Struggle for Democracy inStruggle for Democracy inSouth AsiaSouth Asia

What caused the ongoing conflict in South Asia?

Struggles after Independence in British IndiaStruggles after Independence in British India

• 1947: British grant independence but country is partitioned due to issues between Hindus & Muslims

• Two countries form 1) India (Hindu) & 2) Pakistan (Muslim), country of Pakistan will have two states: East & West Pakistan

India

West Pakistan

East Pakistan

•Summer of ’47: millions scramble to relocate – 1 million die during riots

Kashmir

•Gandhi pleas with Hindus to stop violence – he is assassinated

•1949: India & Pakistan fight over Kashmir Region (Hindu ruler but Muslim Majority)

•UN cease-fire in 1949. 1/3 to Pakistan and 2/3 to India

Gandhi film clips: India/Pakistan split

1. What are M. Ali Jinnah’s fears in an independent India? What does Jinnah propose?

2. How do Hindus react to Jinnah’s proposal? What does Gandhi tell the protestors?

3. What does Gandhi propose to Jinnah? What do Nehru & Jinnah say about this idea?

4. What happens as Hindus and Muslims leave for India & Pakistan?

5. What is happening in Calcutta? How do Hindus react to Gandhi’s visit?

• India’s leader Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru joins non-aligned movement

• Pakistan’s leader M. Ali Jinnah aligns with US

• 1971: Getting few resources, E. Pakistan declares independence naming itself Bangladesh

• Civil War erupts, new Indian leader Indira Gandhi backs Bangladesh, US backs Pakistan. Bangladesh wins independence

•Sikh nationalists wanting their own country (Punjab) assassinate Indira Gandhi

•Soviets form a friendship alliance with India

•Ali Bhutto takes control after war, brings stability but is overthrown by Gen. Zia

•Zia dies in a mysterious plane crash, Benazir Bhutto (Ali’s daughter) becomes PM of Pakistan

Cold War in South AsiaCold War in South Asia

Pakistan after the Civil WarPakistan after the Civil War