Topic: Post-independence consolidation and reorganization within the country.
1. India intervened in the conflict between East and West Pakistan on moral and humanitarian grounds, witnessing the massive humanitarian crisis unfolding in East Pakistan. Examine the causes of Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971 and reasons which led to India’s victory in it. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Easy
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
On December 16, 1971, at precisely 1655 hours IST, Lt Gen AAK Niazi, Commander of the Pakistan Eastern Command, signed the Instrument of Surrender in the presence of Lt Gen JS Aurora, GOC-in-C of the Indian Eastern Command, in Dacca (now Dhaka).
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the causes for Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971 and to explain reasons for India’s victory.
Directive word:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context of the conflict between east and west Pakistan.
Body:
In the first part, write about the reasons for the outbreak of the war. Ethnic clashes, Economic disparities, Political asymmetry, Language issue and the immediate cause etc.
Next, write about the reasons for India’s involved in the war – opportunity of the century, countering Pakistan, Bengali movement for autonomy and shared heritage, refugee crisis, security threats etc.
Next, write about the reasons for India’s victory over Pakistan.
Conclusion:
Link the outcome to present day and Bangladesh celebrated 50 years of its Liberation movement.
