Question

What were the main objectives of the Hyderabad State Congress?
A Fight for Democratic Rights
B Reforms
C Representative Government
D All of these

Answer 1

Hint: The Hyderabad State Congress was a political party that was formed in the state of Hyderabad which followed the princely rule. Its objectives were to fight for civil rights and democratic rights for the people of Hyderabad.

Complete answer: Hyderabad State Congress opposed the autocratic rule of the Nizam of Hyderabad and the militancy of the Razakars. The party was formed in 1938. There was no existence of political organisation till the year 1930. In the same year, the Nizam, under the pressure of the British, passed a firman to appoint a special officer to investigate the constitutional reforms.
It was welcomed and embraced by people who formed the Hyderabad State Reforms Association. However, the Nizams and the Special Officer ignored all the demands for consultation.
An organisation called Andhra Jana Sanghamwas formed in November 1921 and focussed on educating the masses of Telangana in political awareness. With brave and leading members like Madapati Hanumantha Rao, its activities included convincing merchants to deny giving free assistance to the government and encouraging the labourers to oppose the system of begar. Shocked by the activities of the party, the Nizam passed a powerful order in 1929 requiring all public meetings to require prior permission. The organisation stressed on social issues like protection of ryots, women’s rights and the abolition of the devadasi system and purdah system upliftment of Dalits. The Hyderabad State Congress began campaigning for the state of Hyderabad to join the union of India upon independence which the Nizam resisted. There were widespread strikes and protests which led the Nizam to ban Congress and conduct mass arrests. The crisis continued until September 1948 when the Indian government authorised the Indian Army to annex Hyderabad.
Thus, option A is the correct answer.

Note: A nationalistic perspective as adopted by the State Congress, in line with the political agenda of the Indian National Congress. It also followed non-violent methods and satyagraha for its struggle.