Class 12 Political Science Notes Chapter 5 (Contemporary south asia) – Contemporary World Politics Book
Alright class, let's delve into Chapter 5, 'Contemporary South Asia'. This is a crucial chapter, not just for understanding our neighbourhood but also because questions frequently appear from this section in various government exams. Pay close attention to the political trajectories, conflicts, and cooperative efforts within this diverse region.
Contemporary South Asia: Detailed Notes
1. What is South Asia?
- Definition: Generally includes Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Afghanistan is sometimes included.
- Geographical Features: Bounded by the Himalayas in the north, the Indian Ocean in the south, the Arabian Sea in the west, and the Bay of Bengal in the east.
- Diversity: Vast diversity in geography, population, religion, and political systems.
- Shared Characteristics: Despite diversity, the region shares common borders, history, culture, economic ties, and similar political challenges (poverty, conflicts, democratic aspirations).
2. The Political Systems in the Region:
- Mixed Record of Democracy: The experience with democracy has been varied across South Asian countries.
- India & Sri Lanka: Have largely remained democracies since their independence, despite facing significant challenges.
- Pakistan & Bangladesh: Have experienced both civilian democratic governments and military rule.
- Nepal: Was a monarchy, transitioned through a period of constitutional monarchy with threats from Maoist insurgency, and is now a federal democratic republic.
- Bhutan: Transitioned from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy (2008), guided by the King.
- Maldives: Was a Sultanate until 1968, then became a republic. Has seen periods of multi-party democracy and authoritarian consolidation.
3. Country-Specific Political Developments:
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Pakistan:
- Post-Independence: Started with civilian rule, but quickly came under military domination.
- Military Coups: General Ayub Khan, General Yahya Khan, General Zia-ul-Haq, General Pervez Musharraf. Military rule has been a recurring feature.
- Democratic Phases: Periods led by figures like Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Benazir Bhutto, Nawaz Sharif. These phases were often unstable and ended by military intervention or dismissal.
- Factors Hindering Democracy: Dominance of the military, influence of clergy (religious fundamentalism), powerful feudal landowning aristocracy, conflict with India (especially over Kashmir), lack of strong international support for democracy at times (Cold War era), role of the intelligence agency (ISI).
- Nuclear Power: Became a declared nuclear power in 1998.
-
Bangladesh:
- Formation: Was part of Pakistan (East Pakistan) from 1947-1971. Declared independence after a liberation war in 1971, with Indian support.
- Initial Democracy: Adopted a secular, democratic constitution under Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
- Military Takeover: Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was assassinated in 1975, followed by military rule under Ziaur Rahman (who later formed the Bangladesh Nationalist Party - BNP). He too was assassinated. Another coup followed under Lt Gen H.M. Ershad.
- Return to Democracy: Pro-democracy movements led to the restoration of democracy in 1991. Since then, power has largely alternated between the BNP (led by Khaleda Zia, widow of Ziaur Rahman) and the Awami League (led by Sheikh Hasina, daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman).
- Challenges: Political instability, poverty, fundamentalism, disputes with India (e.g., river water sharing).
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Nepal:
- Past: A Hindu kingdom, later a constitutional monarchy.
- Democratic Upsurge (1990): King accepted demands for a new democratic constitution amidst popular protests.
- Maoist Insurgency: Faced a violent Maoist insurgency seeking to overthrow the monarchy and establish a communist regime. A triangular conflict emerged between the monarchist forces, democrats, and Maoists.
- End of Monarchy (2008): King Gyanendra dismissed the government in 2002, leading to widespread protests. In 2006, a mass movement restored parliament. In 2008, Nepal abolished the monarchy and became a Federal Democratic Republic.
- New Constitution (2015): Adopted a new constitution after years of deliberation.
- Challenges: Political instability, balancing relations with India and China.
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Sri Lanka:
- Post-Independence (Ceylon until 1972): Maintained democratic institutions successfully.
- Ethnic Conflict: Faced a severe ethnic conflict between the majority Sinhalese community and the minority Tamil population (concentrated in the North and East).
- Causes: Sinhalese nationalism, perceived discrimination against Tamils in language policy, government jobs, and education.
- LTTE: Formation of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in 1976, demanding a separate Tamil state (Eelam). Engaged in a long and brutal civil war with the Sri Lankan army.
- Indian Intervention (1987): India sent an Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) which got entangled in the conflict and withdrew in 1989.
- End of Civil War (2009): The Sri Lankan army defeated the LTTE.
- Challenges: Post-conflict reconciliation, ensuring rights for minorities, economic recovery (faced a severe economic crisis recently).
- Economic Success: Despite the conflict, Sri Lanka maintained relatively high levels of human development and economic growth for a long time.
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Bhutan:
- Monarchy: Traditionally an absolute monarchy.
- Constitutional Monarchy (2008): King Jigme Singye Wangchuck initiated the transition towards multi-party democracy, leading to the first democratic elections in 2008.
- Gross National Happiness (GNH): Focuses on GNH as a measure of development over GDP.
- Relations with India: Maintains close and special ties with India.
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Maldives:
- Sultanate to Republic: Transformed from a Sultanate to a Republic in 1968.
- Political System: Governed by President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom for 30 years (authoritarian). Transitioned to multi-party democracy in 2008. The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has been a key player.
- Challenges: Political instability, threats from religious extremism, environmental threats due to climate change (rising sea levels).
4. India and its Neighbours:
- Central Position: India is geographically central and the largest country, sharing borders with most South Asian nations. This leads to complex relationships.
- Pakistan: Conflict-ridden relationship primarily over Kashmir, cross-border terrorism, nuclear rivalry, Siachen glacier, Sir Creek dispute. Some cooperation exists (e.g., Indus Waters Treaty 1960, brokered by World Bank).
- Bangladesh: Cooperation on economic relations and disaster management. Conflicts over river water sharing (Ganges/Farakka Barrage), illegal immigration, Indian troop movement to Northeast, support for anti-Indian groups.
- Nepal: Generally friendly relations, open border, treaty allowing citizens to travel/work easily. Tensions arise over Nepal's relations with China, concerns about Maoist influence in the past, river water/hydroelectricity projects, and occasional border disputes (e.g., Kalapani).
- Sri Lanka: Mixed relationship. Tensions over the Tamil issue (India's earlier support for Tamil aspirations, IPKF intervention). Cooperation in trade and development. China's growing influence in Sri Lanka is a concern for India.
- Bhutan: Very friendly and close relationship. India supports Bhutan's security and economic development.
- Maldives: Generally cordial relations. India has assisted Maldives during crises (e.g., mercenary attack in 1988). Concerns arise over political instability and China's influence.
5. Peace and Cooperation:
- SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation):
- Established: 1985, headquartered in Kathmandu.
- Members: All 7 countries initially; Afghanistan joined in 2007.
- Aim: To promote regional cooperation in economic, social, and cultural fields.
- Limitations: Progress hampered significantly by political differences, especially the India-Pakistan conflict. Bilateral issues cannot be discussed on the SAARC platform ('Exclusion Principle').
- SAFTA (South Asian Free Trade Area):
- Signed: 2004, Came into effect: 2006.
- Aim: To reduce trade tariffs among member nations and create a free trade zone.
- Impact: Limited success due to political mistrust and protectionist barriers.
- Bilateral Agreements: Many issues are resolved through bilateral talks rather than regional platforms.
6. External Powers and South Asia:
- USA: Post-Cold War, US engagement with both India and Pakistan increased. Plays a role in mediating conflicts, counter-terrorism efforts. Relationship with Pakistan complex due to Afghanistan situation. Strategic partnership with India has deepened.
- China: Increasingly influential player due to its geographical proximity, economic power, and strategic investments (e.g., Belt and Road Initiative - BRI, CPEC with Pakistan). China's growing ties with Pakistan and other South Asian nations often viewed with concern by India.
Conclusion:
South Asia is a region of immense geopolitical significance, marked by both conflict and cooperation. While democratic aspirations are strong, political stability remains fragile in several countries. Historical legacies, border disputes, ethnic tensions, and the influence of external powers continue to shape the complex dynamics of this region. Understanding these nuances is vital for grasping contemporary world politics.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
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Which of the following South Asian countries has consistently maintained a democratic system since its independence?
a) Pakistan
b) Bangladesh
c) India
d) Nepal -
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) was a militant organization primarily active in which country?
a) India
b) Sri Lanka
c) Nepal
d) Bangladesh -
SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) was established in which year?
a) 1971
b) 1985
c) 1991
d) 2004 -
Which factor has NOT been a significant reason for the challenges to democracy in Pakistan?
a) Military dominance
b) Conflict with India
c) Strong support from clergy and landlords
d) Consistent international pressure for democratic reforms -
Nepal transitioned from a monarchy to which form of government in 2008?
a) Military Dictatorship
b) Constitutional Monarchy
c) Federal Democratic Republic
d) Presidential Republic -
The Farakka Barrage issue is a point of contention primarily between which two countries?
a) India and Pakistan
b) India and Nepal
c) India and Bangladesh
d) Pakistan and Afghanistan -
SAFTA, an agreement signed by SAARC nations, pertains to:
a) Military cooperation
b) Cultural exchange
c) Free trade
d) Counter-terrorism -
Which country in South Asia emphasizes 'Gross National Happiness' (GNH) over Gross Domestic Product (GDP)?
a) Maldives
b) Bhutan
c) Nepal
d) Sri Lanka -
The Indus Waters Treaty (1960), brokered by the World Bank, regulates river water sharing between:
a) India and Bangladesh
b) India and Nepal
c) India and Pakistan
d) Pakistan and Afghanistan -
Which external power's influence has significantly increased in South Asia in recent decades, particularly through infrastructure projects like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)?
a) Russia
b) United States
c) European Union
d) China
Answer Key for MCQs:
- c) India
- b) Sri Lanka
- b) 1985
- d) Consistent international pressure for democratic reforms (International support has often been inconsistent or prioritized other interests)
- c) Federal Democratic Republic
- c) India and Bangladesh
- c) Free trade
- b) Bhutan
- c) India and Pakistan
- d) China
Study these notes thoroughly. Remember to link events, understand the causes and consequences, and keep the regional dynamics in mind. Good luck with your preparation!