Post-Independence Developments
Constitution, Integration of States, Key Events
1) Constitution of India
Constituent Assembly:
Formed: 1946
Drafted the constitution: Drafting Committee Chairman – Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
Constitution adopted: 26 November 1949
Came into force: 26 January 1950 (celebrated as Republic Day)
Features:
Longest written constitution
Parliamentary form of Government
Federal structure with unitary bias
Fundamental Rights + Directive Principles
Single Citizenship
2) Integration of Indian States
At the time of independence → 562 Princely States
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's Role:
Known as Iron Man of India
With help of V. P. Menon → integrated almost all states into Indian Union
Key Integrations:
Hyderabad integrated through Operation Polo (1948)
Junagarh integrated after Plebiscite
Kashmir acceded to India after Pakistan supported tribal invasion (Instrument of Accession)
Reorganisation of States:
States Reorganization Act, 1956
Basis → Linguistic reorganisation of states
3) Key Post-Independence Events (till basic Delhi Police level)
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1951-52 | First General Elections |
| 1962 | Indo-China War |
| 1965 & 1971 | Indo-Pak Wars |
| 1975-77 | Emergency period declared by Indira Gandhi |
| 1991 | Economic Liberalisation reforms |
| 2000 | Formation of new states: Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh |
Quick Recap
| Topic | Key Point |
|---|---|
| Constitution | Adopted 1949, in effect 1950 |
| Drafting Head | Dr. B. R. Ambedkar |
| Integration | Patel + V.P. Menon |
| Reorganisation | Linguistic basis → 1956 |
| Important Events | Emergency 1975, Liberalisation 1991 |
Sample Question
Discuss the role of Sardar Patel in the integration of princely states into the Indian Union.
Key points: Known as Iron Man of India, worked with V.P. Menon, integrated 562 princely states, used diplomacy and force when necessary (Operation Polo for Hyderabad), ensured territorial integrity of India.
Previous Year Questions
Who is known as the Iron Man of India?
Year: Previous Year
View Answer
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Which act reorganised states on linguistic basis?
Year: Previous Year
View Answer
States Reorganization Act, 1956
Operation Polo is associated with which state's integration?
Year: Previous Year
View Answer
Hyderabad
You've completed Post-Independence Developments Concepts!
Courage Tip: Focus on key constitutional dates - adoption (Nov 26, 1949) and enforcement (Jan 26, 1950). Remember Sardar Patel's crucial role in integrating princely states and the States Reorganization Act of 1956 for linguistic states. Major events like Emergency (1975-77) and Economic Liberalization (1991) are frequently asked. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's contribution as Drafting Committee Chairman is essential to remember.
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