| Non-Rationalised History NCERT Notes, Solutions and Extra Q & A (Class 6th to 12th) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Chapter 10 INDIA AFTER INDEPENDENCE
A New And Divided Nation
Upon gaining independence in August 1947, India faced immense challenges, including the aftermath of Partition, which led to the displacement of 8 million refugees needing homes and jobs. The integration of nearly 500 princely states, each ruled by a maharaja or nawab, into the new nation also required careful negotiation. Furthermore, India, with its diverse population across regions, languages, religions, and socio-economic classes, had to forge a unified national identity and establish a political system that would serve the aspirations of its people. Development, particularly in agriculture and industry to alleviate poverty and create employment, was crucial and had to proceed alongside efforts to heal societal divisions and ensure equitable distribution of progress.
A Constitution Is Written
Between December 1946 and November 1949, the Constituent Assembly drafted India's Constitution. A key feature was the adoption of universal adult franchise, granting all adult citizens the right to vote, regardless of gender, class, or education—a revolutionary step compared to gradual enfranchisement in other democracies. The Constitution also guaranteed equality before the law and prohibited discrimination based on religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. It aimed to ensure equal rights and opportunities for all, including special privileges for disadvantaged communities like the Scheduled Castes (Dalits) and Scheduled Tribes (Adivasis) through reservations in legislatures and jobs, acknowledging historical injustices.
How Were States To Be Formed?
The formation of states based on linguistic groups was a significant debate. While the Indian National Congress had promised linguistic states during the freedom struggle, post-independence leaders like Prime Minister Nehru and Deputy Prime Minister Patel initially opposed linguistic reorganisation, fearing it would encourage "disruptive tendencies" and threaten national unity. However, strong protests, including a hunger strike by Potti Sriramulu in 1953, led to the formation of Andhra state for Telugu speakers. This paved the way for the States Reorganisation Commission (1956), which recommended redrawing boundaries to create linguistically compact states, and subsequent reorganizations, like the division of Bombay and Punjab, which ultimately strengthened national unity by accommodating regional identities.
Planning For Development
Post-independence India aimed to lift its population out of poverty and build a modern industrial base. In 1950, the Planning Commission was established to design and implement economic development policies. India adopted a "mixed economy" model, involving both the state and the private sector in production and job creation. The Second Five Year Plan (1956) emphasized heavy industries and large dams, guided by state control and regulation, a strategy that guided economic policy for decades but also faced criticism for neglecting agriculture and primary education and for overlooking environmental impacts.
The Search For An Independent Foreign Policy
In the context of the Cold War and the decolonization of Afro-Asian nations, India formulated an independent foreign policy based on non-alignment. Led by figures like Jawaharlal Nehru, this movement urged countries to avoid joining major power alliances (USA and USSR). Non-aligned nations aimed to mediate between blocs, prevent war, and promote humanitarian causes, although they sometimes became involved in conflicts despite their policy of non-alignment.
The Nation, Sixty Years On
By 2007, India celebrated sixty years of independence, marking significant achievements in maintaining unity and democracy, despite early predictions of fragmentation or military rule. The country has held numerous elections, possesses a free press and independent judiciary, and has managed its linguistic diversity. However, deep divisions persist, including ongoing discrimination against Dalits, clashes between religious groups, and a widening gap between the rich and the poor. While India has not been a complete success by its own standards, it has also not been a failure, signifying an ongoing journey towards fulfilling its constitutional ideals.
Exercises
The exercises aim to reinforce learning about the challenges and achievements of independent India. Questions focus on identifying the initial problems faced by the new nation, understanding the role of the Planning Commission, distinguishing between Union, State, and Concurrent Lists of governance, and analyzing the linguistic reorganization of states. Discussion prompts encourage reflection on the implications of English as an official language, the rationale behind early economic planning, the meaning of Dr. Ambedkar's views on social and economic inequality, and the reasons for initial reluctance towards linguistic states. Activities involve researching leaders like Mira Behn and understanding the historical context of Bangladesh's independence, connecting historical events to contemporary issues.