Contemporary South Asia Class 12 Political Science Chapter 3 CBSE Notes 2025-26

South Asia is a region defined by both its diversity and its shared history, including countries like India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. Natural borders like the Himalayas and the Indian Ocean have helped shape its unique cultures and societies, yet political boundaries often blur in the east and west. 

The countries of South Asia show a mix of political systems, with Sri Lanka and India being democracies since independence, while others like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives have seen a shift from monarchies or military rule to various forms of democracy. Despite challenges, there is a strong aspiration for democracy throughout the region.

Most people in South Asia support the concept of democracy and want their countries to adopt democratic forms of governance. However, the actual experience of democracy varies. For instance, Pakistan has experienced many periods of military rule, with army generals at times removing civilian governments. 

Bangladesh’s transition to a stable democracy was difficult, facing military coups and political tension, but since 1991, it has had a multi-party democratic system. 

Nepal changed from a Hindu kingdom to a constitutional monarchy and eventually became a democratic republic in 2008, ending its monarchy. The Maldives and Bhutan have also transformed from monarchy or sultanate to multi-party systems in recent years.

Pakistan has struggled with building a stable democracy due to the influence of its military, religious leaders, and landlords. The frequent military coups in Pakistan were justified by arguments that democracy brought instability. 

Still, pro-democracy movements and an active press are present. Bangladesh faced military control as well but returned to democracy through mass protests and elections. 

In Nepal, political instability was common because of the conflict among democrats, monarchists, and Maoists, finally resulting in a new constitution and the end of monarchy. 

Sri Lanka has maintained a democratic government but faced severe ethnic conflicts, particularly the demand for a separate Tamil state, which led to decades of civil war before the defeat of the LTTE in 2009.

South Asia's development indicators show both achievements and areas of concern compared to global and developing averages. Life expectancy, literacy rates, and gross enrolment in secondary education are generally lower than the world average. 

Sri Lanka stands out in the region for having higher life expectancy (75.5 years), literacy rate (91.2%), and GDP per capita ($11,669), along with the lowest infant mortality rate (8 per 1,000 live births). 

Bangladesh and Nepal have made progress in poverty reduction, while India, being centrally located and the largest country, faces the challenge of diversity and large population.

India and Pakistan have faced several conflicts, from wars over Kashmir to disputes over the Siachen Glacier and river water sharing. 

The Kashmir issue remains unresolved, leading to repeated tensions and occasional violence. Both countries developed nuclear weapons in the 1990s, making the region the focus of global attention. 

Although a full-scale war is considered less likely, low-intensity violence and accusations continue on both sides, including cross-border terrorism, spying, and interference in internal affairs.

Water sharing is a frequent source of disagreement. The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 remains a rare example of cooperation, even surviving periods of war. 

River disputes also exist between India and Bangladesh, and boundary and migration issues often lead to bilateral tensions. For example, Bangladesh is concerned about trade, migration, and river-water sharing, while India has security concerns about anti-India groups operating from across the border. 

India and Nepal enjoy close ties, allowing citizens to move freely, but border and economic disputes arise periodically.

Sri Lanka’s internal conflict was largely ethnic, pitting the Sinhalese majority against the Tamil minority, with demands for autonomy escalating into civil war. 

India supported Tamil interests diplomatically and briefly intervened militarily, which created complex challenges. After decades of violence, the conflict ended militarily in 2009, though its impact on politics and society continues. 

Other parts of South Asia also experience ethnic, regional, and political tensions, such as Maoist insurgency in Nepal and the Chittagong Hill Tracts conflict in Bangladesh.

Despite frequent conflicts, South Asian countries have realized the need for cooperation. The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) was formed in 1985 as a platform for promoting cooperation, but political differences have limited its effectiveness. 

The South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA), signed in 2004, aimed to create a free trade zone, reduce tariffs, and encourage regional trade. Smaller neighbours sometimes worry about India's dominance in the organization. Yet, SAFTA demonstrates an aspiration for collective growth despite national rivalries.

Some bilateral successes, like the India-Bangladesh exchange of enclaves in 2015 and the India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement, show that practical cooperation is possible. Bhutan and the Maldives have cooperative ties with India, especially for development and security.

Outside powers such as China and the United States have increasingly influenced South Asian affairs. 

China’s growing partnership with Pakistan and economic ties with other countries affect the balance in the region, while the US has strategic interests in South Asia and often acts as a moderator in India-Pakistan relations. 

The region’s economic reforms and the significance of the South Asian diaspora further attract global attention.

• 1947: India and Pakistan become independent; start of Indo-Pak conflict over Kashmir.
• 1960: Indus Waters Treaty signed between India and Pakistan.
• 1971: Independence of Bangladesh after the Indo-Pak war.
• 1985: SAARC is established to promote regional cooperation.
• 1998: Both India and Pakistan conduct nuclear tests.
• 2004: Signing of SAFTA to encourage free trade in South Asia.
• 2008: Nepal abolishes its monarchy and becomes a republic.
• 2015: India and Bangladesh exchange disputed enclaves peacefully.

SAARC has provided a forum for dialogue and initiated economic agreements like SAFTA. 

However, unresolved political tensions, especially between India and Pakistan, have hindered its progress. Nonetheless, regional agreements and people-to-people initiatives point toward the potential for a peaceful and prosperous South Asian community if cooperation becomes a priority across borders.

Class 12 Political Science Chapter 3 Notes – Contemporary South Asia: Key Points for Quick Revision

These CBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter 3 notes summarise the vital developments, conflicts, and cooperation that define Contemporary South Asia. Easy-to-understand language and tables help in quick revision for exams, ensuring that no major event or concept gets missed.

With detailed timelines, clear comparisons, and key social indicators, these notes help students recall main facts about regional politics, democracy, and international relations in South Asia. Making complex topics easier, they are perfect for last-minute preparation and revision before board exams.