Ch. 29:The Countries of South Asia Section 1: Road to Independence

Religious Conflict

Textbook pg. 608-610

Independence Movement• 1920’s – 1930’s: Gandhi was able to unite

the Muslims and Hindus–Worked together for independence

• Economic Differences–Hindus: Wealthier–Muslims: Peasants

• 1940’s: Both groups began to fear they would be ruled by the other

1946• Britain offered

independence to India

• Leaders must agree on a form of government

• Muslims and Hindus could not agree

• Riots broke out – thousands of people died

August 15, 1947Independence and Partition

Migration: 12 million people

East Pakistan• 1,100 miles between East and West Pakistan• 1 government: all were Muslim• East Pakistan: Bengali ethnic group• West Pakistan: Spoke Urdu–Urdu became the official language of the

country• Different industries–West: factories–East: agriculture

Disagreements

• East Pakistan paid more taxes• Most of the money went to West Pakistan• Most positions in government were held

by West Pakistanis

1971: Bangladesh

• India and Pakistan have fought 3 wars

• Last war, led to the independence of Bangladesh

Ch. 29:The Countries of South Asia Section 2: India’s People and

Economy

Religious Life

Textbook pg. 614-615

Hinduism• Ancient• Polytheistic• Unity of life: everything

has a soul• Soul comes from the

Creator, Brahma• Ganges River: holy• Goal: unity with

Brahma• Reincarnation

•Social hierarchy•Born into a particular group•Each level has its own duties•People can improve their standings in their next lifetime by living correctly•Not as strict today – trying to make life better for “untouchables”

Other Religions in India

• Islam• Christianity• Sikhism: Combination of Islam and

Hinduism• Jainism: Teaches that violence of any kind

is wrong

HOMEWORK: Assessment: #1-3

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February 5, 2009Pg. 612-613