Independence Day History

India became independent on 15 August 1947. On this day India became free from British colonial rule. This day is celebrated by unfurling the National flag, singing the National Anthem, remembering our freedom fighters, etc. It is one of the national holidays of the country and the grand celebration wakes up the people’s patriotism and love for their motherland. In 2021 India will celebrate its 74th Independence day.

Independence Day Information

History

India was a part of British colonization for more than 200 years. In 1757, the East India Company defeated the last Nawab of Bengal in the Battle of Plassey, which marked the beginning of British rule in India.

This is when the East Indian Company started exercising its control over the nation. The Indian Rebellion or the First War of Independence took place in 1857 which was a major yet unsuccessful uprising against British rule.

In the year 1885, India’s first political party, the Indian National Congress was formed. And after the conclusion of World War I in 1918, Indian activists called for self-rule or ‘Swaraj’.

In 1929, the Indian National Congress declared ‘Purna Swaraj’ or Independence of India at an assembly in Lahore. Finally, after a series of sessions and meetings between the British government and the Indian National Congress, Lord Mountbatten who served as the last viceroy of pre-independent India, agreed to the proposal.

The Labour Government had decided to end the rule in India due to capital loss during World War II. The British Government announced that India will be free by June 1948, however, it was pushed early because of the violence between Hindus and Muslims particularly in Punjab and Bengal. The British declared Independence in August 1947 with the partition of India.

On 15th August in 1947, Lord Mountbatten partitioned British India into two newly independent nations; India and Pakistan. When India and Pakistan seceded, the monarchical state of Jammu and Kashmir remained neutral. In October 1947, Jammu and Kashmir were annexed by India. The dispute between India and Pakistan over this has been raging ever since.

Nehru and Patel wrote a letter to the patriarch Mahatma Gandhi to come to the first Independence celebrations. But then there were quarrels between Hindus and Muslims in Calcutta. “I will not accept your invitation. I will give my life to stop those clashes,” Gandhi said.

On the first Independence Day ceremony India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru unfurled, the tricolor national flag at Red Fort and Lahori Gate in Delhi. Nehru then delivered his first Independence Day speech, in which he called himself the Pratham Sewak of India. From that day onward 15th August is celebrated as an independent day to honor and remember our great freedom fighters who sacrificed for our Independence.

Suggested Read: Countries Celebrating Independence Day On 15 August

Celebration around the country

A day before this, the President of India addresses the country. On 15th August, the Indian flag is hoisted at Red Fort by the Prime Minister, many programs dedicated at Red-Fort like march past by our soldiers, 21 gunshots are fired for the beginning of events and cultural activities by school students.

Multiple festives take place throughout the country. From the year 1974, all the chief ministers of respective states unfurl the national flag. Government offices, schools, and colleges host special ceremonies for enlightening the students about the historical significance of this day. You may see flags everywhere on this day on roads, buildings, and houses but many people come to Delhi to see the flag hoisting ceremony at Red Fort.

Some Indians consider freedom by flying kites and some by flying pigeons, you will find the kites of various sizes and shapes have filled the sky. Celebrating Independence Day every year keeps the history of India’s independence alive and explains the true meaning of freedom to the people.

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