Question 13DiscussGS1GS1

India's territorial disputes after independence were not merely about borders, but also encompass issues of national identity, historical grievances, and geopolitical strategies. Discuss. (Answer in 250 words)

Introduction

India attained its Independence in 1947, with partition of Indian union generating two new nations i.e. India and Pakistan

19 words

Main Body

India's territorial disputes after independence

interstate disputes (eg) over Belgaum between Maharashtra & Karnataka; over Berubari - Union with Bangladesh

Border Issue -> over LoC with Pakistan in Kashmir; over Ladakh and Arunachal with China; Sir Creek with Pakistan

Issues of national identity

1Kashmir Issue - with Kashmiris comprising of Muslims seeing them as

closer to Pakistan region

2Khalistan separatist - want to establish separate nation, separating from Punjab's dominance by Hindus

3Demand for Language (eg) establishment of Andhra Pradesh in 1953 and SRA, 1956 after Fazl Ali recommendation

4Ethnicity (eg) north east, now see themselves as isolated from mainland India (eg) demand for greater Nagalim

Issue of Historical grievances

1Hyderabad integration which saw itself closer to Pakistan, and so didn't want to join India.

2Rushed delineation (eg) Radcliffe line and McMohan lines, perpetuating disputes between with China and Pakistan

3British legacy - with prominence of zamindars, hence rich landlords in comparison to tribal belts, generating demand for separate status (eg) Rayalseema in Andhra Pradesh

Issue of geopolitical strategies

1Influence of China - fuelling NE insurgency by supply of weapons

2Training of Khalistanis - by Pakistan's Punjab province, causing instability

3Nepal's political instability - projecting border dispute at Lipulekh, Kalapani

4Maritime resources - resulting in dispute with Srilanka (eg) Kachatheevu

221 words6 paragraphs

Conclusion

Thus, need is to look at multidimensional aspect of territorial disputes, for better framing of domestic as well as foreign policy

21 words

Diagram

Diagram showing 'Border Issue' at center with arrows to: over LoC with Pakistan in Kashmir, over Ladakh and Arunachal with China, Sir Creek with Pakistan; and separately interstate disputes over Belgaum (Maharashtra-Karnataka) and Berubari (Union with Bangladesh)

Good diagram summarizing border issues
Clear categorization of disputes

Open original scan

Page 32

Topper

Rakhi

AIR 65

Subject & Paper

GS1GS1

Topic

Post-independence Consolidation and Reorganization

Territorial disputes

Border disputes and national identity

Writing Stats

261

Total words

Paragraphs

structured, analytical

Tone