This document provides an overview of the history of bank nationalization in India. It discusses how banks failed in the years following independence due to weak capitalization and lending primarily to secure borrowers. The objectives of nationalizing banks in 1969 were to promote social welfare, control private monopolies, expand banking access, reduce regional imbalances, and prioritize lending to key sectors. Fourteen large commercial banks were initially nationalized. This led to expanded branch networks, increased deposits and lending, and greater orientation toward priority sectors. However, nationalization also resulted in some inefficiencies over time due to political interference.