NCERT Solutions for CBSE Class 12 Political Science Contemporary World Politics Chapter 03 Contemporary South Asia

MCQ & Others

1. Identify the country:
   (a) The struggle among pro-monarchy, pro-democracy groups and extremists created an atmosphere of political instability. – Nepal
   (b) A landlocked country with multiparty competition. – Bhutan
   (c) The first country to liberalise the economy in the South Asian region. – India
   (d) In the conflict between the military and pro-democracy groups, the military has prevailed over democracy. – Pakistan
   (e) Centrally located and shares borders with most of the South Asian Countries. – India
   (f) Earlier the island had the Sultans as the head of state. Now, it is a republic. – Maldives
   (g) Small savings and credit cooperatives in the rural areas have helped in reducing poverty. – India
   (h) A landlocked country with a monarchy. – Nepal
2. Which among the following statements about South Asia is wrong? (MCQ)
   (a) All the countries in South Asia are democratic.
   (b) Bangladesh and India have signed an agreement on river-water sharing.
   (c) SAFTA was signed at the 12th SAARC Summit in South Asian politics.
   (d) The US and China play an influential role in South Asian politics.

Ans. (a) All the countries in South Asia are democratic.
Explanation: While India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and Maldives are functioning democracies, Pakistan and Bhutan have experienced prolonged military or monarchical rule. Hence, democracy is not uniformly practised.

VSA, SA & LA Type

3. What are some of the commonalities and differences between Bangladesh and Pakistan in their democratic experiences?
   Type: Short Answer (~60 words)

Ans.
Commonalities:

1. Both countries experienced prolonged military rule.
2. Both had constitutional experiments interrupted by authoritarian regimes.
3. Political assassinations weakened democracy in both states.

Differences:

1. Pakistan’s politics was dominated by the military, clergy and landed elites, whereas in Bangladesh leadership struggles shaped its politics.
2. Pakistan’s military remained powerful due to Indo-Pak conflict, while in Bangladesh pro-military groups often drew support through links with India.

4. List three challenges to democracy in Nepal.
   Type: Very Short Answer (~30 words)

Ans.

1. Transition from monarchy to a stable democratic order.
2. Maoist insurgency and frequent political instability.
3. Implementing and consolidating the 2015 Constitution amidst ethnic, cultural and regional diversity.

5. Name the principal players in the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka. How do you assess the prospects of the resolution of this conflict?
   Type: Long Answer (~200 words)

Ans.
The principal players in Sri Lanka’s ethnic conflict were the Sinhala majority and the Sri Lankan Tamils.

• After independence, Sinhala-dominated governments promoted majoritarian policies like making Sinhala the official language and giving preference to Buddhists in jobs and education.
• Tamils, including those of Indian origin, felt discriminated against and demanded recognition and autonomy.
• This led to the rise of militant Tamil nationalism and the violent movement led by the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam).

Prospects for resolution:

1. Military Solution: In 2009, the Sri Lankan state defeated the LTTE militarily, ending decades of civil war.
2. Political Inclusion: Lasting peace requires addressing Tamil concerns of equality, autonomy, language rights, and fair development opportunities.
3. Democratic Framework: Maintaining Sri Lanka’s democratic institutions and improving minority representation can reduce alienation.
4. Reconciliation Measures: Truth commissions, rehabilitation of displaced people, and cultural recognition of Tamils are essential.

While democracy and economic growth remain strengths, without genuine reconciliation, peace will remain fragile.

6. 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?
   Type: Short Answer (~60 words)

Ans.
Agreements/Initiatives:

1. Confidence-building measures to reduce war risks.
2. Bus diplomacy and cross-border travel links.
3. Civil society and cultural exchanges.
4. Summit-level dialogues.

Assessment:
While such steps encourage peace, unresolved disputes (Kashmir, cross-border terrorism) and mutual suspicions prevent a stable friendship. The relationship continues to fluctuate between cooperation and confrontation.

7. Mention two areas each of cooperation and disagreement between India and Bangladesh.
   Type: Short Answer (~60 words)

Ans.
Cooperation:

1. Economic ties and connectivity projects under India’s Act East policy.
2. Joint efforts on disaster management and environmental challenges.

Disagreement:

1. Disputes over river-water sharing of Ganga and Brahmaputra.
2. Concerns over illegal immigration, support to anti-India groups, and refusal to allow transit for Indian troops.

8. How are the external powers influencing bilateral relations in South Asia? Take any one example to illustrate your point.
   Type: Long Answer (~200 words)

Ans.
South Asia, though a distinct regional system, is deeply influenced by external powers such as the United States and China.

China’s Influence:

• China is Pakistan’s all-weather ally, providing military and economic assistance, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). This affects India-Pakistan relations as China indirectly strengthens Pakistan’s position.
• At the same time, India-China economic ties have grown rapidly since 1991, especially in trade and investment, despite border disputes.

US Influence:

• The US enjoys close relations with both India and Pakistan.
• It often mediates to ease Indo-Pak tensions and maintains a security presence in Afghanistan, which impacts the whole region.
• Economic reforms in South Asia have deepened US engagement, especially in IT, defence, and education sectors.

Illustration:
China’s strategic partnership with Pakistan complicates India’s security concerns. For example, Chinese investment in Gwadar port and CPEC projects strengthens Pakistan’s strategic position. At the same time, China-India trade ties encourage dialogue, showing how external actors both complicate and stabilize South Asian relations.

9. Write a short note on the role and the limitations of SAARC as a forum for facilitating economic cooperation among the South Asian countries.
   Type: Short Answer (~60 words)

Ans.
Role:

• SAARC promotes regional cooperation through dialogue and agreements like SAFTA, aiming at lowering tariffs and encouraging trade.

Limitations:

• Political mistrust, especially India-Pakistan rivalry, hampers cooperation.
• Smaller states fear Indian dominance.
• SAARC achievements remain modest compared to other regional groupings.

10. 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?
    Type: Long Answer (~200 words)

Ans.
It is a partial impression, shaped more by perception than by consistent Indian policy.

Reasons for Suspicion:

1. India’s large size, population, and central geographical position in South Asia often make smaller neighbours cautious.
2. Past episodes, such as India’s role in Bangladesh’s liberation (1971), intervention in Sri Lanka (IPKF, 1987), and involvement in Nepal’s politics, fuel these fears.

India’s Stand:

• India emphasises peaceful solutions and regional cooperation.
• It has bilateral treaties and developmental partnerships with Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Maldives.
• Disaster relief, infrastructure projects, and economic aid highlight India’s supportive role.

Assessment:

• While occasional interventions created mistrust, India’s long-term goal has been stability in its neighbourhood.
• Smaller states sometimes exploit India’s position to balance against other powers like China or the US.
• A cooperative and sensitive Indian approach, respecting sovereignty, is essential for overcoming this impression.

Thus, the claim of India dominating neighbours is exaggerated. It is more a reflection of regional insecurities than of India’s consistent policies.