Passage Based Questions: Contemporary South Asia - 1 | Political Science Class 12 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was established in 1985 as a regional initiative for cooperation among South Asian countries. Despite political tensions, SAARC members have worked together in areas such as trade, environment, and disaster management. The South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA), signed in 2004, aimed to create a free trade zone, but concerns remain about India’s economic dominance in the region.

i. Which year was SAARC established? (1 mark)
(a) 1965
(b) 1985
(c) 1992
(d) 2004
ii. What were the key objectives of SAARC? (2 marks)
iii. What is a major challenge faced by SAARC? (1 mark)

Ans: 
i. (b) 1985
ii. 

• To promote regional cooperation in economic, social, and cultural areas.
• To enhance trade and economic integration through agreements like SAFTA.

iii. Political tensions between India and Pakistan have hindered full cooperation.

Q2: Read the Passage below and answer the questions that follow:

Nepal transitioned from a monarchy to a democratic republic in 2008 after a long struggle. The Maoist movement, demanding radical social and economic changes, played a significant role. The Seven Party Alliance (SPA), along with the Maoists, led mass protests in 2006, forcing the king to restore parliament. In 2015, Nepal adopted a new democratic constitution.

i. When did Nepal officially become a democratic republic? (1 mark)
(a) 1990
(b) 2002
(c) 2008
(d) 2015
ii. What were the major factors behind Nepal’s transition to democracy? (2 marks)
iii. How did the 2015 constitution impact Nepal’s political system? (1 mark)

Ans:
i. (c) 2008
ii. 

• Mass protests led by the Seven Party Alliance (SPA) and the Maoists.
• The restoration of parliament in 2006 following public pressure.

iii. It formally established Nepal as a democratic republic.

Q3: Read the Passage below and answer the questions that follow:

Sri Lanka faced a prolonged ethnic conflict due to tensions between the majority Sinhala population and the Tamil minority. The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) led an armed struggle for a separate Tamil state (Tamil Eelam) from 1983 to 2009. India intervened in 1987 by sending the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF), but the mission was unsuccessful. The conflict ended in 2009 with the defeat of the LTTE.

i. What was the main reason for the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka? (1 mark)
(a) Religious differences
(b) Political rivalry between parties
(c) Discrimination against the Tamil minority
(d) Economic crisis
ii. What were the key events in the Sri Lankan ethnic conflict? (2 marks)
iii. Why did India intervene in Sri Lanka’s ethnic conflict? (1 mark)

Ans: 
i. (c) Discrimination against the Tamil minority
ii. 

• The LTTE launched an armed struggle for Tamil Eelam in 1983.
• India sent the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in 1987, but it withdrew in 1990.

iii. To mediate between the Sri Lankan government and Tamil rebels due to concerns about Indian Tamils.

Q4: Read the Passage below and answer the questions that follow:

India and Pakistan have had a long-standing conflict over Jammu and Kashmir, leading to wars in 1947-48, 1965, and 1999 (Kargil War). The region remains divided between India-administered Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The conflict has led to military tensions, cross-border terrorism, and diplomatic challenges.

i. Which wars between India and Pakistan were fought over Kashmir? (1 mark)
ii. What are the main reasons for the India-Pakistan conflict over Kashmir? (2 marks)
iii. How has the Kashmir conflict impacted India-Pakistan relations? (1 mark)

Ans:
i.

• 1947-48 war
• 1965 war

ii.

• Both countries claim sovereignty over the region.
• Pakistan allegedly supports Kashmiri militant groups, leading to violence.

iii. It has led to military tensions and cross-border terrorism.

Q5: Read the Passage below and answer the questions that follow:

South Asia is influenced by major global powers like China and the United States. While China has strategic ties with Pakistan, its relations with India have improved. The United States has increased its involvement in South Asia, playing a role in India-Pakistan relations and regional security. Economic globalization has also strengthened South Asia’s ties with the US and China.

i. Which two global powers have significant influence in South Asia? (1 mark)
(a) Russia and Germany
(b) China and the United States 
(c) France and Japan
(d) Brazil and Australia
ii. How do China and the US influence South Asia? (2 marks)
iii. What is a major concern for India regarding China’s involvement in South Asia? (1 mark)

Ans:
i. (b) China and the United States 
ii.

• China supports Pakistan strategically but also maintains trade ties with India.
• The US plays a mediator role in India-Pakistan tensions and promotes regional security.

iii. China’s strategic partnership with Pakistan is seen as a security threat.

Q6: Read the Passage below and answer the questions that follow:

Pakistan has experienced frequent military takeovers, disrupting its democratic process. After its first constitution was framed, General Ayub Khan took control, followed by General Yahya Khan, under whom Bangladesh became independent in 1971. In 1977, General Zia-ul-Haq took power, later facing a pro-democracy movement. In 1999, the army, led by General Pervez Musharraf, removed Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. However, since 2008, Pakistan has remained under civilian rule, though military influence continues.

i. Which military leader led the coup in Pakistan in 1999? (1 mark)
(a) General Ayub Khan
(b) General Zia-ul-Haq
(c) General Yahya Khan
(d) General Pervez Musharraf
ii. What were the main reasons for military rule in Pakistan? (2 marks)
iii. How has Pakistan’s democratic transition been challenged? (1 mark)

Ans:
i. (d) General Pervez Musharraf
ii. 

• The dominance of the military, clergy, and landowning elite led to frequent coups.
• India-Pakistan tensions strengthened military influence in politics.

iii. The military still holds significant influence over political affairs.

Q7: Read the Passage below and answer the questions that follow:

Bangladesh was part of Pakistan (East Pakistan) until 1971. The people of East Pakistan resented West Pakistan’s dominance, including the imposition of Urdu and lack of political representation. Sheikh Mujib-ur Rahman led a movement demanding autonomy. In the 1970 elections, his Awami League won a majority, but West Pakistan refused to transfer power. This led to a mass uprising, followed by Pakistan’s military crackdown, which resulted in a war with India in December 1971. The war ended with Pakistan’s surrender, and Bangladesh became an independent country.

i. Which year did Bangladesh gain independence? (1 mark)
(a) 1947
(b) 1965
(c) 1971 
(d) 1991
ii. What were the causes of Bangladesh’s independence movement? (2 marks)
iii. How did India contribute to Bangladesh’s independence? (1 mark)

Ans:
i. (c) 1971 
ii. 

• There was significant linguistic and political discrimination against East Pakistan.
• Sheikh Mujib-ur Rahman’s demand for autonomy was ignored.

iii. India provided military and financial support during the 1971 war.

Q8: Read the Passage below and answer the questions that follow:

Sri Lanka faced an ethnic conflict between the Sinhala majority and the Tamil minority. The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) waged a violent struggle from 1983 to 2009 for an independent Tamil state (Tamil Eelam). India attempted to mediate the conflict and in 1987, sent the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF). However, the mission failed, and India withdrew in 1990. In 2009, Sri Lanka defeated the LTTE, but ethnic tensions persist.

i. What was the main reason for ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka? (1 mark)
(a) Religious differences
(b) Unequal treatment of the Tamil minority
(c) Economic crisis
(d) Political rivalry
ii. What role did India play in Sri Lanka’s Tamil conflict? (2 marks)
iii. Why was India’s involvement in Sri Lanka controversial? (1 mark)

Ans:
i. (b) Unequal treatment of the Tamil minority
ii. 

• India sent the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in 1987 to mediate.
• The mission failed, and India withdrew in 1990.

iii. The IPKF fought against both Tamil militants and Sri Lankan forces, causing tensions.

Q9: Read the Passage below and answer the questions that follow:

India and Pakistan have had disputes over water-sharing. The Indus Waters Treaty (1960), brokered by the World Bank, divided the Indus River system between the two nations. India controls the eastern rivers (Beas, Ravi, Sutlej), while Pakistan controls the western rivers (Indus, Chenab, Jhelum). Despite tensions, the treaty has remained intact even during conflicts.

i. Which year was the Indus Waters Treaty signed? (1 mark)
(a) 1947
(b) 1955
(c) 1960 
(d) 1972
ii. What were the key provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty? (2 marks)
iii. Why is the Indus Waters Treaty significant? (1 mark)

Ans:
i. (c) 1960
ii.

• India manages the eastern rivers, while Pakistan oversees the western rivers.
• The agreement was facilitated by the World Bank to prevent conflicts.

iii. It has survived multiple India-Pakistan conflicts, ensuring water security.

Q10: Read the Passage below and answer the questions that follow:

India and Bangladesh have historical ties but also border and trade disputes. India helped Bangladesh gain independence in 1971, yet issues like illegal immigration, water-sharing, and trade barriers have caused tensions. In 2015, the two countries exchanged border enclaves, resolving a long-standing dispute. Economic relations have also improved, with Bangladesh becoming India’s key trade partner in South Asia.

i. Which year did India and Bangladesh exchange border enclaves? (1 mark)
(a) 1971
(b) 1991
(c) 2004
(d) 2015
ii. What are two key issues in India-Bangladesh relations? (2 marks)
iii. How has trade improved between India and Bangladesh? (1 mark)

Ans:
i. (d) 2015
ii. 

• Disputes exist over river water-sharing, particularly concerning the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers.
• Concerns have been raised about illegal immigration into India.

iii. Bangladesh is now India’s largest trade partner in South Asia.