Hyderabad at the Crossroads of Epochs: Decolonization of South Asia and Integration into the Indian Union

Abstract

This article deals with the fate of Hyderabad, the largest princely state in South Asia, after it was integrated into the Indian Union. The decolonization of South Asia affected not only the provinces of British India, but also most of the 600 Indian princely states. Russian historiography pays special attention to the events that took place in British India. The author analyzes the decolonization of Indian princely states, in particular, the case of Hyderabad, which was exceptionally important due to its strategic location within India. Hyderabad was forcedly integrated into India, so this article dwells on the aftermath of this event.