Kalyana Karnataka Liberation Day, also known as Hyderabad-Karnataka Liberation Day, is observed on September 17th every year in the Indian state of Karnataka. It commemorates the integration and liberation of the Hyderabad-Karnataka region from the erstwhile princely state of Hyderabad and its merger into the Indian Union in 1948.
Here is a brief history of Kalyana Karnataka Liberation Day
Princely State of Hyderabad: Before India gained independence from British colonial rule in 1947, the Indian subcontinent consisted of numerous princely states that were semi-autonomous. One such princely state was Hyderabad, ruled by the Nizam of Hyderabad. The region of Hyderabad-Karnataka, which includes districts like Gulbarga (now Kalaburagi), Bidar, and Raichur, was part of this princely state.
Integration into India: After India became independent in 1947, the princely states were given the choice to join either India or Pakistan or remain independent. The Nizam of Hyderabad initially sought to remain independent but was eventually persuaded to accede to the newly independent Indian Union.
Operation Polo: The integration of Hyderabad into India was achieved through a military operation known as “Operation Polo.” It was launched in September 1948, and Indian armed forces quickly secured control of the princely state. This operation led to the end of the Nizam’s rule and the merger of Hyderabad into the Indian Union.
Merger of Hyderabad-Karnataka: As a result of Operation Polo, the Hyderabad-Karnataka region, including the districts of Gulbarga, Bidar, and Raichur, became part of the Indian state of Mysore (now Karnataka). This integration was a significant event in the history of Karnataka as it extended the state’s boundaries and brought these historically and culturally rich regions under Indian administration.
Kalyana Karnataka Liberation Day: To celebrate this historic event and the liberation of the region from princely rule, Kalyana Karnataka Liberation Day, also known as Hyderabad-Karnataka Liberation Day, is observed in the Hyderabad-Karnataka region of Karnataka every year on September 17th. It is a day to remember and commemorate the sacrifices made by freedom fighters and the integration of this region into the Indian Union.