South Asia

  • Period: to

    South Asia

  • India

  • Nepal

  • Pakistan

  • 1947

    India wins independence from Great Brittan. This is political because they are now an independent country.
  • 1947

    Muslim state of East and West Pakistan created out of partition of India at the end of British rule. Hundreds of thousands die in widespread communal violence, and millions are made homeless.
  • 1948

    First Indo-Pakistani war over Kashmir ends, but for decades conflict occurred. This is political because it is war.
  • 1948

    Muhammed Ali Jinnah, founding leader of Pakistan, dies. First war with India over disputed territory of Kashmir.
  • 1950

    India adopted a constitution and became a democratic republic. Political
  • 1950

    Anti-Rana forces based in India form alliance with monarch.
  • 1951

    End of Rana rule. Sovereignty of crown restored and anti-Rana rebels in Nepalese Congress Party form government.
  • 1951

    Jinnah's successor Liaquat Ali Khan is assassinated.
  • 1953

    New Zealander Edmund Hillary and Nepal's Sherpa Tenzing Norgay become the first climbers to reach the summit of Mount Everest.
  • 1955

    Nepal joins the United Nations.
  • 1955

    King Tribhuwan dies, King Mahendra ascends throne.
  • 1959

    Multi-party constitution adopted.
  • 1960

    Agricultural scientists introduced a new farming techniques and higher-yielding grain varieties to improve production. Economic
  • 1960

    King Mahendra seizes control and suspends parliament, constitution and party politics after Nepali Congress Party (NCP) wins elections with B. P. Koirala as premier.
  • 1962

    New constitution provides for non-party system of councils known as "panchayat" under which king exercises sole power. First elections to Rastrya Panchayat held in 1963.
  • 1965

    Second war with India over Kashmir.
  • 1969

    General Ayyub Khan resigns and General Yahya Khan takes over.
  • 1970

    Victory in East Pakistan election for breakaway Awami League, leading to rising tension with West Pakistan.
  • 1971

    Civil war started. Political
  • 1971

    East Pakistan attempts to secede, leading to civil war. India intervenes in support of East Pakistan, which eventually breaks away to become Bangladesh.
  • 1972

    King Mahendra dies, succeeded by Birendra.
  • 1972

    Simla peace agreement with India sets new frontline in Kashmir.
  • 1972

    Populist Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto becomes prime ministe
  • 1974

    India tests its first nuclear bomb. Political
  • 1980

    Constitutional referendum follows agitation for reform. Small majority favours keeping existing panchayat system. King agrees to allow direct elections to national assembly - but on a non-party basis.
  • 1984

    Sikhs assassinated Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Political
  • 1985

    NCP begins civil disobedience campaign for restoration of multi-party system.
  • 1986

    New elections boycotted by NCP.
  • 1989

    Trade and transit dispute with India leads to border blockade by Delhi resulting in worsening economic situation.
  • 1990

    5% Of India's farm families owned nearly 25% of India's farm land. Economic