Class 12 : Poltical Science (English) – Lesson 3.Contemporary South Asia
EXPLANATION & SUMMARY
🔹 1. Lesson Explanation
🌏 Introduction
South Asia—comprising India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Afghanistan—shares ancient cultural links and a colonial past.
Yet the region grapples with poverty, political instability, ethnic tensions, and uneven development, alongside a persistent aspiration for democracy and cooperation.
🧭 Political Paths after Independence
India – adopted parliamentary democracy and federalism; periodic elections ensure stability.
Pakistan – cycles of civilian and military rule (coups 1958, 1977, 1999).
Bangladesh – born 1971; shifts from one-party dominance to multi-party democracy.
Nepal – monarchy ended; republic established 2008.
Bhutan – smooth transition to constitutional monarchy 2008.
Sri Lanka – democracy sustained but scarred by ethnic civil war (1983–2009).
Maldives – authoritarian interludes; gradual democratic opening.
Afghanistan – prolonged instability; fragile institutions.
⚙️ Shared Regional Challenges
Democracy vs Authoritarianism – recurring tensions between elected leaders and non-elected forces.
Economic Under-development – high poverty, agrarian dependence, inequality.
Ethnic & Religious Conflicts – Sinhala–Tamil, sectarian, regional movements.
Terrorism & Extremism – cross-border militancy, radical groups.
Environmental Stress – river-sharing disputes, deforestation, climate threats.
🇮🇳 India’s Regional Role
India, the largest democracy and economy, promotes:
🕊️ Peaceful coexistence
⚖️ Respect for sovereignty
🤝 Bilateral dialogue and cooperation
Key tools: Neighbourhood First Policy, Gujral Doctrine, aid, trade, connectivity.
Gujral Doctrine (1996-97)
1️⃣ Unilateral goodwill to smaller neighbours.
2️⃣ Non-interference in internal affairs.
3️⃣ Respect for sovereignty & integrity.
4️⃣ Peaceful dispute resolution.
5️⃣ Promotion of regional cooperation.
🤝 Bilateral Relations
India–Pakistan – core dispute: Kashmir; wars (1947-48, 1965, 1971, 1999); peace attempts (Tashkent, Simla, Lahore); obstacles from terrorism & mistrust.
India–Bangladesh – cooperation: Ganga Treaty 1996, Land Boundary 2015; issues: migration, Teesta waters.
India–Nepal – open border, close ties; occasional blockades & boundary frictions.
India–Sri Lanka – assistance during Tamil crisis; focus on reconstruction & trade.
India–Bhutan – model partnership: hydropower, free trade, security collaboration.
India–Maldives – strategic support (Operation Cactus 1988); climate & tourism cooperation.
India–Afghanistan – reconstruction aid, education, health projects; limited engagement post-Taliban.
🏛️ Regional Cooperation
SAARC (1985) – aims for welfare & growth; achievements (SAFTA 2006), social charter; limited by India–Pakistan rivalry.
Alternative groupings:
BIMSTEC – links South & Southeast Asia.
BBIN – sub-regional connectivity.
IORA – maritime collaboration.
🌱 Democratic Aspirations
Mass movements—Nepal 2006, Pakistan Lawyers’ Movement—reflect people’s commitment to democracy and rights.
🔐 Security Dimensions
Traditional: border disputes, arms race.
Non-traditional: poverty, pandemics, climate change, migration.
💹 Economic Trends
Post-1990 reforms spurred growth (services in India/Sri Lanka, garments in Bangladesh) but widened inequality; inclusive, sustainable policies needed.
💡 Theoretical Perspectives
Realism: power asymmetry shapes ties.
Liberalism: cooperation benefits all.
Regionalism remains key to collective progress.
🔭 Contemporary Issues
Expanding Chinese influence via Belt & Road; debt concerns.
India counters through capacity-building & trust diplomacy.
Future focus: dialogue, connectivity, people-centric growth.
🔸 2. Summary (≈ 200 words)
South Asia blends shared heritage with varied political experiences. Many nations alternate between democracy and authoritarianism, confronting poverty, ethnic strife, and environmental risk.
India, guided by Gujral Doctrine and Neighbourhood First, leads cooperative initiatives—progressing with Bhutan and Bangladesh, struggling with Pakistan.
Regional frameworks (SAARC, BIMSTEC, BBIN) aim for integration but suffer political mistrust.
Citizen movements reaffirm democratic values. Economic reforms boosted growth yet accentuated inequality, demanding inclusive strategies.
Enduring peace and prosperity depend on mutual trust, dialogue, and equitable partnerships.
🔸 3. Quick Recap (≈ 100 words)
Members: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Afghanistan
Themes: democracy vs coups, inequality, ethnic conflict
India’s Approach: Gujral Doctrine, bilateralism
Relations: strong with Bhutan/Bangladesh; tense with Pakistan
Cooperation: SAARC sluggish; BIMSTEC/BBIN emerging
Threats: terrorism, climate change, poverty
Goal: peace, inclusive growth, democratic consolidation
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QUESTIONS FROM TEXTBOOK
🔵 Question 1: Identify the country:
a. The struggle among pro-monarchy, pro-democracy groups and extremists created an atmosphere of political instability.
🟢 Answer: Nepal – experienced long conflict among monarchy, democratic forces, and Maoist insurgents leading to political instability before becoming a republic.
b. A landlocked country with multi-party competition.
🟢 Answer: Nepal – surrounded by India and China; has active multi-party democracy.
c. The first country to liberalise its economy in the South Asian region.
🟢 Answer: Sri Lanka – began economic liberalisation as early as 1977.
d. In the conflict between the military and pro-democracy groups, the military has prevailed over democracy.
🟢 Answer: Pakistan – witnessed repeated military coups overriding civilian governments.
e. Centrally located and shares borders with most of the South Asian countries.
🟢 Answer: India – central position, borders with Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, China.
f. Earlier the island had the Sultan as the head of state. Now, it’s a republic.
🟢 Answer: Maldives – transitioned from Sultanate to Republic.
g. Small savings and credit cooperatives in rural areas have helped in reducing poverty.
🟢 Answer: Bangladesh – microfinance institutions like Grameen Bank reduced rural poverty.
h. A landlocked country with a monarchy.
🟢 Answer: Bhutan – landlocked, constitutional monarchy since 2008.
🔵 Question 2: Which among the following statements about South Asia is wrong?
a) All the countries in South Asia are democratic.
b) Bangladesh and India have signed an agreement on river-water sharing.
c) SAFTA was signed at the 12th SAARC Summit in Islamabad.
d) The US and China play an influential role in South Asian politics.
🟢 Answer: a) All the countries in South Asia are democratic.
Because some countries (e.g. Pakistan, Maldives, Afghanistan) have faced interruptions or authoritarian phases.
🔵 Question 3: What are some of the commonalities and differences between Bangladesh and Pakistan in their democratic experiences?
🟢 Answer:
🔹 Commonalities:
Both emerged from colonial rule.
Experienced periods of military rule and political instability.
Faced challenges of poverty, inequality, and governance.
🔹 Differences:
Bangladesh restored multi-party democracy (1991) and sustained it with competitive politics.
Pakistan continues to face frequent military interventions and weak civilian institutions.
Bangladesh has stronger participation of civil society and women in politics.
🔵 Question 4: List three challenges to democracy in Nepal.
🟢 Answer:
1️⃣ Frequent political instability due to power struggles.
2️⃣ Tensions among monarchy, democratic parties, and Maoists.
3️⃣ Difficulty in drafting and implementing a stable constitution ensuring inclusion of all groups.
🔵 Question 5: Name the principal players in the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka. How do you assess the prospects of the resolution of this conflict?
🟢 Answer:
Principal players:
🔹 Sinhala-dominated government
🔹 Tamil minority
🔹 LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam)
Assessment:
⚖️ Conflict ended militarily in 2009 but long-term peace needs reconciliation, justice, and inclusion of Tamils through equal rights, political representation, and economic rehabilitation.
🔵 Question 6: Mention some of the recent agreements between India and Pakistan. Can we be sure that the two countries are well on their way to a friendly relationship?
🟢 Answer:
Agreements:
🔹 Simla Agreement (1972) – peaceful resolution of disputes
🔹 Lahore Declaration (1999) – confidence-building
🔹 Indus Waters Treaty (1960) – water sharing
Assessment:
☑️ Dialogue continues but mistrust and terrorism issues hinder lasting friendship; confidence-building and people-to-people contact essential.
🔵 Question 7: Mention two areas each of cooperation and disagreement between India and Bangladesh.
🟢 Answer:
Cooperation:
1️⃣ Ganga Water Treaty (1996)
2️⃣ Land Boundary Agreement (2015)
Disagreement:
1️⃣ Teesta river water-sharing pending
2️⃣ Cross-border migration concerns
🔵 Question 8: How are the external powers influencing bilateral relations in South Asia? Take any one example.
🟢 Answer:
Example: Role of United States in Pakistan
🔹 Provided military and economic aid for strategic interests.
🔹 Strengthened Pakistan’s defence but encouraged military dominance.
🔹 External aid sometimes shaped domestic policies and alignments.
🔵 Question 9: Write a short note on the role and limitations of SAARC as a forum for facilitating economic cooperation among South Asian countries.
🟢 Answer:
Role:
🔹 Promotes regional cooperation in trade, culture, education.
🔹 Introduced SAFTA (2006) for tariff reduction.
Limitations:
🔹 Consensus rule slows decisions.
🔹 India–Pakistan rivalry disrupts summits.
🔹 Limited intra-regional trade (less than 5%).
🔹 Needs stronger political will and connectivity.
🔵 Question 10: India’s neighbours often think that the Indian government tries to dominate and interfere in the domestic affairs of the smaller countries of the region. Is this a correct impression?
🟢 Answer:
Perception: Some neighbours see India as dominant due to its size, economy, and influence.
Reality: India follows Gujral Doctrine—non-interference, goodwill, and mutual respect.
Examples: Assistance to Bhutan, Bangladesh, Maldives; support for democracy in Nepal.
Conclusion: Misconceptions arise from asymmetry; building trust, dialogue, and equitable partnerships can dispel fears.
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OTHER IMPORTANT QUESTIONS FOR EXAMS
🔷 Section A – Multiple Choice Questions (1 mark each)
🔵 Q1. Which South Asian country experienced repeated military coups overruling civilian governments?
🟢 India
🟣 Nepal
🔴 Pakistan
🟡 Sri Lanka
Answer: 🔴 Pakistan
🔵 Q2. The first South Asian nation to introduce economic liberalisation was:
🟢 India
🔴 Sri Lanka
🟣 Bangladesh
🟡 Bhutan
Answer: 🔴 Sri Lanka
🔵 Q3. SAFTA was signed to promote:
🟢 Defence cooperation
🔴 Cultural exchange
🟣 Free trade and economic integration
🟡 Environmental protection
Answer: 🟣 Free trade and economic integration
🔵 Q4. Which principle is not part of the Gujral Doctrine?
🟢 Non-interference
🔴 Unilateral concessions
🟣 Military alliances
🟡 Peaceful dispute resolution
Answer: 🟣 Military alliances
🔵 Q5. The Ganga Water Treaty (1996) was signed between:
🟢 India–Nepal
🔴 India–Bangladesh
🟣 India–Pakistan
🟡 India–Bhutan
Answer: 🔴 India–Bangladesh
🔵 Q6. A landlocked monarchy in South Asia is:
🟢 Nepal
🔴 Bhutan
🟣 Afghanistan
🟡 Maldives
Answer: 🔴 Bhutan
🔵 Q7. Which organisation links South and Southeast Asia?
🟢 SAARC
🔴 IORA
🟣 BIMSTEC
🟡 ASEAN
Answer: 🟣 BIMSTEC
🔵 Q8. The ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka was mainly between:
🟢 Buddhists and Muslims
🔴 Sinhalas and Tamils
🟣 Hindus and Christians
🟡 Urban and rural groups
Answer: 🔴 Sinhalas and Tamils
🔵 Q9. Which of the following is a non-traditional security threat?
🟢 Border invasion
🔴 Climate change
🟣 Nuclear race
🟡 Terrorism
Answer: 🔴 Climate change
🔵 Q10. India’s foreign policy principle focusing on neighbours is:
🟢 Look East Policy
🔴 Non-Alignment
🟣 Neighbourhood First Policy
🟡 Panchsheel
Answer: 🟣 Neighbourhood First Policy
🔵 Q11. The civil war in Sri Lanka ended in:
🟢 1999
🔴 2005
🟣 2009
🟡 2012
Answer: 🟣 2009
🔵 Q12. The headquarters of SAARC is in:
🟢 New Delhi
🔴 Dhaka
🟣 Kathmandu
🟡 Colombo
Answer: 🟣 Kathmandu
🔶 Section B – Short Answer Questions (2 marks each, 50–60 words)
🔵 Q13. What is the Gujral Doctrine?
🟢 Answer:
The Gujral Doctrine (1996–97) laid down five principles of India’s foreign policy toward neighbours:
Unilateral goodwill concessions to smaller countries
Non-interference and peaceful dispute resolution
It aims at building trust, mutual respect, and regional harmony.
🔵 Q14. State two common challenges faced by South Asian countries.
🟢 Answer:
1️⃣ Political instability due to coups and weak institutions.
2️⃣ Economic under-development marked by poverty and unemployment.
🔵 Q15. Mention any two successes of SAARC.
🟢 Answer:
1️⃣ Launch of SAFTA (2006) to promote free trade.
2️⃣ Cooperation in health, education, and disaster management through social charters.
🔵 Q16. What are two main areas of cooperation between India and Bangladesh?
🟢 Answer:
1️⃣ Ganga Water Treaty (1996) for river sharing.
2️⃣ Land Boundary Agreement (2015) resolving border disputes.
🔵 Q17. Name two non-traditional security threats in South Asia.
🟢 Answer:
1️⃣ Climate change and frequent natural disasters.
2️⃣ Poverty and mass migration threatening stability.
🔵 Q18. List two reasons for India–Pakistan tensions.
🟢 Answer:
1️⃣ Kashmir dispute leading to wars and hostility.
2️⃣ Cross-border terrorism undermining trust.
🔷 Section C – Long Answer Type I (4 marks each, 100–120 words)
🔵 Q19. Describe India’s role in promoting regional cooperation in South Asia.
🟢 Answer:
India plays a leadership role by promoting peace, dialogue, and development through:
Neighbourhood First Policy and Gujral Doctrine.
Aid, connectivity, and disaster relief to neighbours.
Active participation in SAARC, BIMSTEC, BBIN.
Challenges include political mistrust, especially with Pakistan. India emphasises mutual respect and inclusive growth to ensure regional stability.
🔵 Q20. Explain three main reasons behind political instability in Nepal.
🟢 Answer:
1️⃣ Power struggles between monarchy, parties, and Maoists.
2️⃣ Maoist insurgency (1996–2006) disrupting governance.
3️⃣ Frequent government changes delaying constitution and reforms.
🔵 Q21. Discuss the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka.
🟢 Answer:
The conflict was between Sinhala majority (Buddhists) and Tamil minority.
Sinhala domination in politics and language policies created inequality.
Tamils demanded autonomy; LTTE launched armed struggle.
Civil war (1983–2009) ended militarily; sustainable peace needs reconciliation and inclusion.
🔵 Q22. Highlight two key features and two limitations of SAARC.
🟢 Answer:
Features:
1️⃣ Promotes regional cooperation and economic integration.
2️⃣ Ensures equal voice for all members.
Limitations:
1️⃣ India–Pakistan rivalry hinders summits.
2️⃣ Consensus rule slows progress; low intra-regional trade.
🔵 Q23. What measures can strengthen democracy in South Asia?
🟢 Answer:
Conduct free and fair elections regularly.
Keep military under civilian control.
Promote inclusive policies reducing inequality.
Encourage regional cooperation and sharing democratic best practices.
🔷 Section D – Source / Cartoon / Map-based Questions (4 marks each)
🔵 Q24. 📜 Study the given extract and answer the following questions:
“The South Asian region has experienced both cooperation and conflict. While initiatives like SAARC have tried to promote regional peace and prosperity, bilateral tensions have often overshadowed collective progress.”
🟢 (a) Identify the main reason behind limited success of SAARC.
➡️ Answer: Persistent India–Pakistan rivalry and lack of political trust between members slow down SAARC’s functioning.
🟢 (b) Mention one key achievement of SAARC.
➡️ Answer: Launch of SAFTA (2006) to promote free trade among South Asian nations.
🟢 (c) Suggest one measure to improve SAARC’s effectiveness.
➡️ Answer: Encourage bilateral dialogue, strengthen economic cooperation, and reduce political interference in regional issues.
🟢 (d) What is the core aim of SAARC?
➡️ Answer: To promote welfare, mutual trust, and collective self-reliance among South Asian nations.
🔵 Q25. 🗺️ Observe the given map showing South Asian countries and answer:
🟢 (a) Name any two landlocked countries shown on the map.
➡️ Answer: Nepal and Bhutan.
🟢 (b) Identify the island nations in the region.
➡️ Answer: Sri Lanka and Maldives.
🟢 (c) Which country shares borders with most South Asian neighbours?
➡️ Answer: India.
🟢 (d) Mention one factor uniting these nations despite differences.
➡️ Answer: Shared cultural heritage, historical ties, and colonial past.
🔵 Q26. 💬 Cartoon-based Question
A political cartoon shows India as a big elephant surrounded by smaller animals (representing neighbours) appearing cautious.
🟢 (a) What perception does this cartoon reflect?
➡️ Answer: It reflects the belief that India dominates or interferes in the affairs of its smaller neighbours.
🟢 (b) Is this perception fully justified?
➡️ Answer: ❌ Not entirely; India follows Gujral Doctrine ensuring non-interference and mutual respect.
🟢 (c) Give one example of India’s positive assistance.
➡️ Answer: Bhutan – hydropower projects; Bangladesh – border and trade agreements.
🟢 (d) Suggest a way to reduce such mistrust.
➡️ Answer: Strengthen people-to-people contact and transparent cooperation.
🔶 Section E – Long Answer Type-II Questions (6 marks each, 170–180 words)
🔵 Q27. Discuss the major common challenges faced by South Asian countries.
🟢 Answer:
South Asian nations—India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Afghanistan—face similar structural problems:
1️⃣ Political Instability – coups, monarchies, and authoritarian tendencies hinder democracy.
2️⃣ Economic Backwardness – widespread poverty, unemployment, dependence on agriculture.
3️⃣ Ethnic Conflicts – Sri Lankan Tamil issue, Nepal’s Maoist insurgency, Pakistan’s sectarian violence.
4️⃣ Terrorism and Extremism – cross-border militancy undermines peace.
5️⃣ Environmental Challenges – deforestation, floods, river-water disputes, climate change.
6️⃣ Regional Rivalries – mistrust, especially between India and Pakistan, obstruct cooperation.
🧭 Conclusion: Overcoming these requires democracy, inclusive development, and regional dialogue.
🔵 Q28. Evaluate India–Pakistan relations in the post-independence period.
🟢 Answer:
Relations have oscillated between conflict and dialogue.
Conflicts: Wars in 1947-48, 1965, 1971, and Kargil 1999 over Kashmir.
Efforts for Peace:
🔹 Tashkent Agreement (1966)
🔹 Simla Agreement (1972)
🔹 Lahore Declaration (1999)
🔹 Agra Summit (2001)
Irritants: Cross-border terrorism, nuclear rivalry, mistrust.
Achievements: Indus Waters Treaty (1960) still functional; trade and people exchanges attempted.
🧭 Conclusion: True friendship needs sustained dialogue, trust, and non-violence.
🔵 Q29. Assess the democratic experience of Bangladesh since independence.
🟢 Answer:
1971–75: Mujibur Rahman’s leadership; shift to one-party rule (BAKSAL).
1975–90: Military regimes (Zia-ur-Rahman, Ershad) curtailed democracy.
1991–present: Restoration of multi-party democracy.
Achievements: Regular elections, active civil society, women empowerment.
Challenges: Political rivalry (Awami League vs BNP), corruption, governance issues.
🧭 Conclusion: Despite setbacks, democracy in Bangladesh remains vibrant and evolving.
🔵 Q30. Examine the limitations of SAARC and suggest measures to make it more effective.
🟢 Answer:
Limitations:
1️⃣ Consensus decision-making delays action.
2️⃣ India–Pakistan hostility paralyses summits.
3️⃣ Low intra-regional trade (<5%).
4️⃣ Overlap with other groupings (BIMSTEC).
Suggestions:
Encourage bilateral confidence-building.
Focus on economic cooperation and connectivity.
Empower SAARC Secretariat.
Promote people-level interactions and shared projects.
🧭 Conclusion: With political will, SAARC can transform South Asia into a zone of peace, trust, and prosperity.
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MIND MAPS
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