Introduction

This chapter explains the origins of war in the South Asian region between 1947 and 1971. There are three major reasons for explaining the causes of war in the South Asian region. First, it stems from a specific interest in studying the processes that have led to armed conflict in South Asia. Second, although a number of case studies already exist on each of the three wars between India and Pakistan, none provides a comprehensive explanation and analysis of their origins. Third, the issues of separatism and autonomy are still relevant both for India and Pakistan. These three wars in the South Asian subcontinent share some characteristics with other international conflicts that occurred following the collapse of the Eurocentric international system. If India were to concede the territory of Kashmir to Pakistan, it would mean that Indian secularism was merely cosmetic and only religion could serve as the basis for a state in South Asia.