History · Spectrum Books A Brief History of Modern India
Chapter 38 : Developments under Nehru's Leadership (1947–64)
Table of contents49 sections
- 1.Developments under Nehru's Leadership (1947–64)
- 2.Political Developments
- 3.Debate over National Language
- 4.Key Terms
- 5.📌 Exam Tidbits
- 6.Linguistic Reorganisation of the States
- 7.Commissions and Committees on Linguistic States
- 8.The Creation of Andhra State
- 9.States Reorganisation Act (November 1956)
- 10.Post-1956 Reorganisations under Nehru
- 11.Key Terms
- 12.📌 Exam Tidbits
- 13.Growth of Other Political Parties
- 14.Socialist Parties Evolution
- 15.The Communist Party
- 16.Right-Wing and Conservative Parties
- 17.Communal and Regional Parties
- 18.An Undemocratic Deed (Kerala 1957-59)
- 19.Key Terms
- 20.📌 Exam Tidbits
- 21.Concept of Planning for Economic Development
- 22.Planning Institutions
- 23.The Five-Year Plans
- 24.Interpretations and Outcomes
- 25.Key Terms
- 26.📌 Exam Tidbits
- 27.Progress of Science and Technology
- 28.Key Scientific Institutions and Developments
- 29.Key Terms
- 30.📌 Exam Tidbits
- 31.Social Developments
- 32.Developments in Education
- 33.Social Change under Nehru
- 34.Key Terms
- 35.📌 Exam Tidbits
- 36.Foreign Policy
- 37.Basic Principles of Nehruvian Foreign Policy
- 38.Key Terms
- 39.📌 Exam Tidbits
- 40.Relations with Neighbours
- 41.India and Pakistan
- 42.India and China
- 43.Consequences of Sino-Indian War (1962)
- 44.India and Nepal
- 45.India and Bhutan
- 46.India and Sri Lanka
- 47.Key Terms
- 48.📌 Exam Tidbits
- 49.Quick-Recall Box
Chapter preview
Developments under Nehru's Leadership (1947–64)
The period between India's independence and the death of Jawaharlal Nehru in May 1964 is termed the ‘Nehruvian Era’. Nehru laid the foundation of a new India, influenced by his association with Europe, his close association with Gandhi, and his tours across Indian regions.
- Ideological Framework: Democracy committed to secularism, socialistic approach, and social justice.
- Approach: Imparting modern ways of thinking adapted to Indian conditions, promoting science, technology, and the scientific temper.
Political Developments
In the first general elections in 1952, the Congress won a huge majority and formed the government at the Centre headed by Jawaharlal Nehru. Nehru led the Congress to major election victories in 1957 and 1962 (though the winning majority reduced towards the end).
- Rajendra Prasad was elected as the first President of India in 1952 by the electoral college of the first Parliament. S. Radhakrishnan was elected vice-president.
- In 1962, Rajendra Prasad retired after two terms, and Radhakrishnan was elected president.
Debate over National Language
At Independence, India had eleven major languages, each spoken by over a million people. English was the colonial official language.
- Gandhi's view: Recommended Hindustani (neither too Sanskritised nor too Persianised) as the national language. Nehru acknowledged its potential.
- Regional Opposition: The idea of Hindi was not appreciated by non-Hindi speaking southern and eastern regions.
Key Terms
| Concept | Definition |
|---|---|
| Nehruvian Era | The period between India's independence and the death of Nehru in May 1964, termed so due to Nehru's influence on almost all decisions taken in India during that time. |
| Hindustani | A language recommended by Gandhi as the national language, defined as being not too Sanskritised and not too Persianised. |
| Associate additional official language | The status accorded to English by the Official Languages Act of 1963 as a concession to non-Hindi speakers. |
📌 Exam Tidbits
- Jawaharlal Nehru led Congress to victories in 1952, 1957, and 1962.
- Rajendra Prasad served two terms as President (1952–1962).
- Constituent Assembly compromise → Hindi as official language + English for 15 years + Regional languages in Eighth Schedule.
- Official Languages Act (1963)…
This chapter is part of the History plan
Subscribe to read every chapter on any device. Free chapters remain readable for everyone.
View plans