wiki:Chronicle/1949

1949: Key Events

  • The Indian constitution is drawn up, adopting the British model. Universal suffrage and equal rights for all are among its radical measures, but it also includes Articles 352-5, empowering the president to declare a State of Emergency and providing central government with virtually unlimited authority.
  • Manipur becomes an Indian Territory.
  • The State of Rajasthan is formed, merging the old state with the Rajput Princely States of Bikaner, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer.
  • Ceasefire in Kashmir, as the Indian Constituent Assembly recognises Kashmir’s independent status and its decision to become part of the Indian Union. This decision withdrawn, after a pledge to eschew violence.
  • Trade agreement to export jute, tea and castor oil to the USSR in return for wheat.
  • The USSR becomes India’s biggest trading partner and the only country to accept rupees as a currency for international trade.
  • Athreya’s play, N. G. O. , pioneers realism on the Telugu stage.
  • The DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) is founded by C. N. Annadurai. The Party launches its use of film as propaganda with Velaikkari and Nallathambi.
  • Dharti Ke Lal becomes the first Indian film to receive widespread distribution in the USSR.
  • The Cinematograph Act of 1918 is amended; a new censorship classification is introduced.
  • Entertainment tax for film is raised to 50% in the Central Provinces, going up to 75% in West Bengal.
  • The Central Circuit Cine Conference, under Raibahadur Chunilal, protests at the increases and theatres go on strike.
  • Dev Anand and Chetan Anand start Navketan Productions in Bombay, one of the independent producers through which IPTA members enter Hindi cinema.
  • Movie Times is launched in Bombay, edited by B. K. Karanjia.
  • Indian Documentary is launched by Paul Zils? and others.
Last modified 11 years ago Last modified on Feb 7, 2013, 3:23:55 PM