Indian Independence Day is celebrated annually on August 15, marking the end of British colonial rule in 1947. Here’s a concise overview of its history:
Background
- **British Rule**: India was under British control from the 17th century, initially through the East India Company, which gained dominance after the Battle of Plassey in 1757. By 1858, following the Sepoy Mutiny (First War of Independence), the British Crown assumed direct control, establishing the British Raj.
- **Early Resistance**: Resistance began with uprisings like the 1857 revolt, led by figures such as Mangal Pandey, Rani Lakshmibai, and Bahadur Shah Zafar. Though suppressed, it sowed seeds of nationalism.
Rise of Nationalism
- **Indian National Congress (INC)**: Founded in 1885, the INC initially sought reforms within British rule but later demanded self-governance, led by figures like Dadabhai Naoroji and Gopal Krishna Gokhale.
- **Key Movements**:
- **Swadeshi Movement (1905–1911)**: Sparked by the partition of Bengal, it promoted boycotts of British goods and self-reliance.
- **Home Rule Movement (1916–1918)**: Led by Annie Besant and Bal Gangadhar Tilak, it demanded self-government.
- **Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–1922)**: Initiated by Mahatma Gandhi, it encouraged boycotts of British institutions, goods, and services.
- **Civil Disobedience Movement (1930–1934)**: Highlighted by the Salt March, led by Gandhi, it defied British laws like the salt tax, galvanizing mass participation.
- **Quit India Movement (1942)**: Gandhi’s call for immediate independence led to widespread protests, despite severe British repression.
Path to Independence
- **World War II Impact**: The war weakened Britain economically and politically, while Indian contributions (soldiers, resources) strengthened demands for independence.
- **Negotiations**: The INC, led by Jawaharlal Nehru, and the Muslim League, led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, negotiated with the British. The Muslim League’s demand for a separate Pakistan complicated talks.
- **Cabinet Mission (1946)**: Proposed a federal structure but failed to resolve Hindu-Muslim tensions, leading to communal violence.
- **Mountbatten Plan (June 1947)**: Lord Mountbatten, the last Viceroy, announced the partition of India into two nations—India and Pakistan—to address communal deadlock.
Independence and Partition
- **August 15, 1947**: At midnight, India became a sovereign nation. Jawaharlal Nehru delivered his iconic “Tryst with Destiny” speech, and the Indian flag was hoisted.
- **Partition**: The division into India and Pakistan led to massive displacement and communal violence, with millions migrating and hundreds of thousands killed.
- **Constitution and Republic**: India adopted its constitution on January 26, 1950, becoming a republic, though August 15 remains the day of independence celebration.
Celebrations Today
- **Flag Hoisting**: The Prime Minister hoists the national flag at the Red Fort in Delhi, followed by a speech.
- **Cultural Events**: Parades, patriotic programs, and kite-flying are common across the country.
- **Significance**: The day honors freedom fighters and reflects on India’s journey toward unity and progress.