The document provides background information on the Indian banking system. It discusses the origins of banking in India dating back to ancient times. It outlines the key developments in the banking system including the establishment of presidency banks under the British East India Company in the 1800s, the nationalization of banks in 1969 and 1980 that brought most banking under public sector control, and the subsequent liberalization reforms since 1991 that increased competition and private sector participation. It also defines the different types of banks that operate in India such as commercial banks, development banks, and cooperative banks.