Worksheet Solutions: Contemporary South Asia | Political Science Class 12 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

Fill in the Blanks

Q1: South Asia is bounded by the _________ in the north.
Ans: Himalayas
South Asia is bounded by the Himalayas in the north, forming a natural northern border.

Q2: _________ and _________ have successfully maintained democracy since independence.
Ans: India and Sri Lanka
India and Sri Lanka have successfully maintained democracy since independence, demonstrating political stability.

Q3: Bangladesh was part of _________ until 1971.
Ans: Pakistan
Bangladesh was part of Pakistan until 1971, when it gained independence through a war.

Q4: The militant organization demanding a separate country in Sri Lanka was called _________.
Ans: LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam)
The militant organization demanding a separate country in Sri Lanka, known as LTTE, sought an independent Tamil state.

Q5: SAARC stands for _________.
Ans: South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation
SAARC stands for South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, an organization fostering regional collaboration.

Q6: SAFTA aims at lowering trade tariffs by _________ percent by 2007.
Ans: 50
SAFTA aims at lowering trade tariffs by 50 percent by 2007 to promote intra-regional trade.

Q7: The first era of military government in Pakistan was under General _________.
Ans: Ayub Khan
The first era of military government in Pakistan was under General Ayub Khan, which followed public discontent with his administration.

Q8: The Indian Ocean lies to the _________ of South Asia.
Ans: South
The Indian Ocean lies to the south of South Asia, shaping its southern geographic boundary.

Q9: Nepal became a constitutional monarchy in _________.
Ans: 1990
Nepal became a constitutional monarchy in 1990, following a strong pro-democracy movement.

Q10: The ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka was between the _________ and _________ people.
Ans: Sinhalese and Tamil
The ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka was between the Sinhalese, who believed the region belonged solely to them, and the Tamil people, who sought a separate nation.

Match the Column 

Q1: 
Ans: 1. SAARC - G. Establishment of SAARC in 1985:
SAARC, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, was established in 1985 with the goal of fostering economic and regional integration among South Asian countries.
2. India-Pakistan conflicts - J. Kashmir-related conflicts:
The conflicts between India and Pakistan primarily revolve around the disputed region of Kashmir, leading to multiple wars and ongoing tensions between the two nations.
3. General Pervez Musharraf - I. President of Pakistan in 2001:
General Pervez Musharraf, who previously served as the President of Pakistan from 2001, played a significant role in shaping the country's political landscape during his tenure.
4. Ethnic tension in Sri Lanka - H. Conflict between Sinhalese and Tamil people in Sri Lanka:
The ethnic tension in Sri Lanka refers to the long-standing conflict between the Sinhalese majority and the Tamil minority, leading to significant social and political unrest in the country.

5. Bangladesh and India relations - D. Economic cooperation between India and Bangladesh:
Bangladesh and India have collaborated economically, engaging in cooperative efforts to enhance trade, investment, and technological exchange, strengthening their bilateral relations.
6. Nepal's pro-democracy movement - C. Dissolution of parliament in Nepal:
Nepal's pro-democracy movement led to the dissolution of its parliament, marking a pivotal moment in the country's transition towards a more democratic political system.
7. Indus river system - A. River water dispute:
The Indus river system is a source of contention between India and Pakistan, with both countries having disputes over the sharing of its waters, leading to ongoing disagreements.
8. Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) - E. Formation of LTTE in Sri Lanka:
The Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) was deployed in Sri Lanka to stabilize the conflict between the government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a militant organization seeking a separate Tamil state.
9. Border dispute in South Asia - B. Control of Siachen Glacier:
The border dispute between India and Pakistan includes the conflict over the control of the Siachen Glacier, considered the highest battleground on Earth, reflecting the territorial disagreements in the region.

10. Democracy in Bangladesh - F. Lowering trade tariffs by 20 percent:
Bangladesh, a democratic nation, participated in regional efforts such as SAFTA, aimed at lowering trade tariffs by 20 percent, promoting economic cooperation and trade within South Asia.

Assertion and Reason Based

Q1: Assertion: India and Sri Lanka have stable democracies.
Reason: Both countries have successfully resolved their ethnic tensions.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation for Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(c) Both Assertion and Reason are false.
Ans: (a)
India and Sri Lanka indeed have stable democracies. The assertion is true. The reason provided is also true because resolving ethnic tensions and maintaining social harmony are essential factors contributing to the stability of any democracy. In both India and Sri Lanka, efforts to resolve ethnic tensions have contributed significantly to their stable democratic systems. Therefore, the reason explains why the assertion is true.

Q2: Assertion: SAFTA was signed in 2004 by South Asian countries.
Reason: SAFTA aims to promote cultural exchange among member nations.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation for Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(c) Both Assertion and Reason are false.
Ans: (a)
SAFTA (South Asian Free Trade Area) was indeed signed in 2004 by South Asian countries to promote economic cooperation, trade, and investment in the region. The reason provided, however, is incorrect. SAFTA primarily focuses on economic cooperation, trade liberalization, and reducing tariffs among member nations, not on promoting cultural exchange. Despite the incorrect reason, the assertion itself is true.

Q3: Assertion: Nepal's king dismissed the government in 2002.
Reason: There was a conflict between democratic, maoist, and monarchist forces.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation for Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(c) Both Assertion and Reason are false.
Ans: (a)
The assertion is true; Nepal's king did dismiss the government in 2002. The reason is also true, as there was a significant conflict in Nepal involving democratic, maoist, and monarchist forces during that time. The conflict and political struggle led to the dismissal of the government, providing a valid explanation for the assertion.

Q4: Assertion: Bangladesh was part of Pakistan until 1971.
Reason: The West Pakistani leadership-dominated government refused to call an assembly after the Awani League's victory in the 1970 election.
(a) Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.
(b) Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation for Assertion.
(c) Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
(c) Both Assertion and Reason are false.
Ans: (a)
The assertion is true; Bangladesh was indeed part of Pakistan until gaining independence in 1971. The reason is also true; the West Pakistani government's refusal to call an assembly after the Awani League's victory in the 1970 election led to widespread discontent and played a crucial role in the events that led to Bangladesh's independence. Therefore, the reason correctly explains the assertion.

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: What is the purpose of SAARC?
Ans: The purpose of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) is to promote regional cooperation and development among its member countries in South Asia.

Q2: Name the organization demanding a separate country in Sri Lanka.
Ans: The organization is called the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

Q3: Who was the leader of the Awani League in Bangladesh?
Ans: The leader of the Awami League in Bangladesh was Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Q4: Which countries are in conflict over the Siachen Glacier?
Ans: The countries in conflict over the Siachen Glacier are India and Pakistan.

Q5: Name the river system over which India and Pakistan have disputes.
Ans: The river system over which India and Pakistan have disputes is the Indus River system.

Q6: When did Nepal become a constitutional monarchy?
Ans: Nepal became a constitutional monarchy in 1990.

Q7: Who removed Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Pakistan?
Ans: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was removed by a military coup led by General Pervez Musharraf in Pakistan.

Q8: Which external forces affect South Asian politics?
Ans: External forces that affect South Asian politics include geopolitical interests of major powers, global economic trends, and international organizations.

Q9: What was the political status of Maldives before 1968?
Ans: Before 1968, Maldives was a sultanate ruled by a Sultan.

Q10: Which Indian state shares a border with Bangladesh?
Ans: The Indian state that shares a border with Bangladesh is West Bengal.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Discuss the political changes in Pakistan from 1971 to the present day.
Ans:

• Pakistan saw its first military government under General Yahya Khan.
• Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's government was removed by General Zia-ul-Haq.
• Benazir Bhutto established an elected democratic government in 1988.
• General Pervez Musharraf removed Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and became the President in 2001.
• Presently, Pakistan has a democratic form of government under Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

Q2: Explain the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka and its impact on the country's democracy and economy.
Ans:

• Ethnic tension between Sinhalese and Tamil people damaged Sri Lanka's democratic system.
• The Liberation Tiger of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) demanded a separate country.
• India signed an accord with Sri Lanka and sent troops to stabilize relations.
• The conflict led to the withdrawal of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in 1989.
• Despite the war, Sri Lanka's economy remained strong.

Q3: Describe the formation and objectives of SAARC.
Ans:

• SAARC was established in 1985 to promote economic cooperation among South Asian nations.
• Objectives include economic and regional integration, peace, progress, and development in the region.
• Member countries aim to collaborate in various fields such as trade, agriculture, technology, and culture.

Q4: Analyze the conflicts between India and Pakistan over the years.
Ans:

• Conflicts include the Kashmir-related issues in 1947-1948 and 1965.
• Disputes over the control of the Siachen Glacier and sharing of Indus river waters persist.
• Suspicion between the two nations affects security measures and diplomatic relations.

Q5: Discuss the political developments in Nepal leading to its status as a constitutional monarchy.
Ans:

• Nepal was a Hindu Kingdom before becoming a constitutional monarchy.
• A strong pro-democracy movement led to the acceptance of a new democratic Constitution in 1990.
• Conflict between democratic, maoist, and monarchist forces led to the king's dismissal of the government in 2002.
• Another pro-democracy movement in 2006 forced the king to restore the House of Representatives.

Q6: Explain the impact of the Awani League's victory on the political landscape of Bangladesh.
Ans:

• The Awani League, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, won every seat in the 1970 election.
• The West Pakistani leadership-dominated government refused to call an assembly, leading to popular unrest.
• The Pakistani army's suppression efforts resulted in a large number of migrations to India.
• With Indian aid, Bangladesh fought a war against Pakistan in 1971, gaining independence.

Q7: Describe the special relationship between Bhutan and India.
Ans:

• Bhutan and India have a unique and friendly relationship.
• Both countries share cultural, economic, and strategic ties.
• India supports Bhutan in various sectors, including education, infrastructure, and healthcare.
• There are no significant differences between the two countries' governments.

Q8: Explain the impact of external forces like the United States and China on South Asian politics.
Ans:

• The United States and China play significant roles in South Asian politics.
• Their involvement affects regional dynamics, security policies, and economic developments.
• South Asian countries must balance relationships with these external powers to maintain stability and cooperation in the region.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q1: Discuss the evolution of democracy in Bangladesh, highlighting key events and challenges faced by the nation.
Ans:

• Bangladesh was part of Pakistan until 1971, and struggles against West Pakistani dominance led to independence.
• Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's leadership and the Awani League's victory in 1970 marked a turning point.
• The conflict with Pakistan in 1971 resulted in independence and the establishment of a democratic system.
• Challenges included political assassinations, military rule, and ethnic tensions, leading to pro-democracy movements.
• Despite challenges, Bangladesh has achieved effective representational democracy since 1991 through multi-party elections and political stability.

Q2: Analyze the impact of ethnic conflict on Sri Lanka's democracy, economy, and international relations.
Ans:

• Ethnic tension between Sinhalese and Tamil people damaged Sri Lanka's democratic system.
• The formation of the LTTE and demands for a separate country led to a prolonged conflict.
• India's involvement and the withdrawal of the IPKF had implications for international relations.
• The conflict strained Sri Lanka's economy, but the country managed to maintain economic stability.
• Ultimately, the Sri Lankan government's efforts led to the destruction of LTTE and recovery of the affected areas, but challenges persist in achieving lasting peace and reconciliation.

Q3: Evaluate the role of SAARC in promoting regional cooperation and economic integration among South Asian nations.
Ans:

• SAARC was established in 1985 to foster economic cooperation among South Asian countries.
• Objectives include trade liberalization, economic integration, and collaborative efforts in various sectors.
• SAFTA, signed in 2004, aimed to reduce trade tariffs by 20 percent by 2007, promoting intra-regional trade.
• Despite challenges, SAARC initiatives have facilitated dialogue, cultural exchange, and economic cooperation, contributing to regional stability.
• The organization continues to work toward strengthening ties and addressing common challenges faced by member nations.

Q4: Examine the complex relationship between India and Pakistan, analyzing the historical context, conflicts, and attempts at reconciliation.
Ans:

• India and Pakistan's relationship is complex due to historical conflicts, particularly over Kashmir.
• The countries have fought wars in 1947-1948, 1965, and 1971, leading to ongoing territorial disputes.
• Conflicts also involve strategic issues like the Siachen Glacier and the demarcation line in Sir Creek.
• Despite tensions, both nations have made efforts for peace, engaging in dialogues and confidence-building measures.
• External factors, such as the involvement of the United States and China, also influence the dynamics of their relationship, requiring careful diplomacy for lasting reconciliation.