Contemporary South Asia, Class 12 Political Science

What Contemporary South Asia is about

Weightage: Contemporary World Politics: Contemporary South Asia carries 6 of the 80 theory marks.Source: CBSE Political Science (028) syllabus 2026-27, course structure

Key concepts

What is South Asia? Political systems and the aspiration for democracy

NCERT section What is South Asia?

The region: usually Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The Himalayas in the north and the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal to the south, west and east give it natural insularity, largely responsible for its linguistic, social and cultural distinctiveness. Its eastern and western boundaries are less clear: Afghanistan and Myanmar are often included in discussions; China is an important player but not part of the region. South Asia stands for diversity yet forms one geo-political space.

Different political systems:

• India and Sri Lanka have operated democracy since independence, despite limitations.
• Pakistan and Bangladesh have had both civilian and military rulers; Bangladesh remained a democracy after the Cold War. Pakistan began the post-Cold War period with governments of Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif, had a military coup in 1999, and has had civilian government again since 2008.
• Nepal remained a constitutional monarchy till 2006, always at risk of the king seizing executive power; the monarchy ended in 2008, when Nepal became a democratic republic.
• Bhutan became a constitutional monarchy in 2008 and, under the king's leadership, a multi-party democracy.
• The Maldives was a Sultanate till 1968, then a republic with a presidential system; in June 2005 parliament voted unanimously for a multi-party system; the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) dominates and won the 2018 elections.

Aspiration for democracy: a survey of over 19,000 citizens in the five big countries (State of Democracy in South Asia, 2007) found widespread support for democracy among rich and poor and all religions: people prefer democracy and think it suits their country. This is significant because it was once believed democracy flourished only in prosperous countries; South Asia has expanded the global imagination of democracy.

Worked example

Why is the South Asian experience said to have expanded the global imagination of democracy? (2 marks)

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

1. A survey of over 19,000 citizens in five South Asian countries showed widespread support for democracy among rich and poor and all religions, who preferred it and found it suitable for their countries.
2. It had earlier been believed that democracy could flourish only in prosperous countries; South Asia shows it can be valued in poorer societies too.

Answer: Because ordinary people in relatively poor countries strongly support democracy, disproving the idea that it suits only prosperous nations.

The military and democracy in Pakistan

NCERT section The Military and Democracy in Pakistan

Sequence of rule:

• After Pakistan's first constitution, General Ayub Khan took over and got himself elected; he left office amid popular dissatisfaction.
• General Yahya Khan took over; during his rule came the Bangladesh crisis and, after the 1971 war with India, East Pakistan became Bangladesh.
• An elected government under Zulfikar Ali Bhutto ruled from 1971 to 1977.
• General Zia-ul-Haq removed Bhutto in 1977; he faced a pro-democracy movement from 1982.
• Elected government returned in 1988 under Benazir Bhutto; politics centred on her Pakistan People's Party and the Muslim League.
• In 1999 the army stepped in again: General Pervez Musharraf removed Nawaz Sharif; in 2001 he got himself elected President. The army held some elections to give a democratic image.
• Since 2008, democratically elected leaders have ruled.

Why Pakistan failed to build a stable democracy:
1. Social dominance of the military, clergy and landowning aristocracy, leading to frequent overthrow of elected governments.
2. Conflict with India made pro-military groups more powerful; they claimed parties and democracy were flawed and the army's rule protected security.
3. Lack of genuine international support for democracy: the US and Western countries encouraged military rule in the past, seeing it as protector of Western interests, fearing 'global Islamic terrorism' and that Pakistan's nuclear arsenal might fall into terrorist hands.

But: there is a strong pro-democracy sentiment, a courageous and relatively free press and a strong human rights movement.

Worked example

Explain the factors responsible for Pakistan's failure to build a stable democracy. (4 marks)

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

1. The social dominance of the military, clergy and landowning aristocracy led to frequent overthrow of elected governments.
2. Pakistan's conflict with India strengthened pro-military groups, who argued that parties and democracy were flawed and threatened security.
3. There was no genuine international support for democracy: the US and Western countries encouraged military rule for their own interests.
4. Western fears of terrorism and of Pakistan's nuclear arsenal falling into terrorist hands made the military seem a protector of Western interests.

Answer: Dominance of military, clergy and landed elite; India conflict empowering the army; and Western support for military rule.

Democracy in Bangladesh

NCERT section Democracy in Bangladesh

Origins: Bangladesh was part of Pakistan from 1947 to 1971, made of the partitioned areas of Bengal and Assam. Its people resented West Pakistani domination and the imposition of Urdu, protested against unfair treatment of Bengali culture and language, and demanded fair representation and share in power.

The struggle: Sheikh Mujib-ur Rahman led the popular struggle and demanded autonomy. In the 1970 elections, his Awami League won all seats in East Pakistan and a majority in the proposed constituent assembly for all Pakistan, but the West Pakistani-dominated government refused to convene it. Mujib was arrested; under General Yahya Khan the army tried to suppress the mass movement; thousands were killed, causing large-scale migration into India and a huge refugee problem. India supported the demand for independence and helped financially and militarily; the December 1971 war ended with the surrender of Pakistani forces in East Pakistan and the birth of Bangladesh.

After independence:

• The constitution declared faith in secularism, democracy and socialism.
• In 1975 Mujib amended it to shift from parliamentary to presidential government and abolished all parties except the Awami League, leading to tensions; he was assassinated in a military uprising in August 1975.
• Ziaur Rahman formed the Bangladesh National Party and won elections in 1979; he was assassinated.
• Lt Gen H.M. Ershad took over; people, with students in the forefront, demanded democracy; Ershad allowed limited political activity and was elected President for five years; mass protests forced him out in 1990. (A mural remembers Noor Hossain, killed in 1987 pro-democracy protests.)
• Elections were held in 1991; since then multi-party representative democracy has worked.

Commonalities with Pakistan: both experienced military rule and pro-democracy movements. Difference: Bangladesh has sustained democracy since 1991, while Pakistan saw a coup in 1999.

Worked example

What are the commonalities and differences between Bangladesh and Pakistan in their democratic experiences? (4 marks)

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

1. Commonality: both have had civilian and military rulers (Ayub, Yahya, Zia, Musharraf in Pakistan; Ziaur Rahman and Ershad in Bangladesh).
2. Commonality: both saw strong pro-democracy movements (against Zia in Pakistan; students against Ershad in Bangladesh).
3. Difference: Bangladesh has had multi-party representative democracy continuously since 1991 and stayed democratic after the Cold War.
4. Difference: Pakistan suffered a military coup in 1999, with civilian rule restored only in 2008; its military, clergy and landed elite remain dominant.

Answer: Both had military rule and pro-democracy struggles; Bangladesh has sustained democracy since 1991, while Pakistan's was interrupted again in 1999.

Monarchy and democracy in Nepal

NCERT section Monarchy and Democracy in Nepal

Background: Nepal was a Hindu kingdom and then a constitutional monarchy for many years. Parties and people wanted a more open, responsive government, but the king, with the army, retained full control and restricted democracy.

Stages:

• 1990: after a strong pro-democracy movement, the king accepted a new democratic constitution, but democratic governments had a short and troubled career.
• 1990s: the Maoists spread influence, believing in armed insurrection against the monarch and ruling elite; violent conflict with the king's forces; a triangular conflict among monarchists, democrats and Maoists.
• 2002: the king abolished parliament and dismissed the government, ending even limited democracy.
• April 2006: massive, largely non-violent, country-wide pro-democracy protests led by the Seven Party Alliance (SPA), the Maoists and social activists forced the king to restore the House of Representatives (dissolved in 2002).
• A constituent assembly was formed to draft a constitution. Some wanted a nominal monarchy to keep a link with the past; the Maoists suspended armed struggle but wanted radical social and economic restructuring, which not all SPA parties accepted; some were suspicious of India's role.
• 2008: monarchy abolished; Nepal became a democratic republic.
• 2015: new constitution adopted.

Three challenges to democracy in Nepal: the king's control with army support; the Maoist armed insurrection and triangular conflict; disagreements over monarchy and radical restructuring in drafting the constitution.

Worked example

List three challenges to democracy in Nepal. (2 marks)

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

1. The king, backed by the army, kept full control and in 2002 abolished parliament.
2. The Maoist armed insurrection and the triangular conflict among monarchists, democrats and Maoists; and disagreements over the monarchy and radical restructuring while drafting the constitution.

Answer: Royal control with army support, Maoist insurgency and triangular conflict, and deep disagreements during constitution-making.

Ethnic conflict and democracy in Sri Lanka

NCERT section Ethnic Conflict and Democracy in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has retained democracy since independence in 1948 but faced a serious challenge from ethnic conflict and a demand for secession.

Roots:

• Post-independence politics (as Ceylon) was dominated by forces representing the majority Sinhala community, hostile to the many Tamils who had migrated from India (migration continued after independence).
• Sinhala nationalists felt Sri Lanka belonged only to the Sinhala people and opposed 'concessions' to Tamils.
• Neglect of Tamil concerns led to militant Tamil nationalism. From 1983, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) fought an armed struggle for 'Tamil Eelam', a separate country; at one point it controlled the north-eastern part.

India's role:

• The problem involves people of Indian origin; there was pressure from Tamils in India to protect Sri Lankan Tamils. India negotiated with Sri Lanka from time to time.
• In 1987 India for the first time got directly involved: an accord (Indo-Sri Lanka Accord) and troops (Indian Peace Keeping Force, IPKF) to stabilise relations. The IPKF ended up fighting the LTTE, and many Sri Lankans saw its presence as interference. The IPKF pulled out in 1989 (the timeline gives 1987-90) without attaining its objective.

End of conflict: Scandinavian countries such as Norway and Iceland tried to bring the groups to negotiations; the armed conflict ended when the LTTE was vanquished in 2009. (A cartoon shows leaders balancing the Sinhala hardliners' lion and the Tamil militants' tiger.)

Achievements despite conflict: considerable growth and high human development; one of the first developing countries to control population growth; the first in the region to liberalise its economy; the highest per capita GDP in the region for many years, right through the civil war; and it maintained democracy.

Worked example

Name the principal players in Sri Lanka's ethnic conflict and assess the prospects of its resolution. (4 marks)

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

1. Players: the Sri Lankan government and Sinhala nationalist forces, and the LTTE fighting for Tamil Eelam since 1983.
2. External players: India (1987 accord and IPKF, which withdrew without success) and Scandinavian mediators such as Norway and Iceland.
3. The armed conflict ended with the LTTE's defeat in 2009.
4. Lasting resolution depends on addressing Tamil concerns within democracy; Sri Lanka's democratic continuity, growth and high human development offer a basis for this.

Answer: Sinhala-dominated government versus the LTTE, with India and Norway involved; armed conflict ended in 2009, and lasting peace depends on addressing Tamil concerns democratically.

India-Pakistan conflicts

NCERT section India-Pakistan Conflicts

The post-Cold War era did not end conflicts in the region, and given India's position, most involve India. The most salient is between India and Pakistan.

Kashmir: soon after partition, the two countries came into conflict over Kashmir, which Pakistan claimed. Wars in 1947-48 and 1965 did not settle it; the 1947-48 war divided the area into Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, separated by the Line of Control. In 1971 India won a decisive war, but the Kashmir issue remained unsettled.

Strategic issues: control of the Siachen glacier; acquisition of arms. In the 1990s the arms race became nuclear: India tested at Pokhran in 1998 and Pakistan responded within days in the Chagai Hills. Since then the possibility of a direct, full-scale war seems to have declined, but suspicion continues.

Mutual accusations:

• India blames Pakistan for a strategy of low-key violence, helping Kashmiri militants with arms, training, money and protection for terrorist strikes; believes Pakistan aided pro-Khalistani militants (1985-1995); alleges its spy agency, the ISI, has run anti-India campaigns in the north-east through Bangladesh and Nepal.
• Pakistan blames India for fomenting trouble in Sindh and Balochistan.

River waters: a fierce argument over Indus basin rivers until 1960, when, with World Bank help, they signed the Indus Waters Treaty, which has survived military conflicts, though minor differences over interpretation remain.

Sir Creek: disagreement over the demarcation line in Sir Creek in the Rann of Kutch, with worries about control of sea resources.

The two countries hold negotiations on these issues.

Worked example

Explain any four issues of conflict between India and Pakistan. (4 marks)

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

1. Kashmir: wars in 1947-48 and 1965; division along the Line of Control; still unsettled after 1971.
2. Strategic issues: control of the Siachen glacier and the arms race, which became nuclear with tests in 1998 (Pokhran and Chagai Hills).
3. Terrorism and interference: India accuses Pakistan of aiding militants and the ISI's campaigns; Pakistan accuses India over Sindh and Balochistan.
4. River waters and boundaries: differences over interpreting the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty and the Sir Creek demarcation in the Rann of Kutch.

Answer: Kashmir, Siachen and the nuclear arms race, mutual accusations of supporting militancy, and river waters and Sir Creek.

India and its other neighbours

NCERT section India and its Other Neighbours

Bangladesh:

• Differences over sharing Ganga and Brahmaputra waters. India is unhappy with Bangladesh's denial of illegal immigration, support for anti-Indian fundamentalist groups, refusal to let Indian troops pass to the north-east, and decision not to export natural gas to India or let Myanmar do so through its territory. Bangladesh feels India behaves like a regional bully on river waters, encourages rebellion in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, tries to extract its gas and is unfair in trade. The boundary dispute was long unresolved.
• Cooperation: economic relations improved over 20 years; Bangladesh is part of India's Look East/Act East policy to link with Southeast Asia via Myanmar; cooperation on disaster management and environment; in 2015 they exchanged enclaves; the Farakka Treaty (1996) on sharing Ganga waters.

Nepal: a very special relationship: a treaty lets citizens travel and work in each other's country without visas and passports. Disputes over trade in the past; India is displeased with Nepal's warm ties with China and inaction against anti-Indian elements; Indian security agencies see the Maoist movement as a threat given Naxalite groups in India. Many in Nepal think India interferes, has designs on its rivers and hydro-electricity and limits the landlocked country's access to the sea. Yet relations are stable and peaceful, held together by trade, science, common resources, electricity and water grids.

Sri Lanka: difficulties mostly over the ethnic conflict; after 1987 India prefers disengagement from Sri Lanka's internal troubles. A free trade agreement (1998) strengthened ties, and India's help in post-tsunami reconstruction brought them closer.

Bhutan: a very special relationship with no major conflict; Bhutan's king helped weed out north-eastern militants operating in Bhutan; India is involved in big hydroelectric projects and is Bhutan's biggest source of development aid.

The Maldives: warm and cordial; in November 1988, when the Maldives was attacked by Tamil mercenaries from Sri Lanka and asked for help, India's navy and air force acted quickly to stop the invasion; India contributes to its economy, tourism and fisheries.

Why problems arise: given India's size and power, smaller neighbours are suspicious and fear India wants regional dominance; India feels exploited and fears instability lets outside powers gain influence. India's central location, bordering all others, explains why most conflicts involve it. Other disputes: Nepal-Bhutan over ethnic Nepalese migration into Bhutan; Bangladesh-Myanmar over the Rohingyas; Bangladesh-Nepal over Himalayan river waters.

Worked example

Mention two areas each of cooperation and disagreement between India and Bangladesh. (4 marks)

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

1. Disagreement: sharing of the Ganga and Brahmaputra waters, with Bangladesh calling India a regional bully on river waters.
2. Disagreement: illegal immigration, which Bangladesh denies, and its decisions on natural gas exports and transit to north-east India.
3. Cooperation: improved economic relations and Bangladesh's place in India's Look East/Act East policy.
4. Cooperation: disaster management and environmental issues, and the 2015 exchange of enclaves (also the 1996 Farakka Treaty).

Answer: Disagreement over river waters and immigration (also gas and transit); cooperation in economic ties, Act East, disaster management, environment and the 2015 enclave exchange.

Peace and cooperation: SAARC, SAFTA and outside powers

NCERT section Peace and Cooperation

SAARC: the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation is a major regional initiative to evolve cooperation through multilateral means. It began in 1985 (the SAARC Charter was signed at the first summit in Dhaka, December 1985). Due to persisting political differences, it has not had much success. Afghanistan joined in 2007; the 18th summit was in Kathmandu (2014).

SAFTA: the South Asian Free Trade Area agreement promised a free trade zone for all South Asia. It was signed in 2004 (12th SAARC Summit, Islamabad) and came into effect on 1 January 2006. It aims at lowering trade tariffs.

• Some neighbours fear SAFTA lets India 'invade' their markets and influence their societies and politics.
• India thinks there are real economic benefits for all and that freer trade will improve political cooperation.
• Some in India see little point in SAFTA, because India already has bilateral agreements with Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bhutan.

India-Pakistan peace efforts: confidence building measures to reduce the risk of war; activists and prominent personalities building friendship; summits; bus routes; increased trade and easier visas (for example, Vajpayee's bus journey to Lahore in February 1999; the unsuccessful Agra Summit of 2001). However, the situation has recently changed.

Outside powers:

• China: Sino-Indian relations improved significantly, and economic ties multiplied since 1991, but China's strategic partnership with Pakistan remains a major irritant.
• The US: involvement rose after the Cold War; good relations with both India and Pakistan; increasingly a moderator in India-Pakistan relations; economic reforms deepened US participation; large South Asian diasporas and markets give it a stake.
• Ultimately, whether South Asia remains conflict-prone or becomes a regional bloc depends more on its people and governments than on outside powers.

Worked example

Write a short note on the role and limitations of SAARC in facilitating economic cooperation. (6 marks)

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

1. Role: SAARC, begun in 1985, is a major multilateral initiative by South Asian states to evolve cooperation.
2. Role: it led to SAFTA, signed in 2004 at the 12th summit in Islamabad and in force from 1 January 2006, aiming to lower tariffs and create a free trade zone.
3. India's view: freer trade brings economic benefits for all and helps political cooperation.
4. Limitation: persisting political differences, especially between India and Pakistan, have meant SAARC has not had much success.
5. Limitation: smaller neighbours fear SAFTA lets India 'invade' their markets and influence their societies and politics.
6. Limitation: some in India see SAFTA as not worth the trouble because of bilateral agreements with Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka; so SAARC's potential remains largely unrealised.

Answer: SAARC provides a framework and SAFTA for regional trade, but political differences, fears of Indian dominance and reliance on bilateral deals limit its success.

Contemporary South Asia in real life

Each concept, met in an everyday situation. Read the situation, answer the question in your own words, then compare with the model answer. The one-line hook is what to remember.

Topics in this chapter

• Democracy in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal
• Ethnic Conflict in Sri Lanka
• India-Pakistan Conflicts

Contemporary South Asia: key facts

South Asia

Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka (seven)

Afghanistan and Myanmar often discussed; China a player but not part.

Pakistan's rulers

1. 1.Ayub Khan
2. 2.Yahya Khan
3. 3.Z.A. Bhutto (1971-77)
4. 4.Zia-ul-Haq (1977)
5. 5.Benazir Bhutto (1988) / Nawaz Sharif
6. 6.Musharraf (1999 coup, President 2001)
7. 7.elected govts since 2008

Military, clergy, landed aristocracy dominant.

Bangladesh's path

1. 1.1970 Awami League wins
2. 2.1971 war and independence
3. 3.1975 presidential, one party, Mujib assassinated
4. 4.Ziaur Rahman (BNP, 1979)
5. 5.Ershad
6. 6.1990 Ershad out
7. 7.1991 multi-party democracy

Constitution: secularism, democracy, socialism.

Nepal's path

1. 1.1990 democratic constitution
2. 2.1990s Maoist insurgency
3. 3.2002 king abolishes parliament
4. 4.April 2006 protests (SPA, Maoists)
5. 5.2008 republic
6. 6.2015 constitution

Triangular conflict.

Sri Lanka

1948	independence (Ceylon)
1983	LTTE armed struggle for Tamil Eelam
1987	Indo-Sri Lanka Accord, IPKF (out 1989/90)
2009	LTTE vanquished

Norway and Iceland mediated. First in region to liberalise; highest per capita GDP.

Bhutan and Maldives

Bhutan: constitutional monarchy 2008, multi-party democracy; Maldives: Sultanate till 1968, republic, multi-party 2005, MDP won 2018

India helped Maldives against mercenaries, Nov 1988.

India-Pakistan issues

• •Kashmir (1947-48, 1965, 1971, LoC)
• •Siachen
• •Nuclear tests 1998 (Pokhran, Chagai)
• •Terrorism accusations
• •Indus Waters Treaty 1960 (World Bank)
• •Sir Creek (Rann of Kutch)

Possibility of full-scale war has declined; suspicion remains.

Timeline highlights

1960	Indus Waters Treaty
1966	Tashkent Agreement
1971	Indo-Soviet Treaty and liberation of Bangladesh
1972	Simla Agreement
1974	India's nuclear test
1985	SAARC
1996	Farakka Treaty
1998	nuclear tests and India-Sri Lanka FTA
1999	Lahore bus, Kargil
2001	Agra Summit
2004	SAFTA
2007	Afghanistan joins SAARC

1954-55 Pakistan joins SEATO and CENTO.

SAARC and SAFTA

SAARC 1985 (Dhaka); SAFTA signed 2004 (Islamabad), in force 1 Jan 2006, lower tariffs

Limited success due to political differences.

Outside powers

China: improved ties but Pakistan partnership an irritant; US: good ties with both, moderator, diaspora and market stake

Future depends on region's own people and governments.

How the board asks Contemporary South Asia

The question patterns to expect, and the method that works for each.

Tricks to remember Contemporary South Asia

Short memory aids. Say each one aloud once, then use it on a question the same day.

• Seven countries

  "Big Bears In Many Nice Parks Sleep": Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka.

  Use it when: Defining South Asia.

• Pakistan's generals

  "A-Y-Z-M": Ayub, Yahya, Zia, Musharraf.

  Use it when: Pakistan's military rule.

• Nepal's democracy years

  90-02-06-08-15: constitution, parliament abolished, protests, republic, new constitution.

  Use it when: Nepal timeline.

• SAARC to SAFTA

  "Dhaka 85, Islamabad 04, in force 06".

  Use it when: Dates MCQs.

• Why Pakistan's democracy failed

  "MCL + India + West": Military, Clergy, Landlords, plus India conflict and Western support.

  Use it when: 4-mark answer.

Contemporary South Asia: board-level solved questions

Ordered from board level to HOTS. Cover the solution, write your own, then compare step by step.

Case-study practice (Section E style)

Read the situation, then answer every part. In the board paper this is a 4-mark question split into 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 marks.

Where the marks are

How a typical answer is split into step marks. Show every step: a right final answer alone rarely earns full marks.

Where students lose marks in Contemporary South Asia

The slips examiners see most often, and what to write instead.

• ✗Mistake: Writing that all South Asian countries have always been democracies

  Students generalise from India.

  ✓Do this: Note India and Sri Lanka's continuous democracy, but military rule in Pakistan and Bangladesh and monarchy in Nepal and Bhutan.

  Usually costs: 1 mark in MCQs; accuracy in long answers.

• ✗Mistake: Mixing up Pakistan's rulers and dates

  Many generals and civilians.

  ✓Do this: Learn the sequence Ayub, Yahya, Z.A. Bhutto, Zia (1977), Benazir (1988), Sharif, Musharraf (1999), civilian from 2008.

  Usually costs: 1-2 marks.

• ✗Mistake: Taking sides in disputes

  Students write emotionally on Kashmir or neighbours.

  ✓Do this: Present each government's view as the textbook does ('India blames...', 'Pakistan blames...', 'Bangladesh feels...').

  Usually costs: Marks for balance and analysis.

• ✗Mistake: Confusing SAARC (1985) and SAFTA (2004/2006)

  Similar acronyms.

  ✓Do this: SAARC = association, 1985, Dhaka; SAFTA = free trade agreement, signed 2004 in Islamabad, in force 1 January 2006.

  Usually costs: 1 mark.

• ✗Mistake: Forgetting the positives of Sri Lanka

  Students focus only on conflict.

  ✓Do this: Add that Sri Lanka kept democracy, controlled population growth, liberalised first and had the highest per capita GDP.

  Usually costs: 1 mark in a 4-6 mark answer.

NCERT exercise guide: Contemporary South Asia

What each exercise in the NCERT chapter tests, how to approach it, and a question of the same kind solved step by step. Questions here are written in our own words.

Practice questions on Contemporary South Asia

Write each answer on paper first. Open the hint only if you are stuck, and the answer only when you have finished.

1. Q1 · 1 mark · MCQBoard level

   Which country was a Sultanate till 1968 and then became a republic?
   (a) Bhutan
   (b) Nepal
   (c) The Maldives
   (d) Sri Lanka

   Hint

   Island nation.

   Answer

   (c) The Maldives.

2. Q2 · 1 mark · MCQHarder board level

   Arrange chronologically: (i) Simla Agreement; (ii) SAARC Charter signed; (iii) Farakka Treaty; (iv) SAFTA signed.
   (a) i, ii, iii, iv
   (b) ii, i, iii, iv
   (c) i, iii, ii, iv
   (d) i, ii, iv, iii

   Hint

   1972, 1985, 1996, 2004.

   Answer

   (a).

3. Q3 · 1 mark · Assertion-reasonBoard level

   Assertion (A): India helped the Maldives in November 1988.
   Reason (R): Tamil mercenaries from Sri Lanka attacked the Maldives, and the Maldives requested India's help.
   Choose (a)-(d).

   Hint

   Indian air force and navy.

   Answer

   (a) Both are true and R explains A.

4. Q4 · 2 marks · Very short answerHarder board level

   Which disputes exist among South Asian countries not involving India? Name any two. (2 marks)

   Hint

   Nepal-Bhutan, Bangladesh-Myanmar.

   Answer

   Any two: Nepal and Bhutan over migration of ethnic Nepalese into Bhutan; Bangladesh and Myanmar over the Rohingyas; Bangladesh and Nepal over Himalayan river waters.

5. Q5 · 4 marks · Short answerHarder board level

   How have external powers influenced South Asian politics? Illustrate with one example. (4 marks)

   Hint

   China and the US.

   Answer

   No region exists in a vacuum. China's ties with India have improved and economic links multiplied since 1991, but its strategic partnership with Pakistan is a major irritant for India. The US has good relations with both India and Pakistan and increasingly acts as a moderator between them; economic reforms, large South Asian diasporas and big markets deepen its involvement. Example: the US's role as moderator in India-Pakistan relations, or the China-Pakistan partnership affecting India-China ties.

6. Q6 · 4 marks · Short answerHOTS / competency

   Mention two efforts made by India and Pakistan to build peace. Can we be sure they are on the way to a friendly relationship? (4 marks)

   Hint

   CBMs, bus routes, treaties; recent change.

   Answer

   Efforts: confidence building measures to reduce the risk of war; summits; bus routes; increased trade and easier visas; the Indus Waters Treaty (1960) surviving wars; the 1988 agreement not to attack each other's nuclear facilities; Vajpayee's 1999 Lahore bus journey. But we cannot be sure: suspicion continues over Kashmir, terrorism and Siachen; the 2001 Agra Summit failed; and the textbook notes that the situation has changed in recent times.

7. Q7 · 2 marks · Very short answerBoard level

   Bhutan and India have a very special relationship. Explain. (2 marks)

   Hint

   Militants, hydro, aid.

   Answer

   There is no major conflict; Bhutan's king helped weed out north-eastern militants operating in Bhutan; India is involved in big hydroelectric projects there and is Bhutan's biggest source of development aid.

8. Q8 · 6 marks · Long answerHOTS / competency

   Analyse the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka and its impact on India-Sri Lanka relations. (6 marks)

   Hint

   Roots, LTTE, IPKF, resolution, relations.

   Answer

   Roots: Sinhala-dominated politics after 1948, hostility to Tamils of Indian origin, the view that Sri Lanka belonged only to the Sinhala people, neglect of Tamil concerns. Conflict: militant Tamil nationalism; from 1983 the LTTE's armed struggle for Tamil Eelam, at one point controlling the north-east. India's involvement: pressure from Indian Tamils; 1987 accord and IPKF; fighting with the LTTE; resentment among Sri Lankans; withdrawal in 1989 without success. Resolution: Scandinavian mediation; LTTE vanquished in 2009. Relations: difficulties mainly over the ethnic issue; India now prefers disengagement; the 1998 FTA and post-tsunami help brought them closer. Sri Lanka kept democracy, grew economically and achieved high human development despite the conflict.

9. Q9 · 4 marks · Short answerHOTS / competency

   Suppose a small country fears that a free trade agreement with a much larger neighbour will flood its markets. Using the SAFTA debate, give one argument for and one against joining, suggest a safeguard, and state your conclusion. (4 marks)

   Hint

   Benefits versus fears of domination.

   Answer

   For: as India argues, freer trade brings real economic benefits for all and builds better political cooperation. Against: as some neighbours fear, a big economy may 'invade' its markets and influence its society and politics. Safeguard: gradual tariff cuts with protection for sensitive sectors and regular review through the regional forum, building trust step by step. Conclusion: joining with such safeguards is the better course, because the chapter presents free trade across borders as a way to open a new phase of peace and cooperation in South Asia, while the fear of domination can be eased through negotiation and trust.

10. Q10 · 2 marks · Very short answerBoard level

    Who led the struggle against West Pakistani domination in East Pakistan, and what happened after the 1970 elections? (2 marks)

    Hint

    Awami League.

    Answer

    Sheikh Mujib-ur Rahman. His Awami League won all seats in East Pakistan and a majority in the proposed constituent assembly, but the West Pakistani-dominated government refused to convene it and arrested him, leading to repression, refugees into India and the 1971 war.

Test your recall

Answer in your head or on paper first, then open the card. Pulling an answer out of memory makes it stick far better than re-reading.

1. 1.What gives South Asia its natural insularity?Show answer

   The Himalayas in the north and the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal to the south, west and east.

2. 2.When did Bhutan become a constitutional monarchy?Show answer

   In 2008.

3. 3.Who removed Nawaz Sharif in 1999?Show answer

   General Pervez Musharraf.

4. 4.When did Nepal become a democratic republic?Show answer

   In 2008, after abolishing the monarchy.

5. 5.What is the LTTE?Show answer

   The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, a militant organisation that fought from 1983 for a separate country for Sri Lankan Tamils.

6. 6.Where did Pakistan conduct its 1998 nuclear tests?Show answer

   In the Chagai Hills.

7. 7.When did India and Bangladesh exchange enclaves?Show answer

   In 2015.

8. 8.When did Afghanistan join SAARC?Show answer

   In 2007.

Quick revision checklist

The night before the exam: can you do each of these without looking?

• ☐Can you name the seven South Asian countries and explain the region's insularity?
• ☐Can you give the political system of each country today?
• ☐Can you list Pakistan's rulers in order and three reasons democracy faltered?
• ☐Can you trace Bangladesh from 1970 to 1991?
• ☐Can you trace Nepal from 1990 to 2015?
• ☐Can you explain the roots and end of Sri Lanka's ethnic conflict?
• ☐Can you list five India-Pakistan issues?
• ☐Can you give cooperation and disputes with Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Maldives?
• ☐Can you explain SAARC, SAFTA and their limits?
• ☐Can you explain the roles of China and the US in South Asia?

Contemporary South Asia: frequently asked questions