Class 12 Contemporary South Asia Mock Test (CBSE)

Topics in Contemporary South Asia

• What is South Asia
• The military and democracy in Pakistan
• Democracy in Bangladesh
• Monarchy and democracy in Nepal
• Ethnic conflict and democracy in Sri Lanka
• India-Pakistan conflicts
• India and its other neighbours
• Peace and cooperation: SAARC

Contemporary South Asia practice questions with answers

1. Q1Multiple choice·1 mark
   Which of the following agreements was signed between India and Pakistan in 1960 regarding the sharing of river waters, with the mediation of the World Bank?

   1. (a)Indus Waters Treaty
   2. (b)Shimla Agreement
   3. (c)Tashkent Declaration
   4. (d)Lahore Declaration
   Show answer and step marks

   1. Correct option: (a) Indus Waters Treaty+1

   Answer: (a)
2. Q2Multiple choice·1 mark
   India signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with which of the following neighbouring countries that significantly strengthened economic ties between the two nations?

   1. (a)Pakistan
   2. (b)Sri Lanka
   3. (c)China
   4. (d)Afghanistan
   Show answer and step marks

   1. Correct option: (b) Sri Lanka+1

   Answer: (b)
3. Q3Short answer·2 marks
   State any two objectives of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
   Show answer and step marks

   1. First objective, any one of: to promote the welfare of the peoples of South Asia and improve their quality of life; to accelerate economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region; to promote and strengthen collective self-reliance among the countries of South Asia; to build mutual trust, understanding and appreciation of one another's problems; to promote active collaboration in economic, social, cultural, technical and scientific fields; to promote free trade in the region, for example through SAFTA; or any other valid objective.+1
   2. Second objective, a different one from the same list.+1

   Answer: Any two of: promoting the welfare and quality of life of the peoples of South Asia; accelerating economic growth, social progress and cultural development; strengthening collective self-reliance; building mutual trust and understanding; collaboration in economic, social, cultural, technical and scientific fields; promoting regional free trade (SAFTA); or any other valid objective.
4. Q4Short answer·3 marks
   Explain any three factors responsible for the dominance of the military and the instability of democracy in Pakistan.
   Show answer and step marks

   1. First factor explained, any one of: the social dominance of the military, clergy and landowning aristocracy, which has led to the frequent overthrow of elected governments; Pakistan's conflict with India, which has made pro-military groups more powerful as they present the army as the protector of national security; the lack of genuine international support for democracy, as the US and other Western countries have encouraged military rule for their own strategic reasons; weak political parties and civilian institutions, which repeatedly failed to provide stable government; or any other valid factor.+1
   2. Second factor explained, a different one from the same list.+1
   3. Third factor explained, a different one from the same list.+1

   Answer: Any three of: social dominance of the military, clergy and landowning aristocracy; conflict with India strengthening pro-military groups; lack of genuine international support for democracy, with Western powers backing military rulers; weak political parties and civilian institutions; or any other valid factor.
5. Q5Short answer·3 marks
   What is meant by the expression 'South Asia'? Explain any two features that characterize the geopolitical diversity of the South Asian region.
   Show answer and step marks

   1. Definition: 'South Asia' usually includes Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, which share geographical, historical and cultural ties; Afghanistan and Myanmar are often included in discussions of the region.+1
   2. First feature of diversity explained, any one of: geographical diversity and natural insularity, with the Himalayas in the north and the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal around it, and landlocked, peninsular and island countries; different political systems, with democracy in India and Sri Lanka, alternating civilian and military rule in Pakistan and Bangladesh, and monarchy turning into democracy in Nepal and Bhutan; ethnic, linguistic and religious diversity within and across the countries; the co-existence of conflict and cooperation, with border, water and ethnic disputes alongside regional cooperation through SAARC; or any other valid feature.+1
   3. Second feature of diversity explained, a different one from the same list.+1

   Answer: South Asia usually means Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka (Afghanistan and Myanmar are often included). Any two of: geographical diversity and natural insularity (Himalayas and seas); different political systems (democracy, military rule, monarchy); ethnic, linguistic and religious diversity; co-existence of conflict and cooperation; or any other valid feature.

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