India Post Independence: Exploring Social and Political History
The course will look at India’s social and political history for nearly six decades after independence (1947 to 2004). It will explore the interesting path traversed by India/Bharat by unravelling history around six watershed/landmark years, thereby providing a rich narrative of not just the politico-economic terrain but also the trajectory followed in the social realm. It will give everyone a glimpse into India’s unique,
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The course will study each decade by taking a watershed year and examining/unfolding the events occurring around it in both the politico-economic and in the social realm. It will also simultaneously decipher and reflect on the inter-connections, thereby looking at the country’s progress in a holistic manner. From India’s independence (against the backdrop of Partition) and the Nehruvian era (1947 to 1964) to economic liberalization (initiated in 1991); from the implementation of the Panchayati Raj system (local self-governance) to the formation of three new states in 2000 (Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Uttaranchal/later renamed Uttarakhand), the course will give a comprehensive insight into the functioning of the world’s largest democracy.
What will we cover?
India’s independence and partition
Basic characteristics and ideology of the Constitution, foundation pillars of the State
The working of the democratic process, planning apparatus and developmental programmes
The war years (1962, 1965, 1971) and the imposition of the Emergency in 1975
The rise of regionalism, regional parties and coalition politics
Globalization and liberalization, federal power-sharing and local self-governance (Panchayati Raj Institutions/PRIs)
Formation of new states
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Understand better the functioning of the State and the working of democracy within India
Recognize the main political and socio-economic achievements/landmark periods
Comprehend more the diversity and complexity of challenges faced
Appreciate the cultural richness and grass-root initiatives undertaken
Grasp the multiple strands of thought-processes existing within a plural polity
Realize the connections/links between the global and the local; between the national and the regional; between the past and the present
Acknowledge the unique strengths of India and its efforts in creating peace, inclusion and equity
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is at an introductory level and is suitable for those new to the subject as well as those who have some familiarity with the topics to be covered. A good grasp of English to keep up with the course and participate fully is necessary. As with most of our history and politics courses, an open mind and a willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course will be taught in location with every session of two hours. All sessions will include PowerPoint presentations along with class/group discussions. Photographs will be used to explain certain events and museum visits (to view the Indian collection) will be encouraged. Participants will also be encouraged to read short pieces on India on any topic for each session (ranging from a book chapter to a movie review; from a sports column to an exhibition review) with the last ten minutes of every session open for discussions on varied topics read by the class (besides class lectures). Occasionally quizzes might be held on Indian history and politics. Reading list will be shared.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There are no additional costs. You may wish to bring pen and paper or a digital equivalent for notetaking.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Stretching from what we now call the Middle East over South Asia to Southeast and East Asia, Asia is as vast as its histories are rich. It is also key to understanding not only the global past but also today’s world. Click here to see all our upcoming Asian History courses.
We’re sorry. We don’t have a bio ready for the tutor of this class at the moment, but we’re working on it! Watch this space.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/india-post-independence-exploring-social-and-political-history2654766India Post Independence: Exploring Social and Political Historyhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/advanced-history-1024_1.jpg159159GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/Asian history22851177117819731228511771178<p>The course will look at India’s social and political history for nearly six decades after independence (1947 to 2004). It will explore the interesting path traversed by India/Bharat by unravelling history around six watershed/landmark years, thereby providing a rich narrative of not just the politico-economic terrain but also the trajectory followed in the social realm. It will give everyone a glimpse into India’s unique, complex and fascinating journey. </p><p>Dr Reshmi Banerjee is a political scientist with specialization in food security, agricultural policies and cross-border studies on North East India/Myanmar. She was previously a visiting research fellow in the King’s India Institute (KII), King’s College, London, an academic visitor in the Asian Studies Centre (Programme on Modern Burmese Studies) in St Antony’s College, University of Oxford, a research associate in the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, a post-doctoral fellow in the department of international relations, University of Indonesia (UI) and a researcher in the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), Jakarta. Reshmi has been a Visiting Professor in Jamia Millia Islamia, a fellow in the Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Contemporary Studies (RGICS) and a visiting research fellow in the Institute of Social Sciences, New Delhi. She has taught in Delhi University and in the University of Indonesia (UI). She has a Masters, M.Phil and Ph.D from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi and a Masters in Museum Cultures from Birkbeck, University of London. She is the author/editor of several books and journal articles. Her research focus areas are: conflict, identity politics and institutional interventions.</p>003030901India Post Independence: Exploring Social and Political History159159https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/advanced-history-1024_1.jpgInStockDaytimeTueKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-09-29T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceSep 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHPC138159159India Post Independence: Exploring Social and Political History127103159Reshmi Banerjeeindia-post-independence-exploring-social-and-political-history/hpc138-2627<p>The course will look at India’s social and political history for nearly six decades after independence (1947 to 2004). It will explore the interesting path traversed by India/Bharat by unravelling history around six watershed/landmark years, thereby providing a rich narrative of not just the politico-economic terrain but also the trajectory followed in the social realm. It will give everyone a glimpse into India’s unique, complex and fascinating journey. </p><p>Dr Reshmi Banerjee is a political scientist with specialization in food security, agricultural policies and cross-border studies on North East India/Myanmar. She was previously a visiting research fellow in the King’s India Institute (KII), King’s College, London, an academic visitor in the Asian Studies Centre (Programme on Modern Burmese Studies) in St Antony’s College, University of Oxford, a research associate in the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, a post-doctoral fellow in the department of international relations, University of Indonesia (UI) and a researcher in the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), Jakarta. Reshmi has been a Visiting Professor in Jamia Millia Islamia, a fellow in the Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Contemporary Studies (RGICS) and a visiting research fellow in the Institute of Social Sciences, New Delhi. She has taught in Delhi University and in the University of Indonesia (UI). She has a Masters, M.Phil and Ph.D from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi and a Masters in Museum Cultures from Birkbeck, University of London. She is the author/editor of several books and journal articles. Her research focus areas are: conflict, identity politics and institutional interventions.</p>0000-Available|2026-09-29 00:00:00<p>The course will study each decade by taking a watershed year and examining/unfolding the events occurring around it in both the politico-economic and in the social realm. It will also simultaneously decipher and reflect on the inter-connections, thereby looking at the country’s progress in a holistic manner. From India’s independence (against the backdrop of Partition) and the Nehruvian era (1947 to 1964) to economic liberalization (initiated in 1991); from the implementation of the Panchayati Raj system (local self-governance) to the formation of three new states in 2000 (Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Uttaranchal/later renamed Uttarakhand), the course will give a comprehensive insight into the functioning of the world’s largest democracy. </p><p>The course will look at India’s social and political history for nearly six decades after independence (1947 to 2004). It will explore the interesting path traversed by India/Bharat by unravelling history around six watershed/landmark years, thereby providing a rich narrative of not just the politico-economic terrain but also the trajectory followed in the social realm. It will give everyone a glimpse into India’s unique, complex and fascinating journey. </p><p>Dr Reshmi Banerjee is a political scientist with specialization in food security, agricultural policies and cross-border studies on North East India/Myanmar. She was previously a visiting research fellow in the King’s India Institute (KII), King’s College, London, an academic visitor in the Asian Studies Centre (Programme on Modern Burmese Studies) in St Antony’s College, University of Oxford, a research associate in the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, a post-doctoral fellow in the department of international relations, University of Indonesia (UI) and a researcher in the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), Jakarta. Reshmi has been a Visiting Professor in Jamia Millia Islamia, a fellow in the Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Contemporary Studies (RGICS) and a visiting research fellow in the Institute of Social Sciences, New Delhi. She has taught in Delhi University and in the University of Indonesia (UI). She has a Masters, M.Phil and Ph.D from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi and a Masters in Museum Cultures from Birkbeck, University of London. She is the author/editor of several books and journal articles. Her research focus areas are: conflict, identity politics and institutional interventions.</p><ul><li>India’s independence and partition </li><li>Basic characteristics and ideology of the Constitution, foundation pillars of the State</li><li>The working of the democratic process, planning apparatus and developmental programmes</li><li>The war years (1962, 1965, 1971) and the imposition of the Emergency in 1975</li><li>The rise of regionalism, regional parties and coalition politics</li><li>Globalization and liberalization, federal power-sharing and local self-governance (Panchayati Raj Institutions/PRIs)</li><li>Formation of new states </li></ul><ul><li>Understand better the functioning of the State and the working of democracy within India </li><li>Recognize the main political and socio-economic achievements/landmark periods</li><li>Comprehend more the diversity and complexity of challenges faced </li><li>Appreciate the cultural richness and grass-root initiatives undertaken</li><li>Grasp the multiple strands of thought-processes existing within a plural polity </li><li>Realize the connections/links between the global and the local; between the national and the regional; between the past and the present </li><li>Acknowledge the unique strengths of India and its efforts in creating peace, inclusion and equity</li></ul>The course is at an introductory level and is suitable for those new to the subject as well as those who have some familiarity with the topics to be covered. A good grasp of English to keep up with the course and participate fully is necessary. As with most of our history and politics courses, an open mind and a willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.<p>The course will be taught in location with every session of two hours. All sessions will include PowerPoint presentations along with class/group discussions. Photographs will be used to explain certain events and museum visits (to view the Indian collection) will be encouraged. Participants will also be encouraged to read short pieces on India on any topic for each session (ranging from a book chapter to a movie review; from a sports column to an exhibition review) with the last ten minutes of every session open for discussions on varied topics read by the class (besides class lectures). Occasionally quizzes might be held on Indian history and politics. Reading list will be shared. </p>There are no additional costs. You may wish to bring pen and paper or a digital equivalent for notetaking.<p>Stretching from what we now call the Middle East over South Asia to Southeast and East Asia, Asia is as vast as its histories are rich. It is also key to understanding not only the global past but also today’s world. <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/history/asian-history" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Click here to see all our upcoming Asian History courses.</a></p>HistoryAsian historyvirtual127159103HPC138NONETue29/09/26 - 27/10/2610:15 - 12:1510:1512:155 sessions (over 5 weeks)55-10 weeksDaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley StreetReshmi BanerjeeBeginners, Some experienceAvailable courses2026-09-29T00:00:00+00:00Sep 2026Culture, history & humanities159159India Post Independence: Exploring Social and Political Historyindia-post-independence-exploring-social-and-political-history/hpc138-2627<p>The course will look at India’s social and political history for nearly six decades after independence (1947 to 2004). It will explore the interesting path traversed by India/Bharat by unravelling history around six watershed/landmark years, thereby providing a rich narrative of not just the politico-economic terrain but also the trajectory followed in the social realm. It will give everyone a glimpse into India’s unique, complex and fascinating journey. </p><p>Dr Reshmi Banerjee is a political scientist with specialization in food security, agricultural policies and cross-border studies on North East India/Myanmar. She was previously a visiting research fellow in the King’s India Institute (KII), King’s College, London, an academic visitor in the Asian Studies Centre (Programme on Modern Burmese Studies) in St Antony’s College, University of Oxford, a research associate in the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, a post-doctoral fellow in the department of international relations, University of Indonesia (UI) and a researcher in the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), Jakarta. Reshmi has been a Visiting Professor in Jamia Millia Islamia, a fellow in the Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Contemporary Studies (RGICS) and a visiting research fellow in the Institute of Social Sciences, New Delhi. She has taught in Delhi University and in the University of Indonesia (UI). She has a Masters, M.Phil and Ph.D from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi and a Masters in Museum Cultures from Birkbeck, University of London. She is the author/editor of several books and journal articles. Her research focus areas are: conflict, identity politics and institutional interventions.</p>0000-Available|2026-09-29 00:00:00<p>The course will study each decade by taking a watershed year and examining/unfolding the events occurring around it in both the politico-economic and in the social realm. It will also simultaneously decipher and reflect on the inter-connections, thereby looking at the country’s progress in a holistic manner. From India’s independence (against the backdrop of Partition) and the Nehruvian era (1947 to 1964) to economic liberalization (initiated in 1991); from the implementation of the Panchayati Raj system (local self-governance) to the formation of three new states in 2000 (Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Uttaranchal/later renamed Uttarakhand), the course will give a comprehensive insight into the functioning of the world’s largest democracy. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>The course will look at India’s social and political history for nearly six decades after independence (1947 to 2004). It will explore the interesting path traversed by India/Bharat by unravelling history around six watershed/landmark years, thereby providing a rich narrative of not just the politico-economic terrain but also the trajectory followed in the social realm. It will give everyone a glimpse into India’s unique, complex and fascinating journey. </p><p>Dr Reshmi Banerjee is a political scientist with specialization in food security, agricultural policies and cross-border studies on North East India/Myanmar. She was previously a visiting research fellow in the King’s India Institute (KII), King’s College, London, an academic visitor in the Asian Studies Centre (Programme on Modern Burmese Studies) in St Antony’s College, University of Oxford, a research associate in the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, a post-doctoral fellow in the department of international relations, University of Indonesia (UI) and a researcher in the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), Jakarta. Reshmi has been a Visiting Professor in Jamia Millia Islamia, a fellow in the Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Contemporary Studies (RGICS) and a visiting research fellow in the Institute of Social Sciences, New Delhi. She has taught in Delhi University and in the University of Indonesia (UI). She has a Masters, M.Phil and Ph.D from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi and a Masters in Museum Cultures from Birkbeck, University of London. She is the author/editor of several books and journal articles. Her research focus areas are: conflict, identity politics and institutional interventions.</p><ul><li>India’s independence and partition </li><li>Basic characteristics and ideology of the Constitution, foundation pillars of the State</li><li>The working of the democratic process, planning apparatus and developmental programmes</li><li>The war years (1962, 1965, 1971) and the imposition of the Emergency in 1975</li><li>The rise of regionalism, regional parties and coalition politics</li><li>Globalization and liberalization, federal power-sharing and local self-governance (Panchayati Raj Institutions/PRIs)</li><li>Formation of new states </li></ul><ul><li>Understand better the functioning of the State and the working of democracy within India </li><li>Recognize the main political and socio-economic achievements/landmark periods</li><li>Comprehend more the diversity and complexity of challenges faced </li><li>Appreciate the cultural richness and grass-root initiatives undertaken</li><li>Grasp the multiple strands of thought-processes existing within a plural polity </li><li>Realize the connections/links between the global and the local; between the national and the regional; between the past and the present </li><li>Acknowledge the unique strengths of India and its efforts in creating peace, inclusion and equity</li></ul>The course is at an introductory level and is suitable for those new to the subject as well as those who have some familiarity with the topics to be covered. A good grasp of English to keep up with the course and participate fully is necessary. As with most of our history and politics courses, an open mind and a willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.<p>The course will be taught in location with every session of two hours. All sessions will include PowerPoint presentations along with class/group discussions. Photographs will be used to explain certain events and museum visits (to view the Indian collection) will be encouraged. Participants will also be encouraged to read short pieces on India on any topic for each session (ranging from a book chapter to a movie review; from a sports column to an exhibition review) with the last ten minutes of every session open for discussions on varied topics read by the class (besides class lectures). Occasionally quizzes might be held on Indian history and politics. Reading list will be shared. </p>There are no additional costs. You may wish to bring pen and paper or a digital equivalent for notetaking.<p>Stretching from what we now call the Middle East over South Asia to Southeast and East Asia, Asia is as vast as its histories are rich. It is also key to understanding not only the global past but also today’s world. <a href="https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/history/asian-history" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Click here to see all our upcoming Asian History courses.</a></p>HistoryAsian historyconfigurable
19731178Asian historyhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/history/asian-history1/2/285/1177/1178/19731/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/Asian history
