1950s — India: politics, culture, cinema and daily life

The 1950s changed India fast. New laws, shifting cities, and fresh cultural trends set the tone for modern life here. On this tag page you'll find clear, readable pieces that explain what mattered then and why it still matters now. Expect film takes, social snapshots, legal milestones and tips for anyone researching the era.

What you’ll find under the 1950s tag

Short reviews of films that revisit the decade and the events around it — movies that try to show daily life or political flashpoints. Historical explainers that break down important events and laws from the period. Personal and social pieces that describe how people worked, ate and travelled. And practical posts that help you compare past and present, or use old sources for research.

For example, some articles look at controversial films and the history they touch on, while others explain laws or social habits that began to shape post-independence India. You’ll also see pieces that use the 1950s as a backdrop to talk about migration, urban growth, food culture and early media.

How to use this tag — quick tips

Search smart: use keywords like "cinema 1950s", "1950s law India" or "daily life 1950s" when you want specific topics. If you’re researching, start with a film or event summary to get the timeline, then check the related explainers for legal or social context.

Check dates and sources mentioned in each post. Some articles focus on storytelling and perspective; others dig into archives or court records. Use the posts that include clear dates and names when you need facts for a project. Use narrative pieces when you want a feel for how people talked, ate and lived.

Want to compare then and now? Look for posts that highlight infrastructure, education and media changes. They usually list measurable differences — like literacy, rail lines, or newspaper growth — which helps make quick comparisons meaningful.

If you’re studying films, pay attention to the critic’s focus. Some reviews pick apart historical accuracy, others discuss how a movie reshapes memory. That difference matters if you’re using films as historical evidence.

This tag is for readers who want short, useful reads that connect events, culture and everyday life from the 1950s to today. Use it to get quick overviews, hunt down context for deeper research, or find film and culture pieces that spark new questions. If you want more depth, follow up with the primary sources or book recommendations mentioned inside individual posts.

Got a specific question about the 1950s — a law, a film, or how people lived? Search within the tag or leave a comment on the relevant post. We pick up reader questions and often turn them into short explainers you can use right away.

Arvind Chakravarty

When did India's population grew rapidly?

India's population growth has been rapid since the 1950s. This was due to a combination of factors, including increased access to healthcare and improved economic development. This has resulted in a population growth from 361 million in 1951 to 1.37 billion in 2021, making India the second-most populous country in the world. The population is projected to reach 1.5 billion by 2030. As India's population continues to grow, its government needs to ensure that the necessary infrastructure and services are in place to support its population.