Notes For All Chapters – History Class 9
Introduction
After India gained independence in 1947, the country faced many challenges in foreign relations and economic development. The government had to create policies to ensure national security, economic growth, and good relations with other countries. India followed a policy of peace, self-reliance, and development.
1. India’s Foreign Policy
A country’s foreign policy is the strategy it follows in dealing with other nations. India’s foreign policy was shaped by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India.
Aims of India’s Foreign Policy
Peaceful Coexistence – India wants to maintain peace and avoid conflicts with other countries.
Non-Alignment – India did not join any military alliance during the Cold War (USA vs. Soviet Union).
Friendly Relations with Neighbors – India aims to maintain good ties with neighboring countries like Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
Support for the United Nations (UN) – India supports the UN’s peace efforts and participates in its activities.
Economic Growth and Self-Reliance – India wants to develop its economy without excessive dependence on other countries.
Non-Alignment Movement (NAM)
The world was divided into two groups during the Cold War:
United States (USA) and its allies
Soviet Union (USSR) and its allies
India, under Jawaharlal Nehru, chose to remain neutral and co-founded the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) in 1961.
NAM countries did not support any military alliance and focused on peace, economic development, and mutual cooperation.
2. India’s Economic Policy
After independence, India was an underdeveloped country with weak industries, low food production, and poverty. The government introduced economic planning to improve the country’s condition.
Economic Planning and Five-Year Plans
In 1950, India established the National Planning Commission to develop the economy.
The government introduced Five-Year Plans to focus on different sectors like agriculture, industry, education, and transport.
These plans helped India modernize and improve living conditions.
3. Green Revolution (1960s)
India faced severe food shortages after independence. To solve this, the government introduced the Green Revolution to improve food production.
Objectives of the Green Revolution:
Increase food production using modern farming methods.
Reduce dependence on food imports and become self-sufficient.
Improve farmers’ income and their standard of living.
Features of the Green Revolution:
Introduction of high-yield variety (HYV) seeds.
Use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
Development of better irrigation facilities.
Use of modern farming machinery like tractors and harvesters.
Effects of the Green Revolution:
Food production increased, reducing hunger and food shortages.
India became self-sufficient in food grains and reduced imports.
Farmers’ income improved, and agriculture became more profitable.
The Green Revolution was successful in states like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
4. White Revolution (1970s)
Before the 1970s, India had a low production of milk, and dairy products were imported. The White Revolution was launched to increase milk production and make India self-sufficient in dairy products.
Leader of the White Revolution:
Dr. Verghese Kurien, known as the Father of the White Revolution, led this movement.
He established the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and promoted dairy farming.
Objectives of the White Revolution:
Increase milk production to meet the growing demand.
Improve dairy farming techniques and support farmers.
Reduce milk imports and make India self-sufficient.
Effects of the White Revolution:
India became the world’s largest producer of milk.
Dairy farmers’ income improved, and rural employment increased.
Amul and other dairy cooperatives became successful in producing and distributing milk.
5. Economic Reforms of 1991
By 1991, India faced a serious economic crisis due to low foreign currency reserves and high national debt. To solve this, the government introduced economic reforms based on Liberalization, Privatization, and Globalization (LPG).
Reasons for the 1991 Economic Crisis:
Low foreign exchange reserves – India did not have enough money to import goods.
High debt – India had borrowed too much from other countries.
Slow industrial growth – Industries were not growing fast enough to provide jobs and economic stability.
LPG Reforms – Economic Changes Introduced in 1991
1. Liberalization:
The government reduced restrictions on businesses.
Private companies were allowed to operate freely.
2. Privatization:
Government-owned industries were sold to private companies.
This made industries more efficient and competitive.
3. Globalization:
India opened its markets to foreign companies.
Foreign investments increased, and international trade improved.
Effects of Economic Reforms:
More industries and businesses developed.
Foreign companies invested in India, leading to better job opportunities.
IT, telecom, and service industries grew rapidly.
Economic growth improved, and India became a global economic power.
6. Important Political Events
Operation Blue Star (1984)
Background: Some Sikh extremists in Punjab demanded a separate country called Khalistan.
They took shelter in the Golden Temple, Amritsar, and started militant activities.
The Indian government launched Operation Blue Star to remove these extremists.
This event led to political tension and later the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Mandal Commission and Reservations (1980s)
The Mandal Commission was set up to study the conditions of backward classes in India.
It recommended reservations in government jobs and education for backward classes.
The aim was to reduce social and economic inequality.
Morarji Desai Government (1977-79)
Morarji Desai became the first non-Congress Prime Minister in 1977.
His government faced internal conflicts within the Janata Party.
Due to political instability, the government collapsed in 1979.
Leave a Reply