The second round of nationalisation of major commercial banks in India took place in which year?

Introduction / Context:
This question belongs to Indian banking history and asks about the year of the second nationalisation of commercial banks. Bank nationalisation was a landmark step that expanded public sector control over the banking system and helped channel credit to priority sectors.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• India undertook nationalisation of banks in more than one phase.
• The first major nationalisation occurred earlier, and the question is specifically about the second one.
• Options provide several years, some of which are close to actual events in banking or economic policy.
• We assume the question refers to nationalisation of large private sector banks into public sector ownership.

Concept / Approach:
The first major bank nationalisation took place in 1969, when fourteen commercial banks were nationalised. Later, a second phase of nationalisation followed. In this second phase, six more banks were brought under government control in 1980. The approach is to remember that 1969 and 1980 are the key years for first and second bank nationalisation respectively, and then identify which one corresponds to the second round.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that fourteen large banks were nationalised in 1969.Step 2: Remember that a second batch of six banks was nationalised later.Step 3: This second nationalisation occurred in 1980, expanding public sector control further.Step 4: Compare this remembered year with the options.Step 5: Choose 1980 as the correct year for the second nationalisation of commercial banks.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard banking awareness material and economic history notes consistently mention two major dates: 1969 for the nationalisation of fourteen banks and 1980 for the nationalisation of six more banks. Since 1969 is identified as the first phase, the second phase must correspond to 1980, confirming the answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
1890 is much earlier than the era of Indian nationalisation and relates to colonial period developments, not post independence policy.
1969 is the year of the first bank nationalisation, not the second.
1972 does not correspond to a major nationalisation of commercial banks, and is included as a distractor.
1991 is associated with economic reforms and liberalisation, which in fact moved away from greater nationalisation.

Common Pitfalls:
The usual confusion is between 1969 and 1980. Some candidates remember both years but forget which one is first and which one is second. A simple way to remember is that 1969 equals first phase and 1980 equals second phase. Another pitfall is assuming that reforms in 1991 were about nationalising banks, when in reality they were about liberalisation and structural adjustment.

Final Answer:
The second nationalisation of major commercial banks in India took place in the year 1980.