India: Post Decolonization Global II: Spiconardi

Social Change  The Caste System Gandhi campaigned to end the caste system In 1950, the Indian constitution banned discrimination against the “untouchables”  Urbanization Urbanization = loss/decline of traditional culture  Urbanization has helped break down caste barriers, but they are still prevalent in rural areas

Indian Government & Foreign Policy  India is a democracy  Federal System  power divided between a strong central government and smaller local governments (similar to U.S.)  Struggle for Democracy Ethnic and religious conflicts have made democracy difficult  Prime ministers Indira Gandhi & Rajiv Gandhi have been assassinated

Indian Government & Foreign Policy  Non-alignment  a policy of not supporting either the U.S. or U.S.S.R. during the Cold War This allowed India to accept financial aid from both capitalist & communist nations

Sikh Separatism  Sikhism  religion that blends elements of Hinduism and Islam Through discipline & meditation on God one can attain salvation  Many Sikhs have demanded self-rule due to discrimination they have faced Indian government had prevented Sikhs from having a political voice

India & Pakistan: Nuclear Proliferation  Despite the creation of Pakistan in 1947, there is still conflict  India & Pakistan have fought over a region called Kashmir Terrorist attacked India’s parliament in 2001  Nuclear Proliferation Both India and Pakistan have nuclear weapons Great fear among the international community that nuclear war could break out between the two countries

Hindu Caste System Less educational opportunity for women & poor Ethnic & religious prejudices Rapid Population Growth Floods from monsoons/Droughts