The 30 years political struggle of

By

K. KRISHNA SWAMY MUDIRAJ (1894- 1967) First published by him in 1948

Republished in 2011 by Shri K. Krishna Swamy Mudiraj Memorial Trust Hyderabad.

Translated from by Architect Ansar Naqvi The 30 years political struggle of HYDERABAD by K. KRISHNA SWAMY MUDIRAJ (1894- 1967) First published by him in 1948

Translated from Urdu by Architect ANSAR NAQVI

Republished by Shri K. Krishna Swamy Mudiraj Memorial Trust, Hyderabad First Edition (English) : August, 2011 Copies : 1000 © Copyright : Publishers Price : Rs. 200/- Cover Design : Shakeel Ahmed (A.P. Academy Awardee) 9959652570 Copies Available with : M. Narsimloo Mudiraj 11-37/4, New Gaddiannaram, Hyderabad -500 060 Cell: 93463 56861 Printed at : Karshak Art Printers, 40, APHB, Vidyanagar, Hyderabad - 500 044. Ph: 040-27618261 “Lagenge har baras maylay shahidoun ki chitaoun par; Watan par mitne waloun ka yehi naamo nishaan hoga.”

Fairs held yearly on the martyrs' pyres; Are the only 'Aide Memoires' of their dying for the Mother Land

DEDICATION

To those valiant sons of Hyderabad who lit the lamp of freedom with their blood as the fuel. The lamp that is radiant now in the niche of democracy and the dazzling light emanating from it would make all facets of life brilliant. The 30 years of Political Struggle of Hyderabad

iv K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj Table of Contents

FOREWORD by the translatror vii 1. CHAPTER ONE 1 Dictatorship of the Desi Royals under the British Colonialism 2. CHAPTER TWO 8 British power in Hyderabad 3. CHAPTER THREE 13 The efforts to create political awakening in the masses 4. CHAPTER FOUR 24 Establishment of Political organizations 5. CHAPTER FIVE 34 Communal riots and Government policy 6. CHAPTER SIX 49 The political struggles of Hyderabad and News Papers 7. CHAPTER SEVEN 56 The Rise and Fall of the Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen 8. CHAPTER EIGHT 62 Congress 9. CHAPTER NINE 72 Congress preparations for a glorious struggle 10. CHAPTER TEN 83 The Nizam's shenanigans to maintain his independent sovereignty 11. CHAPTER ELEVEN 92 The last struggle of Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen 12. CHAPTER TWELVE 105 Rule of Repression and Violence in Hyderabad 13. CHAPTER THIRTEEN 124 The Rise of Communist Power in 14. CHAPTER FOURTEEN 135 Police Action

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FOREWORD his book titled as “THE 30 YEARS POLITICAL STRUGGLE OF HYDERABAD” now being published Tis the true and honest translation of an Urdue Book titled as “Hyderabad-ki-Teessala Siayasi Jadujahed”. This urdu book was authored by a great Personality, the Former Mayor of Hyderabad late Sri K.Krishna Swamy Mudiraj, who was a Scholar, an Historian, a Philontharaphist, Social reformer, founder of various Educational Institutions, a Crusader of Down Trodden. Above all, he was a renowned Jornalist and Author of several books, particularly “PICTORIAL HYDERABAD” in two volumes which received international appreciations and laurels. The in depth study of this book throws light on the entire political, social, economic status emphasing on various struggles events, sacrifices, achievements, particularly certain secret dealings and activities of political and other parties, such as the Congress the Communists the Arya Samajis, MIM and Backward Classes Associations particularly the militant organisation which was suddently emerged and created havocs disturbing peace and Tranquilty of the State for a very considerable period named as “RAZAKARS” etc., The Author Sri K.Krishna Swamy Mudiraj who himself was a noted writer with his natural skill endeavoured very honestly to depicit those happinings, proceedings and the activities of all the persons institutions, political parties involved during this 30 years period starting from 1918 to 1948.

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The present day generation particularly who had witnessed atleast a glimplse of pre-indepenaence period and the post independence period of Hyderabad naturally shall enjoy and be able to refresh and re-collect their memories to the events meticulously described in this Book, and for the younger- generations who are born much after the independence it shall not only prove to be an interesting collection of historical facts, but shall be a valuable Book of History knowledge and valued information. Late Sri K.Krishna Swamy Mudiraj, the author, who is regarded as the “JATHI PITHAMAHA OF MUDIRAJ CASTE” died in the year 1967. Besides the above titled “30 years political struggle of Hyderabad” he was an Author of Internationally recognised a volumious Book titled as “PICTORIAL HYDERABAD” along with several other Books. In the year 1993-94 with an aim and objective to propagate the great ideals and teachings of this personality Late Sri Krishna Swamy Mudiraj and to render necessary assistance, financial help and guidance etc to the Poor Mudiraj Students with a name of SRI K. KRISHNA SWAMI MUDIRAJ JAYANTHI CELEBRATIONS along with a Trust named as “SRI K.KRISHNA SWAMI MUDIRAJ MEMORIAL TRUST” was formed. This Celebrations committee and it’s Trust have been very promptly celebrating his Birthday functions every year without fail on a grand scale and struggling very hard and making all of it’s efforts to implement and propagate by all means utilising all resources the teachings and high ideals of this Personality among all. The very noteworthy and praisworthy action taken by this Committee is re-printing of the “PICTORIAL HYDERABAD” in

vii The 30 years of Political Struggle of Hyderabad two volumes comprising 1000 pages. This action has been highly appreciated by several sections of the Society, top Bearucats, politicians. The decision taken by this Celebrations committee headed by Sri M.Narsimloo Mudiraj and extraordinary efforts they have taken to get this Book translated and got printed facing innumerable hardships is really loudable and praiseworthy. Sri M. Farook Ali Khan, Founder Chairman and Sri M. Narsimloo Mudiraj Secretary of “Subedar Amir Ali Khan global peace foundation” met Sri Dawood Ashraf, Retired Asst Director A.P. Archives in connection with the Amir Peace Foundation (A. P. F.) and during the discussion the later told that “the Book” 30 years political struggle in Hyderabad” authored by Sri K. Krishna Swamy Mudiraj was available with him which was presented by sri K. Krishna Swamy Mudiraj personally to his father Sri Syed. Ali Ashraf who was the Editor of several News papers. Sri M. Nasimloo Mudiraj requested Sri Dawood Ashraf to give the said Book to reprint the same in English and Urdu. He was kind enough to give the said Book. Sri K. Krishna Swamy Mudiraj Jayanthi Celebrations Committee offers its sincere gratitudes to him. In this context it is just and appropriate to describe that an expert and an authority in Urdu, English languages Sri Ansar Naqvi along with his sister Mrs. Farhat Naqvi, M.A., M.Phil has taken extreme care, interest and with great dedication sincerely completed the True Translation of this Book into English from its original Urdu script.

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It shall be in the fitness of things to mention the able wise and proper guidance, help, assistance given by the President Andhra Pradesh Mudiraj Mahasabha Sri Kasani Gnaneshwar Mudiraj. Further, it is a matter of great satisfaction, that several Office Bearers namely Sri D. Lakshminarayana, Sri G.Sathyanarayana, Sri Kotla Narayana, Sri P. Yadiah, Sri. R. Bhasker Raju, Sri S. Srinivasulu and others have also rendered their very valuable services. The Celebrations Committee expresses its gratitudes to all of them. Now, this Book containing several un-noticed and un-recorded historical facts some of them very sensatianal, thrilling, emotional also surprsing informative, educative, very rare and valuable is ready to be read and preserved by all.

JAIHIND

SRI KRISHNA SYAMY MUDIRAJ JAYANTHI CELEBRATIONS COMMITTEE ANDHRA PRADESH MUDIRAJ MAHASABHA

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POTRAIT OF JATHI PITHAMAHA KRISHNA SWAMY MUDIRAJ (1893-1967)

Krishnaswamy Mudiraj was born on August 25th 1893, the holy day of Sri Krishna Janmastami at Jalna, dist. He was born to a poor peasant family. Education : He passed matriculation in 1911 from Chaderghat High School, Hyderabad. After his intermediate from Nizam College he studied Printing and Publishing Technology at Bombay including type writing and shorthand. KRISHNA SWAMY Service : He served as Private Secretary MUDIRAJ to the then Prime Minister of Hyderabad State Maharaja Sri Krishna Prasad Bahadur, subsequently joined in Govt. Service at Accountant General Office and served for 9 years. Social Service : As the leader in him got an awakening, when, influenza was ravaging the city then, he became a volunteer in the relief Organisation. The foundation was laid for the social service conference in 1917 he joined them in its working and attended the conference at Hadgaun in . In 1918 he became the member of its Working Committee. He became member of Standing Committee in 1921, 1923 and 1927. He was entrusted with the Publicity and Volunteer Corps work during the annual meetings.

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He has a great affinity for congress during those days and was professing and propagating the ideals of Congress. Writer / Journalist : At this juncture he started writing “The Pictorial Hyderabad” in 1929 in two volumes. This is an epitome of book for all the people of as it depicts many a picture of Hyderabad in those glory days of Nizam. This depicts the way of life the costumes people wear and the culture therein. He was the editor of Deccan Star an English weekly in 1926, and was also a Urdu weekly - Masaavat in 1939. He was the Editor of New Era an English daily after independence. He served as Coloumnist to several Urdu papers i.et., Siyasat, Rayat, Rehnumae Daccan, Emroz etc., He established his own Chakdrakantha Press in 1925 which was one of the premier presses in . He was an author of several books, such as “30 years Political struggle of Hyderabad”, “Liberation of GOA”, “Mudiraj Jati Charitra”, Biography of Nawab Deen Yar Jung Bahadur” etc., Jathipitha / Service to Backward Classes : He had a great affinity for his sect and clan - Mudiraj and was founder President of the Mudiraj community from 1920 to 1941 doing yeomen service and uplifted them from the ruins. He brought some sense in their life and educated them. He was one of the founder members of Hyderabad Backward classes association and also instrumental in formation of Yadava

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Sangham, Munnuru Kapu Sangham. As organising any CASTE based committees, Political party meetings were prohibited during the days of Nizam, as such he conducted meetings during Ganesh Chaturthi, Janmashtami and through Harikathas. Municipal Services : He was elected as councilor from Chudibazar Constituency continously for more than 25 years; was Naib Mir Majlis before Independence. Chairman of several committies; was elected as IV Mayor of Hyderabad Municipality in 1957-58. Greater Hyderabad Master plan was finalised during his Mayorship; was instrumental in abolishing “Manual Riksha Pulling System” while providing alternate employment to the effected. Resolution to instal Sardar Vallabhai Patel’s Statue infront of Public Gardens; was passed during his tenure. As Mayor he received Pandit , Prime Minister of India in 1958 and hosted a dinner for him. Civic reception was accorded to Marshal Tito, President of Yogoslavia. Marshal Tito presented him his personal Wrist Watch as a token of his deep adminration and love. Crusader of Ill-Literacy, Popularising Hindi/Women Education : He was Joint Secretary for Jeeva Raksha Samithi and carried all such activities under this guise. He founded many libraries along with

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Padmabhushan Madapati Hanumantha Rao and founded the Chudibazaar Libarary. He founded Hindi Kanya Pathasala in 1921 and encouraged female literacy and education in those days. He is the co-founder of Narayanguda Girls High School and Venkatrama Reddy Memorial Girls College. This act was appreciated by Messers Pandit Hridayanath Kunzru, Malaviya, DK Karve of Pune, and even Mahatma Gandhi. He was the member of Dakshin Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha and attended the Lahore session as representiative of the Sabha. He was habitual Khadi wearer, and propogated the untouchability as sin. He was member of Yadagiri Gutta Temple for 14 years and member of the advisory committee for the welfare of Backward Classes. He was a member from MCH of senate in 1957. He passed away in 1967. He has done great service to his clan and if not for him the race wouldn’t be what it is now. The Mudiraj Community owe their life to him, people like him are born only once in a life time. Naming the Road in his memory : As a fitting tribute to this great personality, the Government of Andhra Pradesh issued orders vide GORt No. 996 MA dated 4.11.1996 to name the road from

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Begum Bazar cross roads to Jummerat Bazzar as “Krishna Swamy Mudiraj Marg” by the then Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu and was inaugurated on 25-8-1997 by the Honourable Minister for Muncipal Administration of A.P. Sri Bandaru Satyanarayana Murthy. A Tribute : In 1993, K. Krishna Swamy Mudiraj Jayanthotsava Committee was formed to celebrate his birth anniversaries and propagate the ideals of Krishnaswamy Mudiraj under the patronage of A.P. Mudiraj Mahasabha by B. Babu Shankar Mudiraj as founder President and M. Narsimhulu Mudiraj as founder secretary along with others as members.

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GOVERNMENT OF ANDHRA PRADESH ABSTRACT Naming the road from Begum Bazar Cross Road to Jummerath Bazar ofter Late Sri K. Krishna Swamy Mudiraj, former Mayor of Hyderabad - ordes - Issued. MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATION & URBAN DEVELOPMENT (F2) DEPARTMENT

G.O. Rt. No. 996. MA., Dated : 4.11.1996 Read the following : - 1. From Sri K. Krishnaswamy Mudiraj Jayanthi Celebrations Committee, Hyderabad. representation dt. Nill. 2. Govt. Memo No. 15116/F2/96-1, M.A., dt. : 5.7.96. 3. From the Commissioner and Spl. Officer, M.C.H. Lr. No. 2239/SE/G7/96. dt : 22.8.1996 ***** ORDER : The Sri K. Krishnaswamy Mudiraj Jayanthi Celebrations Committee, Hyderabad has represented on the eve of the Centenary Celebrations of a great Hyderabadian late Sri K. Krishnaswamy Mudiraj that he was a Mir Majilie in the earstwhile state of Hyderabad prior to Independence. Subsequently in the year 1958-59 he was elected as a Mayor of Hyderabad, and he was a Councillor from Chudi Bazar constituency with- out break for 25 years. During the Councillorship, he rendered remark- able services to the locality in particular and to the city of Hyderabad in general. Hence, the celebrations committee has therefore requested to name the road from Begum Bazar Cross Roads to Jummerath Bazar after late Sri K. Krishnaswamy Mudiraj former Mayor of Hyderabad. The Commissioner and Spl. Officer, Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad has reported that the Committee specially has constituted for the erection of statues and naming of streets has agreed the pro- posal for naming of the Road from Begum Bazar road to Jummerath Bazar to name after late Sri K. Krishnaswamy Mudiraj former mayor.

xv Government after careful examination of the proposal decided to name the raod from Begum Bazar Cross Roads to Jummerath Bazar after Sri K. Krishnaswamy Mudiraj. The Commissioner and Spl. Officer, Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad is requested to take further necessary action in the matter. (BY ORDER AND IN THE NAME OF THE GOVERNOR OF ANDHRA PRADESH)

C. ARJUNA RAO,

PRINCIPAL SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT. To The Commissioner and Spl. Officer, Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad. The Chairman, Sri K. Krishnaswamy Mudiraj Jayanthi Celebrations Committee, Hyderabad. H.No. 3-5-762, Narayanguda, Hyderabad. SF/SC. // Forwarded by Order //

Section Officer K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj

CHAPTER ONE Dictatorship of the Desi Royals under the British Colonialism. he Pillars of the British Empire: - The role played by the Desi States in maintaining the power and hegemony Tof the English and strengthening of the British Empire in India is unprecedented anywhere in the world. The faithful help rendered by the Princely States of India under the Rajahs and Nawabs and especially that of the Hyderabad State under the Nizams has been acknowledged from time to time by the British Empire. And many English intellectuals have presented this fact in no uncertain terms "Had the rulers of the Princely States of India and the Nizams of the Hyderabad State not come to their rescue in critical times, the power and hegemony of the Englishmen and the British Rule on Indian soil would have come to an end much earlier." Tipu's Challenge to the British: - At a time when Tipu Sultan had challenged the growing power of the British Empire and was trying to safeguard his countrymen from the deadly grip of the Englishmen was thundering like lightening in the battlefield, the Nizams of Hyderabad helped their white Allies. And when this flame of independence was extinguished, the fate of India was sealed. The blood stains of Tipu's blood that appeared prominently on the Nizam's hem never vanished.

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The Nizam's help against the Mutineers: - In the Political Upheaval of 1857 AD, known as the Ghadar or Sepoy Mutiny the blood of thousands of Patriots was spilled. And it was with the Nizam's invaluable aid to the British that this first movement for independence was brutally crushed and the British regained their power and hegemony. The grazing lands of British Imperialism in India: - For the very survival of the British Imperialism in India, the Englishmen badly needed such faithful allies who would help them from time to time in their political and economic exploitation of India, so that their oppressive regime is perpetuated. In the 200 years of foreign rule the Desi Rajahs always supported the powers that be at every turn and every juncture assuming that the yellow patches denoting their fiefdoms will remain embossed for ever on the political map of India and this unfortunate country will never see the spring of democracy. They thought that these grazing lands of imperialism will forever remain luxuriantly verdant and they will continue to rule over the millions of their naïve and voiceless subjects like they had been over the ages. But perhaps they never knew that the honor, dignity, greatness and glory of freedom that once shone like a lightening on Tipu's brow and the torrent of uprising that manifested itself in 1857 could become an irrepressible tornado and a furious tsunami that could tear as under all from New to White Hall. The Dual Slavery of the Ryots: - The rulers of the Princely States of India, under the patronage of the British continued to express their oppression and despotism. It never bothered them to consider the sorry state of millions of those who had the misfortune of being their subjects. Destitution, penury and ignorance never allowed them to come out of their vicious

2 K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj cycle towards progress since they were caught within the clasp of dual slavery, on the one side was the iron grip of British imperialism and on the other the dictatorship of the Desi rulers and the oppression of these tyrannical regimes had rendered them spineless and half dead. The public wealth always filled the coffers of the rich but this wealth was put to use to either maintain the grandeur of the mansions of pleasure and gratification or to boost the royal shelters of majesty and glory. The money kept being splurged on tours and travels to Paris, London and New York and on having fun with the western beauties but the poor Ryots remained in hunger and destitution under the millstones of dictatorship. The pitch darkness of ignorance and indigence: - This all pervading gloom of ignorance and deprivation that was devoid of any ray of hope for the populace, was brought about primarily by the native princely states and the rich upper classes who kowtowed to the British hegemony. Even the civil liberties were utterly nonexistent let alone the possibility of a political struggle. There were restrictions even on the social and religious activities of people of the native princely states, lest they get awakened through these gatherings and get united to seek their just rights and demands. India, under the yoke of dual slavery of British imperialism and dictatorship of the Desi rulers could not come out of its backwardness for a long time as all avenues of awareness and development were shut down, under such circumstances it was obvious that the political, economic, educational and social life of the people of native princely states could have been anything but lowly and deprived. The test of loyalty of the Ryots was their remaining content and being reasonably happy and satisfied with the way things were, without demur or any word or gesture of protest against their rulers under any circumstances. 3 The 30 years of Political Struggle of Hyderabad

Efforts to keep the state Ryots away from Nationalist Movements; The oppressive violence, persecution, dictatorship and tyrannical repression cannot perpetuate themselves forever. When the winds of change and revolution started blowing in British India and Nationalist movements kept on growing and gained strength, the native princely states too could not remain insulated for long from their effects. The doors of political activities were firmly shut for the Ryots of the native princely states and no effort was spared to keep them isolated from the ongoing political struggles and nationalistic resistance movements in the rest of India. But in spite of all such efforts, political awareness gradually began to grow within the native princely states and the people's understanding about their exploitation and persecution by the rich upper classes in the native princely states, as well as their own capabilities to counter and oppose such atrocities also started to grow. This was a pleasant beginning with a pleasant ending for the Ryots of the native princely states. Although some token developmental works were undertaken in some native princely states of India with the state of Hyderabad leading them in such developmental activities, which were undertaken more as a means of personal glorification of the ruler or as window dressing and external showcasing than as a foundation for the real welfare and development of the people. However such activities did neither change the fundamental structure of the old feudal system nor make any dent in its spirit. The Nizam as Karaoh, the richest man of the world: - Among the rulers of the native princely states, His Exalted Highness the had an eminent position as an intelligent and wise ruler but all his intelligence and wisdom was

4 K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj consumed by his passion to be known as the world's richest man and not as the world's biggest philanthropist. The peasant, the labor and the working classes and also the plebeians of Hyderabad wallowed in their poverty, penury, misery destitution, and hardships as ever but the Nizam went on collecting heaps and heaps of wealth, went on erecting minarets of gold sovereigns and continued to boost the captivating glitter of gold and bedazzlement of diamond studded jewelry until he was awarded the soubriquet or title of the richest man of the world and the stories and anecdotes of his legendry wealth became the topics of discussions among the rich and famous glitterati of the world from Europe to the Americas. Economic exploitation of the people of Hyderabad: - The legendry wealth of the Nizam, that is still talked about in the world was nothing but the result of a series of measures designed to loot the people of Hyderabad state of their money and to exploit their economy for the benefit of the Nizam. It is a deplorable fact that the wealth that should have been used for public welfare is lying idle as a huge stash for the last 30-35 years and would likely remain so for an unknown period. Sir Ali Imam, the then prime minister of the Government of Hyderabad had submitted a proposal that if under a well considered plan, the Nizam invested a large portion of his wealth as his share capital in a number of profitable large scale industries in the state, it would on the one hand result in an increase of his wealth and on the other, lead to the development of the industry and economy of Hyderabad besides the benefits for the people of Hyderabad it would bring. But since the Nizam was least bothered about the benefits for the people of Hyderabad and was concerned only with his own wealth, he rejected the proposal.

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The Nizam's loot: - The Nizam's loot and plunder continued in full swing and unabated until 25-30 years ago. His full, unrestrained power and direct control on the administration afforded him vast opportunities to increase his wealth. The "Nazrana Season" (a period of offerings) was in full bloom. Appointments for senior and middle level posts in Government, promotions, awards, decorations, , Mansabs, grants and titles were all the manifestations of the "Nazrana" magic. It looked as if this spring harvest of wealth was only for the Nizam that was raining only gold sovereigns on a very clever sovereign who had devised such a devious revenue stream of "Nazrana" that it would never dry up so long as his monarchy lasted. The beauty of the whole scheme was that the lesser nobles and Nawabs, Jagirdars, Mansbdars and officials used to feel privileged and honored to receive the gift sent to their palaces, mansions and houses as a head load carried by the liveried Chobdars and lead by a Munshi so graciously from Aala Hazrat's King Kothi Mubarak, but which more often than not consisted of the rotten left over mangoes and tomatoes from the orchards of the Sarf-e-Khas Mubarak or merely a fistful of roasted gram. And the recipient Jagirdars, Mansbdars and officials used to vie with each other for the honor of being the one to have sent the return gift highest value to Aala Hazrat's King Kothi Mubarak, with the highest Nazrana in the form of Gold, Jewelry, pearls, and Cash. The direct administration from 1914 to 1919 and this type of loot and plunder by the Nizam naturally generated a strong reaction among the masses as it was ultimately their wealth that was being collected from them to be channeled to the coffers of the Nizam through the Jagirdars, Mansabdars Tahsildars and officials by way of the Nazrana.

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Consequently when the frequent complaints about the misdeeds of the royal ally of the British crown and a loyal friend of the empire reached the Viceroy, the possibilities of intervention and reform were opened up and to mitigate the system and remove this direct administration of the Nizam, an Working Committee was set up in 1919 AD. which was expanded later to include other issues of governance. But the Nizam chose to find other ways and methods to perpetuate his dictatorship in spite of the Working Committee. Although a Working Committee was set up in Hyderabad and even a legislative council too was established but the Governance never crossed the principles of feudal system and the legislature remained just a namesake. Attempts were made at every stage to keep the people in the dark and to trample their awareness because the Nizam and his Government were free to crush the public and the power of the British Imperialism was behind him for support.

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CHAPTER TWO British power in Hyderabad efore going any further to know about the political struggle of the people of Hyderabad, it may be necessary Bto consider the political background that was composed of the British imperial power mixed with the dictatorship and tyranny of the Nizam and which had cast its shadows on the body politic until the end of the British power and Indian independence. The Paramountcy Concept: - Hyderabad state was the safest and fortified refuge of the British Imperialism in India and the British efforts were on until the very last moment to extract various benefits from it. The spirit of the agreements entered into by the East India Company with Hyderabad and other princely states of India was being altered commensurate with the exigencies of the times and the convenience of the British until finally all such agreements and covenants were given the importance of not more than the waste paper. The Hyderabad rulers were recognized as autonomous within their dominion and there was no interference in the internal affairs of the state by the British Viceroy. But with the change of circumstances and events all conventions and agreements were thrown to the wind and when the last Nizam tried to assert his dominion over the province of Berar during his correspondence with the then Viceroy, Lord Reading, the concept of Paramountcy was most

8 K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj vehemently invoked by the Viceroy. His argument was that since Hyderabad and other princely states were under the Government of India which in turn was subservient to the British parliament, the British Government as the Paramount power had the right to interfere in all the affairs of the states as it deemed fit and proper. This new interpretation of authority created a flutter among the Desi rulers but they were powerless against the might of the British Empire as they were themselves responsible for strengthening the roots of the Empire in India and the leading ruler among them, the Nizam, as the specialally and faithful friend of the British Government had been helping it most faithfully at every step. Interference in the form of advice and implementation: - The British Viceroys and Residents began openly interfering in the internal affairs of Hyderabad sidelining all agreements and after 1920 this interference intensified and expanded further and further in the form of implementation and advice, which had all been designed fundamentally to ensure, expand and protect the British vested interests. The toy Chamber of the Princes: - Before the First World War the cornerstone of British policy Vis a Vis the Desi states was to ensure mutual exclusivity and no relations between them. But after the war a toy in the form of the Chamber of Princes was created to amuse them. The Nizam of Hyderabad kept himself away from the Chamber apparently to protect his personal fiefdom and self respect. But his power that was at loggerheads with the British Imperial interests was already eclipsed and it was beyond the capacity of the Nizam and a fistful of his cohorts to save it.

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The Nizam continued to accept the directions and advices of the Viceroys and Residents halfheartedly and efforts were made to keep them satisfied and happy but the British representatives could not be satisfied with either the Nizam or his Government. They repeatedly went on reminding him of his responsibilities and continued criticizing the state administration. British officials in Hyderabad: - After a while British officials were deputed to Hyderabad and none could object as there was no moral ground for any protest. The right or wrong intervention and interference of the British might have been prevented had there been any cooperation between the ruler and the ruled. But the Nizam was allowed to exercise his powers in the internal affairs of the state so long as these did not hinder the British vested interests, especially when such unquestionable powers were used to suppress and subjugate the ordinary people of the state and to keep them in a state of helplessness and vulnerability. Rather the British helped the Nizam from time to time in order to ensure that the people of Hyderabad did not get involved in any political struggle and this great bastion of support for the British among the princely states of India remained intact and the great loyal friend of the too remained insulated from the democratic aspirations of the people and their effects. The Nizam sought to get back Hyderabad's erstwhile province of Berar from the British but he failed miserably in this constitutional battle with his mentors who were bent upon smothering all voices of dissent to their hegemony in India even if it was the voice of the most faithful friend of the British Crown, the Nizam of Hyderabad. And on this issue even his voice became the lone and weak song of a nightingale in the cacophony of the British Bandstand. Because of

10 K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj the dominance of British officers in Hyderabad the process of Paramount Power reached its pinnacle and the state repression became doubly repressive for the poor peasants by the division of power with the land revenue and law and order, the two most important departments of state administration captured by the British officers and the rest remaining with the local officers. Thus the people who were already surrounded by their ignorance and deprivation were caught in the tussle for holding on to their respective turfs between the local and the British officers and they became even more powerless and incapacitated. The peak of dispossession: - This incapacitation and inaction that had overtaken the people of Hyderabad for a very long time and which was actually perpetuated by successful diplomacy of the Nizam and the British was for long misconstrued as a sign of peoples happiness and well being in the Nizam's dominions, their silence and helplessness was covered up under the golden swathe of their fidelity and loyalty to the Nizam. The propaganda continued that under the traditional eastern values and conventions all the Hindus, Muslims and other communities of Hyderabad consider the Nizam as the centre of their hopes and aspirations and their loyalty, love and devotion to the personality of their ruler is a firm reality. The only way that a dictatorial monarchy could be saved and perpetuated was through the constant mass anesthesia of the body politic of the state with the opiate of the so called loyalty, love and devotion of the ruled to the ruler. But when the nationalistic struggle in British India gained momentum and winds of democracy started blowing then this stupor of the so called loyalist inebriation got diminished and people of the princely states as well as Hyderabad began sobering up and they realized that they

11 The 30 years of Political Struggle of Hyderabad had now reached the peak of dispossession and until they developed the power to face up to the might of the oppressive regimes and had the ability to demand their rights within their own selves their present condition cannot change for better. Interest in public welfare by some patriots: - There was no political awareness among the people of Hyderabad some 25-30 years ago. (from the time when this book was first published in Urdu in1948) It seemed as though they are content with their pitiable condition, so much so that there was no specific movement or glamour even in the socio cultural life of the common man. Although there were some concerned people among both Hindus and Muslims who were inwardly fuming with the autocracy of the Nizam and their patriotism and nationalist fervor was inclined to create political awareness and understanding among the people but their efforts were scuttled and any such beginning was nipped in the bud by the Nizam's aristocracy and the British hegemony. Such nationalists were kept under strict surveillance and all their activities were considered suspect because they were discontented with the ways of Governance and their hearts were brimming with the urge to serve the people for their welfare. The C.I.D. of the Nizam's Government used to monitor their activities and efforts were made to ensure that they could not establish close contacts with the public and do not draw the public attention to their rights and benefits. It seemed impossible under the dual despotism of the Nizam and the British to create a political front and to make people adhere to it but despite these circumstances the constant and untiring efforts of the nationalists to gradually awaken the masses through different ways and means and to make them inclined to join the political struggle did succeed.

12 K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj

CHAPTER THREE The efforts to create political awakening in the masses nsuitable state of affairs: - It was well nigh impossible to create political awareness U among the people of Hyderabad and to gather them in a united front. To open a diatribe against an ancient feudal system and to establish happy and healthy changes appeared to be unfeasible as the task of cutting the roots of aristocracy and oppression that had grown very strong needed a very potent mass weapon. A large part of the state consisted of Jagirs and Zamistans owned and controlled by the various Rajahs and Nawabs through their own retinue of loyal and brutal village strongmen who were entrusted to procure the best portion of the harvest or its price as the share or tahsil of the Raja or the Nawab concerned, each such and Zamistan was spread over thousands of acres of arable land, ponds, rivers, orchards and plantations. And the thousands of peasants living in hundreds of villages under such Jagirs and Zamistans were considered as the bondsmen and bondmaids of the Dora (Lord). The civil rights were unheard of and the conditions of such villages were the worst. The Nobles, the Rajahs and Nawabs, Jagirdars, Taluqdars, Maqtadars, Zamindars, Qawldars, Seths, Sahukars, Capitalists and other vested interests like the Taluqdars, Tahsildars, Patels and Patwaris were all supporting the prevalent exploitative feudal system because the system suited them and their vested interests as they had an unopposed run

13 The 30 years of Political Struggle of Hyderabad in the villages to do what they wanted including picking up any girl or woman at will for the pleasure of themselves and their friends or guests or killing someone for no reason at all without any let or hindrance or appeal. Under such an unsuitable state of affairs, creating awareness and awakening the masses against the feudal lords and their patron saint the Nizam was no doubt an uphill task. Indifference of the Muslims: - The two major communities in the state i.e. the Hindus and the Muslims both were in a state of suspended animation or were frozen, especially the Muslims who were afraid to come near politics as the Nizam's Government had thrown some crumbs of the politico economic pie towards them by way of jobs and entitlements which kept them content upon their condition. And there was this wrong notion in their hearts and minds that it was their own Government, whereas in reality it belonged to none but the Nizam and a fistful of his cohorts and minions who were looting the public for their own power and vested interests. Initial rumblings:- But except for some socio religious activities most prominent being the Miladun Nabi, Muslims of the state were unwilling to take part in any mass activities. About the Hindus the Government of the Nizam had by now suspected that some form of initial political rumbling had begun among them. It was because of this suspicion that the Government imposed the condition of prior approval even for educational, social and religious gatherings of the community. Thus finding no possibility of a platform for political discourse, the religious and social meetings and congregations were utilized as a means of furthering the political awareness and it began with the Hari Katha and Shri Jeev Rakhsha Mandalis.

14 K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj

Political awareness through Socio-Religious Congrega- tions: - Eminent personalities were invited to the Hari Kathas and they used to give speeches. Social reforms and unity were often the topics that were discussed and debated on the occasion of Janmashtami and Ganesh Chauth, political lyrics were recited and short plays on Hindu Muslim unity were enacted. The purpose of all such apparently innocuous activities was to gradually guide the people to a state of political awareness without getting on the wrong side of the regime and obviously this effort took many years to fructify. Hindu Social Conference:- When it was felt that as a result of all these years of socio religious activities and discourses, some amount of awareness has been created among the masses, it was decided to establish the Hindu Social Service Conference. The first session of the conference was held at Hadgaon (Nanded, Maharashtra) on April 13, 1918, under the chairmanship of Sat Nandi Maharaj. The second session too was held Hadgaon and Pundit Keshav Rao, Advocate High court presided. On June 30, 1920 the Hindu Social Service Conference held at Nanded under the chairmanship of Pundit Waman Rao Nayak. Three more sessions of the Hindu Social Service Conference were held in 1921, 1923 and 1927 at Hyderabad, Bombay and , presided respectively by Prof. D. K. Kurve of Puna, Barrister Mr. R. Jayakar of Bombay and Mrs Sarla Devi Chowdhary. The Hindu Social Service Conference was apparently a social organization and generally resolutions on religious and social reform were passed through its platform and overtly all discussion, debate and discourse was limited to such topics but the fact is that this organization was actually used covertly to spread political awareness

15 The 30 years of Political Struggle of Hyderabad among the people and it performed this task very well. And through it educational demands too were raised. Osmania University strengthened the intellectual aware- ness:- This was the period when Osmania University was being established. It was Nawab Imadul Mulk who first felt the need for a university in Hyderabad; Sir Ali Imam, the then prime minister of the Government of Hyderabad moved the proposal forward during his incumbency and finally this movement succeeded with the personal interest and attention of Sir Akbar Hydari (Home Secretary). Had the rulers of Hyderabad known the fact that the University would become a catalyst for an intellectual transformation bordering the political awareness and struggle, besides the avowed growth of higher , they would have never agreed to establish it in Hyderabad state. The Nizam of Hyderabad was merely hankering after the title Sultanul Uloom that was to be conferred upon him as the founder of the University and he was completely unaware of the intellectual atmosphere the University was bound to create. This unintentional act of the Nizam eventually proved to be very effective to strengthen the general political awareness in the state and some communal people conceded later that it was the University that caused the trouble of political awakening among the majority community in the state. Movement to establish public libraries in Telangana dis- tricts: - It was Shri Madapati Hanumanta Rao who deserves all accolades and kudos for the way he quietly and wisely spread the political awareness among the people of Hyderabad, especially the people of

16 K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj

Telangana. During this period he started a campaign to set up public libraries at the District and Taluq head quarters and it went on to become a grand success. The Nizam's Government could not stop this clever ploy to spread the political awareness and awakening among the people since ostensibly this was an innocent educational campaign and because of it the youth developed a taste for reading and they began to be indirectly indoctrinated theoretically and gradually attached themselves to the political situation and events of the state. Besides this Shri Madapati Hanumanta Rao also began attempts to unite and organize various Hindu castes and creeds. Hence various organizations such as the Yadav Jan Sangham, Mannuru Kapu Sangham, Mudiraj Maha Sabha etc. were established. These organizations proved handy to prepare the ground and the efforts to make people ready for the grand movement that was later to be known as the Andhra Conference, eventually bore fruit. Hindi Libraries:- To promote the same purposes Hindi Public Libraries were established in the capital city Hyderabad itself at Hashmat Ganj, Chowk and Churhi Bazar which continued to flourish under Shri Rama Kishan Dhoot, Mohan Lalji Baldewa and this writer, Krishna Swami Mudiraj respectively. The first annual function of the Churhi Bazar Hindi Public Library was presided over by Raja Govind Pershad Arya (brother of Maharaja Sir Kishen Pershad Bahadur), the second annual function of the Churhi Bazar Hindi Public Library was presided over by Raja Indira Karan Bahadur Asifjahi. The third annual function of the Churhi Bazar Hindi Public Library was held in 1923 which was presided over by Pundit Deen Dayal Sharma with great fanfare.

17 The 30 years of Political Struggle of Hyderabad

Ban on entry of Malawiyaji:- The fourth annual function of the Churhi Bazar Hindi Public Library was to be held on May 23 1925 and it was to be presided over by Pundit Madan Mohan Malawiyaji and when all arrangements for the grand function were made ready, suddenly through his Firman (Royal Edict) dated May 15, 1925 the Nizam banned the entry of Pundit Malawiyaji into Hyderabad. Punditji was obviously disappointed with this development and he sent a telegram to this writer Krishna Swami Mudiraj to carry on the good work with full vigor. Since despite the best efforts of the office bearers of the library the ban was not lifted and the function had to be cancelled. The ban was protested throughout India and people gave vent to their anger on this ban order of the Nizam in many meetings and rallies in the British India. The Khilafat Movement and show of grand unity of Hin- dus and Muslims: - In 1922 the Khilafat Movement was at its peak in all of British India. The spectacular growth of this movement under the joint leadership of Mahatma Gandhi and Moulana Mohahammad Ali and Moulana Shaukat Ali and the spirited spectacle of Hindu Muslim unity seen those days was the brightest chapter of the India's nationalistic life. This movement entered Hyderabad too with full force and in spite of all the joint attempts of British and the Nizam to scuttle it the Khilafat meetings and rallies were successfully held throughout Hyderabad. This was the first spectacular public demonstration of political awakening of people of Hyderabad. Hindus and Muslims of Hyderabad emerged as such a united and dynamic moving force that the Nizam and the then Resident were anxious that this swift torrent of unity may one day become a deluge to wash

18 K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj them away. The great gathering at Vivek Vardhini Theatre public meet was an exemplary meeting of Hyderabad where Hindus and Muslims were embracing each other in full sincerity and making solemn pledges to take forward the cause of Indian nationalists' movement for independence. The pious and leading lawer of Hyderabad Moulvi Abdul Qayyoom was presiding over the meeting. Pundit Madapati Hanumanta Rao, Pundit Raghavendra Rao Sharma, Pundit Waman Nayak, Barrister Asghar (Asghar Yar Jung) Pundit Keshav Rao and Sirajul Hasan Tirmizi mesmerized and electrified the huge gathering with their highly emotionally charged and arousing oratory and the meeting reverberated and the air echoed with sky rending and enlivening slogans of Hindu Muslim unity. This meeting was held on the day of Raksha Bandhan and the Hindus tied the Rakhi as a token of love and unity to the wrist of the president of the meeting, Moulvi Abdul Qayyoom. The president thanked his Hindu brethren for this public display of sincerity and love and declared that Muslims should now respect and preserve the honor of this Rakhi which in effect is a symbol of an unbreakable bond of love and unity. While such Khilafat meetings were proving to be very effective for uniting the people of our state and in advancing their political awareness, the Nizam forcibly ended them through a Firman. This order of the Nizam caused an uproarious reaction, especially among the Muslim youth it manifested a frenzy and emotional outburst against the Nizam. Some youth addressed the Nizam in a derogatory manner through a telegram. Police made some arrests and irate youth attacked the office of the residency and shattered its window panes. Mohammad Abdul Rahman Sahab Raees, was arrested for inciting the Muslim youth against the Residency and the Government of the Nizam and he was incarcerated at Mannanur and the movement was

19 The 30 years of Political Struggle of Hyderabad crushed with full force. After the Khilafat movement the Hindu Muslim unity was never seen again in the state. Inatead after awhile they began drifting away from each other in diametrically opposite directions. Kakinada Congress Session: - The Congress Session that was to be conducted in 1933 at Kakinada under the chairmanship of Moulana Mohammad Ali was even otherwise being considered a very important session but for the people of Hyderabad it became an extraordinary attraction. Not only some important leaders of the Indian National Congress were contacted and the people of Hyderabad got an opportunity to benefit from the views of the national leaders of congress but the occasion was used to conduct a public meeting at Kakinada to make some political demands from the Nizam. Hyderabad peoples' contacts with Congress leaders: - The details of this brief are that, in those days all those congress leaders and delegates travelling to Kakinada (which was then part of the Madras Chairmanship) by train for the Kakinada Congress Session from Bombay, Puna, Ahmedabad and had to break their journey for some time in Hyderabad and proceed to Kakinada by another train. Pundit Waman Nayak, Pundit Madapati Hanumanta Rao, Pundit Keshav Rao and Pundit Raghavendra Rao Sharma thought this to be a good opportunity and set up a camp at Secunderabad Railway station and made the leading congress leaders a guest of Hyderabad for the 6-7 hours of their break journey time. Among the congress leaders were such stalwarts as Deshbandhu C.R. Das, Vitthalbhai Patel, Motilal Nehru and Mrs. Sarojini Naidu etc. These congress leaders used to address the people at the station itself and used to remind them of their nationalistic responsibilities. For

20 K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj three days Secunderabad station became the hub of all political activities because the people of Hyderabad got this extraordinary opportunity to benefit from the views of the national leaders of congress. The angst and anxiety of the Government of the Nizam was to be seen to be believed. Secunderabad area was beyond its jurisdiction and it could do nothing to stop the ongoing activities and for a long time it bore a grudge and wanted to take revenge against the Hyderabad leaders who used such an ingenious method to establish contacts with the top congress leaders. The special train that left for Kakinada on the last day had some leading congress leader in it. Some 250 youth of Hyderabad too had the opportunity to travel with them upto Kakinada. The ban on the entry of Mrs. Sarojini Naidu, which was in force for many years, was lifted a few days ago. This afforded Sarojini Naidu to set foot on her mother land and to travel with 250 sons of the soil for the national yatra of congress. An important meeting of Hyderabad representatives in Kakinada:- Those youth who had accompanied the congress leaders to Kakinada decided that a meeting of the delegates from Hyderabad should be organized here so as to demand the setting up of an assembly in Hyderabad from the Nizam. A request was made to the secretary of the reception committee of the Kakinada congress session to conduct the meeting at the some venue and finally the announcement was made for the public meeting about Hyderabad at such a far off but a very important centre. The national leaders who specially attended this meeting included Deshbandhu C.R. Das, Pundit Motilal Nehru, Moulaua Shaukat Ali, Babu Subha's Chandra Bose, Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru & Mr. Vitthal Bhai Patel Roy Baseshwar

21 The 30 years of Political Struggle of Hyderabad

Nath Presided over the meeting, Mr. Anne (Berar) was the Secretary of Mr. Roy, Pundit Keshaw Rao moved the resolution of demands and after it was seconded by Pundit Waman Nyak and Pundit Madapati Hanumantha Rao, it was adopted unanimously. On this occasion same leaders of the Indian National Congress spoke in favor of the demands and the passed resolution was sent to the Nizam and his Government by Telegram. The C.I.D. Devils: An interesting incident on this occasion shows the ways how the C.I.D. sleuths stalk the political leaders and the tricks they adopt to get details of their activities. Nobody had an idea that among those who traveled in the special train from Hyderabad to Kakinada, there was a gentleman who was from the Nizam's C.I.D. in Kakinada he seems to have set his sights on the hand bag of Pundit Waman Nayak, which contained some important papers. One day this C.I.D. officer of the Nizam beautifully conned Waman Nayak's servant and vanished with the hand bag and the many political leaders at Kakinada had to admit that the Nizam's C.I.D. was very sharp in deed. Anyway, the public meeting of Hyderabad representatives at Kakinada proved to be very successful in many ways. The Hyderabad youth who had the opportunity to listen to the debates and resolutions of congress leaders in Kakinada and who received the inspiration to deliberate under the guidance of National Leaders on various issues facing them felt their resolve strengthened and they realized that if they persisted with their activities of awakening the masses to their political and civil rights and to make the way forward through a continued struggle and prepared them for a major political face off then the victory of the masses will be certain in the end.

22 K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj

The Govt. of the Nizam went against the organizers of the Kakinada Meet and they were threatened and harassed in various ways but it could not get an opportunity to take any vengeful action against them. However in the end it had to give up the efforts one to its own wise counsel. Memorandum for State Reformation by B. Ramksihan Rao: - The Hyderabad Reform Association submitted a memorandum in April 1924 to the Govt. of Hyderabad, which contained certain proposals for the legislative council. The Nizam and his Government, issued a Firman on 14 Jamadiul Awwal 1338 A.H reassuring the people of Hyderabad that in order to run the state administration properly a legislative council will soon be established in a proper manner.

23 The 30 years of Political Struggle of Hyderabad

CHAPTER FOUR Establishment of Political organizations hen the political struggle of Hyderabad emerged from its initial silent stages into a middle course Wand it was felt that it was about time to set up political organizations here on a solid basis, then the ground was prepared for it, Shri M. Hanumantha Rao, having successfully established public libraries at the District and Taluq, headquarters and having the task of uniting and organizing different Hindu Caste and creeds achieved to a large extent through the establishment of the various Sabhas was now very much eager to the establishment of the Andhra Conference. A grand meet in Suryapet: - He therefore organized a meeting with the cooperation of the nationalist cadre, in the name of Vartak Sabha at Suryapet (Nalgonda). He had to face a lot of difficulties in getting the Govt. permission for this meeting. Finally with a lot of strict pre-conditions the permission to hold the meeting was granted. Thousands of people from all districts of Telangana and Hyderabad attended the meeting. The Govt. deputed the deputy director general of police (districts) Mr. Manoharlal Puri to monitor the meeting. This meeting was actually a prelude to the proposed Andhra Conference. Different resolutions were passed in the meeting raising various demands; many of them were of a political nature too. This

24 K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj meeting had a very good impact on the people of Telangana districts and they braced themselves for a long political battle and became prepared to face the consequences. Establishment of Andhra Conference: - The establishment of Andhra Conference was an important milestone in the 's political struggle since following its footsteps many other organizations were set up later and the amalgamation of all such organizations finally gave birth to the Hyderabad State Congress. There were a lot of difficulties, hurdles and objections in the way of setting up the Andhra Conference but it was the perseverance and courage of Madapati Hanumanth Rao, with which he overcame all such hurdles and succeeded in establishing it. The Govt. was bent upon putting up all sorts of prohibitions and hurdles on it so as to make it an ineffectual organization and Madapati Hanumanth Rao wanted it to be established at any cost. Ultimately he succeeded and the first session of the Andhra Conference was held on 30th Ardibehisht 1339 Fasli, corresponding to 29 Feb. 1930 AD. at Jogipet. Mr. B. Pratap Reddy, B.A.B.L, editor Golconda Patrika presided over it. The second session of the Conference was held at Devarkonda, Nalagonda on 29 Feb. 1931, which was presided over by Mr. B. Ram Kishen Rao [1], and Advocate High court. Some other annual sessions of the Andhra Conference were presided over by Pundit Hanumant Rao, Shri Konda Venkat Reddy and Mr. Narsing Rao, editor 'Ryot' Madapati's Leadership: - The Andhra Conference kept growing from strength to strength under the wise leadership of Madapati Hanumanth Rao and within a few years it proved its importance and benefits to the people of Andhra. The misgivings and reservations of the Nizam's Government

25 The 30 years of Political Struggle of Hyderabad at the time of giving permission to set up the Andhra Conference proved to be right. The fear of the Government that gripped the hearts of people began to gradually wear off and the people of Telangana began to become a bit bolder through the Andhra Conference. The annual sessions of the Andhra Conference became the platform for promoting and taking forward the political struggle of the people of Hyderabad through peaceful and constitutional methods and it increased the worries of the Government of the Nizam. [1] He is at present the Chief Minister of Hyderabad. The Government Headache with the conference resolu- tions:- The Andhra Conference was like a pricking thorn in the eyes of the Government of the Nizam, because through its platform the Government of the Nizam was being constantly criticized. The political debates, resolutions and memoranda of the Andhra Conference became a constant headache for the Government because time and again demands were being raised from its platform for the reform of University and state educational system, civil rights, cancellation of circular 53, amelioration of farmers' woes and introduction of certain agrarian reforms. Demand for a responsible Government: - The major and fundamental demand was for a responsible Government that was being made with full force in the open sessions of the Andhra Conference. For the Government of the Nizam the call for a responsible Government was becoming a fearsome call as it was a negation of his Governance and a clarion call for opening the doors of democracy in the state. Andhra Conference sessions were being held regularly until the time when the political struggle in the

26 K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj state entered its most turbulent period and the Andhra Conference and other such organizations were merged into a much larger organization, the Hyderabad state congress. Maharashtra Conference: - Impressed by the awareness created by the Andhra conference in Telangana districts, the need to create a similar political organization in districts of Hyderabad was felt strongly and the Government too tried to create hurdles in its establishment. But the founders did not give up until they succeeded in setting up the Maharashtra Conference. The first session of the Maharashtra Conference was held on April 1st. 1925, at Vivek Vardhini Theatre in Hyderabad. Raja Pratapgirji presided over the session which was well attended by a large number of nationalists from Poona, Bombay, Nagpur and other places as special invitees. Jagatguru Shankar Bharati and Swami Kuruweer Peeth, Doctor Karatkoi came down to Hyderabad to participate in the deliberations of the conference despite their other pressing engagements. Lectures of the Swamiji were organized at many other places after the concluding session of the Maharashtra Conference. Maharashtra Conference too got engaged in the battle for people's rights especially those of the people of Marathwada and demands were being raised for fulfillment of public welfare measures through establishment of a responsible Government. While Maharashtra Conference sessions were being held regularly their success led to the founding of Conference. Andhra Volunteer Corps:- The Andhra leaders were feeling the need for a regular volunteer corps, therefore when the silver jubilee meeting of Telugu Library

27 The 30 years of Political Struggle of Hyderabad

Sultan Bazar was celebrated under the chairmanship o f Raja Bahadur Venkat Ram Reddy, the city police commissioner in 1926, the need for such a corps was felt even more strongly. Hence the Andhra Volunteer Corps was set up under the captaincy of this writer, Krishna Swamy Mudiraj. There were no restrictions on joining the corps that only those Andhraites whose mother tongue was Telugu could join it as volunteers but the idea was that any resident of Telangana, whether his mother tongue was Telugu, Marathi, Gujarati, or Urdu was an Andhraite, hence he was eligible. Even Andhra Conference worked under the same principles. Therefore while among its volunteers were people like Jumlapuram Keshav Rao, Umapati Ramachandra Rao and Nandagiri Venkat Rao, there were also the likes of Pundit Narendarji, Mugunde Rao Purwalkar, Pundit Mangal Pershad Tiwari and Shri Dharnidhar (presently inspector CID). Besides the Andhra Volunteer Corps, there was another volunteer corps, Adi Hindu Social Service league, working under Bhagya Reddy Varma. The activities of the young volunteers from both these corps had an impact on young kids and small corps of children were set up in various localities thus the spirit that was activated among the youth was also seen in younger children too. Shri Vishnu Conference:- As mentioned earlier, the political goals were being achieved through the religious and social functions and congregations, under the same strategy, attempts were made to conduct the first session of the All India Shri Vishnu Conference in Hyderbad but the Government of the Nizam refused to grant permission. However on Nov 26 1926 a session of the All India Shri Vishnu Conference was held in the residency area under the chairmanship of Jagat guru Swamy Anant chari Maharaj. In this session some religious resolutions

28 K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj were passed along with some political demands. Political leaders too were often invited to such conferences along with the religious leaders in order to fulfill the political purposes too and a number of political leaders from Madras participated in this All India Shri Vishnu Conference. In 1926 different pamphlets and articles in different languages were published and distributed inside Hyderabad and outside especially to the members of the congress and legislative assemblies so that the poor condition of the Hyderabad administration and the backwardness of its people was highlighted. Among such pamphlets and publications a voluminous book entitled "Misrule of the Nizam" became very popular and people outside Hyderabad became interested in the feelings and intent of the people of Hyderabad. Late Tekmalkar Ranga Rao, Advocate was responsible for the contents and publication of this book. Peoples Educational Conference: - The urgency to mobilize public opinion for political awareness and educational aspirations was felt because, Hyderabad Educational Conference, the organization that was primarily concerned with educational development of the people was coming under increased Governmental view point and pressure. In 1928 a separate organization was set up in the name of Peoples Educational Conference and the first of its sessions was conducted under the chairmanship of Pundit Hruday Nath Kunzru at the Vivek Vardhini Theatre, Gowliguda. Hundreds of delegates from Marathwada and Karnataka attended this conference. From the platform of Peoples Educational Conference, many educational demands were presented before the Government. Although this

29 The 30 years of Political Struggle of Hyderabad organization was set up upon educational foundations but its views were entirely nationalistic and the educational reform demands that were being raised through it couldn't have been fulfilled without changes in the system of Governance. Thus this conference too increased the worries of the Government and through it the political affairs and the will of the people was being strengthened clandestinely. The second session of Peoples Educational Conference was held on Dec 1931 under the chairmanship of Dr. Ram Pershad Tripathi again at the Vivek Vardhini Theatre and the conference kept on growing every year. This organization still exists but it doesn't have the kind of fervor it used to have in those days and it is being neglected perhaps due to the fact that the goals set for it have mostly been achieved. The restrictions on civil rights imposed by the Government can be imagined by the fact that even condolence meetings held to commemorate the death of national leaders were either not allowed or many hurdles were put up in their way. Hurdles in Lala Lajpat Roy's condolence meeting: - Famous national leader Lala Lajpat Roy died at 7.30 A.M. on April 17 1928 in Lahore and the news reached Hyderabad on the same day within a few hours. Every where it sent shockwaves, and shops in Pathergatti, Charkman, Teksal, Mitti ka Sher, Kasarhatta, Begum Bazar, Ambar Bazar, Osmanganj, Gowliguda, Hashmatganj, Residency Bazar, and Isamian Bazar were shut down in mourning but the city commissioner of police forced the shops open within a few hours. On Nov 18, 1928 a condolence meeting was organized at Arya Samaj Mandir (Residency Bazar) which was presided over by Pundit Keshav Raoji and all shops in the area remained closed. The proposal to hold a number of public condolence meetings by the citizens of Hyderabad was delayed because it was

30 K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj rejected by the Government at first but when the organizers threatened to hold the meetings in violation of Government orders and the Government would be responsible for the consequences then the Government was forced to relent. This incident shows how people were unable to even show their grief openly. However on Nov 29, 1929 public condolence meeting was held at the Vivek Vardhini Theatre under the chairmanship of Pundit Waman Nayak and the condolence resolution was presented by Bahadur Aramudu Ayengar and it was seconded by Maulvi Sirajul Hasan Tirmizi, Pundit M. Hanumant Rao and Mr. Ram Chander Nayak Barrister. Arrival of Mahatma Gandhi in Hyderabad: - It was a great occasion for the people of Hyderabad that the greatest leader of India and the centre of peoples hope and aspirations, Mahatma Gandhi were to arrive in Hyderabad in April. The entire city was so eager to welcome him that they were waiting with abated breath to see him. So when on April 6 1929, he arrived by Bombay Mail at Nampally Railway station along with a contingent of the Andhra Volunteer Corps that was sent to Wadi Junction as an advance reception party under the leadership of Krishna Swami Mudiraj there were passionate scenes of mob euphoria at the station in spite of the wider Bandobast by the Police as well as the volunteers of the Andhra Volunteer Corps. The public was so eager that they were falling one over the other to just have look of the Mahatma. There were so many people that there was no place at the station and it was well nigh impossible for even a hat to drop to the ground. With great difficulty Bapuji was whisked away to the waiting car through a backdoor of the train compartment and he was lead in a procession up to the Vivek Vardhini Theatre the venue, where already a enormous crowd of people were waiting. The Mahatma addressed the people here. A memento and an official public acknowledgement and recognition

31 The 30 years of Political Struggle of Hyderabad of the work of the Mahatma were presented to him. Gandhiji stayed in the city for three days and he inspected various organizations and institutions. On behalf of the Hindi Sabha Kanya Path Shala Churi Bazar, Krishna Swamy Mudiraj haad the honor of presenting an acknowledgement along with money bag to the Mahatma in the Path Shala hall. The Mahatma wrote in the visitors' book of the Path Shala the following comment in Hindi: "Mein is Pathshala ki Unnati chahta hoon" i.e. I wish all success for this school. Mahatma Gandhi also addressed a public meeting in Secunderabad. He also addressed the Harijans in the Adi Hindu Social Service league Bhavan and congratulated Mr. Bhagya Reddy on his performance. This visit of Mahatma Gandhi to Hyderabad and his speeches encouraged the people and they felt that they were not alone and have somebody to patronize them. Arrival of the Ali Brothers:- Whenever national leaders came to Hyderabad or passed through, the people used to receive them and offered them a warm and tumultuous welcome because the very presence of the national leaders among them even for a short while was like a shot in the arm for them and their struggle. So when Moulana Mohammad Ali and Moulana Shaukat Ali came to Hyderabad along with their famous mother, who was the real inspiration behind the Ali brothers and was known as Amma Bi among the public as well as among the freedom fighters of India, people of Hyderabad showed the same verve and vitality in welcoming them. There was a huge crowd of emotional supporters at Secunderabad Railway station jostling with each other for a glimpse of the legendary Ali Brothers and in the melee quite a few people fell unconscious. With great difficulty these 32 K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj respectable leaders were brought from the station to their host's residence. Hindu Dharam Parishad: - In order to fulfill certain political needs a religious body under the name of Hindu Dharam Parishad was set up. Its president was Rja Pratap Girji nd secretary was Pundit Waman Nayak. The first conference of the parishad was held on April 1925, hundreds of delegates from the Telangana, Marathwada and Karnataka participated in the conference. The sessions continued for three days. Leaders like Pundit Seshadri from Bombay, Puna and Sholapur were invited as special guests. Jagatguru Shankrcharia, Maharaj Keru Veer Seth and Dr. Karatkoti had a leading role in making the Hindu Dharam Parishad a grand success. A number of resolutions including some of a political nature were passed from the platform of the Hindu Dharam Parishad. When a resolution on the Harijan welfare was presented, the pundits and shastris opposed it vehemently. There was pandemonium in the session and the situation was brought under control with great difficulty. Then Bhagya Reddy rose to support the resolution and there was complete silence in the hall. His speech was so emotional and effective that the entire audience was affected by the pathos, the speaker, Bhagya Reddy himself broke down and in such an emotionally charged scenario Jagadguru Shankrcharia got up and embraced Bhagya Reddy and the people began cheering him, the entire hall began reverberating with shouts and slogans of "Jagadguru ki Jai" "Mahatma Gandhi ki Jai" "Bhratmata ki Jai" and this resolution that was being opposed with such ferocity was adopted unanimously. The arrangements for the conference were made by the Andhra Volunteer Corps and Adi Hindu Social Service league. Since the Government had denied permission to hold it within the city limits, it was held in the residency area.

33 The 30 years of Political Struggle of Hyderabad

CHAPTER FIVE Communal riots and Government policy he exciting unity that was established between the Hindus and Muslims as a result of the Khilafat TMovement could not last for long. And both communities drifted away from each other shortly after the Shuddhi and Sanghatan Movements were launched by the Hindus in British India. Although there was no noticeable reaction of the movements in Hyderabad and the Shuddhi movement did not spread here. However as a result of external influences communal tensions began spreading beneath the surface. Even the Government of the Nizam felt it appropriate to follow the policy of the British Imperialism for its own survival. The Patronage of Muslim:- From 1928 onwards there were perceptible changes in the policies of the Nizam's Government and ignoring the ground realities it assumed that in view of the increasing political activism of the Hindus which was becoming dangerous for the Nizam's Government it must bring the Muslims closer to itself. The riots began in the districts. On Dec. 28, 1928, with due permission the Hindus of Nanded took out a religious procession in Taluq Wazeerabad. The Hindus and Muslims clashed with each other in the procession and a large number of Hindus were injured.

34 K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj

Riot near the Sikh Gurudwara Nanded:- On the same day a riot broke out near the Sikh Gurudwara and there was a serious clash between the Sikhs and Muslims leading to aa lot of people getting injured from both communities but there were more Sikhs among the injured as the Muslims had the support of the Government and the Police. The strife of the Maal Tekri: - Had the Govt. attempted sincerely to pre-empt the factors causing such riots then perhaps the fire wouldn't have spread as much as it eventually did. But not only the Government ignored them but it began acting in a partisan manner. The Muslims buried a destitute beggar in the land of a place in Nanded that was known as Maal Tekri and which was considered by the Sikhs as their land and on the day of the Eid ul Adhha (Bakrid Tir 15, 1338 F.) there was a bloody clash between the Sikhs and Muslims, there were more Sikhs among the injured and a general tension prevailed in the city. Sikhs in Punjab got emotionally involved in the dispute and they became eager to support their co-religionists in Hyderabad. Questions on this rioting were raised in the Punjab Assembly and when the situation began to get wider with possibly serious repercussions, the Govt. of the Nizam was forced to take a step. The appointment of an English Judge: - The Nizam obtained through the residency, the services of Sir H. Cuming, Judge of the Bengal province to investigate the Maal Tekri cases. The gentleman arrived in Hyderabad on Sept. 12, 1929 nd fter conducting his inquiry gave his judgment on DEC. 7, 1929 in favor of the Sikhs, which also ordered that the Muslim corpse

35 The 30 years of Political Struggle of Hyderabad buried in the Sikh property of Maal Tekri must be removed there from within a month to some other place and in case of failure to do so by the concerned party, the Sikhs will have the right to do so. The Muslims of Nanded were against this judgment but they had to wily nilly abide by it and the corpse of the Muslim Fakir buried in Maal Tekri was removed from there and buried elsewhere. The Gulbarga Riots: - There was a serious riot in Gulbarga. A Palki used to be taken out traditionally in procession from the famous Shaarana Basappa temple in Gulbarga. So on Muharram 9, 1343 AH. The palki procession was taken out and when the band in the procession continued playing music near a mosque, Muslims objected to it and there was an altercation but on the next day on 10th. of Muharram it blew up into a major rioting and mayhem, the temple too was damaged and on 12th. Muharram Mr. Azizullah, the superintendant of secret police was shot dead by Muslims; his body was brought to Hyderabad for burial. Many people were injured in this riot. The Government appointed a commission of inquiry. The members included Nawab Zulqadar Jung Bahadur, Nawab Agha Yar jung and Pundit Keshav Rao. But the commission's report was never made public. Riot in the Ganj of :- After while there was a serious and bloody riot in Bidar. Shops in the Ganj were doused with kerosene and were burn down in broad daylight. Muslims looted many Hindu shops. Many people were injured in the rioting and arson. A Sahukar (moneylender) from the Ganj was arrested for the disturbance and a case was filed against him. It was not as if the Government was unaware of these riots and

36 K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj the factors responsible for them but nothing was done to prevent the repetition of such unfortunate events. So the communal riots continued unabated and from time to time news kept coming about such occurrences from the villages and districts, the enmity and antagonism between the communities kept growing. In Hyderabad where people were living in complete communal harmony for ages became antagonistic and hostile to each other because of the divide and rule policy of the Government. The Government was attempting to provoke the Muslims to stand up against the Hindus to frighten them into giving up their political activities; an event in this regard was seen on 10th. Zilhijj 1339 AH. When the Muslims armed with swords and batons were demonstrating on the roads and streets of the city with impunity and nobody stopped them. The Government of the Nizam had sown the seeds of Hindu Muslim riots but when the desired goals were not achieved it tried to absolve itself and come clean from such a policy. And for this purpose the Government set up a commission known as the religious functions commission in 1335 F. This commission consisted of Nawab Akhtar Yar Jung, Nawab Ahmed Yar Jung, Roy Bal Mukand and Raja Narsingh Raj. The mandate of the commission was to suggest change of routes for the Palki Seva and Rath Yatra etc. wherever any mosque was located on their routes and if there were difficulties in change of route, then to ensure that any band / music group was stopped from playing the music at some distance from the mosque. Mr. Giri Raj, Judge High Court and Roy Roop Lal too worked in this commission for some time and there were some others who helped in its investigations but the commission continued to work at the beck and call of the Government and it was far from justice. The people disregarded the commission's decisions because they were bent upon achieving their rights at any cost and they were no more afraid to go

37 The 30 years of Political Struggle of Hyderabad to jail. However the goals the Government had wished to achieve by patronizing the Muslims were obvious and the efforts in this direction were visible from time to time in different ways and its violent ways kept on growing. When the Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen was established and it assumed the full-fledged role of a political party, its activities started benefitting the Government. Although a large section of Muslims was against the Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen but it achieved a wider acceptability. Khaksaar Party and Deendar Chinna Baseshwar too were used to provoke the Hindus. Vitriolic speeches were made, especially against those Hindus who were taking leading part in the political struggle. Siddiq Deendar Chinna Baseshwar continued to spread communal poison against the Hindu religion and its Avatars through pamphlets. So in a protest public meeting held at the Seetha Ram Bagh Temple under the chairmanship of Raja Bahadur Bansilal Pitti, the attention of the Government was drawn to such propaganda. And the Government was warned that if such a sorry state of affairs was allowed to continue and the religious sentiments of Hindus were allowed to be hurt in this manner the results would be very dangerous and communal riots would break out. But such protests fell on deaf ears and the Government remained a mute spectator. Such hurting and hateful propaganda and pamphlets were not banned on the contrary the Nizam's Government banned the entry in Hyderabad of a number of news papers and magazines published outside the state which were critical of the administration and were highlighting the plight of the Hyderabad people. Arrival of Pundit Jawahar Lal Nehru: - When the young and youthful leader of India, Pundit Jawahar Lal Nehru arrived in Hyderabad on June 30, 1930 the people of

38 K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj

Hyderabad gave him a rousing reception. Punditji stayed at Golden Threshold, the residence of Mrs. Sarojini Naidu. There was a great Bandobast of C.I.D. and police upon his arrival. People were eager to listen to Punditji's speeches but the Government of the Nizam had imposed a condition that during his stay in Hyderabad Pundit Jawahar Lal Nehru would neither attend any public meeting nor deliver any speech or address. There was a always a milling crowd of people around the residence of Mrs. Sarojini Naidu, just to have a glimpse of Punditji that used to disperse despondently everyday without either seeing him or hearing him. There was widespread unrest among the people against such restrictions. Finally Punditji had to go back carrying an impression of Hyderabad as a medieval feudal state. Second coming of Punditji: - Pundit Jawahar Lal Nehru arrived in Hyderabad in 1349 F. for a second time. This time he stayed at the residence of Mirza Yar Jung Bahadur, former chief justice. Thousands of people came for a stirring welcome to their leader at the airport. Mrs. Padmaja Naidu garlanded him and Mr. Krishna Swamy Mudiraj, in his capacity as the Deputy Mayor of the Municipality had the honor of garlanding him on behalf of the citizens of Hyderabad. On this occasion too the people could not benefit from his speeches. It might have been that Punditji was being over cautious about the restrictions imposed on him by the Nizam's Government due to the fact that the Indian national Congress did not like meddling in the internal affairs of the states. There were murmurings among the people about the intrepid act of the Nizam's Government in imposing such restrictions on such an important leader. However people continued to gather around the Bungalow of Mirza Yar Jung Bahadur, for a glimpse of Punditji and

39 The 30 years of Political Struggle of Hyderabad their resolve against the oppression of the Nizam continued to be strengthened. Arrival of Moulana Shaukat Ali:- Moulana Shaukat Ali arrived in Hyderabad on July 26, 1931by Bejwada Mail. A large number of people welcomed him at Secunderabad railway station. He stayed as a guest of Nawab Asghar Yar Jung, member High Court. Many nobles and leading businessmen of Hyderabad hosted dinners and receptions for him but even he was denied the opportunity to address the people. A Firman of the Nizam: - The extent to which the political struggle of the people of Hyderabad had progressed and had become a threat to the monarchy of the Nizam can be gauged from the under mentioned Firman of the Huzoor Nizam that was issued on 25th. Ramzan, 1350 H. "The few misguided opponents of this state who, either out of ignorance or malice are ready to be sympathetic to the enemies of law and order who are bent upon boycott and civil disobedience of the British Crown are hereby strictly warned and cautioned that in the event of any of their overt and covert activities with a view to cause any disturbance in the established order and as a result thereof civil disobedience or any acts similar to it are committed against the trusted ally of the Asafiyah Sovereignty i.e. the British Crown or any of their enemies are sided with or supported by any of the citizens of this state, such persons will be held guilty of treason and they will be liable to the severe chastisement of the Aala Hazrat H.E.H. The Nizam's Government" The Nizam considered the nationalistic awareness of the people of Hyderabad and their political struggle as malicious and ignorant

40 K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj but look at the miracle of change and revolution that the same people today are the manifestations and quintessence of power and sovereignty and the Government of the Nizam is in smithereens in spite of the graciousness and people friendliness of the national leaders. When Moulana Muhammad Ali died in London in 1930the news was heard in the nationalist circles of India with great grief and mourning and his old congress colleagues were greatly affected. The people of Hyderabad sought permission to hold a condolence meeting which was immediately granted and a condolence meeting was held at Kothi near Putli Bowli. Ban on Motilal Nehru's condolence meeting:- But when Motilal Nehru died the same year all sorts of hurdles were created in the way of the condolence meeting. The Government of the Nizam delayed permission for the meeting so much that the organizers were forced to conduct the condolence meeting in the residency area. One newspaper from Hyderabad and many newspapers of British India protested this attitude of the Government. The condolence meeting for Motilal Nehru was held under the chairmanship of Maulvi Sirajul Hasan Tirmizi in Devi Deen Bagh. Thousands of people gathered to pay their tributes to the departed leader. On Feb. 15, 1931 at 2.30 PM a mourning procession was taken out from the house of Waman Nayak at Gowli Guda and reached Arya Vatika in the residency. This was a one mile long procession; Pundit Waman Nayak was leading the procession when the procession reached Devi Deen Bagh it became a large public meeting. Waman Nayak read out an article written by Mahatma Gandhi in condolence for the death of Motilal Nehru. Pundit Waman Nayak made the people take an oath and pledge to carry forward the mission of Motilal Nehru. 41 The 30 years of Political Struggle of Hyderabad

This kind of procession was the first of its kind for Hyderabad. All the shops were closed both inside and outside the city limits. But the police commissioner Raja Bahadur Venkat Rama Reddy forcibly got all the shops opened by 12 noon at the orders of the Government. These events show how much powerless the people were in those days and how their struggles were tried to be crushed. Akola Conference: - There was a proposal to hold a political conference in Hyderabad but the Government was unwilling to give permission for the same. When all plans in this regard failed then perforce Akola (Berar) was selected as the venue. This conference was held under the chairmanship of Shri Ramchandar Naik Barrister at law, former chief justice of the Hyderabad state. Thousands of delegates from all districts of Hyderabad participated and the general public too attended in large numbers. The honorable chairman in his presidential address pinpointed the reforms with the help of statistics that were required urgently in various sectors such as education, public health, agriculture, industry and commerce, finance and revenue, police and army, religious affairs, jagirdari system, excise and customs, journalism, banking, courts and all others including public administration and Governance. He showed how these reforms were necessary and how the people were distressed in the absence of reforms. One of the many resolutions passed in the conference was to demand the setting up of a truly representative legislative council and a responsible Government. This conference also contributed to the public unrest that they have been made so powerless that they cannot even hold a political conference in their own house and were forced to go out of Hyderabad to present their demands.

42 K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj

Establishment of a Municipal council:- One of the demands made through the resolutions passed in the Akola conference was that the Government establish a Municipal council in Hyderabad on par with other civilized cities. The question of passing a new municipal law was also raised and it took ten years of constant struggle for this to be passed. The organizations like the Andhra, Marathwada and Karnataka Conferences kept on pressing for the establishment of the Municipal council every year and people among the members of the then Sanitary committee such as Pundit Waman Nayak, Pundit M. Hanumantha Rao and Roy Baseshwar Nath etc. too kept pressing for the need for a new Municipal Act from time to time. When the Municipal council was established it followed the new Municipal Act for 9 years. During this period elections were held for 13 wards twice or thrice but when the performance of the elected representatives became well known and the Governments' shortcomings became obvious as a result of their better performance in exercise of their powers then these powers were taken away through a Firman which were won by the people a after a long and arduous struggle. The new Municipal Act that was made into law after the Police Action, under which the Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad has come into existence, is not worth keeping for a longer time. It is a sad commentary on the present state of affairs that the rights given to the public representatives in Municipal administration under the Nizam's Monarchy twenty years before the Police Action have been forfeited under this so called democracy and Janata Raj. The Municipal Act of 1342 Fasli had lesser public representation

43 The 30 years of Political Struggle of Hyderabad but more and wider powers to the public representatives but the Municipal Act of 1950 has wider public representation with limited powers. This cannot be tolerated. This large public office of local self Government should be so powerful and with such authority that it catered to the civic and public needs without any let or hindrance. But unfortunately all the powers of this present Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad are now vested in the state Government, under this dominance and with shrunken powers it is not in a position to fulfill its important and heavy responsibilities. Hurdles in setting up of private schools:- The restrictions imposed on the public by the Government were such that the people had to obtain prior approval of the Government even to conduct such religious meetings as the Hari Katha, Ganesh Utsav and Janmashtami etc. The nationalistic leaders of Hyderabad wanted to set up such private schools where intellectual awareness can be inculcated at a nationalistic level among the students and they could be prepared for their future responsibilities. But even here restrictions were imposed. And it was made necessary to obtain permission under the rules in force to set up a private school as under: "From now onwards as per the rules prescribed, it is ordered hereby that the permission to establish a private school in the state shall be obtained from the office of the District Superintendant of Education located at the district head quarters. And the founders and patrons of all such schools that have been established until now are hereby required that after acquainting themselves with the rules prescribed therein, they shall submit in the prescribed form an application for approval latest by 1335 Fasli in the office of the District

44 K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj

Superintendant of Education located at the district head quarters of the district concerned. Filing which action for the closure of such schools shall be initiated as per rules prescribed in this regard." There were widespread protests against this order and people continued to struggle against such restrictions, every public meeting had the resolutions passed against this imposition but the Government did not budge. An evil Circular # 53:- Circular # 53 that was later infamously called the evil circular was for long time the main hurdle in conducting any public meeting. Under the stipulations of the Circular 53, the organizers desirous of holding a public meeting had to give a written guarantee to the Police commissioner or other officers of the Government authorized therein that the speakers will not express their opinions on any political topic and will not criticize the Government. Such hurdles in a political struggle were daunting but the resolve of the public leaders remained unshaken nevertheless. And they continued their march forward. There was a lot of strife on account of Circular # 53 and at every stage; every place vociferous demands were made for its cancellation. The text of the Circular # 53 is reproduced below to enable the readers to have a feel of the difficulties of those times. "Any person, who is desirous of holding any kind of public meeting, is required to inform in writing about his intent in this regard to the Police Commissioner when the proposed meeting is to be held within the city limits or in other cases to the Taluqdar of the District concerned at least 10 days in advance. If prima facie the proposed meeting is apolitical in nature or in the opinion of the Police Commissioner or the Taluqdar concerned as the case may be,

45 The 30 years of Political Struggle of Hyderabad the event is entirely unlikely to have any possibility of any political repercussions, the applicant person shall immediately be informed that there is no need for the permission for the proposed public meeting and he may go ahead with the program. It shall be to the entire satisfaction and discretion of the Police Commissioner or the Taluqdar concerned as the case may be, to call for the agenda or the program of the meeting and the manuscripts of the speeches the details of the listed or other speakers. However unless there is an apparent or reasonable ground to call for such details from the organizer (s) this stipulation must not be resorted to, provided however that the organizer (s) take the full responsibility that the proceedings of the proposed meeting will be entirely apolitical. Provided further that if it found that the event is even remotely likely to have any possibility of any political repercussions, the applicant person shall immediately be informed that there is a need for the Government permission for the proposed public meeting and he may not go ahead with the program without such permission in writing from the Government, save and except where the Government has already granted such a permission in general for a political meeting. In the absence of Government permission for such meetings the chief organizer will be held entirely responsible for ensuring that the meeting will not take a political form or color. And if in the opinion of the Government, it becomes necessary or expedient to obtain a guarantee in writing or other surety securities and assurances as it deems fit and proper from the organizer (s) the same shall be so obtained to the satisfaction of the authority concerned" Almost all organizations protested against the above circular. When after the Andhra and Marathwada conferences, the Karnataka Conference was established; it too struggled for the abolition of the Circular # 53. The Karnataka Conference owes its birth to the long

46 K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj and relentless efforts of Shri Rama Chari and Shri Janardhan Rao Desai because the Government had put all sorts of hurdles in its establishment but these leaders succeeded in its establishment nevertheless. Nizam's Subjects' League: - The Hindus of Hyderabad had a longstanding grievance that to a large extent they were being kept away from the state administration and attempts were being made to give them a lesser opportunity in Government jobs. Even some of the Muslims had a similar grievance that their rights were being overlooked and Muslims from outside the state were being preferred especially for senior positions. Therefore some of the Jagirdars joined hands with some leaders of the state to form a new association in the name of the Nizam's Subjects' League. The exams for the Hyderabad Civil Service (HCS) were reduced to a mere formality and intelligent people of Hyderabad had no opportunities. However there was no dearth of opportunities for Muslims from other states. There was a continuous inflow of U.P. Muslims in top Government jobs. This generated a lot of tumult among the Hyderabadis. The Mulki Movement was started and the younger Hindu / Muslim Jagirdars stood up to protect their rights. While the Nizam's Subjects' League had the patronage of the state leaders, it also had the backing of some senior Mulki bureaucrats. The League had the likes of Shri B. Ramakrishna Rao, Pundit Waman Nayak, Mrs. Padmaja Naidu, M. Narsing Rao and Sir Nizamat Jung (Minister for Political affairs) as members. An active member of the League got a book "Whither Hyderabad" printed and published from Madras. The government promptly banned the book and all copies were confiscated from those who had it.

47 The 30 years of Political Struggle of Hyderabad

The Nizam's Subjects' League had one of its most important meetings in the West End Theatre (Raj Mahal Talkies Kacheguda) presided over by Nawab Shamsher Jung Bahadur. The bold way the younger generation of the Jagirdars expressed themselves in their criticism of the Government was unprecedented. Because, never before, did anybody raise his voice against the Nizam with such force and fervor. As usual the Government was able to crush this movement too. The English minister of revenue and police, Colonel Shnox Trench warned the young Jagirdars that they will be denied their Jagir shares if they continued with their rebellious activities. The cooperation of the state leaders with the Jagirdars was only to ensure indirect benefits for the nationalist movement through the awareness and struggle of the Jagirdar classes and a new front was opened against the Nizam. Otherwise they were poles apart in terms of principles and goals.

48 K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj

CHAPTER SIX The political struggles of Hyderabad and News Papers he story of the political struggles of Hyderabad will be incomplete without enlightening the readers about the Tattitudes of the Press towards it, as quite often the Press has played a fundamental role in creating the political awareness and reporting the struggle of the people. The extraordinary importance of the Press as the fourth pillar of the state is well recognized. The initial period of Journalism:- About 30 years ago, the Press in Hyderabad was in its infancy. The Mushir-e-Deccan, the Sahifa and (Urdu Newspapers) were the only dailies published from the city then. The Rahbar-e-Deccan, under the editorship of Mr. Ahmed Mohiuddin and Mr. Abdullah Khan had begun its publication not long ago. The addition of this third Newspaper was welcomed in journalistic circles. In late 1928, Subh-e-Deccan under the editorship of Mr. Ahmed Arif and Mr. Ali Ashraf began publishing. Because of its progressive policies it soon became popular in certain circles of the state. The Nizam Gazette weekly as a semi political, scientific and literary journal was already in publication from a year before this and Mr. Syed Viqar Ahmed and Mr. Habeebullah Rushdi were its editors. The rumors about this Journal’s being a mouthpiece of the

49 The 30 years of Political Struggle of Hyderabad

Nizam’s Govt. were almost proven right because from the time of Maharaja Sir Kishen Pershad to the end of Sir Akbar Hydary’s period it was committed to support the Government policies and remained completely isolated from the nationalist and political struggle of the state until the advent of the stormy period of the Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen when it adopted a rabid communal color. The Iron grip of the Press law:- During those days when civil rights were non-existent and strong measures were taken to keep the public away from political awareness, the old press law was so draconian and grid iron like tight that any political topic was taboo. It was months of hard work to obtain a press declaration. The only saving grace of this unjust law and its firm grip could be that it prevented the entry of people with puerile taste and rank ignorance in the field of journalism. Trouble for the free press:- In a Monarchy and Dictatorship there was obviously no room for a free press. But nonetheless a few sparks were beginning to grow into flames which would later become beacons of the free press. It appears strange that in spite of so many restrictions, the Hyderabad papers were able to express their views upon the political movements of the British India quite freely to a certain extent and these appeared to be almost in line with the views of their contemporaries in British India in the freedom movement. And this can be verified by sifting through the archive files of the local News papers. But it was impossible for the local press to comment upon the political movements within the state or to be even mildly critical of the state Government or administration. To write anything against any departmental head or the secretary was not as easy as it is to

50 K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj criticize the Indian Prime Minister these days. In those days every news paper was under close scrutiny and the Government was keenly watching everything being written by them. The papers were threatened from time to time with closure if the writing was found to be sympathetic to the political activists of the state. Support for political activism:- Mr. Narsing Rao’s weekly paper the “ Ryot” presented itself as the herald of contemporary national political movements. The plain speaking of the “Ryot” on various issues was hard to bear for the Government, especially when some of its contemporary papers began following its lead on many issues e.g. the purchase of the Nizam’s guaranteed state railway, the Berar issue, problems in the Roads and Buildings department, the questionable behavior and performance of some officials etc. were some issues upon which the “Subh-e- Deccan” and the “Musheer-e-Deccan” often concurred with the views expressed by the “Ryot”. The campaign for Hindu Muslim unity by the Journals:- The Muslim press could not have supported the demand for a Responsible Government but they were critical of the existing dispensations’ shortcoming and it’s acts of omission and commission; they were emphasizing the need for good governance. “The Golconda Patrika” of Shri Gopal Reddy too played an important role in taking forward the political struggle of the state and continued writing against the administration quite strongly. “The Nizam Vijay” was a standard bearer of the Maharashtra movement and its articles too were not to the Government’s liking. “The Mamlikat Daily” too remained an adherent of nationalist thoughts for a long time and it used to discuss seriously about the political issues and movements of the state. Hindu Muslim unity was the slogan of every newspaper

51 The 30 years of Political Struggle of Hyderabad and journal for long; especially the leading papers among them were the “Ryot”, the “Subh-e-Deccan” and the “Musheer-e-Deccan”. On the Nanded, Gulbarga and Bidar communal riots almost all newspapers strongly pleaded that the Government must find the true causes of these riots and crush such elements with full force, that are found to be responsible for spreading hatred among the Hindus and Muslims and fanning the fires of communalism in the state. But the Government did nothing. Not only that there was no punitive action taken against the guilty but no one was even questioned. The Nizam’s grip over the Press: - With the growth of the Ittehadul Muslimeen the attitudes of the Muslim publications too changed. On the one hand they got an opportunity to write rather freely and on the other hand the Nizam’s interest in the newspapers too increased. From1930 onwards the Nizam started paying attention to the press. And he liked the ‘Subh- e-Deccan” among the Urdu periodicals. Initially this interest was limited to the publication of his poetry but later it expanded to the movements and resources. At first unofficial publication of the Firmans in the paper began and then personal criticism of the editorials started from time to time. Whenever any senior official or any Jagirdar was affected by the press criticism he used to present himself before the Nizam. And any issue that the Nizam himself preferred to be criticized by the press was discreetly pointed out to the editors of the Subh-e-Deccan. But when some criticism was not to the liking of the Nizam, the Subh-e-Deccan was advised caution through private instruction. When the Nizam’s grip on the paper tightened and he was angered by an article of the Subh-e-Deccan, it fell from favor and the “Rahbar-e-Deccan and the Nizam Gazette” became his favorites and the King Kothi correspondence began to be published in these papers.

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Effects of communalism on Newspapers:- When the “Manshoor” started publication under a new name “Waqt” it began the trend of communal and sensational journalism. It used to claim itself as the herald of Ittehadul Muslimeen and started attempts to provoke the Muslims against the Hindus and tried unsuccessfully to crush the political struggle of Hyderabad demanding a responsible Government. Mr Abdul Rahman Raees, who was an emotional and communal person, was fomenting trouble as a journalist. His extremely communal and provocative writings and a general demand from the public to curb such writings forced the Government to close the paper temporarily. Free Press:- The “Payam” of Qazi Abdul Ghaffar kept up its Jihad against communalism and for presenting the democratic aspirations of the people of the state. It especially took up the cudgels against the divisive politics of Ittehadul Muslimeen and continued criticizing the waywardness of its leaders. After disassociating himself from the Subh-e-Deccan” Mr. Ali Ashraf started the “Tanzeem” in 1938. The Tanzeem continued with its independent policies for a long time. The “Ryot” in its second round, when it had become a daily, carried on with its bold criticism of the ongoing policies of the Government with regard to the political movements of the state. The Deccan Chronicle and the Daily News (both English dailies) too proved their nationalistic credentials as ought. The “Meezan” that was started by Mr. Ghulam Muhammad, a capitalist Muslim businessman from Calcutta soon joined the communal bandwagon. At a time when there was a clash of ideologies between the Ittehadul

53 The 30 years of Political Struggle of Hyderabad

Muslimeen and the State Congress and the State Congress was on the verge of success, the “Rahbar-e-Deccan”, the the “Waqt”, the “Meezan” and the “Ittehad” were strongly siding with the Majlis-e- Ittehadul Muslimeen”. Assassination of the “Imroze” editor: - During those tumultuous days a young nationalist Mr. Shoebullah Khan started his newspaper “Imroze”. Shoebullah Khan was not some leading or well known journalist and it was not very long that he began his career as a journalist. But by becoming a martyr for his country and fellow countrymen he became a distinct journalist, who became the target of the bullet of an unknown assassin and he was killed for his practicing the ideals of a free press, for his anti communal stance and for his nationalistic point of view. Qasim Rizvi, the leader of the Razakar movement and some of his friends were tried by a special court for the assassination and finally they were acquitted. The people of Hyderabad admit and acknowledge the greatest contribution to their struggle made by Mr. Krishna Swamy Mudiraj, the bold local correspondent of “The Hindu” Madras, who often staked his own life to get the correct news and transmit it to the periodicals of the British India and who was one among the other correspondents of the non local news agencies that were sending the news of that violent and wildly tyrannical period to the rest of the country. The Hindu, Madras proved its mettle and used all its might in support of democracy, whereas there was a local news agency known as the “Deccan News” that was born out of a communalist agenda and during the Razakar period it took its communalist and sectarian madness to a new height and limit. However the Modern News Agency deserves kudos for its excellent work and contribution to ensure perpetuation of democratic values. There were some other

54 K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj news agencies too that were more or less inclined towards the unity between all communities and democracy. Such were the times during the political struggle of Hyderabad and the roles played by the press in it. And such are the times now when the state is independent and the press is truly free, it is incumbent upon the press to fulfill its responsibilities as a big force in a democratic set up and the general expectation is that the press will never be lagging behind in fulfillment of this responsibility.

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CHAPTER SEVEN The Rise and Fall of the Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen he Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen was originally set up to unite the various Muslim sects into a single entity Tand to educate the ignorant Muslims who were mostly from the rural areas about the religious tenets, obligatory practices and rituals and it continued to carry on with its original objectives for a long time. But when the issue of Federation cropped up with its full import and its importance in relation to the states became obvious and the question of representation of Hindus and Muslims in the council presented itself before the Muslims then Nawab became willing to organize the Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen as a political entity. Nawab Bahadur Yar Jung was the scion and heir of a Pathan Jagirdar family. He was naturally gifted with an intelligent mind and awakened heart. He was educated and trained under the oriental scholars and the religious ethos, ethics and values were dominant in his conduct since his childhood. When he grew up his oratory and discourses brought him name and fame. As the founder president of the Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen he acquired more clout and when he ventured outside Hyderabad and met Mr. Jinah a number of times there was a change of heart in him.

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The opposition to Majlis by Muslims:- At a time when the Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen was on the ascendant as a political organization, many sincere and moderate Muslims were of the view that this kind of politics will be detrimental in the days to come to not only the Muslims but it will also have a devastating impact on the state and its ruler. Many Muslims were against the Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen and especially the nationalist Muslims were quite wary of its policies. With the passage of time and the changing political events and scenarios the clout and reach of this sectarian organization’s poisonous effect kept on spreading far and wide. Nizam and Hyderi Hands in Glove with Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen:- The Self Rule formula that was being pursued by the Muslim League in the British India was a God Send for Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen. When the Majlis organized itself fully and gained strength, it marched forward with a dangerous policy. In the previous chapters it has been made plain how the Government of the Nizam had adopted a policy of preferential treatment and appeasement of its Muslim subjects merely to look after its own interests. The Nizam and Sir Akbar Hyderi’s ministry began considering the Majlis-e- Ittehadul Muslimeen and Bahadur Yar Jung as an unanticipated boon for their own purposes. And they kept trying to strengthen them on the sly. But later on differences cropped up between Bahadur Yar Jung and Sir Akbar Hyderi and the mutual tensions were aggravated further especially during the constitutional reforms. The “Ana al Malik” (I am the Sovereign) slogan:- Bahadur Yar Jung had become the Qa’ed-e-Millat (the

57 The 30 years of Political Struggle of Hyderabad undisputed leader of the community) of the . The Nizam was under the impression that Bahadur Yar Jung would never have much of popularity and power but when the slogan from the platform of the Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen was raised that the Muslims of Hyderabad were the real Sovereign and the Nizam was only a representative of this Sovereignty; the Nizam considered it a challenge to his power. Nawab Bahadur Yar Jung raised the slogan of “Ana al Malik” (I am the Sovereign) and raised it with full force. He began reminding even the British their status with regard to Hyderabad based on their treaties with the state. This made both the Nizam and the British wary of Nawab Bahadur Yar Jung and their apprehensions persisted until his death. Boycott of constitutional reform:- The Iyengar committee on constitutional reforms was busy in preparing its report. And after toiling for ten months the report was submitted to the Working Committee and the Council submitted it with a few amendments along with a long petition to the Nizam. On July 17, 1939, the constitutional reforms were announced. This announcement created a great turmoil in all circles and the reforms were rejected outright. The groups with nationalist and congress view point did not like the reforms because they were not fully satisfied with them. But surprisingly even the Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen cast off these reforms because these were contrary to what was promised to the Muslims. The secret assurances to the Muslims:- The Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen published the assurances given to it through a secret Memorandum by the Government, which were as under:

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“The council has made these two recommendations with regard to the representation made by the Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen. The first; insofar as the demand that “the overall Muslim representation in the Legislative Council; with the exception of the members of the Government, shall not be reduced to a minority in the council” is concerned; it is recommended that the Qanuncha Mubarak may include a proviso that all the three representatives of the Sarf-e-Khas Mubarak, to be nominated by Aala Hazrat Bandagan- e-Aali (the Nizam) will only be Muslims”. The second; insofar as the demand that “the representatives in the Legislative Council; must obtain the mandatory votes” is concerned; it is recommended that the Qanuncha Mubarak may include a proviso that the votes obtained by the representative concerned from his own party must be increased to 51 percent from the proposed 40 percent” Therefore the Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen, Hyderabad is hereby assured that the above resolutions will be enforced when the constitutional reforms are implemented”. This secret Memorandum is hereby handed over to Nawab Bahadur Yar Jung, the leader of Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen as per the orders of Aala Hazrat Bandagan-e-Aali (the Nizam). (Kazim Yar Jung Secretary, Peshi, October 4, 1939). Obviously this double speak policy of the Government couldn’t have succeeded. After strong opposition to and rejection of the announced reforms, the Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen struggled to get the above secret assurances enforced and conflict between the Government and the Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen kept growing.

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Dissatisfied with the Nizam’s policies Bahadur Yar Jung abdicated his titles and jagirs. The Nizam ordered a ban on his speeches. As the president of the All India states Muslim League, Bahadur Yar Jung had been well known in British India and was becoming quite close to Mr. Jinnah, his political mentor. Disappointment of Qae’ed-e-Millat with the Nizam:- In his last days Bahadur Yar Jung had become disillusioned with the Nizam and his Government as the reality had become plain to him that the Nizam and his Government were using the Muslims as an instrument to achieve their own ends and they were sympathetic neither to the Hindus nor the Muslims and that it was only a Responsible Government or its equivalent dispensation that could set right all that was wrong with the state administration. While the Government was thinking of mollifying him with a ministerial berth, he died under mysterious circumstances. This loss was felt across all sections of not only Muslims but also the Hindus of the state. The general consensus was that had he lived longer, a reasonable compromise could have been worked out between the Hindus and Muslims in the days to come and the allied forces would not have turned towards the perilous position that eventually destroyed Hyderabad and its people. An attempt for a compromise: - After Bahadur Yar Jung the presidency of the Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen devolved to Moulvi Abul Hasan Syed Ali who was considered a staid and realistic leader. After Bahadur Yar Jung, it was difficult to reign in the rabidly communal and violence prone elements of the Majlis. And Abul Hasan Syed Ali’s temperament was not such that he would stoop down to any unbecoming methods to balance the conspiratorial groups of the Majlis. He planned to have

60 K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj a comprehensive long term settlement with the Majority Hindus because the prevalent times and events justified such an arrangement. However there was a huge and vociferous resistance in Majlis to such attempts by him and he disassociated from the Majlis in such a way that he never even talked about it. Ittehadul Muslimeen on the way to its destruction:- Ittehadul Muslimeen now began its journey towards its destruction. Politics and Pondering became so cheap that they were now a commodity on sale at the street corners. When Qasim Rizvi assumed the presidency of Ittehadul Muslimeen, and declared himself to be a Mujahid-e-Aazam, every other Muslim too became a Mujahid and Sarfarosh. Dreams of reviving the grandeur and glory of the Islamic Medieval kingdoms were being evoked. The right to rule over Hindus was being thought of as a birth right of Muslims. Swords and Scimitars were being sharpened and exhibited openly. Distribution of guns and military organization were commenced on a wide scale. The persecution and ethnic cleansing began, Razakars unleashed a reign of terror everywhere. Muhajireen (Muslim migrants from the rest of India) were being welcomed in Hyderabad and Crores of Rupees were being spent on them to strengthen the Islamic Sultanate of Hyderabad and to unfurl the Asifjahi Flag on the Red Fort at an appropriate time. The last round of Madness and terror:- It was as if this period of destruction and devastation and these crazy and terrible hours were waiting for a severe reaction. The Ittehadul Muslimeen had sunk Hyderabad and it will perhaps be very long before the people of Hyderabad can lead a normal life again. With the Police Action this fascist group was annihilated and a new period began.

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CHAPTER EIGHT Hyderabad State Congress n view of the trial and tribulations faced by the state on the issue of constitutional reforms and the direction the general Ipolitical events were taking a need was being felt for an organization that was founded on non communal and non sectarian basis and which could become a powerful centre for the people. A number of informal meetings and consultations were held in Hyderabad and the districts. Upon being appointed as the Sadr-e-Azam (prime minister), Sir Akbar Hyderi read out a Firman of the Nizam in a special session of the Legislative Council that the Nizam has set up a committee headed by Divan Bahadur Amod Iyengar for taking the process of constitutional reforms further. Public convention before constitutional reforms: - This committee generated a lot of public interest, it was therefore felt necessary to solicit public opinions and demand that could be presented before the Government. Shri Konda Venkata Ranga Reddy (member legislative council) and Shri G. Ramachari held a convention of various sections of Hyderabad people on Nov. 13, 1937. Moulvi Abul Hasan Syed Ali presided over this convention. Wide ranging debate and discussions were held freely on various aspects of the proposed constitutional reforms; thereafter the following resolution was passed.

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“This convention of the representatives of various sections of the people of Hyderabad resolves hereby that a committee be and is hereby formed consisting of the following members present in this convention, with powers to increase its members as it deems fit from time to time for the purpose of formulating a scheme for the proposed constitutional reforms so that the same is presented to the Government” Members of the committee: 1) Mr. M. Hanumant Rao, 2) Mr. Govind Rao Nanal, 3) Mr. Bhagya Reddy, 4) Mr. Sripat Rao Palnitkar, 5) Mr. M. Narsing Rao, 6) Mr. Konda Venkat Ranga Reddy, 7) Mr. D.D. Italia, 8) Mr. Mohammad Abdullah Pasha, 9) Mr. Ganpat Lal, 10) Moulvi Abul Hasan Syed Ali, 11) Mr. B. Ram Kishan Rao, 12) Mr. S. V. Nayak, 13) Mr. S. B. Sharma, 14) Mr. Sirajul Hasan Tirmizi, 15) Mr. Krishna Sharma, 16) Mr. Krishna Swamy Mudiraj, 17) Mr. Rama Chari, 18) Mr. Janardhan Rao Desai, 19) Mr. Kalimuddin Ansari, 20) Mr. , 21) Raja Panna Lal, 22) Mrs. Rustomji and 23) Mrs. Cornelious. Mr. M. Hanumant Rao was unanimously elected as the president of the committee. The committee held a number of meetings to formulate a scheme for the proposed constitutional reforms. Disassociation of the Muslim representatives from the convention:- In the last meeting of the committee , when the proposed scheme was to be adopted, (13/12/1938) Moulvi Abul Hasan Syed Ali Mr. Mohammad Abdullah Pasha Mr. Kalimuddin Ansari and Mr. Syed Mohammad Ahsan expressed their wish to disassociate from the convention. Because in their view, the issue of reservation of the

63 The 30 years of Political Struggle of Hyderabad council seats for Muslims was not resolved satisfactorily. They proposed that at least 50% of the seats, including those that were proposed to be filled through a general election must be reserved for Muslims. The members of the committee were against this proposal. However they agreed that in case of the Muslims’ insistence on reservations, the Hindus might agree to a proposal for 20% reservations for Muslims and the rest open with freedom to contest for all. There was no settlement on the issue and the talks ended inconclusively at this stage. Moulvi Abul Hasan Syed Ali and his associates maintained that from the point of view of the right to vote and the powers of the legislature this was a fundamental issue and was likely to affect them and as they disagree with the principle of majority vote to decide such issue in the legislature they can no longer cooperate with the convention. The constituent committee presented its report in a public meeting and got it approved. It was then sent to the Government so that it can reflect upon the peoples’ demands and aspirations while finalizing the constitutional reforms. It was at this juncture that the need for a purely political institution was strongly felt because people had been politically active for years and it was now showing results. After a number of informal meetings and deliberations it was decided that this political institution is named as the Hyderabad State Congress. In July 1938 a provisional committee was set up for working out its bylaws. After this initial work a membership drive was taken up. In its objects clause it was made clear that anybody who was a member of any sectarian or communal organization could not become a member or office bearer of this organization nor there be any place in it for anybody who were associated with any religious or communal group.

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Unconstitutional ban on the Congress:- People from all castes, creeds and religions were members of the Congress. It was already made clear that the Congress was founded on entirely secular and nationalist basis. But in spite of this the Government began to view it as a sectarian and communal organization and thus a ban was imposed on the State Congress even before it was practically born. On Sep. 8, 1938 the Government proved its wisdom by imposing a ban and declaring it an illegal organization. When a meeting of the general body of the State Congress was about to be held on Sep. 9, 1938 at the residence of Shri G. Rama Chari at Abids, an order from the Police Commissioner was received that “Since the Government has declared the State Congress illegal you are requested not to hold its public meeting that was scheduled to be held on September 9 at your place”. This act of the Government of the Nizam was in itself unconstitutional; because a political organization that was constituted on democratic and nationalistic principles and that had made it clear that anybody who was a member of any sectarian or communal organization could not become its member or an office bearer nor will there be any place in it for anybody who were associated with any religious or communal group, was being declared as communal and was being banned and was being prevented as an illegal organization before it even began any of its political activities. As if the Majlis Ittehadul Muslimeen was not a communal organization in its view. However a conflict ensued against this strange behavior of the Government. The founders and leaders of the State Congress strived a lot to get this ban order rescinded and when all constitutional remedies were exhausted and they became hopeless with the

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Government then it was decided to begin a Satya Graha as there was no other means available to draw the attention of the Government to its unjust ways. Commencement of Satya Graha: - On Oct. 24, 1938, State Congress began its Satya Graha and Shri Govind Rao Nanal, president of the State Congress along with four of his associates i.e. Shri Janardhan Rao Desai, Shri Ram Kishen Dhoot, Shri Raavi Narayan Reddy and Shri Srinivas Rao Borekar was arrested during their Satya Graha at Putli Bowli, Sultan Bazar road. Subsequently other leaders and active members of the Congress did Satya Graha one after the other and graced the Jails. And more than 400 Congress Satya Grahis were made Government guests. It was the first ever experience of this type of Satya Graha for Hyderabad hence it drew a lot of public attention. There used to be strict security arrangements by the Police and C.I.D. at the Satya Graha venues so that the public would not gather at such places and get practically interested in it. The address of the Congress office was unknown but daily bulletins were published that a Satya Graha will be held at such and such time and place. The Police were clueless till the last moments about the place from where the Satya Grahis were to come but right on the dot they would appear as if from nowhere shouting slogans and were arrested promptly. The public was prevented from passing through the Satya Graha venues and sometimes the area was cordoned off, roads were closed. There was an announcement that Shri Digambar Rao Bindhu would offer Satya Graha at Kacheguda Railway Station. So the police had made strict security arrangements on all roads leading to Kacheguda. They had decided to prevent Bindhuji from entering the area. But Shri Rama Chari took him by car to Falaknuma Railway Station from where he

66 K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj boarded a local train and reached Kacheguda. And when he came out of the station shouting nationalistic slogans along with a group of supporters the police were taken aback and pounced on them. They were all arrested and taken away to jail. Release of the 400 Satya Grahis:- So this Satya Graha continued for a long time and on April 10, 1939 the Government released the 400 Satya Grahis, without lifting its ban on the State Congress but it had become clear to it that it cannot continue imposing it for long. Satya Graha by Arya Samaj:- In the same period the Arya Samaj launched a movement for its religious rights. Pundit Vinayak Rao Vidyalankaar was the president of the Arya Samaj Hyderabad. The Satya Graha of the Arya Samajis became so wide spread that bands upon bands of the Arya Samajis from Punjab, Delhi, Bombay and Nagpur began coming and offering Satya Graha in Hyderabad, which made the Government circles to worry and there were attempts to somehow end this chain of Satya Grahas. The Government compromise with the Samaj:- The Government got tired of arresting the Satya Grahis and when it realized that use of force is becoming ineffective, then it was decided to have a negotiated settlement of the issues. The Government invited Shri Desh Bandhu Gupta from Delhi and Shri Ghansham singh Gupta from Nagpur for talks and the demands of the Arya Samaj were accepted upon which the Satya Graha was called off. During the same period, a party named as the Hindu Social Liberties too was doing Satya Graha to seek the right to protest and

67 The 30 years of Political Struggle of Hyderabad processions. So the number of detainees from these two parties alone had reached about 10,000. All of them were unconditionally released in August 1939. The efforts to evacuate the prohibition on the State Congress continued unabated. And Pundit Kashinath Rao Vaidya was in correspondence on the subject until Dec. 2, 1939. The proposal of name change for the Congress:- So as a result of all such correspondence, the Government appeared to be somewhat inclined. A proposal was made by the Government that if the State Congress changed its name and if it was not affiliated to any party or organization from outside Hyderabad state, only then the Government may consider revoking the ban orders. The standing committee of the Congress agreed to both these conditions and the resolution of the standing committee was sent to the Government. The Government’s Volte Face:- The Government was not expecting the State Congress to agree to the said conditions but when finally it found the Congress firm on its commitment to these conditions, it went back on its promise and an additional condition was stipulated that if the demand for a responsible Government was given up then the matter of lifting the ban on Congress may come up for consideration. Dread of the name of Responsible Government:- The State Congress understood from such tricks of the Government that it was not willing to lift the ban in any way. The demand for a Responsible Government was anathema to it. Although then it did not mean anything more than the Government being

68 K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj answerable to the legislature. And Huzoor Nizam being free to use his royal powers wherever and wherever he deemed fit. The founder of the State Congress himself had expressly stated that the Responsible Government would strengthen the Asif Jahi Monarchy. Had the then powers that be, shown any wisdom, then perhaps the Government of the Nizam would not have faced the fate that it did in 1948. But the fact is that the then ruling coterie did not have the statesmanship and farsightedness which is required at such momentous occasions. They wished to keep a large part of their subjects away from the responsibilities of the Government and administration and were thinking of strengthening their rule by overlooking the effects of the voice of the public. Obviously this was nothing short of a lunatic’s dream. Jawahar Lal Nehru’s support:- There was no change in the unjust policy of the Government against the Hyderabad State Congress and it was bent upon continuing with its ban on it. Thus many years passed. In the British India, the States Peoples’ Conference was looking after the interests of the people of the princely states in order to guide them and to get their demands accepted by the rulers. The States Peoples’ Conference had to turn its attention to Hyderabad too. And on June 10, 1946, its general council passed a resolution showing sympathy and support to the just demands of the people of Hyderabad. It demanded that the Government of the Nizam should concede the demands of the State Congress. Pundit Jawahar Lal Nehru, the president of the States Peoples’ Conference, addressed a letter to the Prime Minister of Hyderabad pressing for lifting the ban on the State Congress. Hence on July 3, 1946 the Government lifted the ban albeit half heartedly. However the unceasing efforts of

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Shri Rama Chari and his active struggle till the last with regard to the revoking of the ban on State Congress cannot be forgotten. A Great session of the State Congress:- Soon after the ban on the State Congress was lifted the organizational work was undertaken from July 3, 1946 itself. And its first session under the presidency of Swamy Ramanand Teerth was held at a grand scale at Musheerabad. Shri Shankar Rao Dev, the general secretary of the Indian National Congress participated in this session. Hundreds of delegates came from the districts and almost one lakh people were present in this historical session. Mr. B. Ram Kishen Rao presented a resolution demanding the immediate setting up of a responsible Government in Hyderabad and accession of the state in the Indian Union. This resolution was in fact a challenge to the Firman of the Nizam issued on June 12, 1946, with a slogan of independent Hyderabad. Swamyji’s programme for Congressmen:- Swamy Ramanand Teerth, the president of the Hyderabad State Congress in his presidential address stressed upon the congressmen to strictly adhere to the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, because unless they follow his principles and his strategies their mission cannot have the moral force. Swamy Ramanand Teerth also presented a programme as to how the aims and objects of the State Congress can be propagated and popularized in public. He advised further that public meetings should be held at different places and the Congress demands should be forwarded by letters and telegrams to the Nizam and his Government with copies marked and forwarded to the president of the Legislative Assembly, Pundit Jawahar Lal Nehru and to Dr. Pattabhi Seeta Ramaiah, the president, States Peoples Conference.

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The circumstances under which this session of the congress was held were conducive to its objectives and people were intently focused towards it. When the Government realized that the State Congress is readying itself for a great and final conflict then it too began gathering all its forces and thus the stage was set for the fierce clash of two powers and two ideologies.

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CHAPTER NINE Congress preparations for a magnificent struggle ndia was to see the of independence on August 15, 1947. While the country was being partitioned and the IBritish were about to hand over power to two different dominions and depart from India, the Nizam was dreaming about keeping Hyderabad as his own independent country. And the people of Hyderabad who had been struggling for years against the monarchy and dictatorship had decided to escape tyranny and persecution by attaching their fate with the Indian Union. The Hyderabad State Congress gave the people a program at this juncture and began its preparations for a great resistance. Plan to push us to the front: - The Government began to garner support of those who were in favor of an independent Hyderabad. It therefore appointed the Aman Sabha and the Azad group, which were set up under the leadership of a Hindu Jagirdar, to take up a struggle to oppose the State Congress. During this period the Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen had a spectacular growth in its power and reach with an increasingly evident martial spirit. The Majlis held a number of meetings at different places. Armed rallies were taken out and the atmosphere was vitiated by its communal speeches and slogans. Therefore the riots of Warangal

72 K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj were a direct consequence of such practices. The executive committee of the State Congress felt the urgent need for a review of the situation and to work out plans and strategies to strengthen its cause. On June 29-30 and July 1, a meeting was held at Sholapur and after due deliberations it was resolved that despite all the coercion and violence unleashed by the Government, the movement must be carried forward. The meeting instructed the people to oppose at any cost the Government’s attempts for crushing the civil liberties and to push forward their demands with full force. Hundreds of group meetings and public meetings were held across the length and breadth of the state. And thousands of pamphlets containing the resolutions of the State Congress translated in Telugu, Marathi, Urdu, Kannada and Hindi etc. were cyclostyled and distributed. Thousands of telegrams were sent and the people showed an extraordinary interest in the struggle. Except for Warangal, Nizamabad and Nanded the meetings everywhere were conducted freely and without any Government restrictions. The movement was getting stronger and it appeared as though the talks in Delhi might break down. The Nawab Saheb Chhattari, (the then Prime Minister of Hyderabad) broadcast a speech that was in support of the Nizam’s point of view. In reply, Swami Ramanand Teerth made a proposal for conducting a plebiscite on the question of the accession of Hyderabad state in the Indian Union but it was neglected. Non Cooperation with the Nizam’s Government:- The president of the State Congress motivated the public for Non Cooperation with the Nizam’s Government and detailed instructions were published in this regard, which were as under: 1) All members of the Legislative Council, Municipal Council, District Boards and Village Panchayats should resign. 73 The 30 years of Political Struggle of Hyderabad

2) Public should withdraw their deposits from the State Bank of Hyderabad and boycott it. 3) Postal Saving Banks, Taluq Unions, and Mutual Cooperative Associations should be boycotted. 4) There should be no interaction with the Government in the matters connected with the Levi and all members of the Food Committees should resign. 5) All Government functions should be boycotted. The Hyderabad State Congress had a special session at Hyderabad at the end of July and it was decided to celebrate August 7 as the Indian Union Day. An appeal was made to the public to violate the prohibitory orders on meetings and rallies, take out Prabhat Pheris, Processions and Rallies and to go on strikes everywhere. And this proposal of the State Congress executive committee became a success. The Indian Union Day was celebrated not only in the cities and towns of Hyderabad but it spread even to some villages too. Many people were arrested in connection with violation of the prohibitory orders and conducting public meetings and rallies, taking out Prabhat Pheris, Processions and Rallies and going on strikes in many places. People in Khammam, Auragabad and elsewhere were attacked with Lathi Charge. The Government adopted a new policy and detention of the public was left to the discretion of the local district authorities. Swamy Ramanand Teerth and Shri Krishnama Chari violated the prohibitory orders in Hyderabad but they were not arrested. The president of the Andhra Provincial State Congress, Shri Jallapuram Keshav Rao was arrested, but it was considered unnecessary to detain the president of the Maharashtra Provincial State Congress, Shri Mukund Rao Pudgaonkar, however Mr. Manikchand Pahade was not only arrested but he was brutally beaten

74 K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj up by the Police in Aurangabad. In Gulbarga, Shri Ashwat Rao courted arrest but he was not arrested however in Raichur, Mr. Godhel Hanumant Rao together with three other leading citizens was arrested. It was being felt among the Congress circles that on August 15, when the Nizam would declare his independence, the Government may try to hit the Congress movement very hard. Perhaps as an advancement of the same view, Swamy Ramanand Teertha was arrested in Madhira on August, 12 but he was later released. When the Hyderabad State Congress sensed that the possibilities of the Nizam and his Government’s joining the Indian Union were over and the slogan of an independent Hyderabad was gaining ground then Swamy Ramanand Teertha through his very effective statement issued on August 11, made a proposal before the public that they should celebrate August 15 as the of India, Hoist the Union Flag and take a pledge to ensure the merger of Hyderabad in the Indian Union. The people were further exhorted to commence Civil Disobedience to strengthen their struggle. The time had now come for a severe collision, conflict and sacrifice and it appeared as though the people were ready to face everything. Help and cooperation of parties from outside: - The Congress executive committee in its Sholapur session took stock of the situation and appointed Madapati Hanumant Rao, Govind Das Shroff, Murlidhar Kashekar, and Dr. Melkote incharge of Andhra, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Hyderabad / Secunderabad respectively. An action committee too was set up. The executive committee decided further that it was essential to set up a coordination and propaganda / publicity committee. And this section was handed over to Shri S. K. Deshampayen. The office of the publicity committee was working from the office of Bombay Provincial Congress Committee.

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The all India significance of the Movement: - While this movement of the Hyderabad State Congress was a manifestation of the political aspirations and independence of the local people it was also closely related with the interest of Indian Union itself and it had thus gained an all India character. It was therefore thought necessary to make known the significance and usefulness of the movement to the people of the adjoining states / provinces of Hyderabad and to seek the support and help of the outside institutions and parties. In this regard the members of the working committee began touring and established a rapport with the Provincial Congress Committees and other leading persons. Shri Ramchandar Rao went to Madras, and there he had talks with the city Congress leaders. He also met the Journalists and succeeded in getting their cooperation in publicizing the Hyderabad movement. Ramchandar Rao also met Professor Ranga, Obul Reddy, Kaleshwar Rao and others in Bezwada. As a result the Andhra Provincial Congress Committee set up a subcommittee for Hyderabad and it later celebrated a Hyderabad Day. Similar tours were undertaken by Swamy Ramanand Teertha, A. K. Waghmare, Manikchand Pahade and Phoolchand Gandhi in the Central Provinces, Maharashtra and Berar. As a result of these meetings, Shri Brijlal Binyani, Keshav Rao Jadhe, Dr. Antrolekar, Rao Saheb Patwardhan and others assured their cooperation in Hyderabad’s struggle. Swamy Ramanand Teertha went to Bombay along with Shri Digambar Rao Bindhu, the president of the action committee and there he talked to the president of the Bombay State Congress Committee, S.K. Patil. He also met and discussed with the leader of the Socialist Party of India, Jay Prakash Narayan. Shri Pranshicharya toured Karnataka and arranged for

76 K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj responsible people. He also went to Hubli, Dharwar, Bangalore and Mysore to talk to some of the leading political leaders as a result, the Karnataka Provincial Congress set up its Sub-Committees so as to enable them to take necessary steps for supporting the Hyderabad Movement. In order to accelerate and strengthen the Congress struggle in Hyderabad and Secunderabad, work was started in the first week of July and Shri Laxman Rao, Shri Jagannath Rao Burdapurkar, Shri Ramulu, Sham Spingslekar, Shri Narender Ji, Shri Hardikar and Shri Pasolkar were the leading activist in this regard. A number of group meeting were conducted in different parts of the city and these meetings were addressed specially those of the students by Shri Ramanand Teertha and Dr. Melkote. More than 9000 special cards and registered letters containing the demands of the State Congress were sent by people and different organizations to the president of the constituent assembly. On 26th and 27th July two leading activists Shri Krishna Dubey and Shri Jaganaath Rao were arrested. Pandit Narender Ji and three of his associates were arrested on July 3rd. Preparations in Andhra Districts: The great public meeting that was held by the Congress workers at Bezwada on July 10th had participation of 225 delegates from the 10 districts of the Andhra Region. The delegates vowed to leave no stone unturned to make the program and struggle of the Congress a grand success. The initial work in Warangal and Mahboobnagar was already completed and this meeting of Bezwada held in spreading the movement in Andhra area. A lot propaganda work was already taken up in the Andhra region about the Congress demands. A number of group meetings

77 The 30 years of Political Struggle of Hyderabad were conducted but the officials promulgated Section 144 in the Warangal city and Madheera Taluq. Warangal district was declared as a sensitive area and the purpose of such promulgation was that there should be no meetings in connection with the movement. The riot in Warangal diverted the attention of the workers towards relief work. This riot was the handy work of the partisans of Majlis-e- Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen. In which a lot of bloodshed, vandalism and arson was indulged in by the troublemakers. The police began arresting the political workers instead of the rioters. Much before this the detention of Shri Raj Lingum, Chandramuleshwar Rao, Shri Vishwanathan, Shri Malikarjun Rao, Ji Satyanarayana and Ranga Reddy had affected the movement in Andhra but in spite of this the new workers came forward and the movement carried on. Preparations in Marathwada: As far as Maharashtra was concerned, Aurangabad, Parbandi and Nanded districts were already prepared for the movement. After a little while Beedh and Osmanabad also joined the movement. In Marathwada too meeting were held on the lines of the meetings held in Andhra. The demands for a responsible government in Hyderabad and the State of Hyderabad joining the Indian Union were made through resolutions passed in such meetings. These resolutions were sent to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and other leaders of India. The Non cooperation movement launched by the president of the State Congress had a telling effect in these areas and the members of the peace committees and the food committees resigned en masse. Many members of the village panchayats including the Patels too resigned from their posts. Itehad-ul-Muslimeen and its supporters celebrated the independent Hyderabad day in all districts and Taluq headquarters and took out armed processions but it did not affect the Marathwada

78 K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj people and they carried on with their movement without being deterred. A number of group meetings were held in Nanded. It was planned to hold public meetings at 25 places which were prohibited. The president of the Maharashtra Congress Committee Shri Mukund Rao Pudgaonkar visited and prepared the people for struggle and except for Karonda, in no other place the public meetings were prohibited. The public meetings in Aurangabad and its Taluqs like Gangapur, Jalna, Paithan, Vijapur and Ambardh was quite successful and from here too a number of letters and telegrams about the congress demands were sent. Purushuttam Rao, Ratanlal Koticha, Ramling Swami, Narahara Rao, Vamanrao Wazay and Narayan Rao Joshi played a major role in preparing the people for the struggle in Parbani district and these people addressed a number of group meetings and public meetings in contravention of the prohibitory orders in Beedh, Ashti, Georai and Mominabad. Similarly meetings were held in Osmanabad district also and hundreds of telegrams were sent. Preparations in Karnataka: Preparations in Karnataka began comparatively later. Some work was done earlier in preparing the people of Bidar, Gulbarga and Raichur for the struggle by Murlidhar Rao Kamtakar, Devalgaonkar and Arhwi Rao. The working committees had appointed Murlidhar Rao tour Karnataka and he had visited a number of places, but since he was arrested in Hyderabad on July 14th he could not attend the group meetings. Now, Shri Bedap was made in charge of Karnataka districts and more than 75 group meetings were held in Gulbarga and a number of telegrams were sent.

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The communal situation in Karnataka especially in Bidar was becoming critical day by day because the Unionists were being instigated by the delay. Under these circumstances there was no place for public meetings. Shops were being looted in Bidar, Zaheerabad etc. Despite of these difficulties and restrictions workers were boisterous and they were busy in taking the nationalistic movement forward. Great success of the Indian Union Day:- In response to the Nizam’s declaration that on August 15, he will assume the position of an independent ruler and against his resolve that Hyderabad will in no way join the Indian Union and that it will maintain its status and dignity as an independent sovereign state, the State Congress and the people had pledged to take their struggle to its logical conclusion and to offer all possible sacrifices. This great conflict therefore manifested itself in the form of the Indian Union Day on August, 7. The Ittehadul Muslimeen was busy in its activities with a lot of gusto and verve. Communal tensions were rising day by day. The Government had promulgated prohibitory orders in order to subdue the Congress. Section 144 was imposed and national leaders and workers were attacked with lathis but in spite of all this, the movement spread all over, not only in urban but also in the rural areas the Indian Union Day was celebrated; students, laborers and other sections showed extraordinary interest in it. Swamy Ramanand Teertha, the president of the Hyderabad State Congress, inaugurated the celebration of the Indian Union Day with a grand public meeting at Sultan Bazar where the national flag was saluted. Section 144 was imposed in the afternoon of the same day

80 K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj in Hyderabad and Secunderabad. Swamy Ramanand Teertha along with Shri Krishna Chari Joshi (member of the executive committee) violated the prohibitory orders and addressed the public at many places, so both were arrested but they were soon released. The Indian Union Day was celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm in Andhra. Police had surrounded Madhira, however the president of the Andhra Congress Committee, Shri Jamalapuram Keshav Rao managed to enter along with his associates and conducted Satyagraha. The demonstrations were very successful in Warangal, Yellandu, Yerra Paliyam, Kal Kota, Manu Kota, Mahaboob Abad, Srisailam and Tallada. Processions were taken out, national flags were hoisted and strikes were organized in 30 centers of Manthani. Same activities were taken up in Sirsilla, Huzoorabad, Jagtiyal and Metpally. In Taluq. Parkal the Indian Union Day was celebrated at 32 places. More than 10,000 people participated in the public meeting at Parkal. In Mahaboobnagar, Nizamabad etc. large scale demonstrations were held. On the whole, the Indian Union Day was celebrated at 196 places in Andhra and 118 people were arrested on August 7. In Maharashtra the Indian Union Day was celebrated at 117 centers and Parbhani was on the top in this regard as demonstrations were held at 46 places in the district. Prohibitory orders were violated at many places and Satyagrahis cour arrested. In all 132 persons were detained in the Province on August 7. The situation in Aurangabad was different when compared with the other districts since it was virtually under the Police Raj. In Nanded the labour class went on a complete strike. Karnataka too came up to the expectations of the center to a large extent. Well known leaders in Karnataka organized Satya Graha,

81 The 30 years of Political Struggle of Hyderabad many public meetings were held in Gulbarga and people went on a complete strike. In Raichur, Prohibitory orders were violated at many places. the Indian Union Day was celebrated in Bidar too. Thus this campaign of the Hyderabad State Congress became a grand success to such an extent that even the 12000 millworkers of Bombay went on a strike in support of the Indian Union Day of the Hyderabad State Congress, shutting down all the mills on August 7. On this occasion the Government of the Nizam tried to suppress this campaign of the State Congress through the use of force but soon it realized that it was not easy to face the growing wrath of the public.

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CHAPTER TEN The Nizam’s shenanigans to maintain his independent sovereignty he circumstances under which the transfer of British power was taking place in India provided the Nizam a Twindow of opportunity to attempt strengthening his aristocratic dictatorship on an even keel and by assuming the position of an independent monarchy; he planned to keep the state separate from the Indian Union against the public wishes. The Ittehadul Muslimeen had gathered its full strength and had gone quite far to help maintain this new political status of Hyderabad and the Nizam. But it was forgotten that in matters and issues that have a direct bearing on the present and future of the state and on the collective life of the people, the wish of the people is of utmost importance and it is impossible to move forward and achieve success by overlooking it. The State Congress’ challenge to the Nizam: The initial firman (the Royal edict) issued by the Nizam on 11th June 1947 was already challenged by the Hyderabad State Congress and in order to make known the public view-point on the issue, the Indian Union day and the Independence of India day were celebrated with full fervor and enthusiasm on 7th and 15th August respectively.

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Through the said firman the Nizam had refused to send his representatives to both the constituent assemblies and had announced that the legal result of the departure of the prevalent power from India in near future would be that he would be eligible to declare his own Independent monarchy and it was political wisdom that the integrity and the safety of the dominion of the Nizam must be the main focus of all activities in Hyderabad. Negotiations with New Delhi and : When the issue of the establishment of relations with the Indian Union was considered in its totality in view of the geographical position of India, and Hyderabad in the Indian subcontinent, negotiations were started with the governments of India and Pakistan. The Nizam was desirous to have discussions with the Indian Union on the basis of an agreement but the government of India was not agreeable to have any negotiations on this basis and the matter became critical. There were strong differences of opinion among the delegation of the state which had affected the Nizam as well and the Ittehadul Muslimeen was getting irritable. A member of the state delegation and a minister of the unionists Mr. Abdur Rahim said in a statement on 8th August 1947 “We shall not hand over the defense and foreign affairs to any other state, so we will not continue discussing these issues”. The two minister members of the delegation, Nawab Ali Yawar Jung and Mr. Abdur Rahim went to Karachi on 9th August to have discussions with the government of Pakistan and there they began secret deliberations with Mr. Jinnah and Mr. Liyaqat Ali Khan. The Delhi talks were broken and a critical situation of suspension was created. In certain circles it was being thought that the Nizam will decide about his joining of the Indian Union before 15th August but then

84 K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj the question had not attained the criticality before the government of India to an extent that it would affect the celebrations of 15th August 1947, the first independence day of India. The auspicious day of 15th August came and went but the Nizam did not declare his position. On the other hand the slogans for an Independent Hyderabad gained strength and the activities of Ittehadul-Muslimeen gained momentum. Nizam’s participation in the Independent Hyderabad Day: The Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen celebrated the Independent Hyderabad Day on August 15th. 1947. Public meetings were held everywhere and armed processions were taken out. The Nizam himself attended the Hyderabad Day function organized by the Majlis-e- Ittehadul Muslimeen. While addressing a farewell meeting held in honor of the last resident of Hyderabad, the Nizam once again declared: “I will become an independent monarch after the British leave India”. The Nizam also expressed his wish to make Hyderabad united with the British Common Wealth and His Majesty the Nizam himself would be the living example of such a unity. Nizam’s position on August 15th, 1947:- The Nizam assumed the position of an independent monarch on August 15th, 1947 and he declared the same through a firman: “I had made known my stance in context of the emerging issues with regard to the independence of India through my firman dated June 11, 1947 and my address on August 14, 1947; that in so far as my state was concerned; I shall become an independent monarch as soon as the British leave India”. Hence, with effect from August 15, 1947, I have attained this position.

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Talks with Mountbatten:- The Nizam published a manifesto about Berar that his Paramountcy on Berar was subsisting as usual and until its amalgamation with Hyderabad State the administrative arrangements would continue as they were. The plan of the Nizam to strengthen his independent monarchy and simultaneous efforts to begin talks with New Delhi resulted in the revival of the talks with Lord Mountbatten that were broken off before 15th August. The differences between the members of the Hyderabad delegation went on increasing and in the local Muslim press, some delegates were severely criticized and there was an expression of no confidence on such members. The press coverage of these differences and the criticism was so severe that the Nizam had to issue a firman on 2nd September 1947. Criticism of the ministers and the constitutional advisors: The firman read: “Recently there have been some irresponsible and uncalled for attacks on my ministers especially the prime minister and my constitutional advisor Sir Walter Monkton. Such criticisms have made the members of the Hyderabad delegation wary while they were busy in very important and critical talks at Delhi, which has acted as an obstacle in their work and has damaged the interests of the state”. The hullabaloo in the Muslim press led to Nawab Ali Yawar Jung’s exit from the campaign of discussion with the Indian Union. The critical issues that had to be tackled by the Titular Governor General of India, Lord Mountbatten, included the Hyderabad issue. Initially it was thought that the Nizam would act wisely and would reach an amicable settlement. But as the

86 K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj days passed his indecisiveness and delaying tactics made the situation still more critical. The Ittehadul Muslimeen had such a grip on the Nizam that he was unable to take any decision by himself and his unstable nature affected the real issues and made them even more confused. Sir Walter Monkton had gone to New Delhi along with the Hyderabad delegation as its spokesman on 19th September 1947. He had informed the government of Hyderabad beforehand that the breaking off of the Delhi talks would prove detrimental to the interests of Hyderabad. He had also expressed his intention to return to England immediately. This resolute decision of Sir Walter made the Ittehadul Muslimeen a worried lot and the unionist leaders pressed Sir Walter that if he left for England under the present circumstances then his return would be disastrous for the Ittehadul Muslimeen. The talks that began from 20th September had Sardar Patel along with Lord Mountbatten on behalf of the Government of India. The Hyderabad delegation stressed that the Nizam gives a lot of importance to the difference between joining and being associated with the Indian Union. According to them joining the union would lead to a great bloodshed. Besides they were apprehensive of the external interference as well. In reply, Sardar Patel said that the apprehensions expressed by the members of the Hyderabad delegation are unfounded and in case there were riots in the state then the government of India would put all its resources and forces at the disposal of the Nizam to quell them. The results of the Nizam’s unstable policies: Lord Mountbatten warned the delegation that if there was no agreement or settlement before 15th October and the talks were discontinued, then the issue would become very serious for the

87 The 30 years of Political Struggle of Hyderabad government of India and it will become more so for the Hyderabad state as well. The Hyderabad delegation had taken with them a few possible solutions for the Delhi talks which were not helpful in solving the actual issues but were likely to cause increasing confusion. Sir Walter Monkton had a better understanding of the constitutional position of Hyderabad in the changed circumstances and the overall view of the Indian Union. There were no differences worth mentioning about the approach to these talks between him and Lord Mountbatten but the problem was that the instructions received from the Nizam by the delegation and the lines on which the Nizam wished the talks to proceed further had created a difficult situation for him and the delegation. Sir Walter Monkton’s formula:- Sir Walter Monkton wanted to present a formula of “Statutory independence” so that the distinct status of the Nizam was maintained without affecting the greater interests of the Indian Union. But the talks did not proceed on these lines. The Nizam was not firm in his place. Sometimes he seemed amenable to a reasonable compromise and at other times the desire for total independence would create extremism in his views. This unstable policy resulted in making the situation even worse and no suitable agreement could be reached. The Indian Government view point:- The Government of India was willing to give certain special privileges in so far as the Hyderabad state was concerned. For example it had no objection that Hyderabad’s Agent General be appointed at London or any other place. It had offered to provide all facilities for the procurement of the state’s military requirements, arms and ammunition. It was also ready to remove its military bases from the Secunderabad Cantonment and provide other trade and commerce

88 K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj facilities to the state. But the Nizam and his Government adamantly wanted nothing except full independence as a result the Hyderabad delegation kept going to New Delhi and coming back from time to time and as far as the agreement was concerned no useful work could be completed and finally not only the talks were broken down but the mutual relations too got soured and the Government of India was forced to consider economic blockade of Hyderabad. Increasing military strength of Hyderabad: - Meanwhile there was a continuous effort to make Hyderabad militarily strong, plans for reorganization and expansion of the Army and the Police on a strong foundation were being implemented. Irregular armed forces were made regular and the National Guards of the Ittehadul Muslimeen, who gained notoriety later as the Razakars (volunteers) were made to grow fast into a powerful paramilitary wing of the armed forces and they were helped to become armed to the teeth. New recruits were drafted into the army. The Pathans, Mayos and Malabari tribals were especially preferred besides many of the Muslim immigrants from outside the state too were recruited into the army. Thus the autocracy and oppression of Hyderabad were being sought to be strengthened and many nationalists were of the opinion that if and when the Nizam and Nizam’s Government succeeded in their plans, Hyderabad state would become a permanent security risk to the Indian Union and the democratic aspirations and freedom of the people would be crushed with full force. In the Hyderabad Legislative Assembly’s session it was stated that all steps were being taken to protect the independent status of the state. A Reserve Bank for the state was being established, negotiations were in progress for setting up a Dollar Exchange and the budget was to be firmed up through a new executive.

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Heights of Propaganda:- The Nizam was hell bent on maintaining his independent status. So among other plans, the powerful tool of propaganda was put to use and Lakhs of Rupees were spent recklessly on this department. Propaganda agents were sent to different countries abroad. Journals and the press were manipulated. Attempts were made to contact some of the British Members of Parliament. It was the result of such attempts that the then leader of opposition in the British Parliament, Sir Winston Churchill too raised his voice. A delegation of British and American Journalists consisting of about 16 members was invited to Hyderabad at state expenditure costing Lakhs of Rupees. This delegation was a state guest in Hyderabad. The state department of information and communications was instructed to work as a representative for all departments of the independent Hyderabad state using the latest propaganda techniques. So the anti Indian Union propaganda reached a crescendo and when about three or four weeks were left for the Police Action to begin it reached its peak. However Dr. Jaysuriya and Pundit Kashinath Rao presented very informative and open statements to the leader of the delegation which impressed the members. These open statements are indicative of the courage of both these gentlemen. The efforts to make the radio broadcasts of those days more exciting and sensational in order to instigate and exhort the public against the Indian Union and to tell the stories of the power and might of Hyderabad state and to project its passion for Jihad are well known to everybody.

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Detention of Swamy Ramanand Teertha and the full powers of the Working Committee: - The Working Committee of the Hyderabad State Congress had already passed a resolution in its session held on July 1, 1947 at Sholapur that in the event of the detention of the president of the State Congress, the Action Committee, established by him would automatically assume all the powers vested in the Working Committee with regard to the ongoing movement. When Swamy Ramanand Teertha and some members of the Working Committee were arrested by the Government of Hyderabad on August 15, 1947, Shri Digambar Rao Bindu, the president of the Congress Action Committee took all powers in his hand and handed over the Sholapur resolution to the press, which read as under: “In the event of the detention of the president of the State Congress, which would be an emergency situation for the Working Committee, the Congress Action Committee would automatically assume all the powers vested in the Working Committee and its president with regard to the ongoing movement and it would be considered as the highest authority to run the movement on the broad outlines proposed by the Working Committee”. After the arrest of Swamy Ramanand Teertha the State Congress entered the final and greatest phase and it became incumbent upon Shri Digambar Rao Bindu to lead us forward with utmost acumen and wisdom because on the one hand was our confrontation with the Government and on the other was the clash with the Ittehadul Muslimeen which had become very strong as a political party.

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CHAPTER ELEVEN The last struggle of Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen. he Royalist Party: - Among the important factors that shaped the political life in THyderabad was the activism of the Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen. This political outfit first established its way among the Muslims of the state and when it gained strength and was well organized the Government too was inclined towards it, so much so that four of its representatives were included in the then last cabinet. But practically The Majlis controlled the entire Government machinery and the Nizam himself came under its spell. The close and deep relations between the Majlis and the Nizam prompted the State Congress to label the Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen as the King’s Party. For a considerable period the Majlis was like a chunk of tasty food in Nizam’s mouth and when the movement for Independent Hyderabad began the Majlis reached the pinnacle of its power and reach. Even the conscientious officers in the Army, Police and other important departments were mentally allied with the Majlis and the National Guards of the Majlis finally became a wing of the state Army and Police. Nizam’s Power handed over to Majlis:- Some non-partisan observers were of the view that all the powers of the Nizam were defunct and in his desire to become an independent

92 K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj sovereign against the Indian Union he had surrendered all his powers to the Majlis. Crazy Campaign:- The Ittehadul Muslimeen during the secondary phase of its campaign was focused on gaining special privileges for the ruling classes and on proving the Muslims as the embodiment of Royal power and when India reached near the stage of independence, its political struggle was devoted to seek an Independent Greater Hyderabad and after August 15, 1947, all its energies were thrown into its crazy campaign that was begun to attain full independence for Hyderabad and independent sovereignty for the Nizam. The power and sway of the Majlis in those days was unprecedented, because the Government and the King were completely under its fist and couldn’t proceed an inch without its permission. Resignation of Sir Mirza Ismail: - When Sir Mirza Ismail became the Prime Minister of Hyderabad there were expectations in some circles that the Nizam’s Government would now be in a position to discharge its duties in an unbiased manner without any let or hindrance but within a very short time political conspiracies began and Sir Mirza Ismail had to submit his resignation from the Prime Minister ship. The removal of Ali Yavar Jung and other members from the Hyderabad delegation as well as the resignation of Sir Mirza Ismail was a result of the Majlis’ power and sway. The Nizam originally wanted the Delhi talks to proceed as those between two sovereign states for an agreement but the Government of India absolutely refused to negotiate on this basis. When the talks could not proceed on the lines of an Independent Greater Hyderabad,

93 The 30 years of Political Struggle of Hyderabad the Ittehadul Muslimeen began to instigate the people for a sacrifice and created a fear psychosis. The president of the Majlis in his statement dtd. July 28 1947 said: Threats by the Action Committee: - “They have a lot of doubts and the way the situation has been in a flux for the last two days, I can say that none can help the Muslims except Allah. Even a small error can destroy the Muslims” The president of the Majlis appealed to the Muslims: “Do not keep an eye on the present events like mere spectators but understand that only a great sacrifice alone can save you from the imminent calamity. Everybody must be prepared for sacrifice and Muslims must remember that the Islamic King of the Deccan is theirs alone” The president of the Majlis appealed further to the Muslims that they should be ready for whatever struggle the action committee would launch and participate in it wholeheartedly for the freedom of Hyderabad. They should not shy away from any possible sacrifice that may be required at this stage. The secretary of the action committee, Mr. Abdul Rauf made an announcement on August 8, 1947 that from August 15 onwards when the Paramountcy has ceased the 25 lakh Muslims have pledged to maintain the Freedom of Hyderabad and its Independent Sovereignty. Communalism over Politics:- With the transfer of power, the Nizam, his Government and the Majlis reckoned that they now had a golden opportunity to maintain and safeguard their own freedom and that of Hyderabad but the fact that it was well nigh impossible to succeed in any campaign by neglecting the hopes and aspirations of 15 million people of the state and without getting their help and cooperation in

94 K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj the endeavor, was forgotten. Majlis and the Government coterie were swept in emotional currents and communalism had overtaken their politics with full force. This was the reason why their struggle was launched on a wrong footing and they never had an opportunity until the very last to think realistically and take a correct step. Congress opposes the Standstill Pact: - Since July 1947 the need was being felt that after August 15, when both states (Indi and Pakistan) would have got the power, a Standstill Pact with the Indian Union would become necessary. The Government of the Nizam wished to have a similar pact with the Government of India and according to its point of view negotiations should continue for a larger political settlement. The Hyderabad State Congress was against the Standstill Agreement on the ground that until the fundamental question of Hyderabad’s joining the Indian Union is decided no agreement of even an interim nature be entered by the Government of India with the Nizam. The working committee of the State Congress in its meeting held on July 30, 1947 passed the following resolution in the matter. “It has come to the knowledge of the Hyderabad State Congress Working Committee, through reliable sources that negotiations are underway between the Government of India and the Government of the Nizam that Hyderabad should hand over defense, foreign affairs and communications and join the Indian Union and a Standstill Agreement be executed between the Indian Union and Hyderabad State. It is important that the difference between these two issues is made clear. The issue of Hyderabad State joining the Indian Union is of a fundamental nature whereas the Standstill Pact is of an administrative nature”.

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“The Working Committee is of the view that in these days of a revolutionary but basically interim period, the most important and fundamental issue must be resolved first through an agreement and in its absence the Standstill Pact is improper” “The Working Committee expects that until the issue of the joining of Hyderabad State in the Indian Union is fully settled no interim agreement will be executed”. The Hyderabad State Congress Working Committee also challenged the declaration of the Nizam that he had attained his position of an independent sovereign and ruler with effect from August 15, 1947. For this purpose the Hyderabad State Congress Working Committee held its meeting on August 24, 1947 at Bezwada and passed the following resolution: The truth about independent Hyderabad:- “Hyderabad has decided to remain independent and separate from the Indian Union and the ruler of Hyderabad claims to have attained his full royal status and sovereignty. This body without soul is neither supported by history nor by the public. The Action Committee considers the claim of Monarchial Sovereign power an imaginary and make-believe story. The Princely States and the rulers of Hyderabad have always considered their very existence as dependent upon the British Crown and even now they were falling head over heels to find a place among the comity of nations under the British Common Wealth and to remain subservient to it in order to prolong their undemocratic rule. The people of Hyderabad have rebelled against the separatist ways of the Nizam and their struggle against the present unconstitutional regime in the state is continuing. Without the initial marks and symbols of democracy the Fascist

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Hyderabad cannot have a place among the comity of United Nations of the world and cannot establish independent foreign relations”. The resolution of the Congress Action Committee:- “In view of the Geographical location of Hyderabad and its being surrounded on all sides by the Indian Union, it is sheer foolhardy to build up its military power unless it is meant to confront the peoples’ freedom struggle and the freedom of the Indian Union. Therefore the Action Committee considers the policies of the Government of Hyderabad unrealistic and entirely disastrous. It repeats its opinion once again that it is only through joining the Indian Union that Hyderabad and the people of Hyderabad can achieve greatest freedom, peace and prosperity. This is the Mandate of the people who have become the real sovereigns at the end of British Paramountcy”. “The Action Committee has noted that there are attempts to deceive and defraud the public through trickery about some of the constitutional changes. The sole purpose of such steps is to obfuscate the prevailing fundamental democratic issues. But the committee is confident that the people are fully aware and would not be misguided by such deceptions. It feels it necessary to declare that people with a personal need or those having vested interests would desist from discussing these issues on such a basis because this will be entirely against the democratic freedoms and common interests of the people. Nothing less than Hyderabad’s joining the Indian Union and formation of a responsible Government in Hyderabad can be acceptable to the public. The people have commenced a great struggle to achieve these goals under the banner of the Hyderabad State Congress and they will continue their struggle until the time they reach their goals”.

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“The Action Committee invites the farmers, workers, general public, legislature, rich and poor all to contribute their might to the extent possible in this public struggle for freedom and democracy”. The most worrisome issue for the Majlis was that the Delhi talks were not progressing as per its wishes. Hence its misgivings about some members of the Hyderabad Delegation and about Sir Walter Monkton were increasing and these misgivings eventually took the form of an agitation. The Nizam had to express his confidence upon his Prime Minister and Constitutional advisor through a Firman once again. In his Firman the Nizam made it clear that appointment and suspension or dismissal of officials was the sole prerogative of the King and his Government and any protests or agitations in this regard from any quarter in future will be dealt with strictly. The direction of the Delhi talks: - When it became plain about the Delhi talks that the Government of India and Lord Mountbatten were not willing to let Hyderabad have the important portfolios of Defense, Foreign affairs and Communications and Sardar Patel was unwilling to let the negotiations continue any longer the Majlis agitation turned against New Delhi. In a meeting of the Majlis-e-Shura of Ittehadul Muslimeen, Mr Qasim Razvi president of the Majlis gave a speech in which he said: “Sardar Patel is issuing threats on behalf of the Indian Union that there will be serious repercussions if Hyderabad does not join the Indian Union. These threats signify that economic sanctions will be imposed against Hyderabad and Hyderabad will be isolated from the rest of India in terms of communications and transportation”.

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Ittehadul Muslimeen’s challenge to Sardar Patel:- Mr Qasim Razvi president of the Majlis in his speech said: “ Sardar Patel should understand that Hyderabad too can undertake activities in retaliation and can cause extensive damage to the Indian Union. Hyderabad is a great power and can stand up with courage against any nation of the world. Junagarh surprised the powers that be of the Indian Union by joining Pakistan although it did not have any geographical affinity with Pakistan and the Indian Union could not do anything against it because it had no power. Referring to Rampur and other states the president of the Majlis said that these states were forcibly made to join the Indian Union, as a result these states are under the occupation of the Indian Union Armed Forces. If Hyderabad joins the Indian Union, it will also face the same fate. The members of the Hyderabad delegation did not have the interests of Hyderabad close to their hearts and the Nizam was initially misled by wrong advice but Huzoor Nizam has absolutely refused to join the Indian Union. His resolve and determination cannot be shaken by any means. Under any circumstances the Muslims of Hyderabad who have resolved to sacrifice their everything for the independence of Hyderabad will never be ready to join the Indian Union. Similarly any amount of pressure brought to bear by the Indian Union upon the Nizam would not make him inclined to join the Indian Union. The Government efforts to talk to the Congress leaders: - The Government of the Nizam that appeared not to be overly impressed with the general demand of Joining the Indian Union but the success of this movement had rattled it. So in order to put this issue on the back burner and to fulfill its own interests attempts were made to talk to local congress leaders, so through Mr Panna Lal Pitti it was tried to contact Swamy Ramanand Teertha. The Action

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Committee of the State Congress which was then the empowered group deliberated on the issue and the following statement of Mr. Digambar Rao Bindu appeared in the Newspapers: “At a time when the wheels of the vehicle of violence are on a full roll it is understood that the Government is planning to begin talks and it is learnt that it is attempting through some unofficial sources, to get in touch with Swamy Ramanand Teertha who is at present incarcerated. The Government has once again failed to adopt a correct plan of action. The view point of the State Congress is absolutely clear. The Government should contact Swamy Ramanand Teertha directly and clarify its stand and intention on the demands of the State Congress that Hyderabad should join the Indian Union and immediately establish a responsible Government. I would ask the persons who are interested in such clandestine talks to desist from it. The violent Government machinery is in full operation and any attempts to create such contacts will prove to be a delaying tactic and would be tantamount to misleading the public. The Government should prove its bona-fides by bringing to an end the violence and suppression, the undemocratic front and communal rioting to build up public confidence and accept the public aspirations”. This attempt of the Government however could not succeed because there was no sound basis for the talks. Besides, the State Congress had guessed the true intentions of the Government that it wanted to get the Congress leaders entangled in talks and divert the public attention from the real and fundamental issues. When the Government was frustrated in this plan its behavior became stricter and with the full partnership and cooperation of the Majlis it began obsessive preparations to proceed towards a stage which was very treacherous.

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Ban on the Indian Union Flag: - The grand Indian Union Day celebrations organized on a wider scale by the Hyderabad State Congress on August 7, throughout the Hyderabad dominions had witnessed a clash between the Government and the public, a second and more intense clash took place on the issue of the Indian Flag. The events and circumstances had emboldened the State Congress and the public. The argument of the Nizam’s Government was that the Flag of the Indian Union which was a foreign flag must not be hoisted in any manner in Hyderabad. The Congress claim was that since Hyderabad is an intrinsic part of the Indian Union and the Tricolor manifests the glorious past and hopeful future of the people they are willing to die for its hoisting and for protecting its respect and sanctity. The Government of the Nizam considered the Indian Flag a hindrance in the way of the Independent Hyderabad and on August 3, the flag was banned through an order that read as under: “The prime Minister of the Government of Hyderabad does hereby order that no foreign flag be hoisted at any public meeting or function, nor should it be saluted. Any violation of this order is punishable with imprisonment for a term up to 3years or fine or both”. The Foreign flag mentioned in this prohibitory order was the Indian Tricolor and this was the thing that was controversial between the Government and the Congress but the convener of the Action Committee of the Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen Mr. Yameen Zuberi clarified through a warning that the Government and the Muslims of Hyderabad cannot tolerate the Indian Flag. He said: "We have already warned the Government that if the Indian

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Union attempted to hoist its flags on its office buildings, post and telegraph offices and the G.I.P.Line railway stations located within the boundaries of Hyderabad state, the Muslims will not tolerate it in any way. The responsibility for the consequences of any such attempts in the night of August 15 will not be upon the Muslims but will wholly be upon the Government". This challenge of the Government of the Nizam and the Majlis- e-Ittehadul Muslimeen was replied on behalf of the State Congress and Swamy Ramanand Teertha made a fervent appeal to the public to hoist the Indian flag on August 15 through the length and breadth of the state by stating: "It has been our demand that Hyderabad should join the Indian Union, for which the State Congress is already running a campaign. In connection with the Indian Independence Day one of our programs was to pay our respects and salutations to the Indian Flag collectively as well as individually. The present order appears to prohibit it. We do not consider the Indian flag a flag of any foreign country. It is our will and wish that Hyderabad becomes an integral part of India and for this reason we pay our homage to the Indian flag. In spite of these prohibitory orders we will hoist the Indian flag both individually and in different meetings. We do not care about the three year punishment. The prohibitory order is a challenge to the people of Hyderabad and I hope that they will accept this challenge". Insulting the flag: - The Government ban on the Indian flag and the appeal of the State Congress for hoisting it had a salutary effect. The Indian flag was hoisted in a number of places in cities, districts and Taluqs and

102 K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj the police not only removed it forcibly from the places of its hoisting but it was thrown down and torn into pieces. Hundreds of people were arrested for violation of the prohibitory orders and many people were Lathi Charged. On Aug 14 and 15 when the Bombay-Madras express reached Gulbarga station at 2.00 pm. All its compartments were pasted with the Indian flags which were immediately removed by the police. Similarly in some other trains that were entering Hyderabad areas the Tricolors were flying from all compartments which were being removed forcibly by the railway police and the city police. When Mr. R.K. Sidhu raised the question of this insult of the Indian flag in the Constituent Assembly, Pundit Nehru had to say clearly that wherever the Indian flag has been desecrated strong measures would be taken against those responsible. The Government of the Nizam denied that the Indian flag was insulted anywhere in the state and the State Congress Action Committee decided in Bezwada that on November 25, a Day of the Indian flag will be celebrated. The Government of the Nizam once again mobilized its full machinery of oppression and violence to make the Flag Day a failure. But there was a great deal of fervor and enthusiasm in the public, so the Flag Day was celebrated throughout the State with great zeal. From imposing section 145 to prohibition of coming out armed, gathering of more than five persons was tried by the Government besides ordering Lathi Charges at different places. More than 500 people were arrested on August 28.

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Firing in Parkal:- On the 3rd. of September 1500 people from Parkal and nearby villages gathered to celebrate the Flag Day and when the procession was moving towards the venue armed police began firing because of which 15 persons died and 100 were injured. After the firing when the terrorized people were running helter-skelter, the army surrounded Parkal. 150 Hindu cadres were taken into custody. Although there were Majlis supporters too in the attackers, but none of them were arrested.

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CHAPTER TWELVE Rule of Repression and Violence in Hyderabad hen the sun of freedom shone on August 15th. 1947 in India, it was expected that the fortune of the Wpeople of Hyderabad too will shine and they too will enjoy the fruits of freedom like the people of the other Indian states and provinces. But they were disappointed when they felt that under the Nizam’s rule, there were attempts to deny them their due share of independence and in the name of Independent Hyderabad dictatorship and oppression were being sought to be entrenched. People had to fight a hard battle to win freedom for Hyderabad and to make the state join the Indian Union and it was only in September 1948 that they achieved their goal. Trial of all weapons of oppression:- The Government of the Nizam was fully aware that its failure in its endeavors to remain independent would lead to adverse consequences, in view of this fact, all weapons of oppression and violence were used freely and no effort was skipped to showcase its might and power. Hyderabad, that for centuries was called a cradle of peace and safety and was well known for its communal harmony and unity became the centre of communal antagonism and violence. Detentions of the nationalist workers, Lathi attacks and firings became a daily affair and all those strategies to crush the public struggle were put to use which were available to the Nizam’s Government.

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The Police and Army raj: When the movement of the State Congress seemed to be gaining strength in the districts and taluks then many platoons of the army and police were sent there. Many army units which generally consist of five to six hundred regular soldiers were sent to Warangal, Mominabad, Aurangabad, Kareemnagar, Nalgunda, Osmanabad, Nanded, Jangaon, Parbhani, Jalna and Ajanta etc. To help the regular army of the state there were the armed police, Arab army, the national guards of the Ittehadul Muslimeen and Armed Muslim Public. Looking at all these army activities any non-partisan person was forced to say that the State of Hyderabad was under the army rule. Recruitment of Phatans and Malabaris in the army: Special attention was paid to increase the strength of the regular armed forces of Hyderabad and Phatans, Mayos and Malabaris from outside the state were recruited who belonged to the warrior tribes. Similarly there were recruitments in the police too and many Muslim refugees became the law and order officials. Although the army and the police had no direct contact with the Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen but it was subservient to the general attitude of the Majlis and used to express its communal bias in crushing the nationalistic movement of the people. Many lathi attacks were made against the public at Hyderabad, Secundrabad, Aurangabad, Khamam Met, Huzoorabad, Parkal, Narayanpet and other centers. More than 51 people died in police and army firing from the date when the State Congress began its regular campaign until August 1947. Police had become so powerful that there was no control of the Government on its actions and it got used to remain undeterred in torturing the nationalist workers and Satya Grahis in different ways, insulting them and looting their belongings at the first available

106 K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj opportunity. Thus the protectors of the people’s lives and properties and their honor themselves were playing the role of dacoits. Atrocities upon Atrocities: The police already had considerable powers but the Government of the Nizam threw a gazette notification implemented an ordinance through which special powers were granted to all magistrates and police officers. According to the ordinance firing order can be given after a mere warning on all those who violate the Government’s prohibitory orders. Similarly the punishment for conspiracy against the Government and seditious activities was fixed as death and seizure of properties. It was announced that the hearing for such crimes would be carried out by a special tribunal whose president would not be less than the rank of an additional and session judge. Through this ordinance of the Government the police had many more opportunities to play with the life, property and honor of the people. Maltreatment of Political prisoners: The political prisoners were treated in the same way as the ordinary criminal prisoners in the jails of Hyderabad at many places in the districts the political prisoners were not paid more than six or eight Anas daily which were hardly sufficient for a single meal because of this namesake daily allowance some political prisoners used to hungry and were on the verge of death and finally hundreds of political detainees had to go on a hunger strike. The president of the Andhra provincial congress committee Sardar Keshav Rao began the hunger strike in Warangal jail which spread to the jails of Jangaon, Nanded, Raichur and Aurangabad. The 700 political prisoners of the Warangal jail adopted this weapon in desperation. The political prisoners sent an ultimatum to the Government of the Nizam that if their demands for the food and other necessities like books, paper, pen etc. were not

107 The 30 years of Political Struggle of Hyderabad fulfilled they would go on a hunger strike from 1st September. The officials ignored this ultimatum and finally the strike began. Swami Ramananth Teertha and Dr. Melkote too joined the Hunger strikers in a show of practical sympathy and finally the chief justice and the director general of prisons met the prisoners and assured them to fulfill their demands and on this basis the strike was called off from 8th September. Communal terrorism: The foundation of the political philosophy and point of view of the Majlis-e-Itthedul Muslimeen was on religiosity and this organization as a political outfit gained unprecedented power and reach and the way it absorbed communalism within itself was unique. Every average muslim began to feel that his interest are deeply attached to the state and until all muslims do not struggle for safeguarding the independence of Hyderabad and to make it a safe and fortified place there interest and their individuality will always be in danger. The concept of independent and greater Hyderabad made them fall in love with the Majlis and the Majlis and the Government of the Nizam became one with them in this campaign. The Majlis together with its volunteer organization soon transformed itself into a fascist organization and began helping the Government with full force in crushing the people’s movement and within a short time the power of Majlis itself was increased so much that the Nizam and his Government began following its instructions and orders without demur. After considering the communal terrorism and the activities of the Majlis, the Hyderabad State Congress passed the following resolution in its meeting:

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“The Hyderabad State Congress has been observing for quite some time that in order to stop the increasing political awareness of the people, the communal elements and the vested interests are readying themselves to push forward a paramilitary force. Training, procurement of arms and ammunition and other explosives for the paramilitary troops have become an almost a daily affair. The loot and arson is continued on regular basis. Killing of public and assassination of political workers is being attempted. These elements are terrorizing the people so that the common man becomes worried and terrified in order to keep the people enslaved on a permanent basis.” When the Majlis came to know about the New Delhi negotiations that the Government of India would never accept an independent Hyderabad under any circumstances and there would be no agreement on this basis then the Majlis began arming the Muslims openly with full force and the Majlis started distributing swords, guns, spears, lances and other weapons in the Muslim localities and they were told in the present time their biggest assets were the weapons. Recruitment of Five Lakh Razakars: Armed processions were being taken out on behalf of the Majlis in cities, districts and taluks and march pasts of the Razakars began in different places. The Muslim press became more belligerent; fire and brimstone were being spewed through speeches and statements. Events of looting of people, burning of houses and shops, murder and mayhem became prominent in the rural areas and communal riots were intensified. Secunderabad had been a strong centre of the State Congress

109 The 30 years of Political Struggle of Hyderabad and it was so because of its being a center of working class activities and many workers with awareness were members and workers of the Congress. These working classes were being guided by Mr. Mahadev Singh (presently the president of the Socialist Party) and Mr. Giri. The Majlis tried to break up this front by various means but it could not succeed. On August 16, 1947, when a Satya Graha was being done at Kingsway (Secunderabad) the police did a Lathi Charge and many Muslims began helping the police. As a result both communities came to blows and when this news spread the Muslims jumped at the Hindus and the Hindus attacked them with crude bombs. Many people were seriously injured from either side and had it not rained right in the middle of rioting, this riot would have taken a fatal turn. On August 19, when there was another riot in Secunderabad the Hindus began migrating from here not only to the nearby villages but also to Bombay, Puna, Bezwada, Manmar etc. in search of an asylum. Unprecedented Student struggle: - The verve, courage and passion with which the working classes took part in the national movement were exemplary in themselves. The students also had always responded positively and with enthusiasm to various appeals made by the State Congress although they had a lot of obstacles and difficulties in their way, the department of education was breathing down their necks and they were being threatened with dire consequences if they participated in the national political movements. When such warnings of the Government did not have any effect on the students their parents and guardians were warned that they will be held responsible for all such activities of their wards. The students nevertheless went ahead with different programs of the State Congress. They celebrated different days. There

110 K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj was a student rally with 8000 students in connection with the Flag Day. On August 8, all students participated in the different rallies all over Hyderabad and condemned the Government violence against the public. The police in Hyderabad City fired teargas shells and Lathi Charged their processions. Processions and rallies were taken out in Aurangabad, Jalna, Nalagonda, Surya Pet, Bhongir, Mahaboobnagar and elsewhere. Students from Secunderabad went on a strike on August 9 in sympathy with the students who were ill treated by the police during the August 8 processions. The All India Students Congress appealed to all students to celebrate September 15 as Hyderabad Day and the All India Students Federation too fully supported this proposal. The Hyderabad students went on a strike on September 15 and took out processions from schools and colleges and the police left no quarter in beating them up and misbehaving with them. Similarly the labour sections were taking practical interest in the nationalist movement. While laborers in villages and towns supported the State Congress the factory and mill workers too proved their sympathies with the nationalist movement. Hence on the occasion of the Indian Union Day the workers of the Lalaguda workshop, the labourers of Hyderabad and Nanded textile mills, Railways and Bus Service employees went on a strike. Apart from the sympathies of these sections of Hyderabad, the sympathies of all of India were with the nationalist movement of Hyderabad. Every sensible citizen was of the view that since Hyderabad has been a part of India geographically and politically it should achieve its due prime status within the Union of India, because its separate and independent presence would be dangerous for India and the Indians cannot tolerate that Hyderabad should maintain its

111 The 30 years of Political Struggle of Hyderabad dictatorial and independent status against the wishes of the people of Hyderabad. The Bombay Provincial Congress Committee, the Andhra Provincial Congress Committee, the Karnataka Provincial Congress Committee etc. provided moral support to the campaign of the Hyderabad State Congress. The Nationalist Press of India too participated to the extent possible in pushing forward the state’s nationalist movement. Had there been no moral support of the people of India and had there been no timely Police Action by the Indian Union then perhaps the nationalistic struggle of the state would have taken a very long time to succeed and it would have taken ages for the people of Hyderabad to reach their goal. The Majlis as a paramilitary organization: - It was not much difficult for the Majlis to take the form of a paramilitary organization because the Government of the Nizam was backing it. The recruitment of Razakars was taken up on a wide scale and arrangements were made to increase their numbers to five lakh. The Action Committee of the Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen was responsible for all these schemes. A plan was made in consultation with the retired army officers as to how this army of Razakars can be organized and how their training could be completed. Platoons and Companies of the Razakars were made and the cities and districts of Hyderabad were given under the charge of the Razakar captains and commanders. Stenguns, other guns, swords and all other weapons were made available to them. Razakar Parades were undertaken from time to time. In the capital Hyderabad, the Razakar army platoons made March Pasts day and night on major roads and streets in order to

112 K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj intimidate and terrorize the Hindu population so that the objectives of the Majlis could be achieved. Major communal riots occurred in the districts which finally led to the major communal flare up at Bibi Nagar. Besides organizing the Razakars and their military training the Majlis also tried to arm all the Muslims of Hyderabad to a large extent. It was declared that every Muslim must wear the Khaki uniform so that he can enter the battlefield whenever required and the enemies should feel that every Muslim of Hyderabad was a Razakar. For this purpose Lakhs of Khaki uniforms were made and most of the Muslims started wearing them. The arrival of the Refugees: The initial arrival of the Muslim refugees or the Muhajirs was due to their fear and insecurity in the Indian Union but the Ittehadul Muslimeen thought it would be a great idea if 20 – 25 Lakhs Muslim Muhajirs from Nagpur, Ajmer, Mewar, Punjab, Madras and Malabar came and settled in Hyderabad then the population of Muslims in Hyderabad would double and thus they would be in a position to protect and maintain the independence of Hyderabad. For the fructification of this plan the Majlis sent its agents to all those places in India were the Hindu-Muslim riots had taken place and Muslims were moving out from those places. They were invited to Hyderabad and many promises were made so there was a continuous pouring in of Muslim Muhajireens in Hyderabad. Trains full of Muhajireens began arriving at Kacheguda and Nampally railway stations everyday where the officials from Majlis and the Government were posted to welcome and receive them. These refugees who carried with them the terrifying stories of atrocities against them were filled with hatred and a desire for revenge. There were shortages of housing and food due to their arrival in the city and issue became very critical but since

113 The 30 years of Political Struggle of Hyderabad the Government of the Nizam was a partner in this plan of the Majlis, Lakhs of rupees were spent on them and a number of refugee camps were opened for them in different places. The distress of the refugees along with the activities of the Majlis increased the communal emotions to a dangerous level day by day and when the Hindus of Hyderabad considered the situation in Hyderabad critical for them they began evacuating the state, then it occurred to some Muslim intellectuals to set up a Pakistan in southern India and one of them Dr. Syed Abdul Lateef emphasized the need for evacuation of the Hindus of Hyderabad to Madras, C. P. etc. and the immigration of Muslims of Madras, Malabar and C.P. etc. to Hyderabad in one of his statements. This mischievous proposal was condemned strongly by the state congress circles. The Government of the Nizam overtly attempted to stop the migration of the hindus from Hyderabad but covertly it was satisfied that if the migration of hindus is faster it would be in its own interest. Despite such critical situation the people were firm in their place and the truth is that for them there was no question of leaving Hyderabad at all. Warning to the Razakar organization: The Razakar wing of the Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen was dominated by the lumpen elements and on some occasions even the leaders of the Majlis were forced to issue a warning to them that if the events continued in the same way then the Majlis will have to bear the burden of such activities of the Razakars. In the districts Razakars were filling their pockets through loot, oppression and violence which went on widening. This went on for a long time. The fact of reaction to the action was forgotten which would prove to be extremely dangerous.

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The epithet of traitors for the nationalist Muslims: In view of the interest of the state and its people those nationalist Muslims who were pressing for an agreement between Hyderabad and the Indian Union and joining the Indian Union by Hyderabad were being called as traitors and slaves of Hindus and in the Majlis circle there was an open expression of hatred for them. There was no possibility of the talks between Hyderabad and the Indian Union succeeding because the Majlis force was behind the Hyderabad delegation and it was insisting upon having its way. The statutory independence formula for Hyderabad that was proposed initially by Sir Walter Monkton proved to be a failure and finally he was fed up as the constitutional advisor to the Nizam and had to resign and return to England. The breaking off of the negotiations with Government of India: The Hyderabad delegation continued in futile negotiations for a long time. When the Government of India felt that the situation was becoming unbearable as the Government of the Nizam was trying to play for time in order to prepare itself for war, then it clarified in no uncertain terms that there was no way that the Government of India would go any further than what it has already offered and thus the talks were broken off. Economic Sanctions against the state:- The situation began taking a serious turn soon after the talks were broken off. Weapons were being imported into the state by different means. Foreign politicians were being contacted. Lakhs of Rupees were being spent on propaganda. At this instance the Government of India felt the need for some economic sanctions to

115 The 30 years of Political Struggle of Hyderabad be imposed upon the Hyderabad state, that was part of India but that had now turned against it and was bent upon harming it. So when the economic sanctions took effect and the Hyderabad state felt the pinch, the Government of the Nizam and the Majlis-e- Ittehadul Muslimeen realized that Hyderabad state cannot survive without the help and cooperation of the Indian Union. The Mir Laiq Ali Ministry _ that was actually a Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen Ministry _ now had very serious problems at its hands. In the 1947 Budget a huge amount of money was provided towards defense requirements and when the 1948 Budget session began, the then finance minister Nawab Moin Nawaz Jung Bahadur had to clarify in his budget speech that a larger and larger portion of the revenue is required to be reserved for the protection and defense of Free Hyderabad. The actual truth was that billions of rupees of public money was already spent on the Free Hyderabad campaign without paying any heed to its repercussions. The economic sanctions imposed upon Hyderabad state by the Indian Union were unbearable for the state but the Government of the Nizam and the Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen tried to boast to the public that they would not allow Hyderabad to bow down to the Indian Union. Petroleum products were stockpiled in the state, restrictions and controls were introduced upon the use of all items whose imports from India and elsewhere were stopped due to the blockade, for this reason the consumers were put to a lot of hardship. It seemed as if an armed conflict with the Indian Union was now inevitable and imminent. Strange Propaganda: - The propaganda technique adopted against the Indian Union

116 K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj by the Government of the Nizam and the Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen surprised everybody. Very provocative and harsh words were used against the national leaders of India and it was made out that a large majority of the State is ready to defend the independence of Hyderabad. A full blown propaganda was launched that countries like Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt and other Islamic countries were ready to help support and defend independent Hyderabad if the need be. And if at all the Indian Union dared to attack Hyderabad these countries will not remain silent and would not shy away from providing all possible help to Hyderabad. At times it was said that the independent tribes of the frontier would give their blood and sweat for Hyderabad and at other times it was being said that the Arab league had decided what is to be done in matter of Hyderabad. So, different types of rumors and stories were under circulation. One such rumor was that even America was deeply interested in the Hyderabad issue because it was trying to set up its strong bastions against the spreading flood of communism in Asia and Southeast Asia. And being disappointed with the reaction of India, it would like to set up its Air bases in Hyderabad and for this reason it is supporting Hyderabad from behind the scenes and it would not count its paces in openly supporting it when the time comes. This story also did the rounds that there is a secret military pact already executed between Hyderabad and Pakistan that if and when India attacks Hyderabad, Pakistan would come to its rescue. This issue was linked to the loan that was taken from Hyderabad by the Minister of Finance Pakistan Mr. Ghulam Mohammad. The argument was that had there been no such pact why would such a huge amount of money be handed over to Pakistan and why would the Hyderabad Agent General be sent to Karachi and sometimes the

117 The 30 years of Political Struggle of Hyderabad statement of Mr. Churchill was cited to show that everything is settled secretly with Great Britain. The Muslim Fears: It appeared as though that the whole world was sympathetic towards Hyderabad and was willing to help it and the poor Government of India was isolated in the world. It was only a few weeks now for the imminent clash between Hyderabad and the Indian Union and naturally there was a question in the minds of Muslim population as to, how could the state of Hyderabad face up to a state which was thousand times stronger than Hyderabad? And what would be the chances for the Hyderabad army successfully defending and preserving the State’s Independence and sovereignty? On these questions the people were misguided by the Majlis and the Muslim press, saying that the Indian Union was very week now and the States that have acceded to India have become restless and were wary of the Government of India. The Sikhs too were just biding their time for an opportunity to secede from the Union. Hyderabad on the other hand was comparatively in a much better position in all respects. Apart from the government forces, there were 5 lakh Paramilitary forces of the Razakars and that the two great Air Force fleets that were built up with an expense of Crores of Rupees were kept ready and under wraps with full secrecy in Pakistan and Goa, would start bombarding Bombay and Puna and reach Hyderabad as and when Hyderabad was attacked. The Hyderabad army would then take over the port of Masulipatnam and Hyderabad state would have an open sea access that would help it with weapons, arms and ammunitions and other supplies. Such stories were being repeated so often and with such force in the Majlis and semi-government circles that they were being taken

118 K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj to be facts by the people. Anybody who doubted the veracity of these stories and the possibility of the success of Hyderabad were being condemned as the fifth columnists. The poor Muslim population was kept in the dark until the very last moment, and when the Indian Air Force planes were flying over their heads without any resistance, it became known that all these stories were nothing but a subterfuge and a mirage. When the Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen felt that in spite of all the maneuvers of the Razakars and all the possible military postures and preparations of the Hyderabad Government and despite powerful propaganda _ which was in effect a psychological warfare _ neither the government of India was intimidated nor the nationalistic people of Hyderabad were affected, then the president of Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen Mr. Qasim Razvi went to Delhi in order to talk to Sardar Patel and find a via media. But the situation was so bad and the air was so much vitiated against the Indian Union that Sardar Patel refused to entertain him. At this juncture it was not possible even to get the facilities that were offered by the Indian Union in the initial stages of the failed Delhi talks. Mr. Qasim Razvi had to return from New Delhi crestfallen and Ittehadul Muslimeen and the government of Nizam in their despondency began marching towards their destruction which appeared to be destined for them. The dual role of the Nizam in the campaign for indepen- dent Hyderabad: - Later, the Nizam began projecting himself as innocent and powerless in the campaign for the independence of Hyderabad. But it is a historical fact that the Nizam played a dual role in this campaign.

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He made the Majlis and the Muslims a tool for the protection of his Monarchial power initially and when he felt that Hyderabad cannot succeed in the military conflict against the forces of the Indian Union, he began showing himself as helpless, powerless and a captive of the Majlis. He secretly made contacts with the Indian Union in the hope that while the Indian Union forces would rid the State of the Razakars, his own rule and hegemony would be safeguarded at the same time automatically. Military clash at Nananj: - Hyderabad state had made the fronts and fortifications ready at all its borders. Army was deployed and the air of an impending emergency was palpable everywhere. At the border villages of Nananj (Osmanabad district, now in Maharashtra), there was a skirmish between the State Troops deployed there and the advancing Indian Army Troops. This event took place in August 1948. The State Troop consisted mostly of Pathans, many of whom were killed in battle and the Majlis tried its best to make the incident reverberate throughout the state dramatically. Many plays were staged, Poems were written and recited based on this event and the stories of the valor and heroism of the Azad Hyderabad troops were spread house to house. The Deccan Radio was instructed to carry out propaganda against the Indian Union as much as possible in its broadcasts and never let any stone kept unturned in upholding and developing the Martial spirit created among the Muslims by Majlis. So there were programs of this kind broadcast daily from the radio. Provocative and incendiary statements and articles began appearing in the Newspapers and the National leaders of India were being challenged that Hyderabad would treat them in the same way a sworn enemy is treated.

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The last warning of Sardar Patel: - Looking at such a critical situation Sardar Patel kept cautioning the Government of the Nizam. And finally in one of his broadcast speeches he had to declare: “I used to think that the Nizam would have had the sense to find out that the true position of Hyderabad State as an integral part of India in view of its geographical, political and cultural affinity was within the Indian Union. A region of the country that is like a heart to its body cannot be kept out of the whole body. Those who are trying to keep Hyderabad Independent and separated from India are strictly mistaken and this slip-up by them would create havoc. The Indian Union was willing to give certain privileges to Hyderabad, but it was misconstrued as its weakness and it was thought that through intransigence and obduracy, an independent Hyderabad would be agreed to. The Indian Union could never even imagine about the separation and independence of Hyderabad. The situation is worse and out of control and it is now thought necessary that Hyderabad should be put through a surgical procedure because when the surgeon has no other alternative left, he will have to perform surgery. And when all remedies and medicines prove detrimental or useless the patient needs surgery”. The Hyderabad State was under the spell of Fascist malevolence and when the proposal for an operation by the Indian Union was put forward, some pragmatic Muslims felt that while the days of the Nizam and his despotic rule were numbered, the Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen will also be finished along with all of its political and communal beliefs. Although the Hyderabad State Congress was unable to keep up the momentum of its agitation to the level it was able to show from

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July 1947 to October 1948 because most of its leaders and workers were in jails. But even in such a tempestuous period successful efforts were made to maintain the moral strength of people and to alleviate their fear and trepidation. Mr. Munshi’s services:- The Agent General of India in Hyderabad, Mr. Kanahyya Lal Munshi performed very valuable services. On the one hand he kept the Government of India well informed with up-to-date information about the critical situation of the state and the conspiracies of the Government of the Nizam and the Majlis and on the other hand he maintained close and cordial relations with the State Congress elements and provided them with all possible moral help. Prior to the Police Action when Mr. K. M. Munshi tried to meet the Nizam, he was prevented from it despite the best of his efforts. And at the instance of the Majlis, so many restrictions were imposed on Mr. K. M. Munshi before he left the state that he was unable to move about freely in Hyderabad. Similarly the last Agent General of Hyderabad in Delhi, Nawab Zain Yar Jung (former minister of roads and buildings) too did his best to serve the interests of Hyderabad in spite of the strict restrictions placed upon him due to his patriotism and he became the cause of establishing contacts between the powers that be of the Government of India and the Nizam. That was the reason why he was not forgotten after Hyderabad was freed from the Razakar period and military government was established. He was offered the post of a Minister for Roads and Buildings. The effect of the death of Qaid-e-Azam: Till the last moment of the military preparations when there

122 K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj was silence from Pakistan then many Muslims began to doubt that this new country of the sub-continent might desist from jumping into others’ fire and this was true. When the Qaid-e-Azam Jinnah died on 13th September 1948 in Pakistan, there was a general sense of despondency among the Muslims of the State and it was understood that the propaganda about Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan, Egypt and other Islamic countries coming to Hyderabad’s rescue was merely a lie and a trick of the Majlis.

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CHAPTER THIRTEEN The Rise of Communist Power in Telangana he Communist during the Second World War: The Communist party in India has not been able to achieve Tthe power and sway for which it has been struggling for a long time. At the time of the Second World War the alliance between Russia and Germany was over and the circumstances made Russia a powerful ally of the Western Alliance, the Communist in India gave up their secret activities and began singing the songs of independent struggle while talking about supporting the British in the War. And when the War ended in the form of victory of the Allies then their struggle was directed towards their real goal but when restrictions were imposed they had to go underground. Initial struggle in Telangana:- The Communist party found south India suitable for its revolutionary activities and Telangana area in Hyderabad was more suitable for them because of the poverty of the farmers and agricultural mismanagement was it its zenith in the area. The Communist began working in Telangana quite innocently. Farmers and farm labourers in Nalgonda and Suryapet etc. were contacted and sympathies were shown towards their poor conditions and the government high handedness was condemned. They were told about the inequity in land distribution and that despite the farmers being the backbone of the state economy they were being crushed under an archaic medieval

124 K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj feudal system. And that unless they stood up fearlessly to protect their own interests and readied themselves to fight the tyranny, their condition will continue to be pathetic. Gradually they were persuaded to boycott the Government’s Levi System as it was severe injustice that the food grains produced by the farmers after great hardship should be handed over to the Government instead of the farmers benefiting from the open market profits. Such persuasions became successful among the farmers and they became reluctant for the payment of Levi and sometimes they resisted it. Prohibition by the Nizam’s Government on the Party:- Since there were no restrictions imposed on the Communist organization by the Government until then, they had no difficulty in publishing their doctrinal and political literature and in strengthening their organization or in spreading their outreach quietly. In the districts, towns and villages as well as in other cities and the capital the Communist cadres were working as per their special technique with impunity. Their influence among the Labor classes, Students and Youth was on the rise. The Communist Ideology as a political and social theory has a certain charm and attraction but its practical aspects are so horrible, that no society that has a moral framework, cannot tolerate it in this form. When the Communists began spreading fear and terror in Hyderabad State as per their preplanned strategy and their activities became dangerous the Government of the Nizam banned the Communist Party on December 3, 1946. Temporary alliance with the Congress:- It is a prominent aspect of the Communist strategies that the group or party they ally with for the time being, is ditched by them soon after they achieve some of their goals and they ally with some

125 The 30 years of Political Struggle of Hyderabad other group or party. Same thing happened in Hyderabad too. When the Hyderabad State Congress saw the Nizam and his Government in full swing in their campaign to keep Hyderabad separate and independent from India, it launched a powerful agitation and Satya Graha against it. At this juncture, the Communists under their own objectives thought it necessary to align themselves with the Satya Grahis. And this statement [1] was released by them: “The flag of the Indian Union is the flag of the people of Hyderabad too. The Communist Party of Hyderabad and the State Andhra Maha Sabha (Communist) too are participating in their struggle to join the Indian Union”. The “Azad Hyderabad” slogan: - The Government of the Nizam was taken aback by this alliance of the Communists with the State Congress and in order to break the friendship it lifted the ban on the Communists. The same Communists who were considering the struggle for merger of Hyderabad State with the Indian Union as rightful and were practically participating in it, changed suddenly and began shouting the “Azad Hyderabad” slogan. By establishing friendship with the Nizam’s Government and the Razakars they got the opportunities to carry on with their activities after the Police Action and for a long time after it and they succeeded in secretly strengthening their organization and spreading their movement far and wide. Appeal to the Muslims: - Soon after the Police Action the Warangal Communist Party issued this appeal addressing the Muslim public. “The majority of Muslims consist of poor peasants and laborers. You (Muslims) have become Razakars due to falling in the trap of

126 K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj dirty propaganda of the Majlis. However a few Muslims did join hands with the common people in fighting the Nizam and the Razakars. It is possible that the Communist Party may forgive them after this. The average Muslims who joined the Razakars at the instance of Muslim leaders will not be killed but they will have to handover themselves and their weapons to the Guerrilla troops of the Communists. This is the only way that the Communist Party can help and protect them”. Invitation to Razakars: - When the Razakars were routed due to the Police Action, they began handing over their weapons to the Communist Party. On this occasion the Communists invited the Razakars to Join the Party to save themselves. Some Razakars joined the Communists and a majority either ran away or obscured themselves. A preview of the Party’s program:- The aims and objects of the Communists in Telangana and their plan of action to achieve them were revealed by the discovery of a leaflet by the police during a raid of their hideout in late 1950 and it read: “The middle classes and the people in different trades along with the farm labourers and intelligentsia should unite and launch a struggle to root out and destroy the system of capitalism and landlordism. This struggle is only possible through a united revolution”. “This united revolution can be brought about by Guerrilla Warfare”.

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“Everybody should get ready by getting as many weapons as he can get”. “Every 4 or 5 persons should form themselves into a squad without anyone knowing about it”. “Sabotage and destructive methods should be so adopted that they remain unknown to others”. “Dig trenches on motor able roads”. “Put obstacles on other roads too” “Indirectly puncture the vehicle tyres through pins and nails spread on the road. Kill the C.I.D. personnel stealthily”. “When the police attack our villages, go quietly near them and attack them with hand grenades”. “You can kill the enemy with inflammable or incendiary things and by poisoning their food”. “All youth must form secret volunteer corps”. “Everybody must get military training and learn techniques of destruction and devastation”. “Only trained people can make their own army”. “Join such armies in hundreds and thousands because that’s the only way for launching major attacks”. “When you have joined the destructive corps then you will be taught many things. And that’s how a large army can be raised”.

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“This is the plan that is being implemented by our brothers in different parts of the world like China, Burma, Malaya, Siam, Indonesia, Vietnam, Greece, Korea and the people of other countries are using these techniques to destroy Lakhs of Government troops”. “The Indian people too are using these techniques in their struggle against the Nehru Government; the Calcutta students have thrown bombs and secret preparations are underway in other places” “The above techniques are not new to the people of Telangana but they have used them against the Nizam during the past 18 months”. “We have used these same techniques against the Indian Union Army when they entered the Telangana Area for the first time and the enemy was destroyed”. “The Communist Party has decided on how to fight this war. It is fighting it even now and all of you should join this final conflict”. “We will surely win the final war, the enemy is engulfed in fire, and we have to play our part”. Thus many such documents came into the hands of the police, which included the Communist Party programs, techniques of Guerrilla warfare, and ways of procuring arms and ammunition and instructions to its cadres to incite the people for a rebellion against the Government and to adopt various destructive methods. The violent activities and destructive methods of the Communists became widespread in Telangana. It is estimated that from August 15th. 1947 to September 13th. 1948, they brutally killed about 2000 people, 22 police stations were attacked, village land /

129 The 30 years of Political Struggle of Hyderabad revenue records were grabbed and destroyed, village officers were treated very badly, Rural Chawries (public utility buildings) and Croregiri (customs / excise) check posts were burnt down, standing paddy crops were destroyed and jewelry worth about Rs. 10.00 Lakhs and cash was looted. When a new Government was formed soon after the Police Action, the Communists increased their activities and from September 13th. 1948 to the end of February 1949, the Communists had committed 448 murders and looted more than Rs. 10.00 Lakhs. In the districts of Nalagonda and Warangal the Communists disrupted and destroyed all means of communications on a large scale. There were attacks on Government and private trucks, Government’s grain warehouses were looted and they began torching the post offices, removing / uprooting railway tracks and plundering the Tahsil offices. Re-imposition of ban on the Communists: After the police action when the military government took over in Hyderabad it was felt that freedom the Communist had in the State has given them an opportunity to make their organization very strong and because of their terror and violence the situation was becoming very critical hence on this basis an immediate ban was imposed on the Communist party and plans were made to setup a front against them. The rural people of Telangana were fed up with the Communist violence and were willing to help the army and police to the extent possible against the Communists but they were so much terrorized by the vengeful nature of the Communists that they were vary of giving any information about them to the police. The different political parties of the state had to clarify their viewpoint against

130 K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj these anti social and dangerous activities of the Communist but they could not take any specific action or move forward in their campaign against the Communist in any appreciable manner. However different pamphlets, articles and fliers were published from time to time and speeches against the Communist were made in different public forums. Civic centers were opened in the affected areas for moral support of the people and to normalize the situation. Armed forces were used to finish the Communist movement in Telangana and this campaign of the police and army was taken forward in the widest possible area with full force. Had the former government of Hyderabad tried to solve the agricultural land reforms and distribution issue, and had the problems of the farmers and farm labourers been solved satisfactorily, then perhaps the Communist movement would not have been able to attain such power and force in Telangana. But in the presence of the old feudal system all this was not possible which resulted in the given circumstances. The government of Hyderabad had to spend Crores of rupees for eradication of this dangerous revolutionary movement of the Communists. A network of army and police was established throughout Telangana. In the affected and dangerous areas army troops were on patrol. Different Dalams (gangs) were broken and those Communist leaders and chieftains were arrested who were responsible for murder and mayhem. At different places a number of clashes took place between the army troops and the Communist. Many leading Communist were arrested and when the army campaigns were succeeding, the Communist began complaining that the repression of the army has increased to the extreme.

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Detention of the Important Communist leaders: Many Communist were killed during the clashes between the army and the Communists from time to time and the numbers of the arrested kept rising. In the Jungle areas secret hideouts of the Communists were raided. Among those important Communist leaders who were apprehended were , Rajbahdur Gour and Ravi Narayan Reddy. In 1950 and 1951 the Communist struggle was affected badly and when the elections were near they expressed a change of their viewpoint. Even before this the Communists had offered that the government should reach an amicable settlement with them through negotiations and this offer was rejected on the grounds that the Communist party should first prove its change of heart. An important leader and leading member of the Communist party of India had come to Hyderabad and he wanted to contact the local Communist leaders and to organize a public meeting, but he was not successful. He came to Hyderabad once more and it became evident from their attitude that the communist struggle in Telangana should be stopped. Visit of Acharya Vinoba Bhave:- A few months ago Acharya Vinoba Bhave too had visited the Hyderabad districts and the villages affected by the Communist menace. The objective of the visit was to study firsthand the effects of Communism and to emphasize its eradication in his own way. Acharyaji did not oppose the Communist ideology or dogma but said that these were meant to serve the poor and downtrodden but in practice the terror, murder and mayhem unleashed by the Communists to bring about a revolution cannot be tolerated and it must be eradicated. Acharya Vinoba Bhave sought donation of land from the rich landlords in Nalagonda and elsewhere for distribution

132 K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj to the deserving landless and poor peasants. According to him the only method to solve the problems of land reform and the unrest of the peasants was to have the rich landlords declare donation of their lands and have the same distributed justly among the landless poor. This campaign of Acharyaji was known as the “Bhoodan Movement”. All the land that was donated by the landlords upon his appeal was distributed by Acharyaji. The Communist Party was deliberating on the Telangana issue for sometime which led to a special result and on October 23 1951, on behalf of the Communist Party of India and the Andhra Provincial Communist Committee the following statement was published. Declaration of ending the Communist struggle in Telangana unconditionally: - “In view of desire to bring about peaceful conditions in Telangana, the Central Committee and the Andhra Committee have decided to advise the Telangana peasants and the fighting cadres to end their armed struggle and other activities and motivate the people to take part in the ensuing General Elections in order to defeat the Congress at the polling stations”. “In order to inform the Telangana people and the fighting cadres of the movement about the present decision it is extremely important to release the communist detainees from the different jails and the warrants against the other members of the party to be cancelled. A step of this kind on the part of the government is necessary also because the activities of some anti social elements who are trying to exploit the present situation of Telangana are to be stopped. The Telangana issue is actually a land reform issue. If the congress government is interested to promote peaceful conditions in Telangana

133 The 30 years of Political Struggle of Hyderabad then it should welcome our present decision and should stop evacuating the landless peasants from the lands which have been taken over by them”. “Now that the communist party has ended the peasant struggle in Telangana, the government of Hyderabad should also revive the full civil liberties and prove its bona fides by releasing the political prisoners because these steps are necessary to reassure the public about the free and fair elections”. “The Congress Party has lost face in Hyderabad and it has been isolated because it has cheated the public and instead of ending the old feudal system in Hyderabad, during the last three years it has only tried to destroy the Telangana peasants, their lands and their democratic movement. Apart from this, it was protecting the Nizam and his Jagirdari pomp and glamour in preference to the emergent public”. “The Communist Party is bent upon giving a final defeat to the Congress at the hustings. The Congress Government of Hyderabad has refused to accept the just and bare minimum demands of the peasants of Hyderabad and it is trying to make the military rule a permanent feature in Telangana, besides the Government has rejected the Communist Party offer for a negotiated settlement of Telangana issue”. “After unconditionally declaring the ending of the Telangana Movement, the Party is making efforts to have the ban on the Communist organizations lifted to enable the communists’ freed from jails taking part in the elections”.

[1] The Communist crimes in Hyderabad.

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CHAPTER FOURTEEN Police Action here wouldn’t have been any need for the Police Action in Hyderabad state by the Government of India if the TGovernment of the Nizam had not taken the movement for “Azad Hyderabad” to such a dangerous level. First of all, strong military preparations were underway in Hyderabad. Weapons were being imported from abroad clandestinely and secondly, there were not only strong and deeper relations and cooperation being developed between the state’s regular armed forces and the paramilitary Razakar armies of the Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen but attempts were being made to crush the peoples’ nationalistic struggle and to challenge India. The end of “Azad Hyderabad”:- The existence of an independent Hyderabad was a dangerous portend for the independence of India itself and in this regard all the nationalists were unanimous in their view that leaving the Hyderabad state unchecked to carry on with such dangerous activities that were detrimental to the security and unity of India would be a great mistake. The critical issues that were created before the Government of India immediately after the Independence and the crisis it was passing through, provided the Nizam and the Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen an opportunity to dream about the independence of Hyderabad and

135 The 30 years of Political Struggle of Hyderabad to proceed further to realize their dream. That was how the Nizam's Government got a chance from August 15, 1947 to December 17, 1948 to play their dangerous game. A golden opportunity of compromise lost: - The prospect of a most excellent compromise with the Government of India that was available to Hyderabad legally and constitutionally was deplorably wasted away; otherwise it had full potential of securing many privileges for the Government of the Nizam and Hyderabad. The Majlis too would have benefited as a political party and most importantly the people would not have encountered the devastation and havoc that manifested itself before the Police Action and the riots, killings, annihilation and mayhem after the Police Action. The Nizam's request to the Government of India:- The Government of the Nizam and the Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen were under a delusion that the Government of India would not be able to stand up to their power and might be intimidated by their propaganda and it would enter into an agreement with them on the basis of an Independent Hyderabad. Even the Nizam had to remain under this illusion for a long time. But when the last picture of reality confronted him, he reported his own innocence and defenselessness in the whole fracas to the Government of India and beseeched it to rescue him and the state from the Razakars. From early September onwards an emergency situation was palpable in Hyderabad. The Army was pulled in by 5 miles from the state borders, embankments were constructed in border areas, trenches were dug, Railway bridges were covered and landmines were laid in important places in the frontiers and nearby Indian territories.

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The entry of Indian Army in Hyderabad:- On September 13 the Armed forces of the Government of India had to commence their action from all three sides of the state. In the night of September 15 and 16, when the fighter planes of the Indian Air Force were flying their reconnaissance sorties over Hyderabad, Sirens were activated and a general panic spread in the city. On September 13 when the Police Action began, no resistance at all was put up from Hyderabad and there were no clashes between the two armies. Because the acting commander-in-chief, General Syed Ahmed al Eidroos - who was party to the plan of the Nizam and the Government of India to get the Nizam and the state rid of the Razakar menace - continued to order the commanders of the state Army in different zones to fall back and cease and desist from any fight. The state Army surrendered at many places to the advancing Indian Army. However thousands of the Razakars of the Majlis who were hardly armed showed their misplaced zeal and courage and attempted unsuccessfully to fight almost barehanded with the armored brigades and tank divisions at many places and were killed most un- ceremonially. Nizam's wisdom: - This was the first wise step of Nizam and the Government of Nizam on the occasion of the Police Action. Because had the state army decided to fight, then nothing would have happened except that the battle could have raged at the most for a week and not only the entire state army would have been annihilated but the innocent civilian public too would have had to bear the brunt of war and the war between both the armies would have terribly increased the number of the dead and injured to a deplorable level.

137 The 30 years of Political Struggle of Hyderabad

So, within three days the Indian Army occupied all of the state areas and the intransigence of the Government of Nizam and the Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen came to an end in this manner. The Police Action on Hyderabad: When the armed forces of government of India entered Hyderabad then His Highness Prince Azam Jah the crown prince who was also the Commander in chief of the state had to hand over his sword bowing before the commander of the Indian Army in acknowledgement of the defeat of Hyderabad. Disarming the troops: There was wide spread satisfaction in general that Hyderabad had to finally come on the way that was the right way for it. The State army units everywhere were fully disarmed and disbanded. The Indian tricolor was unfurled with full glory everywhere. All the responsible leaders of Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen and the Ministers along with Syed Qasim Razvi the leader of the Razakars were arrested and the Razakars were being rounded up in all cities and districts. The Nizam appointed an ad hoc committee consisting of Pandit Ramachary, Panna Lal Pitti and Mr. Abul Hasan Syed Ali as the caretaker government during the interim period. Establishment of Military Government: After this a Military government was established and General J.N. Choudhary was appointed by the government of India as the Military governor of Hyderabad so that he runs the state administration as the head of Military government. The speech Major General Choudhary broadcast on the radio after his appointment is as under:

138 K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj

Extract from a Radio Talk

BY Major General J.N. Choudhary Military Governor of Hyderabad

"During my tours I had the Great privilege of meeting people of all types and classes. All those I met re-assured me regarding the situation and promised their further Co-operation in bringing things completely back to normal. I once again ask all of you, irrespective of your community, to give me your continued co- operation. It is only by us, all working together that we will be able to make progress. Do not listen to rumours, do not spread rumours, regard me and my administration as what we are, the friends of Hyderabad."

17th September 1948

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Epilogue Anyhow the people of Hyderabad who began their struggle from 1918 to free the state of dictatorship and to establish a fully responsible government and the sacrifices they made resulted in their achieving the goal finally in 1948. The brave men of the country who were martyred in achieving this goal must have had their souls Rest in Peace on this day. The Nizam of Hyderabad, once the richest man of the world, is Fifth on Forbes ‘All Time Wealthiest’ list of 2008 with Net Worth of: 210.8 Billion USD. Bill Gates the Microsoft Founder by comparison is the Twentieth, with a Net Worth of: 101.0 Billion USD, continued to live as a private citizen in his King Kothi until his death in 1968. Most of his personal and private property, including the various palaces, gardens, and open lands were protected as Blue Book Properties under the agreement that was signed between the Government of India and the Government of Hyderabad at the time of the accession of Hyderabad after the Police Action. Much of his personal wealth, gold, jewelry etc. remained protected in the various trusts that were so wisely set up by him for the benefit of his children and grand children. The Nizam also set up a public charitable trust to help the poor and the needy. The Nizam also set up a separate trust for a large group of his Khana Zads, the group of select young boys picked up personally by him from among the general public (more than 3000) who were to be housed, fed, looked after, educated and trained at his personal expense on the lines of the “Jenicheris” of the Sultans.

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“The Hyderabad” was founded in the year 1591 A.D. by Sultan Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah, the fifth sultan of , offers a fascinating panorama of the past, with richly mixed cultural and historical tradition spanning over 400 years. After the fall of the Golconda Qutub Shahi Dynasty and decline of the Mogul Empire,Mir Quamaruddin, the Governor of the Deccan, who bore the title of Nizam-ul-Mulk Feroze Jung Asif Jah, declared his independence from Mughal rule in 1724. He thus became the first Nizam and the founder of the Asif Jahi dynasty. Asif Jah I continued to maintain Aurangabad, which had been founded by the Mughal rulers as the capital of his new state. In 1769, Nizam Ali Khan Asif Jah II shifted the capital from Aurangabad to Hyderabad and it soon began to flourish as a cosmopolitan city. The erstwhile princely state of Hyderabad was located in the south- central region of the Indian subcontinent, and was ruled, from 1724 until 1948, by a hereditary Nizam. The capital city was Hyderabad. The seven Nizams of the Asif Jahi dynasty ruled the Deccan for nearly 224 years, right up to 1948. During the Asif Jahi period, Persian, Urdu, Telugu and Marathi developed simultaneously. The highest official positions were given to deserving persons irrespective of their religion. Persian was the official language up to 1893 and then Urdu up to 1948. During the British Era in India Hyderabad was the largest princely state. And it retained control of its internal affairs.

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In 1798, as part of a subsidiary alliance for military and political cooperation that was signed between the Nizam and the Government of India, the British stationed a Resident at Hyderabad. But the state continued to be ruled by the Nizam. And the area around the palace of the British resident was known as Residency or the present day Kothi. Since the British troops were stationed at the Residency for security reasons and they used to shop in the nearby bazaar, it became known as Troop Bazaar. Thereafter an area north of what is now the was established as a British cantonment. The area was named Secunderabad after the then Nizam, Sikander Jah. Soon after India gained independence in 1947, at the time of the and the formation of the Union of India and the Dominion of Pakistan, the then Nizam, H.E.H. Nawab Mir Osman Ali Khan, decided not to join either of the new nations and he wanted to remain independent as per the choices given in the partition plan of the British. However, the following year i.e. 1948, the Government of India incorporated Hyderabad into the Indian Union, using military force, in what was known as "Operation Polo" or what is generally known as Police Action led by General J.N. Chowdhary on the orders of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first Home Minister of Independent India. Hyderabad State merged with the Union of India under an agreement with the last Nizam, H.E.H. Nawab Mir Osman Ali Khan, who was given the position of the Titular head of the state as Raj Pramukh, which position was held by him until his death in 1968. On November 1, 1956 the map of India was redrawn into linguistic states, and the Kannada speaking districts of Hyderabad were merged with Karnataka, the Marathi speaking Districts were merged with Maharashtra and the Telugu speaking coastal Andhra

142 K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj and Rayalaseema districts were removed from the then Madras Presidency and merged with Telugu speaking Telangana to form a new state of Andhra Pradesh. Hyderabad city and district then became the capital of Andhra Pradesh.

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K. Krishnaswami Mudiraj

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K. Krishnaswami Mudiraj

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Andhra Pitamaha Madapati Hanumantha Rao, I Mayor of Hyderabad and Dr. Rajendra Prasad I President of India being greeted by the councellors (1951 to 56) on his arrival to Hyderabad. K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj (3rd from R to L)

K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj alongwith Andhra Pitamaha Madapati Hanumantha Rao recieving the I President of India Dr. Rajendra Prasad

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K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj, Mayor of Hyderabad recieving Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru, Prime Minister of India on the occasion of Civic Reception at Hyd.

K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj (2nd from left) in a reception with Mahor of Hyd. Madapati Hanumantha Rao, Gurumurthi, Mayor of Sec’bad the Governor and other celebrities of the Twin cities

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Sri K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj, Mayor of Hyderabad second from Left, and Sri Narayana Swami Mudiraj, Mayor of Sec’bad (fourth from left) during the lunch organized in honour of Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru, Prime Minister of India.

L to R : Sri K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj, Mayor of Hyderabad at Chowkhi Lunch organized in honour of Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru, Prime Minister of India.

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Sri K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj, Mayor of Hyderabad with Marshal Tito, President, Yougoslavia

Sri K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj with his colleagues at Darul-Shafa in Hyderabad.

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L to R (sitting) Sri Narayana Swami Midiraj, Mayor of Sec’bad, Andhra Pitamaha Madapati Hanumantha Rao, I Mayor of Hyderabad and K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj and Sri Navada Muthaya Mudiraj

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L to R : Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy, Chief Minister of A.P., Bhimsen Sachar, Governor of A.P. Sri K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj, Myor of Hyd at Civic week celebrations in a public meeting of Hyderabad.

Sri K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj, Myor of Hyd speeking on the occasion of unveiling potrait

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Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru with Redicence of Sri K. Krishna Swami Sri K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj Mudiraj at Chudi Bazar, Hyderabad

3rd from L : Sri P. Rama Swami, former Minister, 2nd from R : Sri Sunil Sarma, IAS, Commisioner MCH at the inaugural function of Sri K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj Road

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L to R : Sri Abid Ali Khan, Editor, Siasath speeking at the Mudiraj Grduates’ Asso., Sri Gopalarao Ekbote, Ex. Minister and Sri C. Jagannatha Rao, Ex. Dy. CM.

Sri K. Krishna Kanth, Governor of A.P. inaugurating the Cenetenary Celebra- tions of Sri K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj. Sri Nazeeruddin Ahmed, Sri Babu Shankar are also seen

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Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru with Sri K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj

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L to R. Smt. Samrajya Lakshmi, Sri Kasani Gnaneswar, President A.P. Mudiraj Mahasabha, Sri C. Jagannatha Rao, Ex. Deputy CM, Sri N. Laxmi Narayana Mudiraj, Ex. Mayor

Sri Kasani Gnaneswar, President A.P. Mudiraj Mahasabha, presenting the clothes to Daughter of K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj

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Sri K. Krishna Kanth, Governor of A.P. at inugural function of Cenetenary Celebrations of Sri K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj. Sri Nazeeruddin Ahmed, Sri Manohar Raj Saxena, Colleague of Sri Krishna Swami Mudiraj, Sri N. Narsimloo Mudiraj, Chairman, Sri K.K. Mudiraj Jayanthi Celebtrations, Sri Babu Shankar are also seen

Sri K. Krishna Kanth, Governor of A.P. addressing at inugural function of Cenetenary Celebrations of Sri K. Krishna Swami Mudiraj.

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Office Bearers for publishing “30 Years of Political Struggle of Hyderabad” written and published by Sri K. Krishna Swamy Mudiraj, former Mayor of Hyderabad and former President of Andhra Pradesh Mudiraj Mahasabha 1. Sri Kasani Gnaneshwar Mudiraj Chairman President, A.P. Mudiraj Mahasabha 2. Sri G. Sathyanarayana Vice-Chairman Founder Trustee, Sri K. Krishna Swamy Mudiraj Memorial Trust 3. Sri M. Narsimloo Secretary Chairman, Sri K. Krishna Swamy Mudiraj Jayanthi Celebrations 4. Sri D. Laxminarayana Treasurer Treasurer, A.P. Mudiraj Mahasabha 5. Sri G. Mallaiah Member Freedom Fighter & President of India Awardee 6. Sri K. Varada Raj Member Chairman, Sri K. Krishna Swamy Mudiraj Memorial Trust 7. Sri K. Narayana Member Gen. Secy., Sri K. Krishna Swamy Mudiraj Jayanthi Celebrations 8. Sri P. Yadaiah Member Treasurer Sri K. Krishna Swamy Mudiraj Jayanthi Celebrations 9. Sri Govind Ramuloo Member Vice-President, A.P. Mudiraj Mahasabha

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10. Sri K. Krishna Rao Member Gen. Secy. A.P. Mudiraj Mahasabha 11. Sri D. Sadanand Member Vice-President, A.P. Mudiraj Mahasabha 12. Sri R. Bhasker Raju Member President, A.P. Mudiraj Mahasabha Graduates Wing 13. Sri S. Srinivasulu Member Gen. Secy. A.P. Mudiraj Mahasabha Graduates Wing 14. Sri Neelam Tukaram Member Vice-President, A.P. Mudiraj Mahasabha 15. Sri T. Vijaya Kumar Member Gen. Secy. A.P. Mudiraj Mahasabha Graduates Wing 16. Sri Vuppari Narayana Member Editor, Mudiraj Patrika

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List of Donars for publishing “30 Years of Political Struggle of Hyderabad” written and published by Sri K. Krishna Swamy Mudiraj, former Mayor of Hyderabad and former President of Andhra Pradesh Mudiraj Mahasabha 1. Sri Kasani Gnaneswhar Mudiraj 2. Sri G. Sathyanarayana 3. Sri M. Farook Ali Khan, Chairman, APF 4. Sri R. Bhaskara Raju 5. Sri D. Lakshminarayana 6. Sri M. Narsimloo 7. Sri S. Srinivasulu 8. Sri T. Vijaya Kumar 9. Sri P. Chennaiah 10. Sri Balanand Swamy 11. Sri M.N. Venkata Ramana 12. Sri M. Vidyasagar 13. Sri Santosh Kumar 14. M. Laxmi Narayana, DTS, RR Dist.

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