Question

“The 1960s were labelled as the ‘dangerous decade’ in India.” Explain any two reasons for this.

Answer 1

1. Doubt over democratic survival after Nehru: After Jawaharlal Nehru’s death, there was widespread anxiety about the future of India’s democracy. Many people feared that, like several newly independent countries, India might face democratic breakdown, political instability, or even a military takeover. The uncertainty surrounding leadership and succession added to these concerns.
2. Unresolved national issues and rising tensions: The decade was characterised by major unresolved issues like poverty, economic inequality, communalism, and regional divisions. These internal challenges led many to believe that India might experience a breakdown of democracy or even disintegration. As a result, the 1960s were viewed as a crucial period that could have shaped the future course of Indian democracy.