Contemporary South Asia, AHSEC Class 12 Political Science Notes [Part 1]

AHSEC Class 12 Political Science Notes
Chapter 5
Contemporary South Asia

VERY SHORT ANSWER

1. What is meant by South Asia?

Ans.:- South Asia in the entire Global region is an area which is a house of many internal strife’s and global conflicts.

2. Is China a part of South Asia?

Ans.:- No, China is not a part of South Asia.

3. Which was the first country to liberalize its economy in the South Asian region?

Ans.:- Sri Lanka was the first country to liberalize its economy in the South Asian region.

4. Write the full form of SAARC.

Ans.:- South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation is the full form of SAARC.

5. Why did India send IPKF to Sri Lanka?

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Ans.:- Indian peace keeping force was constituted in 1988 following and Accord signed between India and Sri Lanka to oversee the surrender of the Tamil militants and for constituting the eastern and northern peninsula of Sri Lanka to one administrative unit with an elected provincial Council and a chief minister.

6. Fill in the blanks:

Ans.:- The politics of Sri Lanka is dominated by majority Sinhalese community.

7. Which Country is a part of India’s ‘Look East Policy’?

Ans.:- China

8. Where did India conduct nuclear test in 1998?

Ans.:- India conducted nuclear test in 1998 at Pokhran.

9. What is the main objective of SAARC?

Ans.:- The main objective of SAARC is to promote Regional Cooperation in South Asia.

10. When did India and Pakistan become independent State?

Ans.:- India became independent on 15 August, 1947 and Pakistan on 14 August 1947.

11. At which place 14^th SAARC summit was held?

Ans.:- 14^th SAARC summit was held in New Delhi, 2007.

12. In which year India send peace keeping force to Sri Lanka?

Ans.:- In 1987 India send peace keeping force to Sri Lanka.

13. In which year India and Pakistan conducted nuclear tests?

Ans.:- India and Pakistan conducted nuclear tests in 1998.

14. When Sri Lanka became independent state?

Ans.:- Sri Lanka became independent state in 1948.

15. Where first SAARC summit was held?

Ans.:- First SAARC summit was held in Dhaka in 1985.

16. When SAARC was established?

Ans.:- SAARC was established in 1985.

17. In which year multi party system was introduced in Maldives?

Ans.:- Multi party system was introduced in Maldives in June 2005.

18. At which place 15^th SAARC summit was held?

Ans.:- 15^th SAARC summit was held in Colombo, 2008.

19. Which Indian Prime Minister understood bus journey to Lahore?

Ans.:- Atal Bihari Vajpayee visited Lahore by but journey.

 SHORT ANSWER

1. Mention the names of any four countries included in South Asia.

Ans.:- Bangladesh, India, Bhutan and Maldives are the four countries included in South Asia.

2. Fill in the Blanks:

Ans.:- Bangladesh was a part of Pakistan from 1947 to 1971.

3. Mention the names of the two conflicting communities in Sri Lanka.

Ans.:- Sinhalese and Tamils are the two conflicting communities in Sri Lanka.

4. What is Look East policy?

Ans.:- “Look East policy” is a famous policy launched in 1991 to increase greater cooperation and closeness between India and South Asian countries. It was helped to develop free trade between India and South Asian countries.

5. How did Pakistan respond to Indian Nuclear test?

Ans.:- Pakistan was linked by India’s nuclear test in 1974 and 1998. On both the occasions, Pakistan accused India of external aggression and stated that the nuclear weapons will be used against Pakistan. She also doubted India’s peaceful use of nuclear technology.

6. Mention two issues on which India and Bangladesh co-operate.

Ans.:- The two issues on which India and Bangladesh co-operate are:-

i) Since India had helped in the creation of Bangladesh it was natural for both States to have a cordial relationship. In 1972, both States signed a friendship and an agreement on trade.

ii) The Farakka Accord of 1977 further strengthened the relations between the two states. It helped Bangladesh to make up for the deficiency of water during summers.

7. Do you think India and Nepal have any special relationship? How?

Ans.:- Yes, India and Nepal have special relationship regarding many issues:

a) India and Nepal shares 17 kms of completely open, geographical continuous territory and therefore easily accessible border. Both Countries have close religious and linguistic affinities and there has been a free flow of people and goods across the traditional boundaries. There are shared security concerns between the two.

b) With the Restoration of democratic setup in Nepal, increased cooperation through SAARC and Indian liberalization of thee economy after 1991, the relationship between the two improved.

8. Write any two efforts made by India in main SAARC an effective organization?

Ans.:- India has forwarded cooperation with the South Asian Nations. Economic relations have been increased and India has provided a helping hand for resolving some crisis in Maldives, Sri Lanka and Nepal.

9. What does SAFTA stand for?

Ans.:- SAFTA stands for South Asian Free Trade Agreement.

10. Write the meaning of LTTE?

Ans.:- Liberalisation Tigers for Tamil Elan.

11. How does democracy restored in Nepal over Monarchy?

Ans.:- Pro democracy movement in Nepal become stronger and the king accepted the demand for a new constitution. The Communist Party of Nepal started a bid to replace the royal parliamentary system with people’s socialist republic by violent means. In 2006 democracy was established in Nepal.

12. Write any two areas of conflict between India and Pakistan?

Ans.:- Kashmir issue and border issue problem of river water sharing have affected India-Pakistan relations.

13. Name the seven countries that form the SAARC?

Ans.:- Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

14. Mention the names of the countries which entered into Free Trade agreement in December 1998.

Ans.:- India and Sri Lanka signed free trade agreement in December, 1998.

15. Write the names of two observer states of SAARC?

Ans.:- India and Pakistan.

16. Name the members of SAARC?

Ans.:- Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

17. Name the countries which are known South Asia?

Ans.:- Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan.

18. Name the countries who signed Farakka Treaty?

Ans.:- India and Pakistan signed Farakka Treaty.

19. Mention any two countries in South of India who are members of SAARC?

Ans.:- Sri Lanka and Maldives.

20. Give the significance of Tashkent agreement.

Ans.:- Tashkent agreement was signed between India and Pakistan in the year 1965. According to the agreement, both the countries affirmed the need for a negotiated peaceful settlement of disputes.

21. Mention the two areas each of cooperation and disagreement between India and Bangladesh?

Ans.:- For cooperation:

i) Look East policy.

ii) Disaster management.

For disagreement:

i) Ganga and Brahmaputra water river sharing.

ii) Migration of Bangladesh. 

LONG ANSWER

1. Do you think that the various countries in South Asia possess same king of political systems? Justify your answer.

Ans.:- No, the various countries in South Asia do not have the same kind of political system. Despite many problems and limitations, Sri Lanka and India have successfully operated a democratic system. Pakistan and Bangladesh have experience both civilian and military rulers, with Bangladesh remaining a democracy in the post cold war period. Pakistan began the post cold war period with successive democratic governments under Benzir Bhutto and Nawaz Shariff respectively. But it suffered a military coup in 1999 and has been run by a military regime since then. In 2006 Nepal established a democratic government. Bhutan is still a Monarchy but the king has initiated plans for its transition to multiparty democracy. The Maldives was a sultanate still 1968 when it was transformed into a republic with a presidential form of government.

2. Mention the factors which have contributed to Pakistan’s failure in building a stable democracy. (or) Write the factors that are responsible for Pakistan’s failure in building a stable democracy.

Ans.:- Several factors have contributed to Pakistan’s failure in building a stable democracy. These can be mention like:

a) Social Dominance:- The social dominance of the military clergy and Landowning aristocracy has led to the frequent overthrow of elected Government and establishment of military government.

b) Conflict with India:- Pakistan’s conflict with India has made the pro military groups more powerful. These groups have often said that political parties and democracy in Pakistan are flowed, that Pakistan security should be harmed by selfish minded parties and chaotic democracy and that the Army’s stay in power in therefore justified.

c) Lack of International support:- The lack of genuine International support for democratic rule in Pakistan is further encouraged the military to be continued its dominance. The United States and other Western countries have encouraged the military’s authoritarian rule in the past, for their own reasons.

d) Global Islam Terrorism:- As the western powers, assumed the threat of “Global Islamic Terrorism” and the apprehension that Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal might fall in the hands of these terrorist groups. The military regime in Pakistan has been seen as a protector of Western Interest in West Asia and South Asia.

3. Point out the reasons which led the people of East Pakistan for a liberation movement.

Ans.:- After Pakistan framed its first constitution, General Ayub Khan took over the administration of the country and soon got himself elected. He had to give office where there was popular dissatisfaction against his rule. This gave away the ever to a military take over once again under general Yahya Khan. During Yahya’s military rule Pakistan faced the Bangladesh crisis and after the war with India in 1971 East Pakistan broke away to emerge as an independent country called Bangladesh. After this an elected government under the leadership of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto came to power in Pakistan from 1971 to 1977.

4. Mention two areas of both conflict and cooperation between India and Bangladesh.

Ans.:- Two areas of cooperation between India and Bangladesh:

i) On Disaster management and Environmental areas the two states have cooperated regularly.

ii) Bangladesh is a part of India’s gaze east policy that wants to link up with South East Asia via Myanmar.

Two areas of disagreement between India and Bangladesh:

i) The Indian government has been unhappy with Bangladesh’s Denial of illegal immigration to India.

ii) Conflict over sharing of the Ganga and Brahmaputra River waters.

5. Point out the difficulties in the relationship between India and Sri Lanka.

Ans.:- The following are the two areas of conflict:

a) About one million people of India origin have been living in Sri Lanka for generations. But the Government of Sri Lanka has provided citizenship only to about 34 thousand people. The rest are asked to go back to India. The peace keeping force of Indian army was sent to Sri Lanka.

b) Sometimes the fisherman of each other countries cross the border while catching the fishes. Many fishermen have been arrested killed due to crossing of the border unknowingly. This has also been the cause of conflict between the two countries.

6. What are the basic reasons for the formation of SAARC?

Ans.:- SAARC stands for South Asian association of Regional Cooperation. SAARC in a major regional initiative by the South Asian states to evolve corporation through multilateral means. The reason for which SAARC was established:

i) To promote collective self Reliance.

ii) Acceleration of economic growth in the region.

iii) Collaboration amongst member States on economic, social, cultural and Technical scientific fronts.

iv) Promotion of Regional Cooperation.

v) Suppression of terrorism and smuggling. 

7. Examine Sri Lanka’s status in the present scenario?

Ans.:- Sri Lanka has emerged as a Strong nation in recent time. Sri Lanka develops it’s on economic strongly. It has recorded high level of human development. It has maintained democracy successfully.

8. Write a note on Panchsheel?

Ans.:- The Panchsheel was formulated by late Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru. It is main basis of India’s foreign policy. This principle is taken from the philosophy of Buddhism.

The Panchsheel comprises five principled:

1) Peaceful coexistence.

2) Non-aggression.

3) Mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity.

4) Non interference in each other’s territorial affairs.

5) Equality and mutual benefit.

9. Write the points of difference between India and Nepal.

Ans.:-

10. Write a note on Agra Summit of 2001.

Ans.:- Agra summit was historic Two-day Summit meeting between India and Pakistan which lasted from 14 to 16 July 2001. It was organized with the aim of resolving long-standing issues between Indi and Pakistan.

At this meeting a proposal was made to drastic reduction of nuclear arsenals, and other issues involving the Kashmir dispute, and cross-border terrorism. However the negotiation broke down and the process was collapse and the Agra Treaty was never signed.

On 11 March 2001, the UN secretary general Kofi Annan called upon both India and Pakistan to retain the spirit of the Lahore declaration, saying that it required restraint, wisdom, and constructive steps from both sides. Finally, the framework for negotiations of the Agra Treaty began with talks in New Delhi between president Pervez Musharraf Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in July 2001.

After much diplomatic efforts, Agra Summit started aimed high hopes of resolving various disputes between the two countries including the five decades old Kashmir issue. Both sides started the Summit with hopefulness and in a spirit of good will, especially president Musharraf used the phrases “cautious optimism”, “flexibility” and “open mind” to describe his buoyant views for the summit. The Indian President KR Narayanan, also promised to take “bold and innovative” measures and to discuss the “core issue” between the two countries.

11. ‘Military rule and democracy are the two sides of the same coin in Pakistan’ Explain.

Ans.:- Pakistan’s rule since its inception was a mixture of both military rule and democracy. This can be proved with the following examples:-

i) Immediately after the implementation of Pakistan’s first constitution, General Ayub Khan took over the administration of the country and soon got himself elected. But there was a popular dissatisfaction against his rule which in turn gave way to a military dictatorship under General Yahya Khan.

ii) After 1971 Indo-Pak War an elected government was formed under the leadership of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto but after six years the Bhutto government was removed by General Zia_UL_Haq in 1977. But very soon General Zia faced prodemocracy movement from 1982 onwards and an elected democratic government was established once again in 1988 under the leadership of Benazir Bhutto.

iii) This phase of elected democracy again halted and Benazir Bhutto was replaced by Nawaz Sharif.

iv) Very soon army again stepped in Pakistan’s democracy in which Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was removed by General Pervez Musharraf in 1999.

v) Later on in 2005 he got himself elected as the president and he continued his rule till 2009.

Thus, we can easily conclude that military rule and democracy are the two sides of the same coin.

12. Discuss the problems of sharing of river waters with Pakistan.

Ans.:- Indian and Pakistan have problems of sharing river waters. Until 1960 they were locked in a fierce agreement over the issues of rivers of the Indus Basin. Eventually in 1960, with the help of the World Bank, India and Pakistan signed Indus Water Treaty which has survived to this day.

13. “India is the single largest aid given country to Nepal” Prove the statement.

Ans.:- Yes, India and Nepal have special relationship regarding many issues:

a) India and Nepal shares 17 kms of completely open, geographical continuous territory and therefore easily accessible border. Both countries have close religious and linguistic affinities and there has been a free flow of people and goods across the traditional boundaries. There are shared security concerns between the two.

b) With the Restoration of the democratic set up in Nepal, increased cooperation through SAARC and Indian liberalization of the economy after 1991, the relationship between the two improved.

14. Describe India’s role in SAARC.

Ans.:- Due to India’s size, rich natural resources and strong industrial base, it has played a major role in SAARC. India developed many international treaties along with SAARC and is the source of many of those ideas, e.g., biodiversity, climate change, ozone layer protection etc. These treaties were implemented by other nations, on the guidelines of India. India’s contribution to SAARC was significant when it’s representative were chosen as the chairpersons for two big events in SAARC, one was the agricultural programme and the other being the science and technology programme.

Delhi hosted meetings for the various programmes like environment (1992-97) and commerce (1998). The second summit was held in Bangalore in November 1986 and this was a major development for India. Another major step was that India hosted the eighth summit at New Delhi in 1995. The SAARC Development center was set up in India in 1974. Thus India’s contribution to SAARC cannot be undermined. 

VERY LONG ANSWER

1. India’s neighbours often think that the Indian Government tries to dominate and inter fare in the domestic affairs of the smaller countries of region’’ Do you think it to be a correct impression?

Ans.:- No, this is not a correct impression. India believes in the policy of non-interference in the domestic affairs of any state and never wanted to dominate or interfere in the affairs of other countries of the region. India sent its peace keeping force in Sri Lanka only on the request of Sri Lankan government and recalled its forces from there when she was asked to do so by that government. India has given large amounts of money to small countries like Nepal and Bhutan for their development activities. She helped Pakistan at eh time of earthquake in that country in 2005. India in fact thinks that three are real economic benefits if all the South Asian countries open their doors for trade with each other. Thus, India has always adopted the policy of cooperation with its neighbouring countries and never tried to dominate and interfere in the domestic affairs of the smaller countries in the region.

2. When was SAFTA signed? What is the main objective of SAFTA?

Ans.:- The term SAFA stands for South Asian Free Trade Agreement. It was signed in 2004 at the 12^th SAARC summit in Islamabad to provide for free trade zone for the whole of South Asia. It was SAPTA which gradually progressed to SAFTA. The leaders at the tenth SAARC Summit in Colombo, decided to set up a committee of experts to conclude a treaty by 2001 on SAFTA.

By this, item listed by the countries would be traded free from custom restrictions and duties. SAFTA would ensure free flow of items between the South Asia countries and promote a sustain mutual trade and economic cooperation in the region.

The spirit behind the idea of SAFTA is that the peace and cooperation would evolve in South Asia if all the countries in the region allow free trade across the borders.

The agreement on SAFTA came into effect on 1^st January 2006. SAFTA aims at lowering trade traffic by 2007 upto 20%.

3. Discuss the role and limitation of SAARC as a form of regional cooperation. (or) Mention the issues taken up by SAARC recently.

Ans. The South Asian association of Regional Cooperation was formally inaugurated in December, 1985. SAARC has played a very significant role in the sphere of economic development of South Asian Countries. SAPTA and SAFTA are the steps taken in directions of economic cooperation among the SAARC Nations. The cooperation in economic area among SAARC Nations has a great importance.

The economic cooperation will raise the standard of living of the people of South Asia. It has accelerated the speed of economic development of the region. The economic cooperation will promote collective self-reliance among the countries of South Asia. Economic cooperation will bring SAARC Nations close and strength them the mutual trust. The areas of Mistrust and conflict will be minimized. The economic cooperation among SAARC Nations will minimize the involvement, of outside forces in region.

The economic cooperation will bring honorable life to the region. Economic cooperation will lead to cooperation in other fields also such as social, cultural, educational etc. Thus, cooperation in core economic area among SAARC Nations recognized the fact and has signed SAPTA and SAFTA to boost their cooperation. But SAARC has not much success due to persisting political differences. Moreover some of our neighbours fear that SAFTA is a way for India to capture their markets and to influence their societies and politics through economic activities and trade.

However, India think that all countries will derive benefits from SAFTA.

4. Describe the role of India played for the promotion of World peace.

Ans.:- India’s role in the United Nations can be understood from the following points:-

i) Policy of Neutrality:- India has adopted the policy of neutrality in her external and International affairs. In United Nations also she has supported as opposed on any issue in sense of neutrality and the rightness of the issue.

ii) India people in UNO:- India nationals have many a times served in different high positions in UNO. Mrs. Vijay Lakshmi Pandit was elected unanimously as president of the General assembly in 1952. She was the first woman to be elected to this high office. Dr Wengal Rao served as a judge of the International court of justice for 9 years. Dr. Nagendra Singh, Justice R.S. Pathak, R.K.Pachauri etc. held important positions in UNO.

iii) Universal Declaration of Human Rights:- On December 10, 1948 the General Assembly of the UNO adopted and proclaimed the universal Declaration of Human rights. The UNO called upon all the member states to adopt and implement these rights in their respective countries. Indian constitution has firmly adopted the Human rights which gets expression through the fundamental rights and directive principle of State policy.

iv) Support of arms control and disarmament:- India has whole hearted by supported the nation of non proliferation of dangerous weapons although India has test-fired nuclear weapons twice but she has arrested time and again that the tests are node for strengthening India’s military capability as she is surrounded by enemies. She appeals to all the Nations for peaceful use of atomic energy and limit the use of used an explosion of nuclear weapons.

v) Peaceful solution of disputes:- India has always tried to find out a peaceful solution of a disputes with other nations. In 1965 at the time of Indo-Pak War accepted the ceasefire and respected the solution on cease fire of Security Council of the UN.

vi) Peace keeping operations:- In most of the peace keeping operations India has backed UNO and have sent soldiers to assist the peace keeping operations. For example, Civil war in Korea was ended by UN with the help of India. Congo, Egypt, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran etc, have seen Indian soldiers fighting hard to return normalcy in these places through UN peace keeping activities.

5. Point out some suggestion to improve the relation of India with Pakistan.

Ans.:- Some of the recent agreements between India and Pakistan are as follows:

1) ON February 2007, India and Pakistan signed an agreement on reducing the risk from accident relating to nuclear weapons.

2) Both the countries have recently agreed not to attack each other nuclear facilities.

3) Both the countries have agreed to start a wide-ranging composite dialogue with the objective of teaching a peaceful settlement on all bilateral issues including Kashmir.

4) Both the nation have also agreed to check cross border terrorism Terrorist organizations would be dealt with strong hands. Although India and Pakistan relations seem to be a series of endemic conflict and violence, there have been a series of efforts to manage tensions and build Peace. the two countries have agreed to undertake confidence-building measures to reduce the risk of War.

Social activities and prominent personalities have collaborated to create an atmosphere of friendship among the people of both countries.

Leaders have met at Summits to understand each other better and to find solution to the major problems between the two neighbours. A number of bus route have been opened up between the two countries. Trade between the two parts of Punjab has increased substantially in the last five years. Visas have been more easily given. Thus, we can say that the two countries are well on their way to a friendly relationship.

6. Write the role and the limitation of SAARC as a forum for facilitating economic cooperation among the South Asian countries?

Ans.:- The South Asian association of Regional Cooperation was formed formally inaugurated in December 1985, SAARC has played a very significant role in the square of economic development of South Asian countries. SAPTA and SAFTA are the steps taken in the directions of economic cooperation among SAARC Nations. The cooperation in economic area among SAARC Nations has a great importance.

The economic cooperation will raise the standard of living of the people of South Asia. It has accelerated the speed of economic development of the region. The economic cooperation will promote collective self-reliance among the countries of South Asia. Economic cooperation will bring SAARC nation close to the strengthen the mutual trust. The area of Mistrust and conflict will be minimized. The economic cooperation among SAARC Nations will minimize the involvement, of outside forces in region.

The economic cooperation will bring honorable life to the region. Economic cooperation well lead to cooperation in other fields of such as social, cultural, educational etc. thus, cooperation in core economic area among SAARC nations is a definite way to the development of region. The SAARC nation have recognized that fact and has signed SAPTA and SAFTA to boost their cooperation. But SAARC has not had much success due to persisting political differences. Moreover some of a neighbours fear that SAFTA is a way for India to capture the markets and influence the societies and politics through economic activities and trade. However, India think that all countries will derive benefits from SAFTA.

7. Democracy is becoming an accepted norm in the entire region of South Asia. Explain.

Ans.:- If we have a close look at the political system of South Asia then we get the knowledge that almost all the South Asian countries have chosen democracy as a political ideology.

India and Sri Lanka are the two countries in South Asia which have successfully operated the democratic system since their independence.

Pakistan and Bangladesh have experienced both civilian and military rulers, with Bangladesh remaining a democracy in the post cold war period. Nepal was a constitutional monarchy but since popular uprising in 2006, it has decided to transform into democracy permanently.

8. What does SAFTA stand for? Examine the concept of SAFTA?

Ans.:- The term SAFTA stands for the South Asian Free Trade Agreement. It was signed in 2004 at the 12^th SAARC summit in Islamabad to provide for a free trade zone for the whole of South Asia.

It was SAPTA which gradually progressed to SAFTA. The leaders at the tenth SAARC summit in Colombo, decided to set up a committee of experts to conclude a treaty by 2001 pm SAFTA.

By this, items listed by these countries would be traded free from custom restrictions and duties.

SAFTA would free flow of items between the southeast Asia countries and promote and sustain mutual trade and economic cooperation in the region.

The spirit behind idea of SAFTA is that the peace and cooperation would evolve in South Asia if all the countries in the region allow free trade across the borders.

The agreement on SAFTA came into effect on 1^st January 2006. SAFTA aims at lowering trade traffic by 2007 upto 20%.

9. What were the demands of East Pakistan (Bangladesh) for setting up democracy?

Ans.:- After the formation of independent Bangladesh in 1971, an elected government came to power. After independence Bangladesh declared Bangladesh as democratic country.

10. “Democracy is an accepted norm in the entire of South Asia” Explain.

Ans.:- It is rightly said that democracy has become an accepted norm in the entire region of South Asia, India and Sri Lanka are the two countries of South Asia which have successfully operated a democratic system. Pakistan and Bangladesh experienced democracy in recent time. Nepal which was a monarchy, in 2006 it has decided to transform into democracy permanently.