Building the Republic
India integrated over 560 princely states, adopted its Constitution, held the world's largest elections, built industries and defended its borders.
How it was ruled
Sardar Patel led the integration of the princely states. The Constitution came into force on 26 January 1950; the first general elections were held in 1951–52. States were reorganised on linguistic lines in 1956.
How people lived
Refugees from Partition rebuilt their lives; universal adult franchise gave every adult a vote; the Hindu Code Bills and new laws expanded rights.
What people did
Five-Year Plans built steel plants, dams and the first IITs; the Green Revolution of the late 1960s made India self-sufficient in wheat and rice.
What people ate
Food shortages in the 1960s led to the Green Revolution in Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh.
Trade
A mostly closed, planned economy with public-sector industries.
Region by region
- Jammu and Kashmir: Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession on 26 October 1947; Pakistan's aggression left part of J&K and Gilgit-Baltistan under its illegal occupation.
- Telangana: Hyderabad State was integrated in September 1948.
- Goa: Liberated from Portuguese rule on 19 December 1961, with Daman and Diu.
- Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh: China attacked in 1962; Aksai Chin remains under China's illegal occupation.
- Punjab and Rajasthan: The 1965 war with Pakistan.
- Bangladesh (formerly East Pakistan): India's victory in December 1971 liberated Bangladesh; 93,000 Pakistani troops surrendered.
Key events
- 26 January 1950: The Constitution comes into force
- 1951–52: First general elections
- 1956: States Reorganisation Act
- 16 December 1971: Victory in the 1971 war (Vijay Diwas)
Legacy
The Constitution, the IITs and great public institutions, and Vijay Diwas.