Mass migration during independence of India in 1947 Part-1

These photographs taken in 1947 during the period of independence of India and Pakistan. The photographer is Margaret Bourke-White. These photographs collected from Life Archive hosted by Google.

An estimated 25 million Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs (1947-present) crossed the newly drawn borders to reach their new homelands. These estimates are based on comparisons of decadal censuses from 1941 and 1951 with adjustments for normal population growth in the areas of migration. In northern India - undivided Punjab and North Western Frontier Province (NWFP) - nearly 12 million were forced to move from as early as March 1947 following the Rawalpindi violence. (Wikipedia)

In the aftermath of partition, a huge population exchange occurred between the two newly-formed states (India and Pakistan). About 14.5 million people crossed the borders, including 7,226,000 Muslims came to Pakistan from India while 7,249,000 Hindus and Sikhs moved to India from Pakistan. About 5.5 millions settled in Punjab Pakistan and around 1.5 millions settled in Sindh. (Wikipedia)

Dead Child
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Aftermath
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Purano Qila fortress refugee camp housing thousands of Moslems who have fled their homes fearing Hindu attacks; they are trying to survive until they can organize long march to West Punjab which has become Moslem Pakistan. (Location - Delhi)

View at Purano Qila fortress refugee camp where thousands of Moslems who have fled their homes in terror of Hindu attacks are trying to survive until they can organize a convoy for the long march to the West Punjab, now Moslem Pakistan. (Location - Delhi)