Question

Explain any two effects of the Chinese invasion on India in 1962.

Hint:

Think of the blow to the image of India and Nehru, and of the push given to defence preparedness.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understand the question:
The question asks for two effects that the 1962 war with China had on India.
The war began in October 1962 and ended when China declared a unilateral ceasefire in November 1962.
Each effect needs a clear statement and a short reason, for 1 mark each.

Step 2: Effect 1: Blow to the image of India and its leadership:
The defeat was a national humiliation. India had trusted China as a friend and had backed the slogan Hindi-Chini bhai-bhai.
The attack shook the faith of the people in the foreign policy and the leadership of Jawaharlal Nehru.
The Defence Minister V. K. Krishna Menon had to resign, and the government faced a no-confidence motion in the Lok Sabha.

Step 3: Effect 2: Stress on defence and political change:
India woke up to its military weakness and began to modernise its armed forces, with a higher defence budget.
The war also weakened the Congress. The opposition won some by-elections, and the Communist Party of India split in 1964 over the attitude to China.
Relations with China stayed cold for many years.

Final Answer:
Two effects: (1) a loss of national prestige with a fall in the standing of Nehru, and (2) a stronger defence effort together with political changes in the country.