NCERT Class 12 Political Science Politics in India Since Independence: Chapter 8 — Recent Developments in Indian Politics
This chapter, 'Recent Developments in Indian Politics,' offers a synoptic view of Indian politics in the last two decades, acknowledging the complexity and controversial nature of these developments. It poses critical questions about the implications of coalition politics, the 'Mandalisation' and its impact on political representation, the legacy of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, and the effect of a new policy consensus on political choices. The chapter aims to equip students with the information and tools to analyze these issues. It begins by discussing the context of the 1990s, highlighting the defeat of the Congress in the 1989 elections, marking the end of the 'Congress system,' and the subsequent rise of the 'Mandal issue' with the implementation of reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBCs). This chapter is crucial for understanding contemporary Indian politics and making sense of the present.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | Political Science |
| Book | Politics in India Since Independence |
| Chapter | Chapter 8 — Recent Developments in Indian Politics |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 4 minutes |
| Word count | 617 |
Learning outcomes
- Analyze the implications of coalition politics on Indian democracy.
- Understand the concept and impact of 'Mandalisation' on political representation.
- Identify the major political developments in India during the 1990s.
- Recognize the significance of the 1989 elections and the decline of the 'Congress system'.
- Grasp the context and consequences of the Mandal Commission's recommendations.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Synoptic | Taking a general view of a subject or system. |
| Coalition politics | A system where political parties form a government together. |
| Mandalisation | The process of implementing reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in government jobs and education. |
| Centrality | The state of being extremely important and the main focus. |
| Other Backward Classes (OBCs) | A group of castes and communities recognized as socially and educationally backward in India. |
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Practice questions
- What marked the end of the 'Congress system' in Indian politics? Answer: The defeat of the Congress party in the Lok Sabha elections held in 1989 marked the end of the 'Congress system'.
- What was the 'Mandal issue' related to? Answer: The 'Mandal issue' was related to the implementation of the Mandal Commission's recommendation for job reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in central government jobs.
- Which election victory is mentioned as massive for Rajiv Gandhi? Answer: Rajiv Gandhi led the Congress to a massive victory in the Lok Sabha elections held immediately after Indira Gandhi's assassination in 1984.
- What happened to the Congress party's seat count between the 1984 and 1989 elections? Answer: The Congress party's seat count reduced from 415 in 1984 to 197 in the 1989 elections.
Practice MCQs
Q1. Which event is considered a crucial development marking the end of the 'Congress system'?
Explanation: The defeat of the Congress in the 1989 elections significantly reduced its dominance and marked the end of the era where it was the undisputed central party.
Q2. The 'Mandal issue' primarily concerned:
Explanation: The 'Mandal issue' arose from the National Front government's decision to implement the Mandal Commission's recommendations for OBC reservations.
Q3. In which year did the Congress party achieve a massive victory under Rajiv Gandhi?
Explanation: Rajiv Gandhi led the Congress to a massive victory in the Lok Sabha elections held immediately after Indira Gandhi's assassination in 1984.
Q4. The text mentions that the Congress party came back to power soon after:
Explanation: Although defeated in 1989, the Congress party improved its performance and regained power following the mid-term elections in 1991.
Q5. The cartoon mentioned in the chapter depicts the ups and downs of political parties in the:
Explanation: The text explicitly states that the cartoon, drawn in 1990, depicted the ups and downs of various political parties in the 1990s.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main focus of Chapter 8 of 'Politics in India Since Independence'?
Chapter 8 focuses on the recent developments in Indian politics, particularly the complex and controversial political changes of the last two decades.
What significant political shift occurred in the 1989 Lok Sabha elections?
The 1989 Lok Sabha elections saw the defeat of the Congress party, which had previously dominated, marking the end of what political scientists call the 'Congress system'.
What was the 'Mandal issue'?
The 'Mandal issue' refers to the controversy and protests that arose following the National Front government's decision in 1990 to implement the Mandal Commission's recommendations for job reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
What is the purpose of studying these recent political developments?
The purpose is to make sense of India's present by understanding the history of its politics since Independence, equipping students to ask and answer critical questions about political change.
Did the Congress party cease to be important after 1989?
No, the Congress remained an important party and ruled the country more than any other party even after 1989, but it lost the kind of centrality it previously enjoyed in the party system.
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NCERT Class 12 Political Science — Politics in India Since Independence — Chapter 8 — Recent Developments in Indian Politics. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.