History of Asia questions

British India was partitioned along religious lines into two states: the Muslim-majority Dominion of Pakistan (comprising what is now the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the People's Republic of Bangladesh) and the Hindu-majority Union of India (later the Republic of India). This led to mass rioting amongst Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs. About twelve million refugees moved between the newly founded nations.

The Ainu are an indigenous people in Japan, today almost completely assimilated by the Japanese. The Ainu women tattooed their mouths, starting at a young age with a small spot on the upper lip, gradually increasing with size. When they reached age 15–16, their tattoos were completed. Thus were they qualified for marriage.

Noted for her charismatic authority, Benazir Bhutto was nicknamed "Iron Lady" because of her hard line against the trade unions and tough rhetorical opposition to her rivals. In 1988, she became the first woman elected to lead a Muslim state.