1947 British India partition mass migration West Pakistan

British India's partition drove the largest mass migration in human history

In 1947, about 6.5 million Muslims were driven from India to West Pakistan, while 4.7 million Hindus and Sikhs were driven from West Pakistan to India. The partition of British India produced the largest mass migration in human history.

A trench held off a much larger force

At the Battle of the Trench in Medina in 627, about 3,000 Muslim defenders used a trench across approaches open to cavalry. They held off a coalition of about 10,000 for two weeks, until it withdrew.

The Gateway Arch's tram cars tilt to stay level inside its curved legs

Visitors traveling to the top of St. Louis's Gateway Arch ride in small enclosed tram compartments. Because the track curves as it climbs, the cars use a leveling mechanism to keep passengers upright. The unusual system combines features of an elevator and a Ferris wheel to follow a structure that is neither straight nor vertical.

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1947 British India partition mass migration West Pakistan

British India's partition drove the largest mass migration in human history

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