From 1946 to 1950, South Asia's borders changed because of several important events. First, in 1947, British India was split into two countries: India and Pakistan. Pakistan was divided into two parts: West Pakistan (now Pakistan) and East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). This split happened because of religious differences between Hindus and Muslims. The border between India and Pakistan was drawn by the Radcliffe Line, dividing the regions of Bengal and Punjab. This caused violence and millions of people migrated to the country where their religion was in the majority. Another key event was the dispute over the region of Jammu and Kashmir. The ruler of Kashmir chose to join India, leading to a war between India and Pakistan, and the region was split into parts controlled by both countries. These events created the new borders and shaped South Asia as we know it today.

Answer 1

The period from 1946 to 1950 was indeed pivotal for South Asia, marked by significant geopolitical changes primarily driven by the partition of British India. The events surrounding the partition are crucial to understanding the complexities of the region's contemporary borders and socio-political landscape.

In August 1947, British India was divided into two sovereign states: India and Pakistan. This partition was fundamentally rooted in religious divisions, with India being predominantly Hindu and Pakistan (including both West Pakistan and East Pakistan) created as a nation for Muslims. The Radcliffe Line, which was established to demarcate the borders, not only separated communities but also led to massive displacements. Millions of people were compelled to abandon their homes and migrate toward areas where their religious group was in the majority. The migration was rife with violence, communal riots, and significant loss of life.

The disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir followed soon after the partition. Upon the partition, the princely states had the option to join either India or Pakistan. Maharaja Hari Singh, the ruler of Jammu and Kashmir, initially chose to remain independent. However, in October 1947, faced with an invasion by tribal militias from Pakistan, he sought military assistance from India. In exchange for military support, he signed the Instrument of Accession to India, leading to the first Indo-Pakistani War from 1947 to 1948. The conflict resulted in a ceasefire brokered by the United Nations, which established a de facto border known as the Line of Control (LoC) and left Kashmir divided between India and Pakistan, with both countries claiming the region in its entirety.

These formative events not only redrew the map of South Asia but also laid the groundwork for enduring tensions and conflicts in the region, particularly regarding Kashmir. The consequences of the partition and the Kashmir dispute continue to resonate today, influencing relationships between neighboring countries and affecting the lives of millions in South Asia.