Indian Independence

India gained independence from British rule on August 15, 1947, after a long and complex struggle involving political movements, mass protests, negotiations, and campaigns of civil disobedience. British control had expanded over much of the Indian subcontinent during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, and the British Raj was formally established in 1858 after the Indian Rebellion of 1857. During the twentieth century, opposition to colonial rule grew, particularly through the Indian National Congress.

Mahatma Gandhi became a major figure in the independence movement by promoting nonviolent resistance, including the Non-Cooperation Movement and the Salt March of 1930. Other leaders and groups also played important roles, and the movement included a wide range of political ideas and methods. The Second World War placed additional pressure on Britain and strengthened demands for independence. In 1947, the British government decided to transfer power rapidly.

The Indian Independence Act created two independent dominions, India and Pakistan, and came into effect in August. Partition divided British India largely along religious lines and triggered massive population movements, as well as severe communal violence. Millions of people crossed the new borders, while the exact number of deaths remains disputed. Jawaharlal Nehru became the first prime minister of independent India, while Muhammad Ali Jinnah became governor-general of Pakistan.

Independence marked the end of British colonial rule, but it also began a difficult period of political and social reorganization. India later adopted a republican constitution, which came into force on January 26, 1950. The independence process therefore reshaped South Asia and had lasting consequences for its political borders, societies, and international relations.