South Asia Post Independence: Rebuilding the Region
The late 1940s witnessed the birth of several newly independent countries in South Asia against the backdrop of Partition, mass-scale migration and communal violence. The transition from a long-lasting colonial rule to freedom was not an easy one as it was fraught with multiple and complex challenges. History/Past continues to impact the present in this region. The aim is to not only reflect on the critical juncture of indepen...
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The newly independent countries of South Asia in the post-independence period struggled with their own set of specific concerns ranging from nation-building and State formation to deepening ethnic divides and language-based tensions. New political establishments created with shifts in power-structures, economic and administrative difficulties, socio-economic inequalities/imbalances, disruption of traditional routes and loss of vital resources (both natural and human) plagued the entire region. The nature of governance and the functioning of democratic institutions varied in each country with its consequences faced by the societies of South Asia. Even though the region shared common history and cultural heritage, the post-independence period witnessed the unfolding of different trajectories for each.
What will we cover?
Partition, communal violence and mass migration/changing demographics
Challenges (political, economic and social) faced by the region during the time of Independence; Impact of the past on the present
India’s trajectory in the post-independence period
Pakistan and the formation of Bangladesh (1971)
Sri Lanka and ethnic divisions/civil war
Nepal and Bhutan – their distinct narratives
A glimpse into the island country of Maldives
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Understand the separate and unique narratives related to each country
Comprehend the complexity of challenges and multi-faceted conflicts faced by the region
Reflect on the inter-connections between countries/linkages in history, politics and societies
Recognize the relevance of democratic governance, ethnic/linguistic diversity and right-based institutional interventions
Acknowledge the need for decentralized, inclusive decision-making structures and processes
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This session is suitable both for newcomers to the subject and for those who have some background knowledge. You will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course.
Given the sensitive nature of the topics the session will explore, we also expect everyone to engage group and class discussions with respect and the willingness to learn from others.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course will be taught in location with each session of two hours. It will be taught using a combination of slides, lectures and class room discussions/debates. A reading list will be provided. Participants will be encouraged to read on the region in general as well as visit exhibitions/art galleries/museums featuring South Asia to increase the overall level of awareness.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There are no additional costs, but you may wish to bring pen and paper or a digital equivalent for notetaking .
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Your tutor will share their upcoming courses with you.
We’re sorry. We don’t have a bio ready for the tutor of this class at the moment, but we’re working on it! Watch this space.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/south-asia-post-independence-rebuilding-the-region2915817South Asia Post Independence: Rebuilding the Regionhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/a-taste-of-politics-hpc36.jpg149149GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Politics & economics/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Politics & economics/Global & regional politics228511771677135421228511771677<p>The late 1940s witnessed the birth of several newly independent countries in South Asia against the backdrop of Partition, mass-scale migration and communal violence. The transition from a long-lasting colonial rule to freedom was not an easy one as it was fraught with multiple and complex challenges. History/Past continues to impact the present in this region. The aim is to not only reflect on the critical juncture of independence in South Asian history but also understand the region through the distinctive experiences of the countries concerned in the post-independence period. </p>002654718South Asia Post Independence: Rebuilding the Region149149https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/a-taste-of-politics-hpc36.jpgInStockDaytimeTueKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-06-09T00:00:00+00:00Jun 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHPC160149149South Asia Post Independence: Rebuilding the Region11997149Reshmi Banerjeesouth-asia-post-independence-rebuilding-the-region/hpc160-2526<p>The late 1940s witnessed the birth of several newly independent countries in South Asia against the backdrop of Partition, mass-scale migration and communal violence. The transition from a long-lasting colonial rule to freedom was not an easy one as it was fraught with multiple and complex challenges. History/Past continues to impact the present in this region. The aim is to not only reflect on the critical juncture of independence in South Asian history but also understand the region through the distinctive experiences of the countries concerned in the post-independence period. </p>0000-Available|2026-06-09 00:00:00<p>The newly independent countries of South Asia in the post-independence period struggled with their own set of specific concerns ranging from nation-building and State formation to deepening ethnic divides and language-based tensions. New political establishments created with shifts in power-structures, economic and administrative difficulties, socio-economic inequalities/imbalances, disruption of traditional routes and loss of vital resources (both natural and human) plagued the entire region. The nature of governance and the functioning of democratic institutions varied in each country with its consequences faced by the societies of South Asia. Even though the region shared common history and cultural heritage, the post-independence period witnessed the unfolding of different trajectories for each. </p><p>The late 1940s witnessed the birth of several newly independent countries in South Asia against the backdrop of Partition, mass-scale migration and communal violence. The transition from a long-lasting colonial rule to freedom was not an easy one as it was fraught with multiple and complex challenges. History/Past continues to impact the present in this region. The aim is to not only reflect on the critical juncture of independence in South Asian history but also understand the region through the distinctive experiences of the countries concerned in the post-independence period. </p><ul><li>Partition, communal violence and mass migration/changing demographics </li><li>Challenges (political, economic and social) faced by the region during the time of Independence; Impact of the past on the present </li><li>India’s trajectory in the post-independence period </li><li>Pakistan and the formation of Bangladesh (1971)</li><li>Sri Lanka and ethnic divisions/civil war </li><li>Nepal and Bhutan – their distinct narratives </li><li>A glimpse into the island country of Maldives </li></ul><ul><li>Understand the separate and unique narratives related to each country </li><li>Comprehend the complexity of challenges and multi-faceted conflicts faced by the region </li><li>Reflect on the inter-connections between countries/linkages in history, politics and societies </li><li>Recognize the relevance of democratic governance, ethnic/linguistic diversity and right-based institutional interventions </li><li>Acknowledge the need for decentralized, inclusive decision-making structures and processes </li></ul><p>This session is suitable both for newcomers to the subject and for those who have some background knowledge. You will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. </p><p>Given the sensitive nature of the topics the session will explore, we also expect everyone to engage group and class discussions with respect and the willingness to learn from others.</p><p>The course will be taught in location with each session of two hours. It will be taught using a combination of slides, lectures and class room discussions/debates. A reading list will be provided. Participants will be encouraged to read on the region in general as well as visit exhibitions/art galleries/museums featuring South Asia to increase the overall level of awareness.</p><p>There are no additional costs, but you may wish to bring pen and paper or a digital equivalent for notetaking .</p><p> </p><p>Your tutor will share their upcoming courses with you. </p>Politics & economicsGlobal & regional politicsvirtual11914997HPC160NONETue09/06/26 - 07/07/2610:30 - 12:3010:3012:305 sessions (over 5 weeks)55-10 weeksDaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley StreetReshmi BanerjeeAvailable courses2026-06-09T00:00:00+00:00Jun 2026Culture, history & humanities149149South Asia Post Independence: Rebuilding the Regionsouth-asia-post-independence-rebuilding-the-region/hpc160-2526<p>The late 1940s witnessed the birth of several newly independent countries in South Asia against the backdrop of Partition, mass-scale migration and communal violence. The transition from a long-lasting colonial rule to freedom was not an easy one as it was fraught with multiple and complex challenges. History/Past continues to impact the present in this region. The aim is to not only reflect on the critical juncture of independence in South Asian history but also understand the region through the distinctive experiences of the countries concerned in the post-independence period. </p>0000-Available|2026-06-09 00:00:00<p>The newly independent countries of South Asia in the post-independence period struggled with their own set of specific concerns ranging from nation-building and State formation to deepening ethnic divides and language-based tensions. New political establishments created with shifts in power-structures, economic and administrative difficulties, socio-economic inequalities/imbalances, disruption of traditional routes and loss of vital resources (both natural and human) plagued the entire region. The nature of governance and the functioning of democratic institutions varied in each country with its consequences faced by the societies of South Asia. Even though the region shared common history and cultural heritage, the post-independence period witnessed the unfolding of different trajectories for each. </p><p>The late 1940s witnessed the birth of several newly independent countries in South Asia against the backdrop of Partition, mass-scale migration and communal violence. The transition from a long-lasting colonial rule to freedom was not an easy one as it was fraught with multiple and complex challenges. History/Past continues to impact the present in this region. The aim is to not only reflect on the critical juncture of independence in South Asian history but also understand the region through the distinctive experiences of the countries concerned in the post-independence period. </p><ul><li>Partition, communal violence and mass migration/changing demographics </li><li>Challenges (political, economic and social) faced by the region during the time of Independence; Impact of the past on the present </li><li>India’s trajectory in the post-independence period </li><li>Pakistan and the formation of Bangladesh (1971)</li><li>Sri Lanka and ethnic divisions/civil war </li><li>Nepal and Bhutan – their distinct narratives </li><li>A glimpse into the island country of Maldives </li></ul><ul><li>Understand the separate and unique narratives related to each country </li><li>Comprehend the complexity of challenges and multi-faceted conflicts faced by the region </li><li>Reflect on the inter-connections between countries/linkages in history, politics and societies </li><li>Recognize the relevance of democratic governance, ethnic/linguistic diversity and right-based institutional interventions </li><li>Acknowledge the need for decentralized, inclusive decision-making structures and processes </li></ul><p>This session is suitable both for newcomers to the subject and for those who have some background knowledge. You will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. </p><p>Given the sensitive nature of the topics the session will explore, we also expect everyone to engage group and class discussions with respect and the willingness to learn from others.</p><p>The course will be taught in location with each session of two hours. It will be taught using a combination of slides, lectures and class room discussions/debates. A reading list will be provided. Participants will be encouraged to read on the region in general as well as visit exhibitions/art galleries/museums featuring South Asia to increase the overall level of awareness.</p><p>There are no additional costs, but you may wish to bring pen and paper or a digital equivalent for notetaking .</p><p> </p><p>Your tutor will share their upcoming courses with you. </p>Politics & economicsGlobal & regional politicsconfigurable
