Class 12 Political Science Previous Year: Short Questions with Answers - Contemporary South Asia

Q.1. Explain any two changes that came in Indian politics after 2014 as compared to the period 1989 to 2014.    [2024]
Ans. 
(i) 2014 onwards BJP alone got a clear majority. However, during 1989-2014 no single party got a clear majority on its own.
(ii) During period 1989-2014, regional parties played a crucial role in forming government at Centre but 2014 onwards regional parties continued to be in power at the Centre inspite of a clear majority by a single party. In this case it is BJP.

Q.2. Analyse any two differences between India and China which led to a military conflict in 1962.   [2024]
Ans. Differences between India and China that led to military conflict in 1962.
(i) China took over Tibet in 1950.
(ii) Disagreement over final settlement of the sino Indian border.
(iii) Competing  territorial claims over Aksai Chin & region of Ladakh.

Q.3. Explain any two factors that are responsible for Pakistan’s failure in building a stable democracy.    [2024]
Ans. Factors responsible for Pakistan’s failure:
(i) The social dominance of military, clergy and land owning aristocracy.
(ii) Pakistan’s conflict with India has made the promilitary groups more powerful.
(iii) The lack of genuine international support for democratic rule in Pakistan has further encouraged the dominance of military.

Q.4. Highlight any two features of the Constitution of Bangladesh.    [2024]
Ans. Features of the Constitution of Bangladesh
(i) Secularism
(ii) Democracy
(iii) Socialism

Q.5. Which political party won all the seats in the 1970 elections in East Pakistan and under whose leadership?   [2024]
Ans. Awami league won all the seats in the 1970 elections in East Pakistan. It’s leadership was of Sheikh Mujib-ur Rahman.

Q.6. Describe the circumstances that led to the Bangladesh War in 1971.   [2024]
Ans. Circumstances that led to to the Bangladesh war in 1971 -
(i) The people of this region resented the domination of West Pakistan and imposition of Urdu language.
(ii) Sheikh Mujib-ur Rahman led the popular struggle against West Pakistani domination and demanded autonomy for the eastern region.
(iii) In the 1970 elections the Awami League led by Sheikh Mujib-urRahman won all the seats in East Pakistan and secured a majority in the proposed Constituent Assembly for the whole of Pakistan. But the West Pakistan leadership refused to convene the assembly.
(iv) Sheikh Mujib-ur-Rahman was arrested and the Pakistan army under Yahya Khan tried to suppress the mass movement of the Bengali people leading to large-scale migration into India. This created a huge refugee problem in India. The government of India supported the demand of the people of East Pakistan for independence and gave financial and military help. This resulted in a war between India and Pakistan in December 1971 that ended in the surrender of Pakistan forces in East Pakistan which led to the formation of Bangladesh as an independent nation.

Q.7. Highlight any two features of the Constitution of Bangladesh.   [2024]
Ans. Two features of the constitutions of Bangladesh
(i) Secular, Democratic, Socialist
(ii) Parliamentary form of Government
(iii) Sovereign Republic

Q.8. Why did the people of East Pakistan resent the domination of West Pakistan? Explain the reason.   [2024]
Ans. People of Eastern Pakistan resented the denomination of Western Pakistan because
(i) The imposition of Urdu ,
(ii) Unfair treatment meted out to Bengali culture and language.
(iii) Unfair representation in administration and power sharing.

Q.9. How did India address the regional aspirations of the people? Explain with the help of any two examples.   [2024]
Ans. India has addressed the regional aspiration of the people in various ways: India has adopted the democratic process of negotiations to address the conflicts, demands , economic development and regional aspirations of the people, rather than suppression. Adequate attention was paid to political expression, regional issues and problems in accommodation and policy making process.
The students may support the answer with any two examples:
(i) Punjab Accord
(ii) Demand for antonomy in Assam.
(iii) Movement against outsiders in Assam leading to signing of Assam Accord.
(iv) Signing of Mizoram Accord.

Q.10. (a) Explain any two main challenges faced by Pakistan in establishing a successful democracy.   [2024]
OR
(b) “SAARC has taken a major regional initiative in South Asian States to evolve co-operation through multilateral means.” Justify the statement with two examples. 
Ans. (a) Challenges faced by Pakistan:
(i) Social dominance – the social dominance of the military, clergy, and landowning aristocracy has led to the frequent over throw of elected governments and the establishment of military government.
(ii) 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 would be harmed by selfish minded parties and that the army’s stay in power is therefore justified.
OR
(b) Role of SAARC:
(i) SAARC members have signed the South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) in  2004 which promised the formation of a free trade zone for the whole of South Asia.
(ii) There have been a series of efforts made to manage tensions and build peace through SAARC. For example SAARC summits provide the situation to India and Pakistan to understand each other better and to find solutions of their major problems.

Q.11. Suggest any two measures to improve the relations between India and Pakistan.    [2023]
Ans. Methods of improving relations between India and Pakistan:

• The two countries should undertake  confidence building measures to reduce the risk of war. 
• Social activists and intellectuals should make efforts to create harmonious relations among people.
• Regular summits where leaders of the two countries should meet to find solutions to various issues. 
• Transportation between two countries be improved. 
• Increase in trade between the two parts of Punjab. 
• Visa policy ; medical tourism, etc. should  be encouraged. 

Q.12. “The South Asian experience of democracy has expanded the global imagination of democracy.” Justify the statement.    [2023]
Ans. The following points justify the statement:
(i) People in all countries of South Asia share the aspirations of democracy.
(ii) Various surveys in South Asian countries show that there is widespread support for democracy in South Asian countries.
(iii) People of South Asian countries believe that the democracy is the best form of Government that suits their country.  
(iv) Citizens view the idea of democracy positively and support the institutions of representative democracy.
(v) Earlier, it was believed that the democracy could flourish and find support only in prosperous countries of the world. vi) But now the experience of South Asia has been expanded the global immigration of democracy.

Q.13. Highlight the speciality of India — Nepal relations.    [2023]
Ans. Nepal and India enjoy a very special relationship.  A treaty between the two countries allows the citizens of the two countries to travel to and work in the other country without visas and passports.

Q.14. Evaluate the relationship between India and Pakistan with the help of examples.    [2023]
Ans. Evaluation of relationship between India and Pakistan:
(i) Both the countries share linguistic, geographical and economical links but due to political and historical issues their relations have become strained.
(ii) The conflict started between India and Pakistan just after partition over the dispute on Kashmir and POK in 1948.
(iii) Attacks on India by Pakistan in 1965, 1971 and 1999 have intensified the rivalry  between both the countries.
(iv) India’s conflict with Pakistan over strategic issues like the control of the Siachen glacier, over acquisition of arms.
(v) India and Pakistan seem to have built a military relationship by conducting nuclear explosions in Pokaran and Chagai Hills which have reduced the possibility of a direct and full-scale war.
(vi) Train-bus service and cultural exchange between two countries has contributed to restore normal relations.

Q.15. Suggest any two measures to improve relations between India and Pakistan.    [2023]
Ans. Measures to improve relations between India and Pakistan: 

• To undertake confidence building measures to reduce the risk of war. 
• To create an atmosphere of friendship among the people of both countries by enhancing of social interaction and cultural exchange programs. 
• Reciprocal visit of important leader’s, cultural activities, sports events.
• To promote trade between the two countries. 

Q.16. Analyse the mutual relations between the smaller countries of South Asia and India.    [2023]
Ans. Mutual relations between the smaller countries of South Asia and India are:
(i) Due to India’s size and power in South Asia, smaller countries are bound to be suspicious of India’s intentions. The Indian government on the other hand often feels exploited by its neighbours.
(ii) Smaller countries think that India wants to invade and dominate international markets  with the help of SAPTA.
(iii) India does not like the political instability in these countries fearing it can help outside powers to gain influence in the region.
(iv) Many times India helped the smaller countries in solving their problems.
(v) Economic relations between these two are also improving.
(vi) Cooperation between the two can also be noticed. For example India and Nepal are allowed to travel and work in each other's country without visa and passport.
(vii) For development and cooperation South Asian countries have established a regional organization named SAARC.

Q.17. Highlight any two hurdles that obstruct the successful functioning of SAARC.    [2022]  
Ans. Hurdles faced by SAARC:
(i) Low recurrence of gatherings: More commitment is needed by the party states and as opposed to meeting biennial gatherings, they ought to be held every year.
(ii) Indo-Pak Relations: Escalated strain and strife among India and Pakistan have seriously hampered the possibilities of SAARC.

Q.18. Explain the relations between India and Nepal.   [2022]
Ans. Nepal is an important neighbour of India and occupies special significance in its foreign policy because of the geographic, historical, cultural and economic linkages/ties that span centuries.
(i) India and Nepal share similar ties in terms of Hinduism and Buddhism with Buddha’s birthplace Lumbini located in present day Nepal.
(ii) The two countries not only share an open border and unhindered movement of people, but they also have close bonds through marriages and familial ties, popularly known as Roti-Beti ka Rishta.
(iii) The India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship of 1950 forms the bedrock of the special relations that exist between India and Nepal.
(iv) Nepal shares border with five Indian states- Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Sikkim and Bihar. Hence it is an important nation of cultural and economic exchange.
(v) Importance for India can be studied from two different angles: a) their strategic importance for India’s national security; and b) their place in India’s role perception in international politics.
(vi) India is Nepal’s largest trade partner and the largest source of foreign investments, besides providing transit for almost the entire third country trade of Nepal.
(vii) Indian firms engage in manufacturing, services (banking, insurance, dry port), power sector and tourism industries etc.

Q.19. "South Asia constitutes one geo-political space, yet stands for diversity." Justify the statement.    [2022]
Ans. 

• The region is home to a rich diversity of cultures and religions, and yet it constitutes one geo-political space.
• This is because the regional countries share a common history and destiny, and have cooperative and competitive relations with each other on a number of issues.
• They have also signed many important multilateral and bilateral agreements in various fields.
• South Asia is one of the most diverse regions in the world. This is reflected in the wide variety of cultures, languages, cuisines, religions, and people that make up this region.

Q.20. Why would South Asia continue to be known as a conflict-prone zone? Explain.    [2022]
Ans. 

• Two major roots of South Asian conflicts have been their colonial legacies and turbulent processes of post-independence nation- and state-building. Three sets of colonial legacies having considerable conflict potential were; (i) the creation of unnatural and absurd state systems, (ii) unresolved boundaries of these states and (iii) undefined status of a diversity of its ethnic and religious minorities and social groups.
• The end of colonial rule in South Asia came as a result, not of any war of independence but a peaceful struggle waged by India. The success of this struggle ensured decolonisation of other South Asian countries like Myanmar (then Burma) and Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) as well. However, partition of India created an unnatural and absurd state of Pakistan as a two-piece entity, in east and west, separated by a huge chunk of Indian territory.
• The external powers influence bilateral relations in South Asia because no region exists in the vacuum. It is influenced by outside powers and events no matter how much it may try to insulate itself from non-regional powers. Pending border and water sharing disputes between the states of the region are  important reasons for conflicts. Besides, there are conflicts arising out of insurgency, ethnic strife and resource sharing. This makes the region very turbulent.

Q.21. Explain that China and the United States are still the key players in South Asian Politics.    [2022]
Ans. The external powers influence bilateral relations in South Asia because no region exists in the vacuum. It is influenced by outside powers and events no matter how much it may try to insulate itself from non-regional powers. China and the United States remain key players in South Asian politics.
(i) Sino-Indian relations have improved significantly in the last ten years, but China’s strategic partnership with Pakistan remains a major irritant.
(ii) The demands of development and globalisation have brought the two Asian giants closer and their economic ties have multiplied rapidly since 1991.
(iii) The US enjoys good relations with both India and Pakistan since the end of the Cold War and it increasingly works as a moderator in India Pakistan relations.
(iv) The large South Asian diasporas in the US and the huge size of population and markets of the region also give America an added stake in the future of regional security and peace.

Q.22. “Democracy is becoming the first choice of the people of South Asia.” Justify the statement. 
Ans. Following points justify the given statement :
(i) Despite the mixed record of the democratic experience, the people in all the countries of South Asia share the aspiration for democracy.
(ii) Surveys in SAARC countries show that there is widespread support for democracy everywhere.
(iii) Ordinary citizens view the idea of democracy positively and support the institutions of representative democracy.
(iv) The people think that democracy is most suited for their country.
(v) According to some, democracy could flourish and find support only to prosperous countries of the world.

Q.23. Mention any four countries of South Asia. Highlight the political system of any of these two countries.
Ans. India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Nepal are four countries of South Asia. In India, there is a democracy. People choose their representatives to form government here. 
Every fifth year the elections take place. People of eighteen years or above have right to vote. We have universal adult franchise in India. The democracy is going well and doing well in India since its establishment. The Maldives was a Sultanate till 1968, when it was transformed into a republic with presidential form of government. In June 2005, the Parliament of the Maldives voted unanimously to introduce a multiparty system. The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), dominates  the political affairs of the island.
Democracy strengthened in the Maldives after the 2005 elections when some opposition parties were legalised.

Q.24. Identify the factors that contributed to Pakistan’s failure in building a stable democracy?
OR
Describe any two factors responsible for Pakistan’s failure in building a stable democracy.
Ans. The following factors are responsible for Pakistan’s failure in building a stable democracy:
(a) The lack of genuine international support for a democratic rule in Pakistan has encouraged to military to continue its dominance.
(b) The US and other countries have also supported military rule due to fulfilment of their own interests. Global Islamic terrorism and their apprehension that Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal might fall into hands of these terrorist groups, the military regime in Pakistan was seen as the protector of Western interests in West Asia and South Asia.
(c) Pakistan’s conflict with India has made promilitary groups more powerful which have often said that political parties and democracy in Pakistan are flawed that Pakistan’s security would be harmed by selfish minded parties and chaotic democracy, hence army stay in power is justified.
(d) The social dominance of military, clergy and landowning aristocracy has led to frequent overthrow of elected government and the establishing of military governments.

Q.25. State circumstances which were responsible for a full-scale war between India and Pakistan on the issue of liberation of Bangladesh in December 1971.
Ans. Circumstances which were responsible for a fullscale war between India and Pakistan on the issue of liberation of Bangladesh in Dec-1971 :
(i) U nder military rule of General Yahya Khan, the Pakistan army tried to support the mass movement of the Bengali police.
(ii) This led to large-scale migration into India.
(iii) The government of India supported the demand of the people of East Pakistan for their independence.
(iv) The government of India helped them financially and militarily. This resulted in a war between India and Pakistan in December, 1971.

Q.26. List three challenges to democracy in Nepal.
Ans. Following are the three challenges to democracy in Nepal :
(i) The monarchist forces
(ii) The democrats
(iii) The Maoists

Q.27. State the political setup of Nepal.
Ans. Nepal was a Hindu kingdom in the past and then a constitutional monarchy in the modern period for the last many years.  Recently, it has been declared as a democratic country.

Q.28. Who led the non-violent movement in Nepal?
Ans. The non-violent movement was led by the Seven Party Alliance, the Maoists and the social activists.

Q.29. What is LTTE? What are its demands?
Ans. From 1983 onwards, the militant organisation, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) has been fighting an armed struggle with the army of Sri Lanka and demanding ‘Tamil Eelam’ or a separate country for the Tamils of Sri Lanka.

Q.30. Name the principal players in the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka. How do you assess the prospects of the resolution of this conflict?
Ans. The principal players involved in the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka are the Sinhalas and Tamils who had migrated from India to Sri Lanka and settled there. This migration continued even after independence. The Sinhala nationalists thought that Sri Lanka should not give ‘concessions’ to the Tamils because Sri Lanka belongs to the Sinhala people only. The Sri Lankan crisis continues to be violent. But there is always a ray of hope. Both the communities should be regarded as the citizens of the country.  Both the communities should work for the development of the country.  The prospect of the resolution of this conflict is bright.

Q.31. What led to the formation of Tamil militancy in Sri Lanka? What role has India played in checking this militancy?
Ans. After its independence in 1948, politics in Sri Lanka was dominated by forces that represented the interest of the majority Sinhala community. Sinhala were hostile to a large number of Tamils who had migrated from India to Sri Lanka and settled there. The neglect of Tamil concerns led to militant Tamil nationalism. From 1983 onwards, the militant organisation, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) has been fighting an armed struggle with the army of Sri Lanka and demanding ‘Tamil Eelam’ or a separate country for the Tamils of Sri Lanka. In 1987, the Indian government got directly involved in the Sri Lankan Tamil question. In 1989, the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) pulled out of Sri Lanka without attaining its objective.

Q.32. Suggest any one measure to improve Indo–Pak ties in the current scenario.
Ans. One measure to improve Indo–Pak ties in the current scenario can be –
(i) Leaders can meet at summits to create better understanding.
(ii) Social activists and prominent personalities can collaborate to create an atmosphere of friendship.

Q.33. Is there a possibility of nuclear war between India and Pakistan?
Ans. After testing nuclear explosion, India and Pakistan seem to have built a military relationship in which the possibility of a direct and full-scale war was declined.

Q.34. Suggest any two measures to have good relations with Pakistan.
Ans. Suggested measures: 
(i) Cultural exchanges by prominent personalities.
(ii) Economic co-operation should be encouraged by both the countries.
(iii) Movement of citizens to interact and understand each other.

Q.35. How have been relationships between India and Pakistan during 1947 to 1971?
Ans. Soon after independence, India and Pakistan got embroiled in a conflict over the fate of Kashmir. Wars between India and Pakistan in 1947– 48 and 1965 failed to settle the matter. In 1971, India won a decisive war against Pakistan, but the Kashmir issue remained unsettled.

Q.36. 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?
Ans. Following are some recent agreements between India and Pakistan :
(i) Both the countries have agreed to take steps to decrease the possibility of war.
(ii) Both the countries have agreed to respect the borders of each other.
(iii) Bus services have been introduced.
(iv) Treaty for cultural exchange has also been signed.

Q.37. Mention two areas each of co-operation and disagreement between India and Bangladesh.
Or
Briefly explain two positive and two negative developments in Indo–Bangladesh relations.
Ans. Two positive and two negative developments in Indo–Bangladesh relations: Two positive developments-
(A) Economic relations have been improved considerably in the last 10 years.
(B) Bangladesh is the part of India’s ‘Look East Policy’ to link up South-east Asia via Myanmar.
(C) Both the countries have co-operated regularly on the issues of disaster management and environment.
Two negative developments-
(A) Differences over several issues including the sharing of the Ganga and Brahmaputra river waters.
(B) India is unhappy on the issues of denial of Bangladeshi immigrants into Indian territory, its support for the anti–Indian Islamic fundamentalist groups and Bangladesh’s refusal to allow Indian troops to move through its territory to North-eastern India.
Detailed Answer: Disagreement: 
(i) Difference over sharing of the Ganga and Brahmaputra river waters. (ii) Bangladesh’s refusal to allow Indian troops to move through its territory to the northeastern India.
Agreement: 
(i) Economic relations have improved considerably and Bangladesh is a part of India’s Look East Policy that wants to link up with South-east Asia via Myanmar.
(ii) On disaster management and environmental issues, the two states have co-operated regularly.

Q.38. 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?
Ans. No, this is not a correct impression.
(i) India thinks that there are real economic benefits for all from SAFTA and that a region that trades more freely will be able to cooperate better on political issues.
(ii) Contrarily, India feels exploited by its neighbours.
(iii) India has always helped its neighbours irrespective of its size.
(iv) India always wants political stability in the area to avoid interference from other countries.

Q.39. Why was SAARC established ?
Ans. The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is a major regional initiative by the South Asian states to evolve co-operation through multilateral means.

Q.40. Highlight the main objective of SAARC.
Or
Mention the main objective of SAARC. 
Ans. 
(i) Peace and co-operation: To evolve cooperation through multilateral means.
(ii) To help formulate friendly and harmonious trade relations.

Q.41. What does SAFTA stand for? What was its main objective?
Ans. SAARC members signed the South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA), which promised the formation of a free trade zone for the whole of South Asia.

Q.42. Write the full form of SAARC. Mention the names of its two smallest member countries.
Ans. The full form of SAARC is South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation.

Bhutan and Maldives are its two smallest member countries.

Q.43. Why do the people in the SAARC countries share the aspiration for democracy?
Ans. The SAARC countries share the aspiration for democracy.
(i) Ordinary citizens, rich as well as poor and belonging to different religions, view the idea of democracy positively and support the institutions of representative democracy.
(ii) They prefer democracy over any other form of government and think that democracy is suitable for their country.
(iii) Democracy believes in negotiation and discussions.
(iv) It is transparent and provides freedom of expression and public opinion.