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 This decision withdrawn, after a pledge to eschew violence.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

• 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.

• 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.