Introduction: India Marches Ahead
After gaining independence in 1947, India faced many challenges such as poverty, illiteracy, food shortage, and the integration of princely states. The leaders of independent India worked hard to build a strong, united, and democratic nation. The country adopted its Constitution in 1950, which laid the foundation for democracy, equality, and justice.
India made remarkable progress in different fields through Five Year Plans, industrial development, and the Green Revolution, which increased agricultural production. The country also strengthened its democratic system by conducting free and fair elections and protecting the rights of all citizens.
In the field of foreign policy, India followed the principles of peaceful coexistence and non-alignment, earning respect at the international level. India also focused on social welfare and the upliftment of weaker sections of society.
This chapter explains how India progressed after independence and the major achievements it made in agriculture, industry, democracy, and foreign relations while facing many social and economic challenges.
A. Tick (✔) the correct option
- The first Governor-General of independent India was—
✔ (a) Lord Mountbatten - Sikkim became a part of India in the year—
✔ (c) 1975 - Agricultural production in India shot up due to—
✔ (c) Green Revolution - Who imposed emergency in India in 1975?
✔ (b) Indira Gandhi - Pondicherry was liberated from—
✔ (b) the French
B. Fill in the blanks
- The First Five Year Plan was presented for the period from 1951 to 1956.
- The Indian Independence Act was based on Mountbatten Plan.
- C. Rajagopalachari was the last Governor-General of free India.
- As per the Indian Independence Act 1947, the Princely States were given the freedom to decide which country to join.
- The states of Hyderabad and Goa joined India after military action.
C. Write a technical term or an appropriate word for each of the following statements
- The institution responsible for holding free and fair elections in India.
Election Commission - The colonial state liberated from the Portuguese in 1961.
Goa - The Assembly that made the Constitution of India.
Constituent Assembly - If need be, it is formed after the elections to form a government.
Coalition Government - The architect of India’s foreign policy.
Jawaharlal Nehru
D. Answer the following questions in brief
1. Who framed the Constitution of India and how?
The Constitution of India was framed by the Constituent Assembly. The Assembly was formed in 1946 and consisted of elected representatives from different parts of the country.
The members of the Constituent Assembly discussed every provision of the Constitution in detail. Various committees were formed to prepare different parts of the Constitution. The Drafting Committee, headed by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, prepared the final draft.
After nearly 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days of discussion, the Constitution was completed and adopted on 26 November 1949. It came into force on 26 January 1950, and India became a Republic.
2. Describe India’s economic progress by highlighting the major achievements in this field.
India has made significant economic progress after independence. The government introduced Five Year Plans to improve agriculture, industry, transport, and other sectors.
One of the greatest achievements was the Green Revolution, which increased food grain production and made India self-sufficient in food. Irrigation facilities, fertilizers, and modern farming methods helped farmers increase production.
India also made progress in industries by establishing steel plants, heavy engineering industries, and manufacturing units. The growth of industries created employment and strengthened the economy.
The country has also improved in transport and communication by expanding roads, railways, airways, and telecommunication networks.
Today, India is among the developing nations with growing strength in agriculture, industry, science, and technology.
3. Differentiate between a National Political Party and a Regional Political Party. Give one example of each.
A National Political Party works at the national level and has its influence in many states of India. It contests elections across the country and deals with national issues.
Example: Indian National Congress (INC)
A Regional Political Party works mainly in one state or a specific region. It focuses on regional issues and interests of the people of that area.
Example: DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam)
Thus, national parties have a nationwide presence, while regional parties are limited to certain states.
4. Explain any three challenges being faced by the Indian society even now.
Even after progress in many fields, Indian society still faces several challenges.
First, poverty remains a major problem. Many people still do not have proper food, housing, and healthcare facilities. Poverty affects the standard of living of millions of people.
Second, illiteracy is another challenge. Although education has improved, many people in rural areas still lack access to quality education. Illiteracy limits job opportunities and slows national development.
Third, unemployment is a serious issue. Many educated and skilled people do not get suitable jobs. This leads to economic difficulties and social problems.
These challenges need proper planning and government efforts for the overall progress of society.
5. ‘Our democratic government has also protected the interest of the backward sections of the society.’ Justify the statement by giving three arguments.
The democratic government of India has taken many steps to protect the interests of the backward sections of society.
First, the government has provided reservation in education and government jobs for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes. This gives them equal opportunities for progress.
Second, special laws have been made to prevent social discrimination and exploitation. Untouchability has been abolished and legal protection has been given to weaker sections.
Third, the government runs various welfare schemes such as scholarships, housing schemes, and financial support programmes for poor and backward communities.
These measures show that the democratic government is committed to ensuring justice and equality for all sections of society.
E. Answer the following questions
1. State the main features of the Indian Independence Act, 1947.
The Indian Independence Act, 1947 was passed by the British Parliament to grant independence to India. Its main features were:
- Division of British India:
The Act divided British India into two independent dominions—India and Pakistan from 15 August 1947. - End of British Rule:
British rule in India came to an end, and both India and Pakistan became free nations. - Governor-General for Each Dominion:
Each dominion was to have a Governor-General appointed to carry on administration until a new constitution was framed. - Freedom to Princely States:
The princely states were given the freedom to join either India or Pakistan. - Constituent Assemblies:
The Constituent Assemblies of India and Pakistan were empowered to frame their own constitutions.
This Act marked the beginning of independent governance in India.
2. Describe the progress made by India in the field of industry and agriculture.
India has made remarkable progress in the fields of industry and agriculture after independence.
Progress in Agriculture
India introduced the Green Revolution, which greatly increased the production of food grains. Farmers started using:
- High-yielding variety seeds
- Fertilizers
- Modern machinery
- Better irrigation facilities
As a result, India became self-sufficient in food production.
Progress in Industry
India established many industries such as:
- Iron and steel industries
- Textile industries
- Engineering industries
- Chemical industries
Large public sector enterprises and private industries were developed, increasing production and employment. India also progressed in the fields of science and technology, which strengthened industrial growth.
Thus, both agriculture and industry have contributed significantly to India’s development.
3. Mention any five basic features of India’s foreign policy.
India’s foreign policy is based on peaceful coexistence and mutual cooperation. Its five basic features are:
- Non-Alignment:
India follows the policy of not joining any military bloc. - Peaceful Coexistence:
India believes in maintaining peaceful relations with all countries. - Opposition to Colonialism:
India opposes colonialism and supports the freedom of all nations. - Support to the United Nations:
India supports the aims and principles of the United Nations. - Friendly Relations with Neighbours:
India tries to maintain friendly relations with neighbouring countries.
These principles help India promote peace and cooperation in the world.
4. Highlight the main features of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s India Vision 2020.
India Vision 2020, proposed by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, aimed at transforming India into a developed nation by the year 2020.
Its main features were:
- Economic Development:
To make India economically strong by improving agriculture, industry, and infrastructure. - Education for All:
To provide quality education to all children and improve literacy. - Healthcare Improvement:
To provide better healthcare facilities to all citizens. - Technological Advancement:
To promote science, research, and modern technology. - Employment Generation:
To create more employment opportunities and reduce poverty. - Self-Reliance:
To make India self-dependent in all important sectors.
The vision aimed to improve the standard of living and make India a developed country.
5. Why did India opt for a democratic set-up? In your opinion, how far have we succeeded in this respect?
India opted for a democratic set-up because democracy ensures freedom, equality, and participation of the people in governance. After independence, the leaders wanted a system where the government would be elected by the people.
Democracy gives citizens the right to vote, freedom of expression, and equal opportunities. It protects the rights of all people, including weaker sections of society.
India has succeeded to a great extent in establishing democracy. Regular elections are held, people elect their representatives, and the Constitution guarantees fundamental rights.
However, some challenges such as poverty, corruption, illiteracy, and social inequality still exist. These problems affect the full success of democracy.
Even with these challenges, India has remained the world’s largest democracy, and democratic values continue to strengthen.
Also read: DAV Class 8 SST Chapter 14 The Nationalist Movement (1870 to 1947) Solutions
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