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 This decision withdrawn, after a pledge to eschew violence.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