When the British gave up the empire at midnight on August 14, 1947, they divided the land into two new nations: the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Republic of India. The pacifist politician Mahatma Gandhi had dreamed of creating one free and united India for citizens of all religions but his vision didn’t come true. Pakistan was made for Muslims, and India was dominated by Hindus. People migrated by foot, ox cart, and train across the new border—to or from Pakistan depending on their religion—with millions suffering injury, rape, or death in the violent transition.
