Political and Historical Terms of South Asia

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anarchism

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A political philosophy that came from the broader socialist movement that sought to abolish hierarchy and promote political, social, and economic liberty. Anarchy is often associated with violent resistance.

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Bengal/Bengali

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A geographic region and ethno-linguistic group located in a north-eastern section of South Asia at the basin of the Ganges River. Consists of modern Bangladesh and the Indian state of West Bengal.

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British Raj

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The rule by the British Crown/government in South Asia between 1858-1947.

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despot

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An autocratic, and often harsh, ruler.

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Ghadar Movement

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A movement organized by Indian immigrants in the USA and Canada to overthrow British rule in India.

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Home Rule

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An anti-colonial movement popular in Ireland and India that advocated for greater control of government institutions by the colonial subjects as a means of gaining greater independence.

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Indian National Congress

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A political party in India, established in 1885, which led the Indian independence movement against British rule.

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Punjab/Punjabi

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A geographic region and ethno-linguistic group located in the north of South Asia at the source of the Indus River. Consists of the modern Pakistani province and Indian state of Punjab.

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quarter

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To force civilians to house and feed soldiers.

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South Asia

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A geographic region of Asia along the Indian sub-continent. It is surrounded by the Indian Ocean and Himalayan Mountains. It consists of modern Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives; Afghanistan and Myanmar are also sometimes included.