Consider the following statements1. The Nizam wanted an independent s...
- Hyderabad, the largest of the Princely States was surrounded entirely by Indian territory. Some parts of the old Hyderabad state are today parts of Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Its ruler carried the title, ‘Nizam’, and he was one of the world’s richest men.
- The Nizam wanted an independent status for Hyderabad. He entered into what was called the Standstill Agreement with India in November 1947 for a year while negotiations with the Indian government were going on.
Consider the following statements1. The Nizam wanted an independent s...
The correct answer is option 'D' - Neither of them.
Explanation:
- Statement 1: The Nizam wanted an independent status for Hyderabad.
- Statement 2: He entered into what was called the Standstill Agreement with India in November 1947 for a year while negotiations with the Indian government were going on.
Both statements are correct. Let's discuss each statement in detail:
1. The Nizam wanted an independent status for Hyderabad:
The Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan, was the ruler of the princely state of Hyderabad during the time of India's independence. He desired to maintain the independence of Hyderabad and not merge it with either India or Pakistan. The Nizam was concerned about losing his sovereignty and was apprehensive about the future of Hyderabad under the Indian government.
2. He entered into what was called the Standstill Agreement with India in November 1947 for a year while negotiations with the Indian government were going on:
After India gained independence in August 1947, the princely states were given the choice to accede to either India or Pakistan or remain independent. The Nizam, in order to maintain a temporary status quo and negotiate the terms of Hyderabad's future, entered into a Standstill Agreement with India in November 1947. This agreement meant that the existing administrative and economic arrangements between Hyderabad and India would continue until a final decision was reached.
The Standstill Agreement aimed to maintain peace and stability while negotiations were ongoing. However, the agreement was not extended beyond its initial one-year term and eventually expired on 15th August 1948. The failure to renew the agreement led to tensions between Hyderabad and India, ultimately resulting in the annexation of Hyderabad by the Indian government through a military operation known as "Operation Polo" in September 1948.
In conclusion, both statements are correct. The Nizam indeed desired an independent status for Hyderabad, and he entered into a Standstill Agreement with India to maintain the existing arrangements while negotiations were ongoing.