Part of: Miscellaneous Indian Gk set 322

What was the name of Bangladesh from 1947 to1971?

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the political status of the region during the partition of India.

Correct Answer: C) East Pakistan.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, CLAT

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

The history of Bangladesh is closely tied to the partition of India in 1947. Prior to the partition, the region was part of the Bengal province of British India. Following the partition, the Muslim-majority areas of Bengal were separated from the Hindu-majority areas and became part of the newly formed state of Pakistan. The eastern part of Bengal, which is now Bangladesh, was named East Pakistan, while the western part became part of India and is now the state of West Bengal.

East Pakistan was a province of Pakistan from 1947 to 1971. It was separated from West Pakistan by over a thousand miles of Indian territory. The two parts of Pakistan shared a common religion (Islam) but were culturally and linguistically distinct. The region of East Pakistan faced significant political and economic challenges, including neglect and discrimination from the central government in West Pakistan. These issues eventually led to a war of independence in 1971, resulting in the creation of the independent state of Bangladesh.

Understanding the historical context of East Pakistan is crucial for comprehending the political and social dynamics of the region. The name East Pakistan reflects the political status of the region during the period from 1947 to 1971, when it was part of Pakistan but distinct from West Pakistan. This period was marked by significant political and social changes, culminating in the independence of Bangladesh.

Option Analysis:
  • Option A: This option is incorrect. East Bengal was the name of the region before the partition of India in 1947. After the partition, the eastern part of Bengal became East Pakistan.
  • Option B: This option is incorrect. Bengal was the name of the province before the partition of India in 1947. After the partition, the eastern part of Bengal became East Pakistan.
  • Option C: This option is correct. From 1947 to 1971, the region that is now Bangladesh was known as East Pakistan. It was part of Pakistan following the partition of India.
  • Option D: This option is incorrect. Sher-e-Bangla is a title given to Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, a prominent Bengali politician, and not the name of the region during the period in question.

Mnemonic: EPA: East Pakistan Area

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