Key Points
Key Points: Dravidian Movement
- The Dravidian Movement was one of India’s earliest and most effective regional movements.
- Promoted regional pride and opposed North Indian and Brahmin domination.
- Movement was led by E. V. Ramasami “Periyar” and led to the formation of Dravidar Kazhagam (DK).
- Democratic methods like debates and elections, not violence.
- Political legacy was carried forward by the DMK, which entered politics in the 1950s.
- Anti-Hindi agitations (1965) and demands for Tamil cultural recognition increased DMK’s popularity.
- Since 1967, Dravidian parties like DMK and AIADMK have dominated Tamil Nadu politics.
Key Points: Rajiv Gandhi
- Prime Minister of India from 1984 to 1989.
- He promoted modernisation, focusing on computers, technology, and a modern economy.
- He signed important peace accords in Punjab, Mizoram, and Assam.
- He sent Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) to Sri Lanka.
- Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) to Sri Lanka.
Key Points: Goa’s Liberation
- Portugal refused to leave Goa even after India’s independence in 1947.
- Peaceful movements for freedom in Goa were later supported by armed action in December 1961.
- Goa, Diu, and Daman were liberated and became Union Territories of India.
- A section wanted Goa to merge with Maharashtra, while others supported Konkani identity.
- A 1967 plebiscite rejected merger, and Goa became a State in 1987.
Key Points: Indian Approach (Unity in Diversity)
- The Indian approach respects cultural, regional, and linguistic diversity within the nation.
- Indian nationalism aims to balance unity and diversity, not suppress differences.
- Unlike some European models, India does not see diversity as a threat to national unity.
- Democracy allows regional aspirations to be expressed through politics.
- Political parties address people based on regional identity and local problems.
- Democratic politics helps give recognition and accommodation to regional issues.
- Balancing national unity and regional aspirations can create tensions but is essential for a diverse nation.
Key Points: Jammu and Kashmir> Roots of the Problem
- Before 1947, Jammu and Kashmir was a princely state ruled by Maharaja Hari Singh
- Pakistan claimed Kashmir due to its Muslim-majority population, but many people identified with Kashmiriyat.
- The popular movement in Kashmir was led by Sheikh Abdullah and the secular National Conference
- In October 1947, Pakistan sent tribal infiltrators into Kashmir
- Maharaja sought Indian military help and signed the Instrument of Accession.
- India pushed back the infiltrators but Pakistan retained control over part of the state.
- The issue was taken to the United Nations, which proposed withdrawal of forces and a plebiscite.
- In 1948, Sheikh Abdullah became Prime Minister, and Article 370 granted provisional autonomy to J&K.
Key Points: Areas of Tension
- After Independence, India faced challenges like Partition, displacement, and integration of princely states.
- Jammu and Kashmir became a major issue involving both Pakistan and local political aspirations.
- Nagaland and Mizoram saw movements demanding separation from India.
- Linguistic and regional demands led to the reorganisation of states like Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.
- Despite state reorganisation, regional tensions continued in areas like Punjab, Assam, and Kashmir.
Key Points: E. V. Ramasami Naicker (Periyar)
- Strong supporter of atheism and a leading anti-caste reformer.
- Started the Self-Respect Movement (1925) and led the anti-Brahmin movement in South India.
- He promoted Dravidian identity, opposed Hindi domination, and later founded the Dravidar Kazhagam.
Key Points: Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah
- Main leader of Jammu and Kashmir.
- Popular movement against princely rule and opposed joining Pakistan.
- Leader of the National Conference.
- Prime Minister of J&K after accession with India in 1947, but was later dismissed and jailed (1953–64).
- After an agreement with Indira Gandhi, he returned to power as Chief Minister in 1974.
Key Points: External and internal disputes
- Pakistan claims Kashmir and occupied part of the state in 1947, called PoJK by India.
- Since 1947, Kashmir has remained a major issue between India and Pakistan.
- Article 370 and 371 gave J&K a special status within the Indian Union.
- Some people outside J&K demanded removal of Article 370 for full integration.
- Many Kashmiris felt autonomy was inadequate, demanding plebiscite, greater autonomy, and full democracy.
Key Points: Politics since 1948
- Sheikh Abdullah introduced land reforms but was dismissed and detained in 1953.
- Leaders who followed him ruled mainly with the support of the Central government.
- 1953 to 1974, the Congress exercised strong influence.
- Prime Minister was replaced by Chief Minister, and Ghulam Mohammad Sadiq became the first CM.
- Indira Gandhi–Sheikh Abdullah accord restored Abdullah as Chief Minister; National Conference won 1977 elections.
- Centre’s interventions weakened public trust.
Key Points: Insurgency and After
- 1987 Assembly election was widely believed to be rigged, causing public resentment.
- Loss of faith in democratic processes led to the rise of insurgency by 1989.
- Militancy demanded a separate Kashmir and received support from Pakistan.
- State came under President’s Rule and heavy control of armed forces, with widespread violence.
- Elections resumed in 1996 and 2002, leading to coalition governments and partial political normalisation.
Key Points: 2002 and Beyond
- After the 2002 elections, a PDP–Congress coalition was formed with Mufti Mohammad Sayeed as Chief Minister.
- Ghulam Nabi Azad later became Chief Minister, but President’s Rule was imposed in 2008.
- In 2009, an NC–Congress coalition led by Omar Abdullah.
- 2014 elections led to a PDP–BJP coalition, headed by Mufti Mohammad Sayeed.
- After Mufti’s death, Mehbooba Mufti became the first woman Chief Minister in 2016; President’s Rule followed in 2018.
- 5 August 2019, Article 370 was abolished and the state was reorganised into two Union Territories—Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
Key Points: Political Context
- Akali Dal came to power in 1967 and 1977.
- Akali governments were often dismissed by the Centre before completing their term.
- Akalis had limited support among Hindus, and Sikh society was divided by caste.
- Congress gained more Dalit support.
- Akalis adopted the Anandpur Sahib Resolution.
- Later, issues like water-sharing disputes and Sikh identity.
Key Points: Master Tara Singh
- Sikh religious and political leader.
- Leader of the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) and the Akali movement.
- Advocated the creation of a separate Punjabi-speaking state (Punjab).
Key Points: Laldenga
- Founded the Mizo National Front (MNF) after the 1959.
- He led a two-decade-long armed struggle.
- Signed an accord with Rajiv Gandhi and became Chief Minister of Mizoram.
Key Points: Angami Zapu Phizo
- Led the movement for an independent Nagaland.
- President of the Naga National Council and started an armed struggle against India.
- He went underground, stayed in Pakistan, and later lived in exile in the UK.
Key Points: Movements against Outsiders
- Large-scale migration into the North-East created tensions between locals and “outsiders”
- Encroachers on land, jobs, and political power.
- Assam Movement (1979–85).
- Led by the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) against illegal migrants and faulty voter lists.
- Movement involved mass protests, blockades, and violent incidents.
- Assam Accord (1985) promised identification and deportation of foreigners and led to the rise of Asom Gana Parishad (AGP).
- Outsider issue remains unresolved.
Key Points: Sikkim’s Merger
- Sikkim was an Indian protectorate, ruled internally by the Chogyal.
- Democratic aspirations of the largely Nepali population.
- Elections brought the Sikkim Congress, which supported closer ties with India.
- Sikkim Assembly passed a resolution for full integration with India.
- Sikkim became the 22nd State of India.
Key Points: Kazi Lhendup Dorji Khangsarpa
- Leader of the democratic movement in Sikkim and founder of the Sikkim Praja Mandal.
- Led the Sikkim State Congress and the Sikkim National Congress.
- Role in Sikkim’s integration with India.
Key Points: Accommodation and National Integration
- Regional aspirations are a normal and legitimate part of democratic politics.
- Nation-building is an ongoing process, especially in a large and diverse country like India.
- The best response to regional demands is dialogue and negotiation, not repression.
- Political settlements, as in Mizoram, can successfully resolve separatist movements Political settlements, as in Mizoram, can successfully resolve separatist movements.
- Economic imbalance between regions creates feelings of discrimination and alienation.
- India’s flexible federal system has special provisions for some regions and communities.
- India’s Constitution is accommodative, helping integrate diversity.
Key Points: Sant Harchand Singh Longowal
- Sikh religious and political leader.
- Began his political career in the mid-1960s as an Akali leader.
- Became President of the Akali Dal in 1980.
- Signed an agreement with Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi (1985).
- He was assassinated in 1985 by unidentified Sikh youth.
Key Points: Cycle of Violence
- Punjab movement shifted from moderate Akali leadership to armed militancy
- Militants turned the Golden Temple, Amritsar, into a fortified base.
- June 1984, the government launched Operation Blue Star.
- The operation cleared militants but damaged the Golden Temple and hurt Sikh sentiments.
- Indira Gandhi was assassinated on 31 October 1984 by her Sikh bodyguards.
- This led to anti-Sikh violence in Delhi.
- Justice was delayed, and in 2005 Prime Minister Manmohan Singh apologised to the nation.
Key Points: Road to Peace
- In 1985, Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi signed the Punjab.
- The Accord aimed to restore normalcy, settle Chandigarh and river-water disputes, and compensate victims of violence.
- Peace was delayed as militancy and police excesses.
- President’s Rule and low voter turnout in 1992 elections.
- Militancy ended, democracy revived, and Akali Dal–BJP won the 1997 elections.
Key Points: The North-East
- The North-East has eight states and is called the “Seven Sisters”, with Sikkim as the brother state.
- Low population but large area low population but large area
- After 1947, many areas were reorganised, and new states like Nagaland, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh were created
- The region remained economically backward and politically isolated
- Migration and demographic changes
- Politics of the region is dominated by demands for autonomy, secession, and opposition to outsiders.
Key Points: Demands for Autonomy
- North-East formed Assam, except Manipur and Tripura.
- Imposition of Assamese language and culture.
- Tribal leaders formed the Eastern India Tribal Union, later the All Party Hill Leaders’ Conference.
- Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh—were carved out of Assam.
- Communities like Bodos, Karbis, and Dimasas demanded further autonomy.
- Autonomous District Councils were created within Assam.
Key Points: Secessionist Movements
- Secessionist demands were harder to handle than autonomy demands because they sought a separate country.
- In Mizo Hills, resentment grew after the 1959 famine and neglect by the Assam government.
- Mizo National Front (MNF) was formed under Laldenga.
- MNF launched an armed struggle supported by Pakistan and sheltered in East Pakistan.
- The Indian government responded with military action, including use of the Air Force, causing alienation.
- Rajiv Gandhi–Laldenga Accord ended the insurgency in Mizoram.
- Mizoram became a full-fledged state, MNF gave up violence, and peace was restored.
- Nagaland’s insurgency, led by Angami Zapu Phizo.
Important Questions [15]
- Read the following passage carefully and answer the following questions: Above all, the linguistic states underlined the acceptance of the principle of diversity. When we say that India adopted democracy, it does not simply mean that India embraced a democratic constitution, nor does it merely mean that India adopted the format of elections.
- Justify that “Regionalism is not as dangerous as Communalism”.
- Differentiate Between 'Regionalism' and 'Separatism'
- Identify any two states where the Central Government had to face separatist movements. Also name the leaders who led these movements.
- Assess the role played by Akali Dal, a regional party, in the politics of Punjab.
- What Was 'Operation Blue Star'? Why Did It Hurt the Sentiments of the Sikh Community?
- What was the main outcome of the Rajiv Gandhi -Longowal Accord in July 1985?
- What Does the Special Status Given to Jammu and Kashmir Under Articles 370 Mean?
- When was Article 370 related to Jammu and Kashmir abolished?
- Highlight any four reasons for the Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan.
- Briefly describe the story of Sikkim from the time of India's independence to its merger with India.
- 'Bodo' community belongs to which state?
- Assess any two steps taken by Union Government in response to the demand of autonomy raised by people in most of the regions of North-East.
- Who among the following was a leader of Nagaland?
- Who among the following was the main leader of Dravid Movement?
