Historical Significance
The Great Calcutta Killings was a significant turning point in history, as it ensured India's partition, which marked India's independence from over 300 years under British rule, resulted in the establishment of separate political structures for two newly independent states, and caused one of the largest human migrations to ever occur. It also caused a great amount of bloodshed, and neither country has fully recovered from the damage, as the border between the two countries would become the center of four wars, and sixty years of tensions between the governments of India and Pakistan. Despite the problems that these events brought, both countries have developed into important economic players in today's world.
Indo-Pakistani Wars
In October 1947, the first Indo-Pakistani War began after Pakistan supported a Muslim insurgency in Kashmir, which is still in dispute today.
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In April 1965, another war started to break out when Pakistan launched a deliberate covert offensive across the southwestern border.
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In 1971, civil war broke out in Pakistan after East Pakistan demanded autonomy and later independence. India provided East Pakistan with military support in the war. In the end, East Pakistan became the country of Bangladesh.
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In 1999, Pakistani backed forces infiltrated Indian territory. In retaliation, India launched their first air strikes against Pakistan.
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Effects on the Economy
Both India and Pakistan's economies suffered as a result of a migration of skilled labor. Since then, India and Pakistan economies have improved. India is now one of the world's fastest developing economies, becoming a major player in today's technology. Pakistan's economy, left with only 17% of Britain's financial reserves, is now fueled by agriculture.
As a result of the steady economic growth, life expectancy has increased. Life expectancy in Bangladesh (East Pakistan) suddenly dropped during the civil war in 1971.