Introduction

• India gained independence on 15th August 1947, marking the beginning of its journey as a sovereign state.
• The new government, led by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, had to tackle multiple challenges, including partition, nation-building, and economic reconstruction.

Three Challenges of Nation-Building

India faced three major challenges at the time of independence:

Maintaining Unity and Integrity

• India was a diverse country with multiple languages, religions, and ethnic groups.
• The challenge was to keep the country united while ensuring diversity was respected.

Establishing Democracy

• India adopted democracy with universal adult franchise from the beginning.
• Ensuring democratic institutions, elections, and political stability was a major task.

Socio-Economic Development

• India had a poor economy due to colonial exploitation.
• The challenge was to build a self-reliant economy, eradicate poverty, and ensure social justice.

The Legacy of Partition

Division of British India

• Pakistan was created as a separate nation based on religious lines.
• Punjab and Bengal were divided, leading to violence and mass migration.

Communal Riots and Refugee Crisis

• Mass killings and riots occurred, especially in Punjab and Bengal.
• Over 10 million people migrated, causing a massive humanitarian crisis.

Integration of Princely States

• At independence, India had over 565 princely states that were not directly under British rule.
• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, as Home Minister, led the integration process.

Integration of Princely States

The Role of Sardar Patel

• Used persuasion, diplomacy, and sometimes force to integrate princely states into India.
• Most rulers signed the Instrument of Accession, agreeing to join India.

The Problem of Hyderabad

• Ruled by Nizam, Hyderabad wanted to remain independent.
• Operation Polo (1948): Indian Army took military action and merged Hyderabad into India.

The Issue of Junagadh

• Muslim ruler wanted to join Pakistan, but the majority Hindu population opposed it.
• India conducted a plebiscite, and Junagadh joined India.

The Kashmir Conflict

• Maharaja Hari Singh initially wanted to remain independent.
• Pakistan-backed tribal invasion (1947) forced him to seek help from India.
• Kashmir acceded to India in October 1947, leading to conflict with Pakistan.

Reorganization of States on Linguistic Basis

Demand for Linguistic States

• Different regions demanded states based on language for better governance.
• First major movement: Demand for Andhra Pradesh for Telugu-speaking people.

Creation of Andhra Pradesh (1953)

• Potti Sriramulu’s hunger strike led to the formation of Andhra Pradesh.
• This set a precedent for other linguistic states.

States Reorganization Act (1956)

• Redrew the state boundaries on linguistic lines.
• Created 14 states and 6 Union Territories.

Conclusion

• Despite challenges, India managed to integrate princely states, establish democracy, and start economic planning.
• The partition left a deep impact, but India emerged as a strong, united, and democratic nation.