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TED-Ed

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.

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.

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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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