| | 1 | '''1949: Key Events''' |
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| | 3 | * 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. |
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| | 5 | * Manipur becomes an Indian Territory. |
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| | 7 | * The State of Rajasthan is formed, merging the old state with the Rajput Princely States of Bikaner, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer. |
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| | 9 | * 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 This decision withdrawn, after a pledge to eschew violence. |
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| | 11 | * Trade agreement to export jute, tea and castor oil to the USSR in return for wheat. |
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| | 13 | * The USSR becomes India’s biggest trading partner and the only country to accept rupees as a currency for international trade. |
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| | 15 | * Athreya’s play, N. G. O. , pioneers realism on the Telugu stage. |
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| | 17 | * Films Division is set up. |
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| | 19 | * The DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) is founded by C. N. Annadurai. The Party launches its use of film as propaganda with Velaikkari and Nallathambi. |
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| | 21 | * Dharti Ke Lal becomes the first Indian film to receive widespread distribution in the USSR. |
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| | 23 | * The Cinematograph Act of 1918 is amended; a new censorship classification is introduced. |
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| | 25 | * Entertainment tax for film is raised to 50% in the Central Provinces, going up to 75% in West Bengal. |
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| | 27 | * The Central Circuit Cine Conference, under Raibahadur Chunilal, protests at the increases and theatres go on strike. |
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| | 29 | * Dev Anand and Chetan Anand start Navketan Productions in Bombay, one of the independent producers through which IPTA members enter Hindi cinema. |
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| | 31 | * Movie Times is launched in Bombay, edited by B. K. Karanjia. |
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| | 33 | * Indian Documentary is launched by Paul Zils and others. |