Modern Issues of South Asia

Impact of Islam First introduced through traders from Middle East and Africa from the 7th-11th century Mughal Empire: (1526-1858) First Muslim rulers of India Muslim League: Political organization started in 1906 looking to create a Muslim nation in South Asia Partition: Muslim nation of Pakistan created after partition from India in 1947

Islam and Muslims Hinduism and Hindus Monotheistic Arrived as early as 7th century CE Did not agree with Caste System Did not worship idols Tried to convert Hindus Mughal rulers destroyed or converted Hindu temples and oppressed Hindus Wanted control of government Polytheistic Began in India as far back as 1700 BCE Strictly enforced Caste System Worshipped idols of their gods Did not try to convert anyone Oppressed under Mughal rule Wanted control of government

Sikhism Sikhism: Religion created around the 15th century combining Hinduism and Islam Founder declared “There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim” The Sikh state of Punjab was taken by the British in a series a wars from 1847-1849 Sikhs migrated from Pakistan to India during partition

Education India’s educational system has improved greatly since gaining her independence Literacy rate is at about 75% Still a gap in the amount of women attending school India has an increasing number of students travelling and studying abroad in higher education

Economy India has the 4th largest total GDP India ranks 169 in Per Capita Income India has a mixed economy today India’s economy has grown and improved since gaining its independence

Government India gained its independence from Britain in 1947 India now has a parliamentary democracy modeled after the British President=Pranab Mukherjee Prime Minster = Narenda Modi

Modern Issues British rule lasted from 1757 to 1947 resulting in the creation of independent India and Pakistan Kashmir region was divided up after wars between India and Pakistan Nuclear Threats: India has 30-35 warheads and Pakistan has 33-60 warheads and they conduct testing on the border Terrorist Attacks: September 11th attacks by al-Queda and the 2008 attacks on Mumbai Al-qaeda leader Osama bin Laden was killed by Navy Seals in Pakistan on May 1, 2011