Chapter 3: Contemporary South Asia

Long Answer Questions (English)

Q1. Discuss the major challenges of democracy in Pakistan since independence.

Introduction:
Pakistan (1947) has alternated between elected governments and military rule. This interrupted democratic consolidation and weakened civilian institutions.

Body:
– Frequent military interventions: Coups and military-led regimes (Ayub Khan, Yahya Khan, Zia-ul-Haq, Pervez Musharraf) set the pattern that the army is the “ultimate arbiter,” discouraging stable party politics.
– Weak political parties and coalitions: Personalities dominate parties; party splits and floor-crossing produce unstable coalitions, leading to dismissals and early elections.
– Civil–military imbalance in policy: Defence and India policy are often controlled by the military and security agencies; civilians have limited influence on strategic issues.
– Role of religion and extremism: Use of religion in politics, growth of extremist outfits, and militancy undercut pluralism and rule of law.
– Centre–province tensions and economy: Baloch grievances, uneven development, and periodic economic crises (inflation, IMF programmes) reduce faith in civilian rule.
– Judiciary and accountability swings: Periods of judicial activism and political vendetta (accountability laws used against opponents) erode trust.

Conclusion:
Democracy in Pakistan needs civilian supremacy, party institutionalisation, provincial inclusion, and sustained economic reform. Without these, elected governments remain vulnerable to extra-constitutional pressures.

Q2. Describe the process of democratic transition in Bangladesh.

Introduction:
Born in 1971 after a liberation war, Bangladesh faced shocks—assassinations, coups, and military rule—before returning to electoral democracy.

Body:
– Early years and breakdown (1971–1975): Sheikh Mujibur Rahman led the new state; post-war reconstruction was hard. Political polarisation and economic stress culminated in his assassination (1975).
– Military dominance (mid-1970s–1990): Zia-ur-Rahman and H.M. Ershad ruled with limited political freedoms; parties were allowed but under tight control.
– Mass movement and restoration (1990–1991): Street protests and civil society pressure ended military rule; a parliamentary system returned in 1991.
– Alternating party rule (1991 onwards): Power largely alternated between Awami League and BNP, sometimes with hartals (strikes), caretaker debates, and accusations of rigging.
– Governance and development: Despite political rivalry, Bangladesh improved social indicators (literacy, health, women’s empowerment) and achieved strong garment-led growth and remittances.

Conclusion:
Bangladesh’s transition shows that popular mobilisation, electoral institutions, and economic progress can stabilise democracy—yet it still needs deeper reforms in governance, election credibility, and judicial independence.

Q3. Explain the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka and India’s role in it.

Introduction:
Sri Lanka’s conflict pitted the Sinhalese majority against the Tamil minority over language, jobs, education, and political representation.

Body:
– Roots of conflict: Policies like the Sinhala Only Act (1956), standardisation in education, and limited devolution created Tamil alienation.
– Rise of militancy: Non-violent Tamil politics gave way to armed groups, the most powerful being the LTTE, demanding “Tamil Eelam.”
– Civil war phases: Intense fighting from early 1980s to 2009, including assassinations, suicide bombings, and large-scale displacement.
– India’s involvement (1987–1990): Indo-Sri Lanka Accord (1987) promised devolution (13th Amendment). The IPKF was sent to stabilise but faced resistance from LTTE and complexities on the ground; it withdrew in 1990.
– End of war and after: In 2009, the Sri Lankan state militarily defeated LTTE. Post-war issues include accountability, reconciliation, devolution to provinces, and rehabilitation.

Conclusion:
Durable peace needs minority rights, power-sharing, and development in Tamil areas. India now supports reconciliation, devolution, and economic recovery while respecting Sri Lanka’s sovereignty.

Q4. Analyse the transition of Nepal from monarchy to republic.

Introduction:
Nepal moved from a hereditary monarchy to a democratic republic through popular movements and a peace process with Maoists.

Body:
– 1990 People’s Movement: Ended partyless Panchayat; created a constitutional monarchy with elected government.
– Maoist insurgency (1996–2006): Driven by poverty, inequality, exclusion of hill/madhesi groups, and weak governance; conflict caused heavy casualties.
– Royal assertion and pushback (2001–2006): After the royal massacre (2001), King Gyanendra took direct control (2005), which triggered mass protests.
– 2006 Comprehensive Peace Agreement: Maoists joined mainstream politics; arms were managed under UN supervision; a path to constituent assembly opened.
– Abolition of monarchy (2008): Nepal declared a republic; later adopted a new constitution (2015) with federalism and inclusion.

Conclusion:
Nepal’s transition proves that peace accords, inclusive constitution-making, and federalism can end conflict. Ongoing tasks are stable coalition governance, centre-province cooperation, and minority inclusion.

Q5. What are the major areas of tension in India–Pakistan relations?

Introduction:
Since 1947, relations have been marked by wars, crises, and limited cooperation.

Body:
– Jammu & Kashmir dispute: Wars in 1947–48 and 1965; Line of Control (LoC) still sensitive; infiltration and ceasefire violations increase distrust.
– 1971 and Kargil (1999): 1971 war led to Bangladesh’s creation; Kargil conflict undermined trust soon after nuclear tests (1998).
– Terrorism and cross-border militancy: Major attacks (e.g., Parliament 2001, Mumbai 2008) hurt dialogue.
– Siachen and Sir Creek: Siachen Glacier militarisation at great cost; maritime boundary at Sir Creek unresolved.
– Indus Waters Treaty (1960): Generally holds, but water projects create periodic disputes.
– Trade and people-to-people ties: Trade remains below potential; visas and transport links are limited.

Conclusion:
Peace requires sustained dialogue, strong anti-terror commitments, humanitarian steps (visas, prisoners), and incremental CBMs. Even small progress reduces misperception and crisis risk.

Q6. Examine the causes and consequences of the Maoist movement in Nepal.

Introduction:
The Maoist insurgency lasted a decade and transformed Nepal’s political map.

Body:
– Causes: Socio-economic inequality, landlessness, poverty, exclusion of janajatis, dalits, and madhesis.
– Weak state services: poor roads, schools, health in rural hills.
– Political gridlock: frequent government changes, corruption, and unresponsive elites.
– Course and impacts: Parallel governance by Maoists in rural areas; widespread displacement and casualties.
– Comprehensive Peace Agreement (2006): Ceasefire, UN monitoring, integration/rehabilitation of ex-combatants, interim constitution.
– Political outcomes: Abolition of monarchy (2008), constituent assembly, federalism, and inclusion clauses.

Conclusion:
The movement compelled Nepal to restructure the state. Consolidating peace now needs jobs, services in peripheries, and effective federal institutions.

Q7. Discuss India–Bangladesh relations since 1971.

Introduction:
India supported Bangladesh’s independence, creating a foundation of goodwill that has had ups and downs.

Body:
– Early cooperation: Security and reconstruction support; treaty of friendship; cultural bonds.
– Persistent issues: Irregular migration, border fencing and enclaves (partly resolved by Land Boundary Agreement, 2015), river-water sharing (Ganga, Teesta), and trade imbalance.
– Economic and connectivity gains: Power exports from India, coastal shipping, rail links, and integrated check-posts; India’s NE connectivity via Bangladesh.
– Security coordination: Cooperation against insurgent groups; improved border management.
– People-to-people and culture: Shared language and heritage (Bengali), student exchanges, media.

Conclusion:
Despite some unresolved water and trade concerns, ties are steadily improving through connectivity, energy trade, and security cooperation—benefiting both economies.

Q8. What is SAARC? Explain its achievements and limitations.

Introduction:
SAARC (1985) brings together South Asian countries to cooperate on development and common concerns.

Body:
– Aims and structures: Promote economic, social, cultural cooperation; summit-level decisions; technical committees; secretariat in Kathmandu.
– Achievements: SAFTA (2006) for tariff reduction, regional projects in health, education, agriculture, disaster management; cultural festivals and scholarships; platforms for leaders to meet.
– Limitations: Bilateral disputes, especially India–Pakistan, often stall summits and initiatives. Low intra-regional trade due to poor connectivity, NTBs, and similar export baskets. Consensus rule slows decision-making; no strong enforcement mechanism.
– Newer pathways: Sub-regional groupings (BBIN), and extra-regional FTAs by individual members.

Conclusion:
SAARC is symbolically valuable and offers dialogue, but for real economic integration, members need connectivity projects, trade facilitation, and insulation of regional agendas from bilateral politics.

Q9. Analyse the role of external powers in South Asia.

Introduction:
South Asia’s location, markets, and sea lanes attract global powers that shape regional security and development.

Body:
– United States: Cold War alliances with Pakistan; post-2000 growing engagement with India (technology, defence), counter-terror cooperation, and interest in Indian Ocean security.
– China: “All-weather” ties with Pakistan; infrastructure finance in Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Maldives; search for ports and connectivity; trade and investment influence.
– Other actors: Japan (infrastructure, quality ODA), EU (trade, norms), Russia (defence with India).
– Impacts on the region: Opportunities: financing, technology, markets. Risks: debt burdens, strategic competition, domestic politics influenced by external alignments.
– India’s role: Balances external presence while promoting neighbourhood development, disaster relief, energy and transport links.

Conclusion:
External powers are unavoidable stakeholders in South Asia. Regional countries benefit most when they diversify partnerships, maintain transparency, and prioritise regional cooperation.

Q10. Evaluate India’s role as a regional leader in South Asia.

Introduction:
By size, economy, and institutions, India naturally anchors South Asia, but leadership works only if neighbours feel secure and respected.

Body:
– Contributions: 1971 support to Bangladesh; aid to Bhutan (hydropower), disaster relief across the region; Operation Cactus (1988) in Maldives; development lines of credit; vaccines/medical aid during crises.
– Regional public goods: Power grids, petroleum pipelines, roads/railways, digital payments pilots, training and scholarships.
– SAARC and beyond: Encourages trade and connectivity; where SAARC stalls, India supports sub-regional platforms (BBIN) and maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean.
– Challenges: Perceptions of dominance, trade asymmetry, domestic politics in neighbours, and security incidents can derail goodwill.
– Way forward: Consultation, concessional trade terms, quick project delivery, and cultural diplomacy to build trust.

Conclusion:
India’s leadership is most effective when it is inclusive, development-oriented, and sensitive. Stable, prosperous neighbours make the whole region more secure.