On the 70th year of India's independence, here's a look at the watershed moments in the history that shaped today's India. These events hold importance in Indian history not only because of the important political or social issues they targeted but also because of the magnitude of effect these events had on our country.
- Partition
British ruled India was divided into two separate states, India and Pakistan. The partition saw bloodshed and killings on both sides of the border, and left an everlasting impact on the minds of the people.
- Accession of Kashmir
The ruler of Kashmir, Raja Hari Singh signed an agreement of accession as a result of which Kashmir became an integral part of India. The decision had widespread impact, with some people supporting the decision and many against it. Kashmir has become a hotbed of militancy since then. The decision of Raja Hari Singh to make Kashmir a part of India has led to four wars between India and Pakistan and has also led to a special status for the state of Kashmir under Article 370.
- Formation of the Union of India
At the time of British rule, India was an amalgamation of more than 500 princely states. These princely states were annexed into the Union of India, eliminating the chances of small rebellions emerging from the Indian heartland. Indira Gandhi also introduced a 26th amendment in 1971 which abolished privy purses of the princely rulers.
- Five Year plans
Five year planning was introduced in India in the year 1950. The main aim behind implementing five year plans is to draw out a blueprint for India's future, fighting hunger and poverty that was caused as a result of crumbling economy because of partition.
- Reorganisation of States
The states were reorganised on the basis of linguistic identities in various parts of the country. Andhra Pradesh was born in 1956, Gujarat in 1960 and Haryana and Himachal Pradesh in 1966.
- Indo-China War
The Indo-China war of 1962 was a blow to India's belief in China being its strategic partner. The 1962 war also led to the shattering of Jawaharlal Nehru's image of being invincible. 52 years later, Indo-China border dispute is still a burning concern for both sides.
- Creation of Bangladesh and India-Pakistan war
India intervened in the uprising in East Pakistan. The relationship with Pakistan was already tensed after the 1965 war. Also, the defeat of India in 1962 at the hands of China had weakened India's position in the region, thus helping in the creation of Bangladesh has re-established India as an important power in south Asia.
- Emergency
The infamous emergency imposed by the Indira Gandhi government in 1975 is a one of its kind event in Indian history. The press was gagged, protestors were sent to jail and there was a feeling of paranoia around the country.
- Liberalisation
The economic reforms of 1992 can be undoubtedly listed as one of the events that shaped India. The economy was failing, India was suffering from a stagnant GDP. The License Raj which was imposed to protect the local businesses was not benefitting the economy. The economy was opened to the foreign investments, changes in tax regimes and public sector holdings saw the rise of a new economic era for India.
- Kargil War
Pakistan sent its troops to capture Kargil in 1999. What followed was three months of rigorous fighting from both the sides that led to loss of lives. US Diplomatic intervention was sought to ask Pakistan to withdraw from Kargil. Cross border terrorism took the central stage in India's foreign policy.