Question

What were the challenges before India at the time of independence ? How were they solved ?

Hint:

Remember the three key challenges as: \textbf{Unity}, \textbf{Democracy}, and \textbf{Development}. For solutions, think of the key figures and institutions associated with each: Sardar Patel for Unity, the Constitution for Democracy, and the Planning Commission for Development.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Upon gaining independence in 1947, India was confronted with a set of immediate and profound challenges that threatened its very existence as a unified, democratic, and developing nation.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
There were three main challenges before India at the time of independence:
Challenge 1: To Shape a Unified Nation (The Challenge of Nation-Building)
Problem: The immediate challenge was to forge a nation out of a land of immense diversity, while dealing with the horrific violence and displacement caused by Partition. A major part of this challenge was the integration of more than 565 princely states, which the British had left with the choice to join either India, Pakistan, or remain independent.
Solution:


Under the leadership of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first Home Minister, most princely states were persuaded to sign the 'Instrument of Accession' and join India through diplomatic negotiations.

For a few recalcitrant states like Hyderabad, Junagadh, and Kashmir, a combination of diplomatic pressure, popular movements, and military action was used to ensure their integration.

The Constitution of India created a secular, federal state that gave space to regional and linguistic diversity, helping to hold the nation together.

Challenge 2: To Establish Democracy
Problem: The second challenge was to establish and sustain democratic practices in a society marked by deep poverty, vast inequality, and mass illiteracy. Many observers at the time were skeptical that democracy could succeed under such conditions.
Solution:


India's leaders adopted a liberal democratic Constitution which enshrined fundamental rights and established a parliamentary system of government.

A radical and courageous step was the adoption of Universal Adult Franchise, giving the right to vote to all adult citizens, regardless of their education, wealth, or social status.

The successful conduct of the first general election in 1951-52 firmly established democratic traditions in the country.

Challenge 3: To Ensure Development and Well-being
Problem: The third challenge was to overcome the economic backwardness and extreme poverty left by centuries of colonial rule. The challenge was to devise development policies that would lift the masses out of poverty and create economic growth that benefited all sections of society.
Solution:


India adopted a model of planned development. The Planning Commission was set up to formulate Five-Year Plans.

The state took a leading role in the economy, focusing on both agricultural development (First Plan) and industrialization (Second Plan) to build a mixed economy.

The Constitution included Directive Principles of State Policy which, although not legally enforceable, laid down the goals of social and economic justice.

Step 3: Final Answer:
At independence, India faced three major challenges: building a unified nation, establishing democracy, and ensuring development for all. These were solved through the integration of princely states, the adoption of a democratic constitution with universal franchise, and a model of planned economic development through Five-Year Plans.