How Hyderabad was freed from the oppressive rule of the Nizam and Razakars?

 Operation Polo: Integration of Hyderabad in India by Sardar Patel | How Hyderabad was freed from the oppressive rule of the Nizam and Razakars by Prachi Garg

Book review:

Operation Polo by Prachi Garg is a refreshing retelling of India’s annexation of Hyderabad. This retelling utilizes a historical basis attached to fiction in order to explain the complexities surrounding this feat. 

In the book the author goes into a lot of detail when discussing the Indian Government’s perspective on the integration of Hyderabad. It is very effective in underlining the role of the state, the menace of the Razakars and the overall framework of Indianization exercise. The author also covers the various responses of the international community with regard to Operation Polo. Although, the United Nations condemned India’s action, the operation was backed by United States and Soviet Union primarily because of Cold War circumstances.

The book focuses on how Sardar Patel, India’s first Vice-President and Home Minister, effectively integrated the imperial state of Hyderabad into the Union of India. At that time, Hyderabad was ruled by the Nizam, who wanted to join Pakistan despite the Hindu majority in the country. This brought oppression and distress to the locals, who were oppressed by the Nizam's army and royalty.Garg's story is fascinating and detailed, Sardar Patel's decisive action in the book offers insights into the political, diplomatic and military tactics used during this period, known as " Operation Polo".

Prachi's writing style is clear and concise. She offers readers a chronicle history enriched by historical analysis and shedding light on motivations standing behind the events. She explains all the issues, which are actually quite intricate, in plain language making the book easy to comprehend. That aspect is well done by the author who takes the reader through politics, social setup, and economy within which the book’s events took place in Hyderabad.

Highly recommended!

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