South Asia The most dominant country in South Asia is India. India has more than 1.2 billion people and some of the highest population densities in the world. India begins its journey as a modern country in 1947.

India’s Independence – Questions from 29-1 1. When and from whom did India gain her independence? 1947 – from the British 2. How long had India been controlled by this country? Over 200 years – since the mid 1700s

India’s Independence – cont. 3. What were the benefits and disadvantages of colonization? Benefits: outlaw slavery, build up the railroads, increase education Disadvantages: a. destroy India’s textile industry by taking the Indian’s cotton to British textile factories and then forcing the Indians to but British-made clothing. b. treat the Indians as inferior with no positions of power in the military or the government

India’s Independence – cont. 4. Who was the most important figure in Indian independence? Gandhi 5. What did he do? Give specific examples of how he peacefully resisted British rule. He encouraged the Indians to boycott British goods and encouraged them to wear traditional Indian clothing. He also encouraged Indians to demand independence.

India’s Independence – cont. 6. Why was India divided after Independence? The two big religious groups in India – the Hindus and Muslims were afraid to be ruled by each other. Also, when India became democratic, the Hindus would have the clear majority and that made the Muslims nervous.

India’s Independence – cont. 7. Describe the “greatest divorce” in human history. 12 million people migrated – Hindus leaving the areas that would become East and West Pakistan and Muslims leaving India. It was a tense time and sometimes riots broke out along the marching columns of people.

India’s Independence – cont. 8. How did Bangladesh and Pakistan become countries? At independence in 1947, East and West Pakistan became independent countries. Later, E. and W. Pakistan fought three wars and India sided with E. Pakistan. Finally, E. Pakistan broke away from W. Pakistan in 1971 and changed its name to Bangladesh.

India’s Independence – cont. 9. What factors caused war between Bangladesh and Pakistan? One problem was that the two areas were separated by 1,100 miles. Islam was their only common factor – they even spoke different languages. W. Pakistan dominated the E. Pakistan – they made their language – Urdu-the official language. E. Pakistan paid more taxes and had few power positions in the government or the army. E. Pakistan felt like they were being treated like a colony. Finally, in 1970, a flood caused 300,000 deaths in E. Pakistan and W. Pakistan was accused of delaying aid.