Modern India – Study Notes (Rajasthan Police Sub‑Inspector)
Target Exam: Rajasthan Police Sub‑Inspector (SI) – General Awareness & Current Affairs
Exam‑Pattern: Short‑answer & multiple‑choice (MCQ) questions, concept‑based and date‑based queries.
Study Strategy:
- Focus on chronology, key legislation, and constitutional milestones.
- Memorize important dates (e.g., 15 Oct 1947, 26 Jan 1950).
- Understand cause‑effect linkages (e.g., why the 1991 reforms happened).
- Note tricky points that frequently appear in past papers.
- Practice hard questions to test depth of knowledge.
1. What is “Modern India”?
| Period | Approx. Years | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Pre‑1947 | 1857–1947 | British Raj, freedom movement, constitutional debates. |
| Post‑1947 | 1947–present | Independence, Constitution, democratic institutions, economic reforms, social change. |
2. Pre‑Independence Era (1857–1947)
| Year | Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1857 | Revolt of 1857 (First War of Independence) | First large‑scale uprising; triggered reforms. |
| 1885 | Indian National Congress (INC) founded | Platform for political dialogue. |
| 1905 | Partition of Bengal | Sparked Swadeshi movement. |
| 1919 | Jallianwala Bagh Massacre | Intensified demand for self‑rule. |
| 1920–22 | Non‑Cooperation Movement (Gandhi) | Mass civil disobedience; political mobilization. |
| 1930 | Salt March | Civil disobedience against British salt tax. |
| 1935 | Government of India Act | First constitutional framework; federal structure. |
| 1942 | Quit India Movement | Direct call for complete independence. |
| 1946 | Cabinet Mission Plan | Proposed federal structure; led to Partition. |
| 1947 | Partition & Independence | 15 Oct 1947: India becomes independent; 14 Oct 1947: Pakistan. |
Tricky Point:
- Why was the 1935 Act not fully implemented?
- Answer: The British rejected the Indian demand for full responsible government; the Act was a compromise.
3. Constitutional Milestones
| Year | Act / Amendment | Key Provisions |
|---|---|---|
| 1949 | Constitution of India (adopted) | Federal republic, parliamentary system, fundamental rights, directive principles. |
| 1950 | Constitution comes into force | 26 Jan 1950: Republic Day. |
| 1951 | First General Election | First democratic exercise. |
| 1952 | 42nd Amendment | “One Nation, One People”; expanded power of Parliament. |
| 1960 | 44th Amendment | “One Nation, One People”; abolished the "reserved seats for the Anglo‑Indian community" provision. |
| 1976 | 52nd Amendment | Emergency provisions (PPT). |
| 1989 | 52nd Amendment (Amendment) | Abolished the Emergency (or suspended). |
| 1993 | 55th Amendment | Replaced Article 370 (special status of Jammu & Kashmir). |
| 2002 | 86th Amendment | Re‑affirmed the “One Nation, One People” principle. |
| 2019 | 95th Amendment | Abolished the 10th schedule (official languages). |
| 2020 | 101st Amendment | *“National |