Independence Day marks the end of British rule in 1947 and the establishment of a free and independent Indian nation. It also marks the anniversary of the partition of the subcontinent into two countries, India and Pakistan, which occurred at midnight on August 14–15, 1947.
Why did the British give freedom to India?
The British Viceroy and his Council ruled the country. These educated Indians wanted the opportunity to reach the top jobs in the civil service . They also wanted India to have its own government, in which men like them would become MPs. ... By the end of the First World War in 1918 British rule was still secure.
Why did India gain independence?
India won its freedom from British colonial rule in 1947 , after many decades of struggle. ... He encouraged Indians to stop buying British goods, avoid paying taxes to the British government, and take part in peaceful protests and marches.
How did India gain independence from British?
On June 15, 1947, the British House of Commons passed the Indian Independence Act , or Mountbatten Plan, which divided India into two dominions, India and Pakistan. It called for each dominion to be granted its independence by Aug. 15 of that year.
What helped India gain independence?
Although unrest at colonial rule existed long before, the Indian independence movement gained momentum after the First World War . Mahatma Gandhi led the revolt against oppressive British rule and organised passive-resistance campaigns.
How many died in Indian independence?
The next day, Hindus struck back, and the violence continued for three days in which approximately 4,000 people died (according to official accounts), both Hindus and Muslims.
Who is best freedom fighter in India?
The most famous freedom fighters are undoubtedly Mahatama Gandhi , Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Bhagat Singh, Mangal Pandey and so on, but there are also others who contributed to the independence movement but their names faded into the darkness.
Was India rich before British rule?
Britain ruled India for about 200 years, a period that was marred with extreme poverty and famine. India’s wealth depleted in these two centuries. ... In 1900-02, India’s per capita income was Rs 196.1, while it was just Rs 201.9 in 1945-46, a year before India got its independence.
Who ruled India before British?
The Mughals ruled over a population in India that was two-thirds Hindu, and the earlier spiritual teachings of the Vedic tradition remained influential in Indian values and philosophy. The early Mughal empire was a tolerant place. Unlike the preceding civilisations, the Mughals controlled a vast area of India.
Who ruled India in 1600?
The Mughal (or Mogul) Empire ruled most of India and Pakistan in the 16th and 17th centuries. It consolidated Islam in South Asia, and spread Muslim (and particularly Persian) arts and culture as well as the faith. The Mughals were Muslims who ruled a country with a large Hindu majority.
Is India still under Queen?
Independence came in 1947 with the Partition of India into the dominions of India and Pakistan, within the Commonwealth of Nations. ... In 1950 India became a republic and the link with the British crown was severed.
Who gave India independence?
After suffering in the war, Britain finally gave in and announced India’s independence and also its partition into two countries, India and Pakistan. In 1943, while being held as a prisoner, Gandhi went without food for 21 days as a protest against British rule.
Who was the first freedom fighter in India?
Mangal Pandey , a well-known Indian freedom fighter, is usually recognized as the forerunner of the 1857 revolt against the British, which is regarded as India’s first battle of independence.
Did India gain independence peacefully?
Tensions continued to grow after this, as the British Empire (also known as The Raj) spent tax money on protecting their own interests over helping the people of India, many of whom lived in poverty. This time, however, the independence movement acted peacefully , participating in acts of civil disobedience.
How was India treated under British rule?
The British were able to take control of India mainly because India was not united. The British signed treaties and made military and trading alliances with many of the independent states that made up India . ... These local princes were effective at maintaining British rule and gained much from being loyal to the British.
Who did Pakistan gain independence from?
Pakistan emerged in 1947 from a British India , which was partitioned into two Dominions, India and Pakistan. On 14 August 1947, Pakistan achieved independence one day prior to Indian independence. India was partitioned, and an East and West Pakistan were created from Muslim majority areas.
