'''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 This decision withdrawn, after a pledge to eschew violence.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. 

* [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athreya|Athreya]]’s play, N. G. O. , pioneers realism on the Telugu stage.

* [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Films_Division|Films Division]] is set up. 

* The DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) is founded by C. N. Annadurai. The Party launches its use of film as propaganda with [[Velaikkari]] and [[Nallathambi]]. 

* [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dharti_Ke_Lal|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.