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Muslim state of East and West Pakistan created out of partition of India at the end of British rule.
Political and Economic -
This is the year that India became independent.
Political and Economic development. -
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Ceylon (Later changes to Sri. Lanka) gains full independence.
Economic -
First war with India over disputed territory of Kashmir.
Political -
Treaty signed with newly-independent India guaranteeing non-interference in Bhutan's internal affairs, but allowing Delhi influence over foreign relations.
Political -
Under Nehru's leadership, India adopted a constitution and became a Democratic Republic.
Economic and Political -
Slavery abolished.
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Full independence as a sultanate outside Commonwealth.
Political -
India and Pakistan go to war over East Pakistan, leading to the creation of Bangladesh.
Economic -
Independence after a nine-month war, with India backing the Bengali nationalists against Pakistan.
Political and Economic -
First foreign tourists allowed in.
Economic and Culture -
Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) founded to fight for Tamil rights.
Economic -
Development of tourist industry fuels economic growth.
Economic -
President Ziaur Rahman assassinated during abortive military coup.
Political -
Start of civil war.
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Government initiates a program of economic liberalisation and reform, opening up the economy to global trade and investment.
Economic -
The country returns to a parliamentary system of government.
Political and Economic -
Nepali Congress Party wins first democratic elections.
Political -
King cedes some powers to national assembly.
Political -
India's population tops one billion.
Cultural -
Maoist revolt which kills thousands.
Political -
Former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto is assassinated while on campaign trail for 2008 parliamentary election.
Political -
Political crisis sees leaders of both major parties briefly detained.
Political -
Nepal becomes a republic after abolition of monarchy.
Political -
Opposition leader Mohamed Nasheed defeats President Gayoom in elections.
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LTTE defeated, ending the war thought to have killed between 70,000 and 80,000 people.
Political -
President Mohamed Nasheed is thrown out suddenly
Politial -
New constitution adopted.
Political -
Bangladesh faces a campaign of violence by Islamists against bloggers, atheists and secular intellectuals.
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Former international cricket star Imran Khan becomes prime minister on a pledge to end corruption and dynastic politics.
Political