Best History Notes on Post-Independence Bihar: Politics & Social Movements for BPSC 2025
History of Bihar-22
Here’s a detailed summary of Post Independence Bihar Politics and Social Movements, covering the major political developments, leadership transitions, and social justice movements — tailored for BPSC preparation.
Post Independence Bihar Politics and Social Movements
I. Political History of Bihar (Post-1947)
Phase 1: Congress Dominance (1947–1967)
| Feature | Details |
| First Chief Minister | Dr. Srikrishna Sinha (1946–1961) – close associate of Gandhi; longest-serving CM of Bihar. |
| Deputy CM and Finance Minister | Dr. Anugrah Narayan Sinha – key in fiscal planning and administration. |
| Development Focus | Emphasis on education, infrastructure, and rural development. |
| Political Stability | Congress held undisputed power; social cohesion under nationalistic fervor. |
Phase 2: Rise of Opposition and Political Instability (1967–1977)
| Feature | Details |
| First Non-Congress Government | In 1967, Mahamaya Prasad Sinha led a Samyukta Vidhayak Dal (SVD) coalition government. |
| Frequent CM Changes | Political instability with frequent floor crossings and President’s Rule. |
| Emerging Caste-Based Politics | Rise of backward caste assertion; decline of upper-caste Congress elite dominance. |
| JP Movement Starts (Mid-70s) | Led by Jayaprakash Narayan, calling for “Total Revolution” (Sampoorna Kranti). |
Phase 3: JP Movement & Emergency (1974–1977)
| Feature | Details |
| JP Movement (1974) | Mass student-led anti-corruption movement against the Bihar government, led by Jayaprakash Narayan. |
| Key Slogans | “Sampoorna Kranti”, “Bihar is burning” became symbolic. |
| Role of Students | Bihar Chhatra Sangharsh Samiti (BCSS) played key role; Lalu Prasad Yadav emerged from this movement. |
| Emergency (1975–77) | Indira Gandhi imposed Emergency; many Bihar leaders (Lalu, Nitish Kumar, Sharad Yadav) jailed. |
Phase 4: Rise of Socialist & OBC Politics (1977–1990)
| Feature | Details |
| Janata Party Government (1977) | Victory post-Emergency; Karpoori Thakur becomes CM (1977–79). |
| Reservation Policy (Karpoori Formula) | Introduced 27% reservation for OBCs in state jobs (1978). |
| Land and Labour Movements | Rise of Leftist influence in Bhojpur, Jehanabad (Mazdoor Kisan Sangharsh Samiti). |
| Decline of Congress | With growing caste-based politics and failure to reform, Congress influence waned. |
Phase 5: Mandal Era & Lalu-Rabri Rule (1990–2005)
| Feature | Details |
| Lalu Prasad Yadav becomes CM (1990) | Represented Yadav and OBC empowerment; backed Mandal Commission Report (1990). |
| Rabri Devi’s CM tenure (1997–2005) | After Lalu’s resignation over corruption charges (Fodder Scam), Rabri Devi became CM. |
| Law and Order Crisis | Period marked by “Jungle Raj” allegations, poor infrastructure, and economic stagnation. |
| Backward Caste Assertion | Rise of Yadav–Muslim alliance, erosion of upper-caste control. |
Phase 6: Development and Governance (2005–Present)
| Feature | Details |
| Change in Leadership (2005) | Nitish Kumar (JD(U)) formed govt. with BJP support after Lalu’s defeat. |
| Focus Areas | Infrastructure, law & order, women’s empowerment (50% reservation in panchayats), education. |
| Good Governance Agenda | Launched Saat Nischay Yojana, revived school attendance, health, roads. |
| Alliance Politics | Nitish alternated between NDA and Mahagathbandhan (RJD-Congress) for power. |
II. Major Social Movements in Post Independence Bihar
1. JP Movement (1974–75)
- Led by Jayaprakash Narayan.
- Demand for total revolution (education, economy, governance).
- Involved students, youth, and middle-class.
- Became national in scope and direct cause of Emergency (1975).
2. Naxalite Movement (1970s–1990s)
| Region | Bhojpur, Jehanabad, Gaya |
| Cause | Feudal oppression, land inequality |
| Groups | CPI(ML), Mazdoor Kisan Sangharsh Samiti |
| Events | Massacres like Bathe (1997) and Senari (1999), caste violence. |
3. Backward Caste Movements
| Leader | Focus |
| Karpoori Thakur | Reservation policy (Karpoori Formula) |
| Lalu Prasad Yadav | OBC empowerment; Mandal politics |
| Jagdeo Prasad | Slogan: “50% for 90%” (Demanding proportional reservation) |
4. Dalit Assertion
| Movement | Description |
| Ambedkarite Movements | Led by Jagjivan Ram, later by Ram Vilas Paswan; focused on SC rights. |
| Dalit militancy | Counter to upper-caste militias like Ranvir Sena in central Bihar. |
BPSC Revision Snapshot
| Period | Political Theme | Key Figures |
| 1947–67 | Congress dominance | Dr. S.K. Sinha, A.N. Sinha |
| 1967–77 | Coalition era | Karpoori Thakur, JP |
| 1977–90 | Rise of OBCs | Karpoori Thakur, Lalu, Nitish |
| 1990–2005 | Mandal & Social justice era | Lalu Prasad, Rabri Devi |
| 2005–Now | Development & governance | Nitish Kumar |
Summary Points Post Independence Bihar for BPSC
- JP Movement originated in Bihar in 1974, called for “Sampoorna Kranti”.
- Karpoori Thakur introduced OBC reservations (Karpoori Formula, 1978).
- Lalu Prasad Yadav backed Mandal Commission, ruled Bihar from 1990–97.
- Naxalite conflict affected Bhojpur, Jehanabad, Gaya; opposed feudalism.
- Nitish Kumar’s model focused on governance, roads, education, panchayat women leadership.
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