Why did the princely state of Hyderabad become part of India?
Following the partition of the Indian subcontinent in 1947, the nizam of Hyderabad initially sought to maintain independent status rather than join the newly formed nation of India.1
Although a one-year standstill agreement was signed on November 29, 1947, tensions remained high as the nizam continued to assert his autonomy while the Indian government insisted on the state's accession. Following the failure of these diplomatic efforts and the nizam's appeal to the British Crown, India launched a military operation on September 13, 1948. The state was invaded by Indian forces, and within four days, the nizam's government collapsed, leading to Hyderabad's formal accession to India. Following a period of military and provisional civil administration, a democratic government was established in the region by 1952.1