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Why was India split into two countries? - Haimanti Roy

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In 1947, the British viceroy announced that after 200 years of British rule, India would gain independence and be partitioned into Hindu India and Muslim Pakistan. What followed was one of the largest and bloodiest forced migrations in history: an estimated 1 million people lost their lives. What caused this violent aftermath? Haimanti Roy details the lasting legacies of the Partition of India.


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TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Haimanti Roy
  • Director Raghav Arumugam, Jagriti Khirwar
  • Narrator Safia Elhillo
  • Music Salil Bhayani
  • Sound Designer Nirana Singh, cAMP Studio
  • Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
  • Editorial Director Alex Rosenthal
  • Producer Bethany Cutmore-Scott
  • Editorial Producer Elizabeth Cox
  • Script Editor Soraya Field Fiorio
  • Fact-Checker Joseph Isaac
Additional Resources for you to Explore
Two fantastic short stories by well known Urdu Writer Sadaat Hasan Manto which capture the experience of Partition are Toba Tek Singh and Khol Do. Listen to memories of those whose families were divided due to India’s Partition. The film Garam Hawa (Scorching Winds) captures distinct experiences of being a minority in one’s homeland, and the film Meghe Dhaka Tara (The Cloud-Capped Star) portrays the experience of being a refugee or an exile in a ‘safe’ country.

Customize this lesson

Create and share a new lesson based on this one.

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Haimanti Roy
  • Director Raghav Arumugam, Jagriti Khirwar
  • Narrator Safia Elhillo
  • Music Salil Bhayani
  • Sound Designer Nirana Singh, cAMP Studio
  • Director of Production Gerta Xhelo
  • Editorial Director Alex Rosenthal
  • Producer Bethany Cutmore-Scott
  • Editorial Producer Elizabeth Cox
  • Script Editor Soraya Field Fiorio
  • Fact-Checker Joseph Isaac

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