Answer:
“Partition” – the division of British India into the two separate states of India and Pakistan on August 14-15, 1947 – was the “last-minute” mechanism by which the British were able to secure agreement over how independence would take place.
Partition triggered riots, mass casualties, and a colossal wave of migration. Millions of people moved to what they hoped would be safer territory, with Muslims heading towards Pakistan, and Hindus and Sikhs in the direction of India.
Effects today
Since Partition, there has been conflict between India and Pakistan - particularly over an area called Kashmir, which both states say, even now, should belong to them.
Pakistan and India have gone to war with each other, and there was conflict when East Pakistan broke away and became Bangladesh. There are still tensions and divisions in the country and many families have never been able to go back to where their ancestors used to live.
Progress has been made, but just as the country was divided 70 years ago, there are still divisions to this day.