Passage Based Questions: Contemporary South Asia | Political Science Class 12 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

Passage - 1

Direction: Study the cartoon given below carefully and answer the following questions:

(i) What does the lion in the cartoon symbolize, and what is its belief?
Ans: The lion represents the Sinhala community of Sri Lanka, which believes that Sri Lanka belongs to the Sinhalese and that no concessions should be given to the Tamils.

(ii) What does the tiger in the cartoon symbolize, and what is its demand?
Ans: The tiger represents the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam). It was formed due to the neglect of Tamil concerns by the Sinhalese and demands a separate country for the Tamils of Sri Lanka.

(iii) Which country’s problem is depicted here, and what government dilemma is represented by this cartoon?
Ans: The cartoon depicts the dilemma of the Sri Lankan leadership in trying to balance the demands of the Sinhala hardliners (lion) and the Tamil militants (tiger) while negotiating peace. The government feared that if they favored the Sinhala community, the LTTE would retaliate, and if they favored the LTTE, the Sinhala community would be upset, risking the division of the country.

(iv) Name the external powers that helped to resolve the issues.
Ans: The external powers that helped to resolve the issues were Scandinavian countries such as Norway and Iceland.

Passage - 2

Direction: Refer to the image given in passage 1 and answer the following questions:

(i) What is the full name of the organization represented by the tiger in this cartoon?
Ans: The full name of the organization represented by the tiger is the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

(ii) Explain the dilemma faced by the Sri Lankan leadership in trying to resolve this ethnic conflict.
Ans: The dilemma was in balancing the interests of both the Sinhala and Tamil groups. Sri Lanka followed a policy of majoritarianism, making Tamils feel neglected. The challenge was to keep a balance between the two groups.

(iii) How did this ethnic conflict affect Sri Lanka's economic growth?
Ans: Despite the ethnic conflict, Sri Lanka successfully controlled the population growth rate, achieved the highest per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP), liberalized the economy, and maintained a democratic system.

Passage - 3

Direction: Read the passage given below carefully and answer the following questions:

(i) According to Tamil Nationalists, to whom did Sri Lanka belong?
Ans: According to Tamil Nationalists, Sri Lanka belonged to the Sinhala people and not to the Tamils.

(ii) Which militant group sought a separate country?
Ans: The militant group that sought a separate country was the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

(iii) When and how did the Indian government become directly involved in the Sri Lankan matter?
Ans: The Indian government became directly involved in 1987 when it sent troops to Sri Lanka to help preserve relations between the Tamils and the Sri Lankan government.

Passage - 4

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.

Pakistan and Bangladesh have experienced 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 Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif respectively. But it suffered a military coup in 1999. It has been run by a civilian government again since 2008. Till 2006, Nepal was a constitutional monarchy with the danger of the king taking over executive powers. 

Q1: How has the political leadership in Pakistan changed during the post-Cold War period, and who were some of the key leaders in this transition?
Ans:

• Pakistan experienced both civilian and military rulers during the post-Cold War period.
• The period began with democratic governments led by Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif.
• However, a military coup in 1999 resulted in a change of leadership, though civilian rule was restored in 2008.

Q2: What was the political status of Bangladesh and Nepal during the post-Cold War period, and how did it differ?
Ans:

• Bangladesh remained a democracy in the post-Cold War period, experiencing both civilian and military leadership.
• In contrast, Nepal was a constitutional monarchy with the risk of the king assuming executive powers until 2006.

Q3: Who were some of the prominent leaders associated with Pakistan's transition from military to civilian rule in the post-Cold War era?
Ans:

• Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif were prominent leaders during Pakistan's early post-Cold War years, serving as democratic leaders.
• Their leadership marked a shift from military rule to civilian governance during that period.

Passage - 5

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.

Despite the mixed record of the democratic experience, the people in all these countries share the aspiration for democracy. A recent survey of the attitudes of the people in the five big countries of the region showed that there is widespread support for democracy in all these countries. 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.

Q1: What is the common aspiration among the people in the countries mentioned in the passage, despite the mixed record of their democratic experiences?
Ans:

• The people in these countries share the aspiration for democracy.
• They value the idea of democratic governance, despite variations in their respective democratic histories.

Q2: How do ordinary citizens across different socioeconomic backgrounds and religious affiliations generally view the concept of democracy in these countries?
Ans:

• Ordinary citizens, including both rich and poor individuals, as well as those from various religious backgrounds, tend to have a positive view of democracy.
• They express support for the institutions of representative democracy in their respective nations.

Q3: What does a recent survey of attitudes in the five major countries in the region reveal about the level of support for democracy among their populations?
Ans:

• The survey indicates that there is widespread support for democracy in all these countries.
• This support for democratic governance is evident across various demographic groups and reflects a favorable attitude towards democratic institutions.

Passage - 6

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.

During Yahya’s military rule, Pakistan faced the Bangladesh crisis, and after a 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. The Bhutto government was removed by General Ziaul-Haq in 1977. General Zia faced a pro-democracy movement from 1982 onwards and an elected democratic government was established once again in 1988 under the leadership of Benazir Bhutto. 

Q1: What significant event occurred after the Bangladesh crisis in 1971, and what was the outcome of this event?
Ans: 

• After the Bangladesh crisis in 1971, East Pakistan broke away from Pakistan to become an independent country known as Bangladesh.

Q2: Who came to power in Pakistan after the emergence of Bangladesh as an independent nation, and during what period did they lead the country?
Ans:

• An elected government led by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto assumed power in Pakistan after the independence of Bangladesh.
• This government ruled from 1971 to 1977.

Q3: Who removed the Bhutto government in 1977, and what events transpired in Pakistan in the years following this change in leadership?
Ans:

• General Ziaul-Haq removed the Bhutto government in 1977.
• Pakistan experienced a pro-democracy movement from 1982 onwards, which eventually led to the establishment of another elected democratic government in 1988 under the leadership of Benazir Bhutto.

Passage - 7

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.

Several factors have contributed to Pakistan’s failure in building a stable democracy. The social dominance of the military, clergy, and landowning aristocracy has led to the frequent overthrow of elected governments and the establishment of military government. Pakistan’s conflict with India has made the promilitary groups more powerful. These groups 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, and that the army’s stay in power is, therefore, justified.

Q1: What are some of the factors that have contributed to Pakistan's struggle in building a stable democracy, as mentioned in the passage?
Ans:

• The social dominance of the military, clergy, and landowning aristocracy has played a significant role.
• Frequent military takeovers and the overthrow of elected governments have hindered the establishment of a stable democratic system in Pakistan.

Q2: How has Pakistan's conflict with India influenced the strength of pro-military groups in the country?
Ans:

• Pakistan's conflict with India has contributed to the increased influence of pro-military groups within the country.
• These groups have often argued that Pakistan's security would be compromised by political parties and a chaotic democracy, which has justified the army's continued presence in power.

Q3: What perspective do pro-military groups often hold regarding the political parties and democracy in Pakistan?
Ans:

• Pro-military groups frequently criticize the political parties and democracy in Pakistan.
• They argue that these entities are flawed and that Pakistan's security interests would be better served by maintaining military control, justifying the military's intervention in political affairs.

Passage - 8

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.

Bangladesh drafted its constitution declaring faith in secularism, democracy and socialism. However, in 1975 Sheikh Mujib got the constitution amended to shift from the parliamentary to presidential form of government. He also abolished all parties except his own, the Awami League. This led to conflicts and tensions. In a dramatic and tragic development, he was assassinated in a military uprising in August 1975. The new military ruler, Ziaur Rahman, formed his own Bangladesh National Party and won elections in 1979.

Q1: How did the political landscape change in Bangladesh in 1975, and who was responsible for these changes?
Ans:

• In 1975, Sheikh Mujib, the leader of Bangladesh, amended the constitution to shift from a parliamentary to a presidential form of government.
• He also abolished all political parties except his own, the Awami League, leading to a change in the political structure of Bangladesh.

Q2: What were the consequences of the changes made by Sheikh Mujib in 1975, and how did these changes affect the country?
Ans:

• The changes initiated by Sheikh Mujib led to conflicts and tensions within Bangladesh.
• His actions resulted in a military uprising in August 1975, during which he was tragically assassinated.

Q3: Who succeeded Sheikh Mujib as the leader of Bangladesh, and what steps did he take to establish his rule in the country?
Ans:

• Ziaur Rahman, the new military ruler, succeeded Sheikh Mujib.
• He formed his political party, the Bangladesh National Party, and went on to win elections in 1979, marking a shift in leadership and governance in Bangladesh.

Passage - 9

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.

The king accepted the demand for a new democratic constitution in 1990, in the wake of a strong prodemocracy movement. However, democratic governments had a short and troubled career. During the nineties, the Maoists of Nepal were successful in spreading their influence in many parts of Nepal. They believed in armed insurrection against the monarch and the ruling elite. This led to a violent conflict between the Maoist guerrillas and the armed forces of the king. For some time, there was a triangular conflict among the monarchist forces, the democrats and the Maoists.

Q1: What event in 1990 marked a significant development in Nepal's political landscape, and who played a pivotal role in this change?
Ans:

• In 1990, the king of Nepal accepted the demand for a new democratic constitution.
• This decision came in response to a strong prodemocracy movement led by the people of Nepal.

Q2: What was the major challenge to Nepal's democratic governments during the 1990s, and who posed this challenge?
Ans:

• The Maoists in Nepal, during the 1990s, posed a significant challenge to the democratic government.
• The Maoists advocated armed insurrection against the monarch and the ruling elite, leading to a violent conflict.

Q3: What kind of conflict characterized Nepal during that period, involving three key factions?
Ans:

• There was a triangular conflict in Nepal involving three main factions.
• The conflict pitted the monarchist forces, the democrats, and the Maoists against each other, creating a complex and challenging political landscape in the country.

Passage - 10

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.

Some sections in Nepal thought that a nominal monarchy was necessary for Nepal to retain its link with the past. The Maoist groups agreed to suspend armed struggle. They wanted the constitution to include the radical programmes of social and economic restructuring. All the parties in the SPA did not agree with this programme. The Maoists and some other political groups were also deeply suspicious of the Indian government and its role in the future of Nepal. In 2008, Nepal became a democratic republic after abolishing the monarchy. In 2015, it adopted a new constitution.

Q1: Why did some sections in Nepal believe that a nominal monarchy was essential, and what purpose did it serve according to them?
Ans:

• Some sections in Nepal believed that a nominal monarchy was necessary to maintain a link with the country's historical and cultural traditions.
• They saw the monarchy as a symbol of Nepal's past and its connection to its heritage.

Q2: What was the Maoist group's stance regarding the armed struggle, and what were their objectives for the constitution?
Ans:

• The Maoist groups agreed to suspend armed struggle and sought to achieve their objectives through constitutional means.
• They aimed to include radical programs for social and economic restructuring in the constitution.

Q3: What key developments occurred in Nepal in 2008 and 2015 in terms of its political structure and constitution?
Ans:

• In 2008, Nepal abolished the monarchy and became a democratic republic.
• In 2015, Nepal adopted a new constitution, signifying significant changes in its political framework and governance structure.

Passage - 11

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.

After its independence, politics in Sri Lanka (it was then known as Ceylon) was dominated by forces that represented the interest of the majority Sinhala community. They were hostile to a large number of 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 neglect of Tamil concerns led to militant Tamil nationalism.

Q1: Who dominated the political landscape in Sri Lanka after gaining independence, and what community's interests did they primarily represent?
Ans:

• After gaining independence, politics in Sri Lanka (then known as Ceylon) was dominated by forces that primarily represented the interests of the majority Sinhala community.

Q2: What was the stance of Sinhala nationalists towards the Tamil community, and what were the consequences of their approach?
Ans:

• Sinhala nationalists were hostile to the Tamil community, particularly those who had migrated from India and settled in Sri Lanka.
• Sinhala nationalists opposed giving concessions to the Tamils, believing that Sri Lanka belonged solely to the Sinhala people. This approach neglected Tamil concerns and contributed to militant Tamil nationalism.

Q3: What was the root cause of the rise of militant Tamil nationalism in Sri Lanka?
Ans:

• The neglect of Tamil concerns and the refusal to grant concessions by the Sinhala-dominated government in Sri Lanka led to the emergence of militant Tamil nationalism as the Tamil community sought to address their grievances and protect their rights.

Passage - 12

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.

The Sri Lankan problem involves people of Indian origin, and there is considerable pressure from the Tamil people in India to the effect that the Indian government should protect the interests of the Tamils in Sri Lanka. The government of India has from time to time tried to negotiate with the Sri Lankan government on the Tamil question. But in 1987, the government of India for the first time got directly involved in the Sri Lankan Tamil question. India signed an accord with Sri Lanka and sent troops to stabilise relations between the Sri Lankan government and the Tamils.

Q1: What is the central issue in the Sri Lankan problem, and what role do people of Indian origin play in this context?
Ans:

• The Sri Lankan problem primarily involves issues related to the Tamil population in Sri Lanka.
• People of Indian origin, particularly the Tamil community, are a significant part of this issue, and they have historical ties to India.

Q2: What has been the stance of the Indian government regarding the Tamil question in Sri Lanka, and how has it attempted to address this issue in the past?
Ans:

• The Indian government has, at various times, tried to negotiate with the Sri Lankan government on the Tamil question, seeking to protect the interests of the Tamil population.
• In 1987, the Indian government took a more direct approach by signing an accord with Sri Lanka and deploying troops to stabilize relations between the Sri Lankan government and the Tamils.

Q3: What significant step did India take in 1987 regarding the Sri Lankan Tamil question, and what was the objective of this action?
Ans:

• In 1987, the government of India signed an accord with Sri Lanka and sent troops to the country.
• The primary objective of this action was to play a direct role in mediating and stabilizing relations between the Sri Lankan government and the Tamil population in order to address the ongoing conflict.

Passage - 13

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.

India’s conflict with Pakistan is also over strategic issues like the control of the Siachen glacier and over acquisition of arms. The arms race between the two countries assumed a new character with both states acquiring nuclear weapons and missiles to deliver such arms against each other in the 1990s. In 1998, India conducted nuclear explosion in Pokaran. Pakistan responded within a few days by carrying out nuclear tests in the Chagai Hills. 

Q1: What are some of the strategic issues that have contributed to the conflict between India and Pakistan, as mentioned in the passage?
Ans:

• The conflict between India and Pakistan includes issues related to the control of the Siachen glacier.
• Strategic concerns also extend to the acquisition of arms and military technology.

Q2: How did the arms race between India and Pakistan change in character in the 1990s, and what developments marked this change?
Ans:

• In the 1990s, both India and Pakistan acquired nuclear weapons and developed missile systems for delivering these arms.
• This marked a significant shift in the arms race between the two countries, introducing a new level of strategic complexity.

Q3: What significant events occurred in 1998 regarding nuclear testing, and how did both India and Pakistan respond?
Ans:

• In 1998, India conducted nuclear tests in Pokaran.
• Pakistan responded within a few days by carrying out its own nuclear tests in the Chagai Hills, escalating the nuclear capabilities of both nations and increasing tensions in the region.

Passage - 14

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.

Until 1960, they were locked in a fierce argument over the use of the rivers of the Indus basin. Eventually, in 1960, with the help of the World Bank, India and Pakistan signed the Indus Waters Treaty which has survived to this day in spite of various military conflicts in which the two countries have been involved. There are still some minor differences about the interpretation of the Indus Waters Treaty and the use of the river waters. The two countries are not in agreement over the demarcation line in Sir Creek in the Rann of Kutch.

Q1: What was the nature of the dispute between India and Pakistan until 1960, and how was this dispute resolved?
Ans:

• Until 1960, India and Pakistan were engaged in a fierce argument over the use of the rivers in the Indus basin, leading to tensions and conflicts.
• The dispute was eventually resolved in 1960 when both countries, with the assistance of the World Bank, signed the Indus Waters Treaty, which remains in effect to this day.

Q2: What challenges persist in the implementation of the Indus Waters Treaty, as mentioned in the passage?
Ans:

• While the Indus Waters Treaty has endured, there are still some minor differences between India and Pakistan regarding its interpretation and the utilization of river waters.
• These differences indicate ongoing complexities in water resource management between the two nations.

Q3: In addition to the Indus Waters Treaty, what other issue continues to create disagreement between India and Pakistan, and where is this disagreement centered?
Ans:

• India and Pakistan have not reached an agreement on the demarcation line in Sir Creek in the Rann of Kutch.
• Disagreements regarding the precise border in this region persist and have not been fully resolved, contributing to regional tensions.

Passage - 15

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.

Nevertheless, Indo-Nepal relations are fairly stable and peaceful. Despite differences, trade, scientific cooperation, common natural resources, electricity generation and interlocking water management grids hold the two countries together. There is a hope that the consolidation of democracy in Nepal will lead to improvements in the ties between the two countries. The difficulties in the relationship between the governments of India and Sri Lanka are mostly over ethnic conflict in the island nation.

Q1: What factors contribute to the stability and peaceful nature of Indo-Nepal relations, as mentioned in the passage?
Ans:

• Trade and economic cooperation play a significant role in maintaining stability between India and Nepal.
• Scientific collaboration, shared natural resources, electricity generation, and coordinated water management grids are vital aspects that bind the two countries together.

Q2: What is the hope regarding the impact of democracy consolidation in Nepal on the relationship between India and Nepal?
Ans:

• There is optimism that the consolidation of democracy in Nepal will lead to improvements in the bilateral ties between India and Nepal.
• The expectation is that democratic governance in Nepal could positively influence the relationship between the two nations.

Q3: What is the primary cause of difficulties in the relationship between the governments of India and Sri Lanka, as mentioned in the passage?
Ans:

• The major source of tensions and challenges in the relationship between India and Sri Lanka is predominantly related to the ethnic conflict in the island nation of Sri Lanka.

Passage - 16

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.

The Agreement was signed in 2004 and came into effect on 1 January 2006. SAFTA aims at lowering trade tariffs. But some of our neighbours fear that SAFTA is a way for India to ‘invade’ their markets and to influence their societies and politics through commercial ventures and a commercial presence in their countries. 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. Some in India think that SAFTA is not worth the trouble since India already has bilateral agreements with Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

Q1: When was the SAFTA Agreement signed and when did it come into effect, and what is its primary objective?
Ans:

• The SAFTA Agreement was signed in 2004 and became effective on January 1, 2006.
• The primary objective of SAFTA is to reduce trade tariffs among South Asian countries.

Q2: What concerns do some of India's neighbors have regarding SAFTA, and how do they perceive India's role in the agreement?
Ans:

• Some neighboring countries fear that SAFTA may be a means for India to infiltrate their markets and influence their societies and politics through commercial ventures.
• They are concerned about the extent of India's presence and influence in their countries.

Q3: How does India view SAFTA's potential benefits and its role in regional cooperation, and what is the perspective within India regarding the value of SAFTA, given existing bilateral agreements?
Ans:

• India believes that SAFTA can bring about genuine economic benefits for all participating countries and facilitate better regional cooperation on political matters.
• Some in India question the worth of SAFTA, arguing that India already has bilateral agreements with countries like Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, potentially making SAFTA redundant in some cases.

Passage - 17

Direction: Read the following Passage and Answer the Questions.

American involvement in South Asia has rapidly increased after the Cold War. The US has had good relations with both India and Pakistan since the end of the Cold War and increasingly works as a moderator in India-Pakistan relations. Economic reforms and liberal economic policies in both countries have greatly increased the depth of American participation in the region. The large South Asian diasporas in the US and the huge size of the population and markets of the region also give America an added stake in the future of regional security and peace.

Q1: How has American involvement in South Asia changed after the end of the Cold War, and what role does the U.S. play in the region?
Ans:

• American involvement in South Asia has significantly increased after the Cold War.
• The U.S. has maintained positive relations with both India and Pakistan and serves as a mediator in India-Pakistan relations, contributing to regional stability.

Q2: What factors have contributed to the deepening of American participation in South Asia, as mentioned in the passage?
Ans:

• Economic reforms and liberal economic policies in both India and Pakistan have played a significant role in increasing American engagement in the region.
• The presence of a substantial South Asian diaspora in the United States and the vast population and markets in South Asia further enhance America's interest in the region's security and peace.

Q3: What is one of the key roles that the U.S. plays in South Asia's political landscape, especially in relation to India and Pakistan?
Ans:

• The U.S. acts as a mediator and facilitator in India-Pakistan relations, working to promote dialogue and cooperation between the two countries and contributing to regional peace and stability.