India and Pakistan Applied World History

The Indian Caste System For hundreds of years, a caste system existed in India. It is based in the Hindu religion. The highest class is the Brahman, or priestly class. Then comes the Kshatriya, or warrior and ruling class. Next are the Vaisha, or traders and merchants. Then comes the Sudra, or worker / farmers. Outside of the caste system is the group called the untouchables.

How did the Caste System Work? You were born into the caste of your parents and could never leave go up or down. Hindus believe in reincarnation. They believed that if they lived a good life, they could be born into a higher caste. Your caste dictates your spouse, choice of career, and many other aspects of your life. The Untouchables were outside of this system, and those in higher castes believed that if they came into contact with an Untouchable they had to purify themselves.

India in the Early 20 th Century India had been ruled over as a colony by the British since the mid 1800’s. We have already talked about resentment towards the British and the Sepoy Rebellion. In 1919, this resentment grew because of the Amritsar Massacre. 400 unarmed Indians were killed at a peaceful protest. Indians were determined to rule themselves.

Mohandas Gandhi Emerges Gandhi takes control of the Indian National Congress, which called for Indian Independence in He tried to unite all Indians, regardless of religious or ethnic background. He led nonviolent protests that drew the world’s attentions.

Gandhi Practices Non-Violence Gandhi preached the Hindu practice of Ahimsa, or nonviolence and reverence of all living things. He practiced civil disobedience, or the practice of refusing to obey unjust laws. He also argued for equal treatment for all Indians, including Untouchables.

Gandhi Leads Non-Violent Protests Gandhi called for boycotts of British products, especially textiles. He used the spinning wheel and traditional Indian industry as a symbol and rallying point. His nonviolent protests drew mass support throughout India and the world.

The Salt March Gandhi took a stand against the salt monopoly in India. Salt was readily available in the sea, but Indians were forced to buy it from the British. Gandhi set out in 1930 marching towards the sea with 78 followers. When he arrived, numbers were in the thousands. He picked up sea salt and was arrested. Other villages followed his lead.

The Response to the Salt March Gandhi was quickly arrested. Tens of thousands of Indians who followed his lead were imprisoned as well. The British reaction was criticized by governments and individuals around the world.

India After World War II After World War II, Britain decided that it could no longer control India. However, the question arose about what would happen to the Muslim minority in India. Violence was spiraling out of control between the Hindus and the Muslims of India.

Two New Countries are Created. In 1947, two new countries are created. The area of India that had been primarily Hindu becomes India and the area that was primarily Islamic became Pakistan. As soon as the new border became known, huge numbers of people began to migrate.

Refugees and Violence Millions of Muslims in the new India began to flee to Pakistan. Millions of Hindus in the new Pakistan began to flee to India. These people lost all of their property. This movement led to violence and over a million people were killed. Many others died of starvation or exposure on the road.

Problems Early Soon after the independence of these two countries, Gandhi is assassinated. The two countries also go to war over a border province called Kashmir. They will go to war over it again in 1965 and will continue to skirmish over it to the present day.

Problems Today Pakistan and India still do not get along. They still skirmish regularly over Kashmir. Since 1998, they have each had nuclear weapons. This is clearly not a good thing. Pakistan also shares a border with Afghanistan.

Pakistan and the War on Terror Pakistan shares a border with Afghanistan today. Many Taliban fighters and possibly al Qaeda members are hiding in these mountains. The government of Pakistan supports the US but problems continue in this region.