PPT: Independence and After | History for UPSC CSE PDF Download

 Page 1


Independence 
and After
Page 2


Independence 
and After
The Dawn of Freedom 3 1947
August 15, 1947 marked the end of nearly 200 
years of British colonial rule in India. The joy of 
independence, however, was marred by the 
trauma of Partition that divided British India into 
two separate nations - India and Pakistan.
The hastily drawn Radcliffe Line created a 
boundary that cut through communities, villages, 
and even homes. Sir Cyril Radcliffe, who had 
never visited India before, was given just five 
weeks to determine the fate of millions.
The Partition triggered one of history's largest 
mass migrations, with 10-15 million people 
displaced and nearly a million killed in communal 
violence. Punjab and Bengal bore the brunt of 
this division, with communities that had coexisted 
for centuries suddenly turned against each other.
Page 3


Independence 
and After
The Dawn of Freedom 3 1947
August 15, 1947 marked the end of nearly 200 
years of British colonial rule in India. The joy of 
independence, however, was marred by the 
trauma of Partition that divided British India into 
two separate nations - India and Pakistan.
The hastily drawn Radcliffe Line created a 
boundary that cut through communities, villages, 
and even homes. Sir Cyril Radcliffe, who had 
never visited India before, was given just five 
weeks to determine the fate of millions.
The Partition triggered one of history's largest 
mass migrations, with 10-15 million people 
displaced and nearly a million killed in communal 
violence. Punjab and Bengal bore the brunt of 
this division, with communities that had coexisted 
for centuries suddenly turned against each other.
The Assassination of 
Mahatma Gandhi (1948)
The Tragic Event
On January 30, 1948, while 
walking to a prayer meeting 
at Birla House in Delhi, 
Mahatma Gandhi was shot at 
point-blank range by 
Nathuram Godse, a Hindu 
nationalist who opposed 
Gandhi's tolerance toward 
Muslims.
National Impact
Gandhi's assassination sent 
shockwaves through the 
newly independent nation. 
Prime Minister Nehru's radio 
address captured the nation's 
grief: "The light has gone out 
of our lives and there is 
darkness everywhere."
Historical Significance
His death strengthened India's commitment to secularism and 
non-violence. The government took decisive action against 
extremist organizations, reinforcing the constitutional vision of a 
plural India.
Page 4


Independence 
and After
The Dawn of Freedom 3 1947
August 15, 1947 marked the end of nearly 200 
years of British colonial rule in India. The joy of 
independence, however, was marred by the 
trauma of Partition that divided British India into 
two separate nations - India and Pakistan.
The hastily drawn Radcliffe Line created a 
boundary that cut through communities, villages, 
and even homes. Sir Cyril Radcliffe, who had 
never visited India before, was given just five 
weeks to determine the fate of millions.
The Partition triggered one of history's largest 
mass migrations, with 10-15 million people 
displaced and nearly a million killed in communal 
violence. Punjab and Bengal bore the brunt of 
this division, with communities that had coexisted 
for centuries suddenly turned against each other.
The Assassination of 
Mahatma Gandhi (1948)
The Tragic Event
On January 30, 1948, while 
walking to a prayer meeting 
at Birla House in Delhi, 
Mahatma Gandhi was shot at 
point-blank range by 
Nathuram Godse, a Hindu 
nationalist who opposed 
Gandhi's tolerance toward 
Muslims.
National Impact
Gandhi's assassination sent 
shockwaves through the 
newly independent nation. 
Prime Minister Nehru's radio 
address captured the nation's 
grief: "The light has gone out 
of our lives and there is 
darkness everywhere."
Historical Significance
His death strengthened India's commitment to secularism and 
non-violence. The government took decisive action against 
extremist organizations, reinforcing the constitutional vision of a 
plural India.
Political Consolidation 
and Integration of 
States
At independence, India faced the monumental challenge of uniting 
565 princely states with diverse cultures, languages, and political 
systems into a single nation.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, aptly called the "Iron Man of India," led this 
complex integration through diplomacy, persuasion, and when 
necessary, military action.
Key Integrations:
Hyderabad: "Operation Polo" in 1948 ended the Nizam's 
resistance
Junagadh: People's referendum reversed the Nawab's decision 
to join Pakistan
Kashmir: Signed Instrument of Accession in 1947 amid Pakistani 
tribal invasion
Page 5


Independence 
and After
The Dawn of Freedom 3 1947
August 15, 1947 marked the end of nearly 200 
years of British colonial rule in India. The joy of 
independence, however, was marred by the 
trauma of Partition that divided British India into 
two separate nations - India and Pakistan.
The hastily drawn Radcliffe Line created a 
boundary that cut through communities, villages, 
and even homes. Sir Cyril Radcliffe, who had 
never visited India before, was given just five 
weeks to determine the fate of millions.
The Partition triggered one of history's largest 
mass migrations, with 10-15 million people 
displaced and nearly a million killed in communal 
violence. Punjab and Bengal bore the brunt of 
this division, with communities that had coexisted 
for centuries suddenly turned against each other.
The Assassination of 
Mahatma Gandhi (1948)
The Tragic Event
On January 30, 1948, while 
walking to a prayer meeting 
at Birla House in Delhi, 
Mahatma Gandhi was shot at 
point-blank range by 
Nathuram Godse, a Hindu 
nationalist who opposed 
Gandhi's tolerance toward 
Muslims.
National Impact
Gandhi's assassination sent 
shockwaves through the 
newly independent nation. 
Prime Minister Nehru's radio 
address captured the nation's 
grief: "The light has gone out 
of our lives and there is 
darkness everywhere."
Historical Significance
His death strengthened India's commitment to secularism and 
non-violence. The government took decisive action against 
extremist organizations, reinforcing the constitutional vision of a 
plural India.
Political Consolidation 
and Integration of 
States
At independence, India faced the monumental challenge of uniting 
565 princely states with diverse cultures, languages, and political 
systems into a single nation.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, aptly called the "Iron Man of India," led this 
complex integration through diplomacy, persuasion, and when 
necessary, military action.
Key Integrations:
Hyderabad: "Operation Polo" in 1948 ended the Nizam's 
resistance
Junagadh: People's referendum reversed the Nawab's decision 
to join Pakistan
Kashmir: Signed Instrument of Accession in 1947 amid Pakistani 
tribal invasion
The Making of the Constitution (1947-
1950)
1
December 9, 1946
First meeting of the Constituent Assembly with Dr. Rajendra Prasad as Chairman
2
August 29, 1947
Drafting Committee formed under Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
3
November 26, 1949
Constitution adopted by the Constituent Assembly after 2 years, 11 months, and 17 days of deliberations
4
January 26, 1950
Constitution comes into effect; India becomes a sovereign democratic republic
The Constitution of India, with 395 articles and 8 schedules originally, was the world's longest written constitution. It 
carefully balanced universal democratic principles with India's unique social and cultural realities, establishing a federal 
structure with a strong center.