Chapter 2: India – Events after 1960 Class 9 • Maharashtra Board
🗳️ Politics • 🧪 Science & Tech • 📈 Economy • 👥 Society • 🌐 Globalisation
📚 Introduction
After independence (1947) and adopting the Constitution (1950), India pursued economic development, political stability, and social reform in a diverse, multicultural society. Planning, industrialisation, democratic elections, and welfare policies shaped the journey after 1960.
🕊️ The 1960s: Consolidation & Conflicts
Leadership Changes
- Jawaharlal Nehru (PM till 1964): architect of foreign policy; focused on planning & industry.
- Lal Bahadur Shastri (1964–66): led during 1965 Indo-Pak war; slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan”; passed away at Tashkent (1966).
- Indira Gandhi became PM in 1966.
Key Events
- Goa, Diu, Daman liberated from Portuguese rule and integrated into India.
- 1962 Sino-Indian war along the MacMahon Line.
- Rising tensions on borders; defence modernisation began.
🗺️ The 1970s: War, Tests, Emergency
- 1971 Indo-Pak war → creation of Bangladesh; refugee influx from East Pakistan; leadership of Indira Gandhi pivotal.
- 1974 Pokhran: underground test of atomic device for peaceful purposes.
- 1975: Sikkim joined Indian Union; became a full state.
- 1975–77 National Emergency: administration became disciplined but fundamental rights restricted; elections restored democracy in 1977.
- 1977–79: Janata Party govt (Morarji Desai → Charan Singh) — short-lived; 1980 Congress returned under Indira Gandhi.
⚠️ The 1980s: Internal Challenges & Transitions
- Punjab unrest and demand for Khalistan; 1984 army action at Golden Temple to evict terrorists.
- 1984: Assassination of Indira Gandhi by a bodyguard.
- ULFA insurgency in Assam affected the North-East.
- Rajiv Gandhi (PM 1984): reforms in economy, science & tech; efforts on Sri Lankan Tamil issue (unity with autonomy proposal) did not succeed.
- 1989 defeat of Congress; V. P. Singh (OBC reservation policy) → Chandra Shekhar (short tenure).
- 1991: LTTE assassinated Rajiv Gandhi during election campaign.
- Late 1980s: Kashmir unrest intensified; Kashmiri Pandits forced to leave the valley.
🌐 Changes after 1991: Reforms & Geopolitics
1991 saw global shifts (end of Cold War) and India’s economic liberalisation under PM P. V. Narasimha Rao.
Politics (1996–1999)
- No clear Lok Sabha majority; PMs: A. B. Vajpayee, H. D. Deve Gowda, I. K. Gujral.
- 1999: National Democratic Alliance formed govt; Vajpayee as PM.
Security & Foreign Policy
- 1998 nuclear tests: India declared an atomic power.
- 1999 Kargil War: India defeated Pakistan in Kargil sector (Kashmir).
- Dialogue attempts with Pakistan faced setbacks.
📈 Indian Economy: Planning to Liberalisation
- From independence: focus on modernisation, self-reliance, social justice via Planning Commission & Five-Year Plans.
- 1991 reforms (economic liberalisation): boost to growth; increase in foreign investment; IT opened new jobs.
- Post-1991 phase is often termed Globalisation.
🧪 Science & Technology: Green, White & Space
Food & Rural Transformations
- Green Revolution (1965): Dr. M. S. Swaminathan — modern agri-tech → higher foodgrain output.
- White Revolution: Dr. Verghese Kurien — cooperative dairies → milk production surge.
Atomic & Space
- Homi Bhabha laid foundations of atomic energy; peaceful uses (power, pharma, defence).
- 1975: First satellite Aryabhatta launched; many satellites since then; telecom advanced rapidly.
👥 Social Changes: Equity & Empowerment
- 1985: Department of Women & Child Development formed (HRD Ministry).
- Laws for women’s justice: Dowry Prohibition Act, Equal Remuneration Act.
- 73rd & 74th Amendments: Reservation for women in local bodies.
- Commissions for backward sections: Kakasaheb Kalelkar (1953), Mandal Commission (1978) → reservation policy for representation.
- 1989: Prevention of Atrocities Act to protect SC/ST dignity & security.
🌍 Globalisation & India’s Place in the World
Globalisation reshaped economy, politics, S&T, society and culture.
- Memberships: G-20, BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa).
- Telecom boom: mobile phones, internet, satellite-based communication spread nationwide.
- Stable democracy showcased globally; visible lifestyle changes among youth (diet, clothing, language, beliefs).
🗓️ Quick Timeline
| Year | Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1962 | India–China war | Border security challenge (MacMahon Line) |
| 1964–66 | Shastri as PM; 1965 war | “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” |
| 1966 | Indira Gandhi becomes PM | Strong central leadership |
| 1971 | War; Bangladesh created | Humanitarian & strategic victory |
| 1974 | Pokrhan test | Peaceful nuclear capability |
| 1975–77 | National Emergency | Rights curtailed; later restored |
| 1984 | Blue Star; Indira assassinated | Punjab crisis peak |
| 1989–91 | Political flux; Rajiv assassinated | Security & stability concerns |
| 1991 | Economic reforms | Liberalisation & global integration |
| 1998 | Nuclear tests | Declared atomic power |
| 1999 | Kargil War | Military success; NDA govt |
🧠 Quick Revision (Exam-Ready)
| Theme | Essentials | One-Line Takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| 1960s | Nehru → Shastri; 1962 China war; 1965 Pak war; Goa/Diu/Daman integration | Leadership transition amid conflicts |
| 1970s | 1971 Bangladesh; 1974 Pokhran; 1975–77 Emergency; Sikkim joins | Security successes & democratic stress test |
| 1980s | Punjab/ULFA, Indira assassination, Rajiv’s reforms, OBC policy, Kashmir unrest | Internal challenges & political churn |
| Post-1991 | Liberalisation; coalitions; 1998 tests; 1999 Kargil | Reforms + strategic assertion |
| Science & Tech | Green/White Revolutions; Aryabhatta; atomic energy | Self-reliance via science |
| Social Policy | Women/child dept (1985); 73rd/74th; Mandal; SC/ST protection | Equity & inclusion measures |
| Globalisation | G-20/BRICS; telecom & internet spread; lifestyle shifts | India’s growing global role |
✅ Conclusion
From the 1960s to the turn of the century, India navigated wars, reforms, scientific milestones, social justice policies, and globalisation—deepening democracy, strengthening security, accelerating development, and reshaping society.
📝 Chapter 2: India – Events After 1960 (Exercises with Answers)
1. (A) Choose the correct option and complete the statements
- The Prime Minister of India who took an initiative in resolving the Tamil minority issue in Sri Lanka was Rajiv Gandhi. ✅
- M. S. Swaminathan is the father of the Green Revolution in India. ✅
1. (B) Identify and write the wrong pair
| Person | Specialty | Correct / Wrong |
|---|---|---|
| Indira Gandhi | National Emergency | ✅ Correct |
| Rajiv Gandhi | Development in science & technology | ✅ Correct |
| P. V. Narasimha Rao | Economic improvements | ✅ Correct |
| Chandrashekhar | Mandal Commission | ⚠️ Wrong → It was implemented under V. P. Singh |
2. Activity
(A) Chronological chart of Prime Ministers and their tenure (after 1960)
| Prime Minister | Tenure |
|---|---|
| Jawaharlal Nehru | 1947 – 1964 |
| Lal Bahadur Shastri | 1964 – 1966 |
| Indira Gandhi | 1966 – 1977 |
| Morarji Desai | 1977 – 1979 |
| Charan Singh | 1979 – 1980 |
| Indira Gandhi | 1980 – 1984 |
| Rajiv Gandhi | 1984 – 1989 |
| V. P. Singh | 1989 – 1990 |
| Chandra Shekhar | 1990 – 1991 |
| P. V. Narasimha Rao | 1991 – 1996 |
| Atal Bihari Vajpayee | 1996 (13 days); 1998 – 2004 |
| H. D. Devegowda | 1996 – 1997 |
| I. K. Gujral | 1997 – 1998 |
(B) Short Notes
- Globalisation: Since 1991, India adopted policies of liberalisation, privatisation and integration with the global economy. Foreign investment grew, IT sector flourished, lifestyle and communication changed, making India a key global player.
- White Revolution: Initiated by Dr. Verghese Kurien, this cooperative dairy movement increased India’s milk production, making India one of the largest producers of milk and dairy products in the world.
3. Give reasons
- Morarji Desai’s government lasted for a short while because of internal conflicts within the Janata Party and lack of unity among coalition partners.
- The army had to be sent into the Golden Temple in 1984 because extremists demanding Khalistan had occupied it, turning the holy shrine into a fortified base. Operation Blue Star was launched to remove them.
- The National Planning Commission was set up to direct India’s economic growth, eradicate poverty, modernise industries, and coordinate development through Five-Year Plans.
4. Answer the following questions in detail
(1) How was 1991 a year of important changes in the history of the world and of India?
1991 was a turning point globally and for India.
🌍 World: The Cold War ended; Soviet Russia disintegrated into multiple countries; the bipolar world order collapsed.
🇮🇳 India: Faced severe economic crisis — high inflation, debt burden, low forex reserves. Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao and Finance Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh introduced New Economic Policy with liberalisation, privatisation and globalisation. This linked India with the global economy and began an era of reforms.
(2) What are the characteristics of the Indian economy?
- Emphasis on modernisation and industrialisation since independence.
- Focus on self-sufficiency and social justice through planning.
- Five-Year Plans to guide balanced development.
- Adoption of mixed economy model with both public and private sectors.
- Post-1991 shift towards liberalisation and globalisation.
- Growth in IT, telecom, agriculture, space, and nuclear sectors.
5. Challenges and Strengths of India
| Challenges | Strengths |
|---|---|
| India–Pakistan wars | Unity in diversity |
| Economic crisis of 1991 | Strong democratic framework |
| Terrorism & separatism | Nuclear preparedness |
| Regional & communal unrest | Scientific progress (Green & White Revolutions, Space) |
| Unrest in Punjab, Assam, Kashmir | Global recognition as stable democracy |