Independence and Post-Independence Period | General Knowledge Encyclopedia - Class 8 PDF Download

Introduction

India, rich in culture and heritage, boasts a triumphant history with many brave individuals shaping its past. However, gaining official independence on the 15th of August 1947 came with its challenges. The country lacked a strong administrative foundation and unity, leading to conflicts based on community, religion, caste, and class. The partition resulted in an influx of refugees from Pakistan, adding to the already complex situation. Additionally, integrating the 500 princely states into a unified democratic nation required considerable effort. One of the pressing tasks was to draft a constitution for the new India and establish an efficient political and administrative system to drive economic growth and meet the expectations of its citizens.

Post Independence Period

• After gaining independence in 1947, India faced numerous challenges and was in an unsettled state.
• The country required significant development in various areas, including administration, economy, housing for the homeless, agriculture, and social justice.
• Lack of unity among residents of different states was evident, with a vast population of 345 million divided by natural and social factors such as climate, religion (Hinduism and other faiths), and caste distinctions (high and low castes).
• Language served as a major barrier to communication as each region had its own distinct language.
• People differed in clothing, food habits, and professions, highlighting the diverse nature of the population.
• The majority of the population lived in villages, and poverty was widespread among farmers, weavers, carpenters, and barbers, whose livelihoods depended on agricultural success.
• City-dwellers, particularly factory workers, lived in overcrowded slums with limited access to education and healthcare.

Writing of the Constitution

• After the partition, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar played a crucial role in guiding the framing of India's constitution. Drawing inspiration from various countries' constitutions, the aim was to create a sovereign, democratic republic. The Constituent Assembly, which met in New Delhi from December 1946 to November 1949, engaged in extensive discussions to shape the Constitution of India, which ultimately came into effect on 26th January 1950.
• One of the significant features of the Indian Constitution was the adoption of universal adult franchise, granting every citizen the right to vote, irrespective of their religion, gender, or caste. Unlike the USA and the United Kingdom, India granted this right to all citizens at once, even though a large portion of the population was illiterate and inexperienced in electing their leaders.
• Despite being predominantly Hindu, India's Constitution provided legal equality to all citizens, including Sikhs, Muslims, Christians, Parsis, and Jains, in matters of employment and opportunities. Some people hoped for a strictly Hindu-driven society, similar to Pakistan's theocratic system, but Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru firmly asserted that India, as a diverse nation, should not become a "Hindu Pakistan."
• In 1976, the 42nd constitutional amendment added the words "socialist," "secular," and "integrity," solidifying India's commitment to these values and making it one of the world's largest democracies.

Partition of India and Pakistan

• After India achieved independence from British rule, it faced numerous challenges during the process of organizing the newly liberated nation. One of the significant consequences of independence was the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947, which led to a massive exchange of population between the two countries. Millions of people migrated across borders based on religious affiliations, resulting in significant social and communal upheaval.
• After the partition, India and Pakistan engaged in conflicts, including wars, further complicating the situation in the region. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, along with Mahatma Gandhi and Jawahar Lal Nehru, played a crucial role in integrating around 500 princely states to form a united nation.
• During this turbulent time, over 3.5 million Hindus and Sikhs from West Bengal, North-West Frontier Province, Balochistan, and East Bengal migrated to India due to the fear of dominance by Muslim Pakistan. The communal violence during this period resulted in the tragic loss of nearly one million lives, with Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs all suffering.
• In the midst of these challenges, Mahatma Gandhi, the iconic leader of India's freedom struggle, was assassinated on January 30, 1948, by Nathuram Godse, who mistakenly believed that Gandhi was responsible for the partition. His death deeply affected the nation, and more than a million people mourned his passing during the funeral procession.
• Overall, the period following India's independence was marked by immense struggles, including the partition, conflicts with Pakistan, mass migrations, and the tragic loss of lives. The nation had to endure these challenges while striving to establish itself as a united and independent country.

Major Challenges Took Place During Integration

In 1947, the process of integrating various states in India began under the leadership of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who was often referred to as the "iron man of India." Among the states that posed significant challenges during the integration process were Junagadh, Hyderabad, and the region of Kashmir.

• Junagadh, a state with a Hindu majority and a Muslim nawab, faced a complex situation. To resolve the matter, a voting system was conducted, in which 99% of Hindus voted in favor of integration with India. However, the Nawab decided against the people's wishes and refused to join India, even though the state had no direct contact with Pakistan.
• Hyderabad, on the other hand, had a majority Hindu population but was ruled by a Muslim Nizam. The Hindus in the state desired integration with India, and Sardar Patel initiated "Operation Polo," deploying the Indian army to depose the Nizam's government. After facing some resistance and unrest, the state was eventually integrated into India in September 1948.
• The situation in the region of Kashmir was particularly complex, with a Muslim majority and a Hindu king. The issue led to the first Indo-Pakistan war in 1947, which continued until 1949. After extensive discussions and efforts, the Indian constitution was finally applied to Kashmir, formally integrating it with India.

Overall, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel played a crucial role in overcoming the challenges of integrating these states, ensuring the territorial integrity and unity of India during its formative years as an independent nation.

Major Changes During 1952 to 1964

After the first general elections, the Indian National Congress became the ruling party, and Jawaharlal Nehru assumed office as the first Prime Minister of independent India.
Several significant changes and developments occurred during this period:

• Untouchability was abolished under Nehru's administration, promoting social equality and justice.
• There were substantial advancements in the education sector, with an increase in primary schools and the establishment of new colleges and institutions.
• Taxation burdens on poor farmers were eased, providing them with much-needed relief.
• Blue-collar workers received significant benefits and improved working conditions.
• Various industries, such as steel, aviation, shipping, electricity, and mining, were established, contributing to India's industrial growth.
• Infrastructure development saw significant progress, with the construction of major dams, irrigation canals, roads, thermal and hydroelectric power stations, and more.
• India underwent state reorganization during this time, leading to administrative changes and better governance.
• Nehru's foreign policy and handling of military conflicts were admired and served as an inspiration.

Following Nehru's death, his daughter Indira Gandhi took over as Prime Minister and continued to work for the welfare of the country. India made continuous improvements over the years, solidifying its reputation and standing as one of the respected nations on the global stage by 2021. However, there were still ongoing challenges, and further progress was anticipated in the coming years.