Who were the Razakars? What was their role in the princely state of Hyderabad in the late 1940s? Were the Razakars engaged in violent activities against Hindus? What happened during 'Operation Polo' in 1948 that the Indian government launched to annex Hyderabad? What happened to the leader of the Razakars, Qasim Razvi?

In the latest episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, two prominent journalists, Mir Ayoob Ali Khan and Syed Inam ur Rahman Ghayur, answer all these questions about the Razakars. The guests claim that the Razakars were formed as a volunteer force to support Nizam's rule and resist the integration of Hyderabad into newly independent India. They were organized and led by Qasim Razvi, who was a prominent leader of the Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) party.

The Nizam's reluctance to accede to India and his desire to maintain Hyderabad's independence were key factors that led to the actions of the Razakars. The Razakars engaged in violent activities against Hindus causing widespread unrest and communal tension. In September 1948, the Indian government launched "Operation Polo" (also known as the Hyderabad Police Action) to annex Hyderabad. The Indian Army swiftly defeated the Razakars, and Hyderabad was integrated into the Indian Union. Qasim Razvi was arrested and later exiled to Pakistan.

(0:00) Introduction

(1:54) Who were Razakars?

(4:55) Jinnah's meeting with Nizam

(6:54) Operation Polo

(7:35) Who created Razakars?

(9:05) Razakars & Nizam

(10:24) Types of Razakars

(15:56) Hyderabad in late 1940s

(20:04) Razakar leader Qasim Razvi

(23:33) Qasim Razvi went to Pak

(26:07) Minority rulers

(27:18) Stories of Razakars' victims

(30:41) Sufferers of Razakar movement

(36:02) Remnants of trauma

(38:04) Regions ruled by militias

(39:01) Power of Nizam

(43:11) AIMIM & MIM Connection

(46:42) Teaching children about history

(49:57) Rewriting History Books