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The Independence Day of India is celebrated every year on 15 August. This day marks the end of British rule in India and its journey as an independent country. It holds great significance for the people of India as it reminds them of the new beginning declared on 15 August 1947. To celebrate this important day, schools organise several activities and competitions for students such as quizzes on Independence Day, slogan-writing, essay-writing, and so on. In this blog, we have covered the story of Independence Day in India in great detail to help students understand how it all began.
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The Story of India’s Independence
The story of how India gained independence brings tears to the eyes and courage in the heart. The nation which witnessed the cruel rule of numerous dynasties was now free to run its own government and manage its affairs. But this struggle was not an easy one.
1. The Desire of Self-governance
Once upon a time, there was a big land called India where people lived under the rule of the Britishers. They dreamt about freedom and the right to govern themselves like other independent countries around the world. However, their path was full of difficulties and challenges.
Their dream began to take its shape a long time ago. It was around the time of 1857 and 1859 when Indian soldiers rose against their British commanders. This unsuccessful rebellion is now known as the First War of Independence, the Indian Mutiny, or the Revolt of 1857. It started in Meerut and gradually spread to other parts of the country. Although they didn’t succeed, this historical event planted the seeds of hope in the hearts of many.
Also Read: Why Did the Indian Mutiny Happen?
2. World War II and a Promise of Freedom
Many years passed like this and in 1939, World War II broke out. With a brave smile and courageous heart, Indian soldiers agreed to lend a helping hand to the British in the war, but they had a condition. They saw this as the golden opportunity to achieve the land of their dreams.
Indians wanted the independence of their country in exchange for their loyalty and service to the crown. As the war came closer to its conclusion, the desire for freedom blew a strong wind in the country.
3. A Ray of Hope and Challenges
In 1945, a new government came to power in Britain. It sympathized with the plight of the Indians and wanted to grant them freedom. The new ruling power also wanted to leave behind a united India, capable of running the country on its own. Nonetheless, the government faced its unique set of challenges.
The war was not only between Indians and Britishers. Instead, the country was going through numerous conflicts and inter-communal violence between Hindus, Sikhs, and Muslims. This posed the biggest obstacle to the country’s freedom.
Despite many negotiations, the Muslim League and Indian National Congress could not find the middle ground. Their leaders had different customs and practices, and altogether a different vision for the country’s future.
Also Read: India’s Journey to Independence from 1857 to 1947
4. Series of Violence
In 1946, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the leader of the Muslim League, called for ‘direct action’. This was the result of another failed conference to unite the different communities and religions of India. The violence was never-ending and the situation became more tense. Fast forward to August, six British battalions were deployed in Calcutta to restore order.
5. The Partition Decision
Seeing the unsettled population and unrest in the country, the British eventually concluded that partition was the only answer. Thus, on 2 June 1947, Admiral Lord Louis Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of India, announced that India would be divided into Hindu-majority and Muslim-majority countries.
The Princely States of India who were not directly under the rule of the British were given a choice to join either of the two newly formed countries. Rulers who failed to join either of the two sides became a point of dispute.
The Indian Independence Act was passed by the British Parliament on July 5, 1947. It abolished the prevailing title of “Emperor of India” from the British Crown. It received royal assent from the then British monarch, George VI on July 18, 1947. Moreover, Mountbatten confirmed 15 August 1947 as the official date of partition.
Also Read: The Integration of Princely States After Independence
6. A Nation Divided
As the country was finally divided, thousands of people suddenly found themselves on the wrong side of the border and hundreds became refugees. Trains on both sides of the borders were filled with Muslims travelling to Pakistan and Hindus and Sikhs travelling to India. The only thing common in their hearts was the hope of a safer and brighter future.
However, the resulting bloodshed was unimaginable. Lord Mountbatten was criticised for rushing the decision and not taking the right measures to prevent the atrocities.
7. Partition of the Indian Army
The end of British rule in India also meant that the entire country had to be divided into two parts. It meant the division of things and people on an unimaginable scale. Similarly, it was time to divide the Indian Army.
Around 2,60,000 Hindus and Sikhs were given to India whereas 1,40,000 Muslim men were given to Pakistan. The 19th Lances in Pakistan exchanged their Sikh and Jaat troops for Muslims from India.
8. Farewell to British Troops
Following the country’s independence, British Army regiments left India with a well-planned and orderly withdrawal. The 1st Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry (Prince Albert’s) was the last unit to leave India. It began the journey on 28 February 1948.
9. End of Empire
As the clock struck midnight, the nation echoed with the celebratory shouts of freedom. India was finally free from colonial rule after being ruled by the British East India Company for more than one hundred years. However, the moment which should have been a golden triumph was covered with blood and violence.
In this way, the story of India’s independence was not just about the end of British rule. Instead, it reminds us about those brave soldiers and Indian freedom fighters who gave their lives to protect the country. Moreover, it also reminds us about the power of dreaming for a better and brighter future for the country.
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| 10 Lines on Independence Day | Independence Day Celebrations |
| Speech on Independence Day | Facts About Independence Day |
| Slogans on Independence Day | Poems on Independence Day |
FAQs
It was on 15 August 1947 that India gained independence from British colonialism.
Lord Mountbatten decided August 15 as the official Independence Day of India. It was also the date that marked the second anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II.
India celebrated Independence Day on 15 August.
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