Development, disparity and colonial shocks: do endowments matter?

Idrees Khawaja
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Idrees Khawaja: Pakistan Institute of Development Economics

No 13031, Working Papers from Economic History Society

Abstract: "The province of Punjab – home to 56 percent of Pakistan’s population, is marked by regional disparity. This paper argues that the socioeconomic disparity observed today between the South-West of Punjab and the rest of the Province is largely owed to the historical differences in regional endowments. During the colonial rule over India, the North and Center of the province benefitted from Canals, Cantonments (military garrisons) and enlistment in the Indian army to fight on the side of the Britain in the two world wars. These shocks rested upon endowments unique to the two regions. The barren but cultivable land and sparse population of the Center facilitated canal colonization. The geo-strategic location of the North allowed the establishment of military headquarters and smaller garrisons in the region. The hardy men of the North, experienced in warfare since the 12th century, were suitable for the army. The South-West of the Punjab lacking the endowments of interest to the British, failed to benefit. Hence, the socioeconomic disparity observed today. "

JEL-codes: N00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2013-04
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