CBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter 5: Contemporary South Asia NCERT Solutions

Reviewed by NCERT Help Editorial Team · Updated on 29 Jul 2026

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 12 PDF

This chapter delves into the complex political landscape of Contemporary South Asia, focusing on the dynamics within and between its nations. The NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Political Science, Chapter 5, provide a detailed examination of the region's countries, their democratic experiences, and the challenges they face. Students will explore topics such as political instability in Nepal, the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka, and the evolving relationship between India and Pakistan. These solutions offer clear explanations and structured answers to textbook questions, aiding students in understanding the nuances of South Asian politics, including the role of military rule, democratic struggles, and economic liberalization. They are designed to help students grasp the key concepts and prepare thoroughly for their examinations by offering insights into the region's political evolution and inter-state relations.

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Board	CBSE
Class	Class 12
Subject	Political Science
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	Chapter 5

Chapter summary

Chapter 5 of the Class 12 Political Science textbook focuses on Contemporary South Asia. The NCERT Solutions cover the political situations in various South Asian countries, including Nepal, Bhutan, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. It highlights commonalities and differences in democratic experiences, ethnic conflicts, and bilateral relations, particularly between India and Pakistan. The solutions address challenges to democracy and efforts towards peace and stability in the region.

Learning outcomes

Identify key countries in South Asia and their political characteristics.
Analyze the democratic experiences and challenges in countries like Nepal, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
Understand the nature and principal players of the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka.
Evaluate the agreements and prospects for friendly relations between India and Pakistan.
Recognize the role of economic liberalization in South Asia.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Contemporary South Asia
Political Instability in Nepal
Democratic Experiences in Pakistan and Bangladesh
Ethnic Conflict in Sri Lanka
India-Pakistan Relations
Economic Liberalization in South Asia
SAARC and Regional Cooperation
Role of Military in South Asian Politics
Monarchy vs. Democracy
Bilateral Agreements in South Asia
Human Development in Sri Lanka
Maoist Movement in Nepal

Important topics

Democratic Experiences and Challenges in South Asia
Ethnic Conflict in Sri Lanka
India-Pakistan Relations and Peace Efforts
Political Landscape of Nepal
Economic Liberalization in the Region

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

Identify the country: (a) The struggle among pro-monarchy, pro-democracy groups and extremists created an atmosphere of political instability. (b) A landlocked country with multi-party competition. (c) The first country to liberalise the economy in the South Asian region. (d) In the conflict between the military and pro-democracy groups, the military has prevailed over democracy. (e) Centrally located and shares borders with most of the South Asian Countries. (f) Earlier the island had the Sultans as the head of state. Now, it is a republic. (g) Small savings and credit cooperatives in the rural areas have helped in reducing poverty. (h) A landlocked country with a monarchy.

Solution: (a) Nepal: Nepal experienced significant political instability due to the conflict between monarchist forces, pro-democracy groups, and Maoist insurgents. (b) Bhutan: Bhutan is a landlocked nation that has transitioned to a constitutional monarchy and introduced multi-party democratic competition. (c) India: India was the first country in South Asia to initiate economic liberalization policies, beginning in the early 1990s. (d) Pakistan: Pakistan has a history where military rule has often superseded democratic governance, particularly in conflicts between the military establishment and democratic movements. (e) India: India's central location and its extensive borders with most other South Asian countries make it a key player geographically. (f) Maldives: The Maldives, an island nation, transitioned from a Sultanate to a republic, changing its head of state structure. (g) India: In India, particularly in rural areas, the development of small savings and credit cooperatives has played a role in poverty reduction and financial inclusion. (h) Nepal: Nepal, prior to its transition to a republic, was a landlocked country with a monarchy as its system of governance. (Note: While Nepal is now a republic, historically it fits this description).

Question 2

Which among the following statements about South Asia is wrong? (a) All the countries in South Asia are democratic. (b) Bangladesh and India have signed an agreement on river-water sharing. (c) SAFTA was signed at the 12th SAARC Summit in South Asian politics. (d) The US and China play an influential role in South Asian politics.

Solution: The statement that is wrong is: (a) All the countries in South Asia are democratic. Explanation: While many South Asian countries have democratic systems, not all have consistently maintained them. Several nations in the region have experienced periods of military rule, authoritarianism, or political instability, making the assertion that *all* are democratic incorrect.

Question 3

What are some of the commonalities and differences between Bangladesh and Pakistan in their democratic experiences?

Solution: Bangladesh and Pakistan share a common history, having been part of the same country before 1971. Their democratic experiences, however, show both similarities and distinct differences: Commonalities: 1. Periods of Military Rule: Both nations have experienced significant periods under military dictatorships. In Pakistan, leaders like General Ayub Khan and Yahya Khan imposed military rule. Similarly, Bangladesh saw military leaders such as Zia-ur-Rahman and H.M. Ershad take power after Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's assassination. 2. Struggle for Democracy: In both countries, there have been sustained struggles by the people and various groups to establish and maintain democratic governance against authoritarian regimes. 3. Constitutional Development: Both nations have engaged in the process of drafting constitutions to establish democratic frameworks, although the implementation and stability of these frameworks have varied. Differences: 1. Dominant Social Groups: In Pakistan, historically, the military, clergy, and land-owning aristocracy have wielded significant social and political influence, often working to undermine elected governments. In Bangladesh, while military leaders have been influential, political power has also been heavily concentrated within dominant political parties and their leaders. 2. Influence of External Relations: Pakistan's military groups have often found strength and justification due to its conflicts with India. Conversely, Bangladesh's pro-military factions have sometimes been perceived as being influenced by or benefiting from friendships and support from India, particularly in its early years. 3. Initial Democratic Setup: After its separation, Bangladesh initially moved towards establishing a parliamentary democracy with Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. However, political turmoil led to military interventions. Pakistan's democratic journey has also been marked by interruptions and military takeovers.

Question 4

List three challenges to democracy in Nepal.

Solution: Democracy in Nepal has faced significant challenges stemming from a complex interplay of political forces. Three primary challenges include: 1. Conflict between Monarchist Forces and Democrats: A fundamental challenge has been the struggle between those who supported the continuation of the monarchy and those advocating for a fully democratic republic. 2. Rise of Maoist Insurgency: The Maoist movement presented a significant challenge by engaging in an armed struggle against the state, seeking to overthrow the existing political system and establish a new form of governance. This conflict created widespread instability and violence. 3. Political Instability and Fragmentation: The triangular conflict among the monarchists, democrats, and Maoists, coupled with internal divisions within democratic parties, led to persistent political instability, frequent changes in government, and difficulties in consolidating democratic institutions. These challenges culminated in large-scale pro-democracy protests, such as those in April 2006, which significantly altered Nepal's political trajectory.

Question 5

Name the principal players in the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka. How do you assess the prospects of the resolution of this conflict?

Solution: The principal players in the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka have been the Sinhala community and the Sri Lankan Tamils. Background of the Conflict: Following its independence, Sri Lankan politics became dominated by the Sinhala majority. The Sinhala community, considering Sri Lanka their exclusive homeland, often adopted policies and attitudes that were perceived as hostile or discriminatory towards the Tamil population, including Tamils who had migrated from India. This led to the development of militant Tamil nationalism and demands for greater autonomy or a separate state for Tamils. Assessment of Resolution Prospects: Despite the prolonged and often violent internal conflict, Sri Lanka has managed to maintain a democratic political system. The country has also achieved considerable economic growth and a high level of human development indicators compared to many other nations in the region. However, the resolution of the deep-seated ethnic conflict remains a complex and ongoing challenge. Prospects for a lasting resolution depend on addressing the legitimate grievances of the Tamil population, ensuring equitable power-sharing, and fostering reconciliation between the communities. While peace efforts have been made, achieving a comprehensive and sustainable solution requires sustained political will and inclusive dialogue.

Question 6

Mention some of the recent agreements between India and Pakistan. Can we be sure that the two countries are well in their way to a friendly relationship?

Solution: India and Pakistan have a history marked by conflict and tension, but there have also been numerous efforts and agreements aimed at managing these relations and fostering peace. Some of these include: Agreements and Initiatives: 1. Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs): Both countries have agreed to implement measures designed to reduce the risk of accidental war and build trust, such as communication hotlines and pre-notification of missile tests. 2. People-to-People Contact: Social activists, artists, writers, and prominent personalities from both nations have collaborated to foster goodwill and understanding, creating a more conducive atmosphere for improved relations. 3. Bilateral Summits: Leaders from India and Pakistan have met at various summits to discuss contentious issues and explore avenues for cooperation. 4. Opening of Transport Links: Initiatives like the opening of bus routes (e.g., the Delhi-Lahore bus service) have aimed to facilitate travel and people-to-people exchanges. 5. Increased Trade: Trade, particularly across the Punjab border, has seen substantial increases in recent years, indicating a potential for economic cooperation. 6. Easier Visa Policies: Efforts have been made to simplify and expedite the visa application process for citizens of both countries, encouraging more travel and interaction. Assessing the Prospects for Friendship: Despite these positive steps, it is not possible to be entirely sure that India and Pakistan are definitively on the path to a stable and friendly relationship. While the agreements and initiatives demonstrate a desire from certain sections and at certain times to improve ties, fundamental issues and deep-seated mistrust persist. Areas of conflict, including disputes over territory, cross-border terrorism, and differing strategic interests, remain unresolved. Therefore, while progress has been made in managing tensions and fostering limited cooperation, a truly friendly and stable relationship requires sustained effort to address these core issues comprehensively.

Common mistakes

Assuming all South Asian countries have identical democratic experiences.
Underestimating the complexities of ethnic conflicts.
Overlooking the significance of bilateral agreements in managing inter-state relations.
Confusing the political situations of Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Revision tips

Create a map of South Asia and mark the key countries discussed.
Compare and contrast the democratic struggles in Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Summarize the main points of conflict and cooperation between India and Pakistan.
Review the specific challenges faced by Nepal and Sri Lanka.
Focus on understanding the role of external powers in South Asian politics.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Which South Asian country is described as a landlocked country with multi-party competition?

Q2. What was a significant challenge to democracy in Nepal, involving three main groups?

Q3. Who were the principal players in the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka?

Q4. Which statement about South Asia is considered wrong in the context of the textbook?

Q5. Which country in South Asia was the first to liberalize its economy?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main focus of Chapter 5, 'Contemporary South Asia'?

Chapter 5 focuses on the political landscape of South Asian countries, examining their democratic experiences, conflicts, and bilateral relationships, with a particular emphasis on Nepal, Sri Lanka, India, and Pakistan.

What are the key challenges to democracy mentioned in the solutions for Nepal?

The solutions highlight a triangular conflict between monarchist forces, democrats, and Maoists as the primary challenges to democracy in Nepal.

How are the democratic experiences of Bangladesh and Pakistan compared?

The solutions note commonalities like periods of military rule and struggles for democracy, but also differences in the dominant social groups influencing politics and the impact of external relations.

What are the principal parties involved in the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka?

The principal parties in the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka are the Sinhala community and the Sri Lankan Tamils.

Can we be certain that India and Pakistan are on the path to a friendly relationship?

Despite several agreements and initiatives aimed at building peace and managing tensions, the solutions suggest that we cannot be entirely sure of a friendly relationship, as areas of conflict still need to be resolved.

Which South Asian country was the first to liberalize its economy?

India was the first country in the South Asian region to liberalize its economy.

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