Foundations of the Indian Economy (1947-1990)

To understand modern India's economic structure, you must first grasp the foundational decisions made immediately following independence. This course provides a structured review of the policies and challenges that defined the first four decades of the nation.By the end of this course, you will have a clear, analytical understanding of India's early experiment with planned development, covering agricultural reforms, industrialization strategies, and trade policies implemented between 1947 and 1990.What you'll learn:Understand the key characteristics and challenges of the Indian economy at the time of independence in 1947.Analyze the objectives, rationale, and outcomes of the early Five-Year Plans and the shift toward centralized planning.Examine the evolution of industrial policy, including the role of public sector enterprises and import substitution strategies.Study major reforms in the agricultural sector, including land reforms and the impact of the Green Revolution.Apply foundational metrics to evaluate economic growth, structural change, and social development during this era.The material begins by establishing the economic baseline in 1947, moves through the core strategies of the planning era (1950s-1970s), and concludes by examining the mounting challenges that led up to the 1991 liberalization.This course is designed for absolute beginners interested in economic history or development studies. No prior knowledge of economics or Indian history is required.Start reading today to build a strong foundation in Indian economic history.