

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