Analyze the two maps of South Asia shown here. Identify and list the border changes that take place. Describe what the first map tells you about the government in South Asia in 1946. Then, research online to find out what specific events occurred in South Asia between 1946 and 1950. Use that information to describe which of the four main reasons why border changes occur led to the differences between the two maps. Using effective reasoning, describe two challenges that the population of South Asia likely faced as a result of the changes.
1. Identify and list the border changes you see between the 1946 and 1950 maps of South Asia:
2.Describe what the 1946 map of South Asia tells you about the government. Consider: Who was in power? How did they rule? How can you tell?
3.What specific events occurred between 1946 and 1950?
4. Which of the four main causes of political map shifts occurred between 1946 and 1950?
5.Describe two challenges likely faced by the population of South Asia during or after the political map shifts.
1. The border changes between the 1946 and 1950 maps of South Asia include:
- The partition of British India in 1947, leading to the creation of two separate and independent nations, India and Pakistan.
- The division of British India into two parts, West Pakistan and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).
- The territorial changes within the princely states of India, resulting in their integration into either India or Pakistan.
2. The 1946 map of South Asia tells us that the British were still in power as it shows British India. However, it also indicates the rising tensions and demand for independence in the region as the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League were gaining significant influence. The map shows the outlines of the princely states, which were semi-autonomous entities under British suzerainty but were ruled by various Indian princes.
3. Between 1946 and 1950, the following specific events occurred in South Asia:
- The Indian Independence Act was passed in 1947, leading to the partition of British India into India and Pakistan.
- The violent displacement and migration of millions of people during the partition, resulting in communal riots and sectarian violence.
- The assassination of Mahatma Gandhi in 1948.
- The integration of the princely states into India through the process of accession and merger.
- The establishment of the Constituent Assembly of India, which drafted and adopted the Constitution of India in 1950.
- The formation of the constituent assembly of Pakistan to draft a constitution.
4. The main causes of political map shifts that occurred between 1946 and 1950 in South Asia were the desire for self-determination and independence, religious and sectarian conflicts, and the decolonization process led by the British empire. Additionally, the British policy of dividing India along religious lines played a significant role in shaping the border changes.
5. Two challenges likely faced by the population of South Asia during or after the political map shifts include:
- Communal tensions and violence: The partition of Indian subcontinent along religious lines led to widespread communal tensions and violence between Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs. This resulted in large-scale displacement, loss of lives, and communal riots, leading to strained social relations and animosities that continue to affect the region to this day.
- Population displacement and migration: The partition caused the mass displacement and migration of millions of people across the newly drawn borders. People had to leave their homes and properties and migrate to either India or Pakistan based on their religious identity. This led to the loss of homes, lives, and livelihoods, and created an enormous refugee crisis. The aftermath of partition resulted in the challenge of resettling and rehabilitating the displaced population, causing immense social and economic difficulties.