South East Asia Flashcards
What was the ‘two nation theory’?
The ‘two nation theory’ was the idea that Muslims and Hindus were inherently separate peoples and required their own independent states.
Who was the primary advocate of the ‘two nation theory’ and the founder of Pakistan?
Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
Did the ‘two nation theory’ originally require two fully independent sovereign states?
No, it was initially unclear whether the Muslim state would be independent or part of a federation with India.
Why did the British rush to leave India?
Once they decided to quit India, they aimed to exit as quickly as possible, leading to inadequate security preparations for the partition.
How many people migrated due to partition?
Approximately 11 million people migrated between India and Pakistan.
Which region experienced the most significant violence during partition?
The Punjab region.
Why was Punjab difficult to divide peacefully?
It was a multi-religious region with Sikhs, Hindus, Muslims, Christians, and other groups, making any division disruptive.
What types of violence occurred during partition?
Communal violence, including massacres, as Sikhs, Hindus, and Muslims killed each other in efforts to ‘cleanse’ neighborhoods.
How has the violence of partition affected India-Pakistan relations?
The horrors of partition left lasting scars, making it difficult to resolve disputes between the two countries.
How has partition influenced the leadership of India and Pakistan?
Many of today’s leaders are descendants of those who lived through partition, shaping their perspectives on the conflict.
Why was partition marked by ‘massive dislocation of peoples’?
Because dividing Punjab and other areas required large numbers of people to leave their homes based on religion.
How did partition-related violence affect future generations?
Stories of partition horrors were passed down, contributing to ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan.
