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Q91 (IAS/2018) History & Culture › National Movement (1857–1947) › Post-independence developments Official Key

Consider the following events : 1. The first democratically elected communist party government formed in a State in India. 2. India's then largest bank, 'Imperial Bank of India', was renamed 'State Bank of India'. 3. Air India was nationalised and became the national carrier. 4. Goa became a part of independent India. Which of the following is the correct chronological sequence of the above events ?

Result

Your answer: — · Correct: B

Explanation

The correct chronological sequence is 3-2-1-4 (Option B).

Air India was nationalised in March 1953[1], making it the earliest event. The Imperial Bank of India was nationalised and renamed State Bank of India in 1955[3]. In March 1957, the Communist Party won the Kerala assembly elections and E.M.S. Namboodiripad formed the ministry, marking the first time in the world that a Communist party government came to power through [4]democratic elections[4]. Finally, in December 1961, the Government of India sent the army which liberated Goa[5] from Portuguese rule.

Therefore, the sequence is: Air India nationalisation (1953) → State Bank of India renamed (1955) → Communist government in Kerala (1957) → Goa's liberation (1961), which corresponds to option B (3-2-1-4).

Sources

[1] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 12: Transport, Communications and Trade > Air Sewa > p. 31
[2] Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 7: Money and Banking > 2 1. State Bank of India > p. 175
[3] Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 7: Money and Banking > History of Banking > p. 160
[4] Politics in India since Independence, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 2: Era of One-party Dominance > Communist victory in Kerala > p. 33
[5] Politics in India since Independence, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: Regional Aspirations > Goa's liberation > p. 133

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Each bar shows the % of students who chose that option. Green bar = correct answer, blue outline = your choice.

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Out of everyone who attempted this question.

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PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN

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Don’t just practise – reverse-engineer the question. This panel shows where this PYQ came from (books / web), how the examiner broke it into hidden statements, and which nearby micro-concepts you were supposed to learn from it. Treat it like an autopsy of the question: what might have triggered it, which exact lines in the book matter, and what linked ideas you should carry forward to future questions.

Q. Consider the following events : 1. The first democratically elected communist party government formed in a State in India. 2. India's th…

At a glance

Origin: Mixed / unclear origin Fairness: Moderate fairness Books / CA: 7.5/10 · 0/10

This is a classic 'Post-Independence Consolidation' question that rewards cross-disciplinary reading. It merges Polity (Kerala/Goa), Economy (SBI), and Infrastructure (Air India) into a single timeline. If you read NCERT Class XII (Politics in India since Independence) and basic Economy, this is a straightforward sitter.

How this question is built

This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.

Statement 1: Year when the first democratically elected communist party government in an Indian state (the Communist Party of India government in Kerala) took office.
Statement 2: Year when the Imperial Bank of India was renamed the State Bank of India.
Statement 3: Year when Air India was nationalised and became the national carrier of India.
Statement 4: Date and year when Goa became part of independent India after the end of Portuguese rule (Operation Vijay).

Statement 1

Year when the first democratically elected communist party government in an Indian state (the Communist Party of India government in Kerala) took office.

Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable

From standard books

Politics in India since Independence, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 2: Era of One-party Dominance > Communist victory in Kerala > p. 33

Presence: 5/5

“As early as in 1957, the Congress party had the bitter taste of defeat in Kerala. In the assembly elections held in March 1957, the Communist Party won the largest number of seats in the Kerala legislature. The party won 60 of the 126 seats and had the support of five independents. The governor invited E. M. S. Namboodiripad, the leader of the Communist legislature party, to form the ministry. For the first time in the world, a Communist party government had come to power through democratic elections. On losing power in the State, the Congress party began a 'liberation struggle' against the elected government.”

Why this source?

Explicitly locates the event in 1957 and refers to assembly elections held in March 1957.
Names E. M. S. Namboodiripad being invited to form the ministry in Kerala.
States this was the first time a Communist party government came to power through democratic elections.

Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 38: Developments under Nehru’s Leadership (1947-64) > An Undemocratic Deed > p. 644

Presence: 5/5

“In 1957, the Congress Party faced an unexpected defeat in the State of Kerala when the CPI emerged as the largest single party in the legislative assembly. E.M.S. Namboodiripad formed the government with the support of some independents. It was perhaps the first time that a communist government was formed on the basis of democratic elections. Trouble began with the introduction of the Education Bill which was, in actuality, a progressive measure. It was vehemently opposed by the Catholic Church in the state which ran several educational institutions and saw the bill as an encroachment on its power. Seeing in this situation an apt opportunity, the local Congress party members who had lost in the elections, organised state-wide protests.”

Why this source?

Specifies that in 1957 CPI emerged as the largest party in the Kerala legislative assembly.
Notes E.M.S. Namboodiripad formed the government with support of independents.
Describes this as perhaps the first time a communist government was formed on the basis of democratic elections.

Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 38: Developments under Nehru’s Leadership (1947-64) > Growth of other Political Parties > p. 639

Presence: 5/5

“Through the 1950s and 1960s the Congress party ruled at the Centre and in most of the states. The people voted for the Congress mainly because they saw it as the legatee of the freedom struggle and because its leaders were perceived to be individuals of character and integrity. Perhaps the first time people exercised their right of choice for a party other than the Congress was when they voted the Communists into power in Kerala in 1957. Then, in 1963, three notable opponents of the Congress were elected to the Lok Sabha, namely, the socialist Rammanohar Lohia, the liberal M.”

Why this source?

States that people voted the Communists into power in Kerala in 1957.
Frames this as perhaps the first instance of voters choosing a party other than Congress at the time.

Statement 2

Year when the Imperial Bank of India was renamed the State Bank of India.

Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable

From standard books

Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 7: Money and Banking > 2 1. State Bank of India > p. 175

Presence: 5/5

“• Previously called 'Imperial Bank of India', it was created by amalgamating the three Presidency Banks, namely Banks of Calcutta, Bombay and Madras in 1921. • Later in 1955, Imperial Bank of India was nationalised as State Bank of India.”

Why this source?

Explicitly states that the Imperial Bank of India was nationalised/renamed as State Bank of India in 1955.
Provides immediate context about the bank's earlier formation (amalgamation of Presidency Banks in 1921).

Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 7: Money and Banking > History of Banking > p. 160

Presence: 5/5

“• Banking in India started in 1770 with the establishment of Bank of Hindustan. • Later, three Presidency Banks were set up: • Bank of Calcutta in 1806 . • Bank of Bombay in 1840 . • Bank of Madras in 1843 . These banks worked as quasi-central banks for many years. In 1921, all these three banks were amalgamated to form the Imperial Bank of India. Imperial Bank of India continued functioning till 1955, after which it got renamed as State Bank of India.”

Why this source?

Says the Imperial Bank of India continued until 1955, after which it was renamed State Bank of India.
Confirms the timeline by referring back to the Imperial Bank's 1921 origin.

Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 3: Money and Banking - Part II > 3.1 History of Indian Banking and Reforms > p. 125

Presence: 5/5

“In the absence of any Central Bank in India till 1935, the Imperial Bank of India also performed a number of functions which are normally carried out by a Central Bank. At the time of Independence in 1947, the banking system in India was fairly well developed with over 600 commercial banks operating in the country. However soon after independence, the view that the banks from the colonial heritage were biased in favour of working capital loans for trade and large firms and against extending credit to small scale enterprises, agriculture and commoners, gained prominence. To ensure better coverage of banking needs of larger parts of economy and the rural constituencies, the Government of India nationalized the Imperial bank which was established in 1921 and transformed it into the State Bank of India (SBI) with effect from 1955.”

Why this source?

States the Government nationalised the Imperial Bank and transformed it into the State Bank of India with effect from 1955.
Explains the policy rationale for the change (post‑Independence banking reforms), supporting the date.

Statement 3

Year when Air India was nationalised and became the national carrier of India.

Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable

From standard books

Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 12: Transport, Communications and Trade > Air Sewa > p. 31

Presence: 5/5

“Air India: The Air India was constituted in 1947, after which the Air India International launched its first service to London via Cairo and Geneva on 8 June, 1948 with Constellation aircraft. In 1952, the Planning Commission recommended the nationalisation of Air Transport Industry which was effected in March 1953 with the creation of nationalised Corporations—Air India International Limited, which retained its identity and international flag carrier status; and the Indian Airlines, to operate domestic services. Fleet: Air India owns a fleet of 16 aircrafts consisting of six B747-400, two B747- 300, and eight A-310-300. In addition, Air India has inducted six B747-400, eleven A310-300, and four B777-222 on dry lease basis, taking the total number of aircrafts in Air India to 37.”

Why this source?

Explicitly states Planning Commission recommended nationalisation in 1952 and that nationalisation was effected in March 1953.
Specifies creation of nationalised corporations including Air India International which retained international/flag-carrier status after nationalisation.

Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 12: Transport, Communications and Trade > various parts of India. Some of these flights operate between India and the Gulf countries. > p. 32

Presence: 4/5

“Indian Airlines: Indian Airlines was set up under the Air Corporation Act, 1953 with an initial capital of Rs. 3.25 crore with its headquarters at Delhi. The India Airlines is the major domestic air carrier of the country. The Indian Airlines operates to 55 domestic stations alongwith its wholly-owned subsidiary Airlines, Allied Services Ltd. (Alliance Air). Besides Indian Airlines also operates to 18 international stations. The Indian Airlines presently has a fleet of 73 aircrafts comprising 03 Airbus, A-300s; 48 Airbus, A-320s, 5 Airbus, A-319s; 11 Boeing 737s; 18 Dornier DO-228; and 04 ATR-42-320. All B-737 and ATR aircrafts are operated by Alliance Air.”

Why this source?

Confirms Indian Airlines was set up under the Air Corporation Act, 1953, corroborating government reorganisation of air services in 1953.
Supports the timeline that 1953 was the year of statutory formation of national carriers for domestic and international services.

Statement 4

Date and year when Goa became part of independent India after the end of Portuguese rule (Operation Vijay).

Origin: Weak / unclear Fairness: Borderline / guessy

Indirect textbook clues

Politics in India since Independence, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: Regional Aspirations > Goa's liberation > p. 133

Strength: 5/5

“Although the British empire in India came to an end in 1947, Portugal refused to withdraw from the territories of Goa, Diu and Daman which were under its colonial rule since the sixteenth century. During their long rule, the Portuguese suppressed the people of Goa, denied them civil rights, and carried out forced religious conversions. After India's Independence, the Indian government tried very patiently to persuade the Portuguese government to withdraw. There was also a strong popular movement within Goa for freedom. They were strengthened by socialist satyagrahis from Maharashtra. Finally, in December 1961, the Government of India sent the army which liberated these territories after barely two days of action.”

Why relevant

Explicitly says the Government of India sent the army in December 1961 which liberated Goa, Diu and Daman after barely two days of action.

How to extend

A student could take 'December 1961' and consult a concise timeline or contemporary news sources to pinpoint the exact days in December when the military action (Operation Vijay) occurred.

Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 3: Advent of the Europeans in India > The Portuguese in India > p. 29

Strength: 4/5

“lasted. The Portuguese always had a role to play in the successive battles for the balance of power between Vijayanagara and the Deccan sultans, between the Deccanis and the Mughals, and between the Mughals and the Marathas. Interestingly, the Portuguese, the first Europeans to come to India, were also the last to leave this land. It was 1961 before the Government of India recaptured Goa, Daman and Diu from them.”

Why relevant

States that it was 1961 before the Government of India recaptured Goa, Daman and Diu from the Portuguese, confirming the relevant year.

How to extend

Use this year (1961) together with the December reference above to narrow to the precise dates of the recapture in December 1961.

Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 6: Union and Its Territory > New States and Union Territories Created After 1956 > p. 54

Strength: 4/5

“Subsequently, the administration was carried on till 1961 by an administrator chosen by the people themselves. It was converted into a union territory of India by the 10th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1961. Later, in 2020, this union territory was merged with the union territory of Daman and Diu in order to form a new union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. This was done by the Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (Merger of Union Territories) Act, 2019. Goa, Daman and Diu. India acquired these three territories from the Portuguese by means of a police action in 1961.”

Why relevant

Notes India acquired these three territories from the Portuguese by means of a police action in 1961 and that administration continued till 1961 before conversion into a union territory by the 10th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1961.

How to extend

Combine the legislative/action-year clue (1961) with primary legal documents (10th Amendment date) and military timelines to confirm the date when sovereignty effectively changed hands.

Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 41: Union Territories > CREATION OF UNION TERRITORIES > p. 409

Strength: 3/5

“t CREATION OF UNION TERRITORIES During the British Rule, certain areas were constituted as 'scheduled districts' in 1874. Later, they came to be known as 'chief commissioners provinces'. After independence, they were placed in the category of Part 'C'. States and Part 'D' Territories. In 1956, they were constituted as the 'union territories' by the 7th Constitutional Amendment Act (1956) and the States Reorganisation Act (1956). Gradually, some of these union territories have been elevated to statehood. Thus, Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Tripura, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh and Goa, which are states today were formerly union territories. At present, there are eight Union Territories.”

Why relevant

Explains that Goa was formerly a union territory and that some union territories were created/elevated after independence, implying a post-1947 administrative change for Goa.

How to extend

A student could use this pattern (liberation → union territory status → later statehood) plus the 1961 references to trace the administrative milestone dates following the military action.

Pattern takeaway: UPSC loves the 1950s because it defines the 'Idea of India'. The pattern is to mix 'State Action' (Nationalisation of SBI/Air India) with 'Democratic Evolution' (Kerala Elections) and 'Territorial Integrity' (Goa). They test if you understand the *sequence* of how the Indian state solidified.

How you should have studied

[THE VERDICT]: Sitter. Direct hits from NCERT Class XII 'Politics in India since Independence' (Kerala, Goa) and standard Economy basics (SBI, Air India).
[THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: The 'Nehruvian Era' of Nation Building (1947–1964). Specifically, the timeline of institutionalisation and territorial integration.
[THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize these sibling milestones: 1951 (First Amendment), 1952 (Community Development Programme), 1953 (Andhra State formation), 1956 (LIC Nationalisation & States Reorganization Act), 1959 (Introduction of TV/Doordarshan).
[THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: Stop studying subjects in silos. The examiner intentionally mixed Economy (Banking), Polity (Elections), and Transport (Aviation) to test your holistic mental timeline of the 1950s. Create a master '1947–1964' chronology chart.

Concept hooks from this question

📌 Adjacent topic to master

👉 1957 Kerala: First democratically elected Communist state government

💡 The insight

All core references place the CPI victory and formation of the Kerala government in 1957 and identify E.M.S. Namboodiripad as the leader invited to form the ministry.

High-yield political history fact: frequently tested as a first/landmark in post‑Independence politics. Connects to studies of party system evolution, regional politics, and the history of left movements in India. Useful for answering chronology and 'firsts' questions and for essays on Congress dominance and its early challengers.

📚 Reading List :

Politics in India since Independence, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 2: Era of One-party Dominance > Communist victory in Kerala > p. 33
Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 38: Developments under Nehru’s Leadership (1947-64) > An Undemocratic Deed > p. 644
Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 38: Developments under Nehru’s Leadership (1947-64) > Growth of other Political Parties > p. 639

🔗 Anchor: "Year when the first democratically elected communist party government in an Indi..."

📌 Adjacent topic to master

👉 CPI's shift from armed struggle to parliamentary participation

💡 The insight

References note the Communist Party abandoned violent uprising and, by contesting elections (reference to 1951 decision), later achieved electoral success culminating in the 1957 Kerala victory.

Explains causation behind electoral success of left parties — a recurring UPSC theme linking ideology, strategy, and outcomes. Helps answer questions on party strategy, democratic consolidation, and the evolution of political movements; aids comparative analysis of extra‑parliamentary vs. parliamentary tactics.

📚 Reading List :

Politics in India since Independence, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 2: Era of One-party Dominance > Congress as social and ideological coalition > p. 37
Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 38: Developments under Nehru’s Leadership (1947-64) > The Communist Party > p. 641

🔗 Anchor: "Year when the first democratically elected communist party government in an Indi..."

📌 Adjacent topic to master

👉 State elections as a challenge to Congress dominance

💡 The insight

Evidence frames the 1957 Kerala result as perhaps the first clear instance of voters choosing a non‑Congress party, showing how state polls weakened one‑party dominance.

Important for understanding federal dynamics and the decline of Congress hegemony — relevant to polity, political science, and contemporary governance questions. Enables answers on rise of regional alternatives, electoral federalism, and party system change.

📚 Reading List :

Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 38: Developments under Nehru’s Leadership (1947-64) > Growth of other Political Parties > p. 639
Politics in India since Independence, Textbook in political science for Class XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 2: Era of One-party Dominance > Communist victory in Kerala > p. 33

🔗 Anchor: "Year when the first democratically elected communist party government in an Indi..."

📌 Adjacent topic to master

👉 1955: Nationalisation/renaming of Imperial Bank to State Bank of India

💡 The insight

All key references directly state 1955 as the year the Imperial Bank became the State Bank of India.

High-yield factual date frequently tested in modern Indian economic history and banking questions; helps answer timeline and cause‑effect questions about post‑Independence banking reforms. Links to questions on nationalisation, institutional changes, and evolution of public sector banking.

📚 Reading List :

Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 7: Money and Banking > 2 1. State Bank of India > p. 175
Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 7: Money and Banking > History of Banking > p. 160
Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 3: Money and Banking - Part II > 3.1 History of Indian Banking and Reforms > p. 125

🔗 Anchor: "Year when the Imperial Bank of India was renamed the State Bank of India."

📌 Adjacent topic to master

👉 State Bank of India Act, 1955 (legal/administrative basis)

💡 The insight

References reference the State Bank of India Act, 1955 as the statutory instrument associated with SBI's establishment.

Understanding the Act is useful for questions on legal foundations of major financial institutions and institutional reforms; connects to topics on governance of public sector banks and subsequent acquisitions/mergers.

📚 Reading List :

Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 7: Money and Banking > 7.18 Indian Economy > p. 174
Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 3: Money and Banking - Part II > 3.1 History of Indian Banking and Reforms > p. 125

🔗 Anchor: "Year when the Imperial Bank of India was renamed the State Bank of India."

📌 Adjacent topic to master

👉 Formation of Imperial Bank by amalgamating Presidency Banks (1921)

💡 The insight

References note the Imperial Bank originated from the 1921 amalgamation of the Banks of Calcutta, Bombay and Madras, giving origin context.

Knowing origin helps frame questions on continuity and change in Indian banking history (colonial legacy → nationalisation). Useful for comparative questions on pre‑ and post‑Independence banking structures and RBI interactions.

📚 Reading List :

Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 7: Money and Banking > 2 1. State Bank of India > p. 175
Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 7: Money and Banking > History of Banking > p. 160

🔗 Anchor: "Year when the Imperial Bank of India was renamed the State Bank of India."

📌 Adjacent topic to master

👉 Air transport nationalisation — 1953

💡 The insight

The references identify 1953 (effected in March) as the year when air transport was nationalised, directly answering the timeline question.

High-yield for history/economy questions asking dates and policy shifts; links to wider patterns of post‑Independence nationalisation and state creation of PSUs. Mastering this helps answer timeline and cause‑effect questions on public-sector formation.

📚 Reading List :

Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 12: Transport, Communications and Trade > Air Sewa > p. 31
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 12: Transport, Communications and Trade > various parts of India. Some of these flights operate between India and the Gulf countries. > p. 32

🔗 Anchor: "Year when Air India was nationalised and became the national carrier of India."

🌑 The Hidden Trap

LIC Nationalisation (1956). It fits perfectly in this timeline (between SBI in 1955 and Kerala in 1957) and follows the same 'Socialist Pattern' logic. Also, watch out for the Imperial Bank's predecessor: the amalgamation of Presidency Banks in 1921.

⚡ Elimination Cheat Code

Use the 'Territorial Integrity Last' logic. Internal administrative changes (Banks/Airlines) usually happen before difficult external military actions. Goa (1961) required a military operation (Operation Vijay) against a foreign power, so it logically comes last, after the internal machinery was settled. This fixes the sequence ending in '4', narrowing it down to options B or D immediately.

🔗 Mains Connection

Link these events to the 'Avadi Session of Congress (1955)' which adopted the 'Socialist Pattern of Society'. SBI (1955) and Air India (1953) nationalisations were the economic tools for the Mahalanobis Model (2nd FYP), while the Kerala victory (1957) proved the resilience of Indian democracy in accommodating radical dissent.

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