Post-Independence India (1947–Present)

Overview

Post-Independence Overview	Post-1947 India focused on nation-building, economic self-reliance, and institutionalizing democracy. Shifted from Nehruvian socialism to 1991 liberalization while navigating internal challenges like Emergency and state reorganisation.

1. The Nehruvian Era (1947–1964)

Linguistic Reorganisation	First state: Andhra (1953) following Potti Sriramulu's fast. States Reorganisation Act (1956) created 14 states and 6 UTs.
Economy & Social Reform	Mahalanobis Model (2nd Plan) focused on heavy industries ("Temples of Modern India"). Hindu Code Bills (1955-56) passed as four separate acts for women's rights.
Science & Foreign Policy	Founded IITs, AEC, INCOSPAR (pre-ISRO). Foreign policy: NAM (Non-Aligned Movement) and Panchsheel (1954 with China).

2. Shastri & Indira Years (1964–1984)

Shastri Era (1964-66)	"Jai Jawan Jai Kisan". Ended 1965 war with Tashkent Declaration (Jan 1966).
Indira Era Reforms	Green Revolution (M.S. Swaminathan); Bank Nationalisation (14 banks in 1969); Privy Purses Abolition (1971, 26th Amendment).
Emergency & Military Actions	Emergency (1975-77): Suspended Fundamental Rights; 42nd Amendment ("Mini-Constitution"). Operation Blue Star (1984).

3. Janata, Rajiv & LPG Reforms

Janata Government (1977-79)	44th Amendment: Restored rights; replaced "Internal disturbance" ground for Emergency with "Armed rebellion".
Rajiv Era Reforms	61st Amendment (Voting age 21 to 18); Anti-Defection Law (1985); Telecom revolution.
LPG Reforms (1991)	Liberalization, Privatization, Globalization under Narasimha Rao & Manmohan Singh.

4. Modern Era Milestones

Nuclear Milestones	Pokhran-I (1974 - Smiling Buddha); Pokhran-II (1998 - Operation Shakti).
Panchayati Raj & Digital India	73rd & 74th Amendments (1992) for local self-government. Aadhaar, UPI, and digital economy shift.

UPSC High-Yield Recall & Exam Traps

Linguistic Reorganisation Commissions	Dhar Commission and JVP Committee initially rejected linguistic state creation.
Emergency Ground Shift	1975 Emergency ground was "Internal Disturbance" (changed to "Armed Rebellion" by 44th Amendment).
NAM & 1971 Treaty	India remained non-aligned but signed Indo-Soviet Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation in 1971.
Hindu Code Bills Passage	Passed in four separate acts (not one single unified code).
Privy Purses Amendment	Abolished via 26th Amendment Act (1971).