Story of Independence Day

Independence day : The story of India's  Independence 

Independence Day in India is celebrated annually on August 15. It marks the end of British rule in 1947, brought about by the Indian Independence Act of July 18 of that year. On this historic day, India gained its freedom and became an independent nation. The provisions of the Indian Independence Act transferred legislative sovereignty to the Indian Constituent Assembly, which came into effect on August 15, 1947. The first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, raised the Indian national flag above the Lahori Gate of the Red Fort in Delhi to commemorate this momentous occasion. Since then, on each subsequent Independence Day, the incumbent Prime Minister customarily raises the flag and delivers an address to the nation.

The story of India's  Independence 

British Raj in India :

The East India Company, which was established in 1600 and first focused on trading, was where the history of British India starts. They were drawn to the beautiful textiles, spices, and riches found in the East. The Mughal dynasty, which ruled India at the time, offered a fantastic chance. the corporation created trading posts, slowly developing a footing. They established Kolkata, a city on the Hooghly River, in 1690, and it served as their headquarters. fort William erected in 1707 reinforced their presence. The company's goals quickly expanded beyond trading. They witnessed the authority of the Mughal empire being eroded by external challenges and internal strife. The corporation saw an opportunity with its expanding influence and private army. They started getting involved in regional politics. It was clear that they wanted to further their interests. They established alliances, take benefit of rivalries, and tipped the scales of power with their military might. Local rules wary of the company's ambitions grew increasingly apprehensively. and the company continued to consolidate its power. They built more forts raised larger armies and expanded their control over trade. The stage was set for a clash of ambitions. 

The year 1757 marked a turning point in the History of British India. Siraj Ud Dullah, The young Nawab of Bengal, found himself at odds with the East India Company. the company under the leadership of Robert Clive had grown increasingly bold in its assertions of power. Siraj Ullah was determined to assert his authority. and order the company to cease their fortifications and respect his sovereignty. The company, however, had other plans. intrigue and betrayal filled the air as the company plotted to overthrow Siraj Ud Dullah. They found willing allies in Mir Jafar, the nawab's ambitious commander-in-chief, and Jagatseth a powerful Abdullah banker.

On June 23rd, 1757 the forces of the East India Company, led by Robert Clive clashed with the Nawab's army at Plassey. outnumbered but strategically superior, Clive's forces, aided by the defection of Mir Jafar's troops, routed the Nawab's army. Siraj Ud  Dullah, defeated and betrayed, was captured and executed. The victory at Plassey marked a watershed moment. The East India Company, once a trading company had become a major military power in India. The company, now the dominant force in Bengal, installed Mir Jafar as puppet ruler. The era of British dominance in India had begun. the battle of Plassey may have marked the beginning of British dominance, but it also spread the seeds of resistance. the following century witnessed numerous uprisings against the East India Company's rule. From the Sansyasi rebellion in Bengal and Bihar to the Vellore mutiny in the south Indians from all walks of life rose against the company's oppressive policies.  These uprisings, though ultimately suppressed, demonstrated the growing resentment against British rule. 

The period between 1757 and 1857 was marked by the consolidation of British power and the emergence of nascent Indian nationalism. The East Company expanded its control over vast swathes of the Indian subcontinent. They introduced new systems of administration, law, and education, often with little regard for local customs and traditions. This period also saw the rise of social and religious reform movements that challenged traditional hierarchies and advocated for greater social justice.  The annexation of Punjab in 1849 and the introduction of the doctrine of lapse angered many Indian rulers. The stage was set for a major uprising, one that could shake the foundations of British rule in India. the year 1857  witnessed a turning point in the history of British India. what began as a mutiny by sepoys of the East India Company's army quickly transformed into a widespread rebellion against  British rule. the immediate trigger for the uprising was the introduction of new Enfield rifles, rumored to be greased with animal fat, which was offensive to both Hindu and Muslim soldiers. 

However, the mutiny was fueled by deeper grievances and resentment against British policies, economic exploitation, and the suppression of Indian culture and religion. the mutiny spread like wildfire across northern and central India. Delhi, the seat of the Mughal Empire, became a focal point of the rebellion. Bahadur Shah Zafar, the aging Mughal emperor was proclaimed the emperor of Hindustan, uniting various rebel factions under his banner. The Indian rebellion of 1857 often referred to as the First War of Independence, was a watershed moment in the struggle against  British rule. it marked the end of the East India Company's rule and the beginning of direct British crown control over India. the rebellion also had a profound impact on the British psyche, shattering the myth of their invincibility and forcing them to re-evaluate their policies in India. 

The latter half of the 19th century saw the rise of Indian nationalism. educated Indians, influenced by Western liberal ideas began to demand greater political representation and an end to British rule. organizations like the Indian National Congress were formed, advocating for self-governance. the partition of Bengal in 1905 a move intended to weaken the nationalist movement backfired, further fueling anti-British sentiment. the early 20th century witnessed a surge in nationalist activities. The First World War while initially garnering support for the British war effort from many Indians, also highlighted the inherent contradictions of colonialism. the war's end brought about fresh promises of self-rule, but these were largely unfulfilled. The Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919,  where British troops opened fire on a peaceful gathering of unarmed civilians, proved to be a turning point. the massacre sent shock waves throughout India, galvanizing the independence of the movement. 

Mahatma Gandhi with his philosophy of nonviolent resistance, emerged as the preeminent leader of the freedom struggle. Gandhi's "Satyagraha movement", characterized by civil, disobedience and non-cooperation with the British authorities, mobilized millions of Indians. The struggle for independence became a mass movement, encompassing people from all walks of life. The Indian independence movement was not just a political struggle, it was also a cultural renaissance. poets, writers, musicians, and artists played a crucial role in shaping the national consciousness.  Rabindranath Tagore, a Nobel prize-winning poet, wrote soul-stirring songs and poems that became anthems of the freedom movement. Bankim Chandra Chatterfree's novel with its evocative song "Vande Mataram"  I Bow the Mother, became a rallying cry for nationalists. Bengali intellectuals and revolutionaries, inspired by the rich cultural heritage of their land, made significant contributions to the fight for independence. Khudiram Bose, a young revolutionary, became a symbol of unwavering courage and sacrifice when he was hanged at the age of 18 for his role in the freedom struggle. His story, along with those of countless other freedom fighters, served as a constant reminder of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of liberty. The Indian independence movement reached its zenith in 1940. 

The Second World War, with its devastating impact on Britain, further weakened its grip on India. the Indian national army, led by Subhas Chandra Bose fought alongside the Japanese during the war, posing a direct military challenge to British rule. the INA's exploits, though ultimately unsuccessful further ignited the flames of freedom. in 1947 after decades of struggle and sacrifice India finally achieved its independence. the British weakened by war and facing mounting pressure both domestically and internationally granted independence to India. the joy of freedom, however, was overshadowed by the tragic partition of the country into India and Pakistan. partition led to one of the largest mass migrations in human history accompanied by widespread violence and bloodshed. the legacy of British rule in India is complex and multifaceted on the one hand British rule brought about significant changes in infrastructure administration and education. on the other hand,  it was a period marked by economic exploitation political subjugation, and cultural suppression.

World war 1 and India 

During the first World War, Indians gave support to the United Kingdom. About 1.3 million Indian soldiers went to many parts of Europe, Africa and the Middle East to fight. Many Indians, including the princes and rich people of India, contributed money and materials to the war funds of the United kingdom anticipating change dominion status and home rule in return. When World War 1 ended in 1919 and Britain won with the help of Indian soldiers, India was its promised reward. Many Indian soldiers died in Foreign lands. In India, flu spread like an epidemic killing many people. The tax rates increased in India, and prices also increased. As a result the Indians became restless.

Violent and Non-Violent Movements ( Leadership of Gandhi ji )

When Gandhi Ji returned to India from South Africa in 1915. Under the leadership of Gandhi, Indians began to use a different method to get freedom over the next few years. In December 1929, the Indian national congress party agreed to start a movement for complete independence  from British rule. Under Gandhiji's leadership many movements Like Satyagraha, Damdi March took place.

Many Indian did not believe in such peaceful protests, claiming that the British would not give independence to Indians so easily. They believed an armed struggle was necessary to oust the British from India. Many revolutionaries and leaders emerged from time to time. Bhagat Singh, Khudiram Basu, Binoy, Badal, Dinesh, Netaji Subhas Chandra Basu were a few of them.

World War 2 and India

During the 2nd World war, the rules of the British Raj declared India to be a party to the war without discussing the matter with Indians and their leaders. This created a lot of dissatisfaction among Indians, abd two big movements for India's Independence took shape. The first was the Indian National Army of Subhas Chandra Bose. The second was the Quit India Movement of Mohandas Gandhi. Both of these leaders and the movements under their leadership shook the British empire. 

India Won Independence

As a result of many movements on small and large scales for several years and, the sacrifice of the heroes of Mother India Finally at midnight of 15th August 1947, Britain handed India its formal political Independence. India finally owned its most coveted freedom but at the price of losing a part of it. Viceroy Lord Mountbatten's divide-and-rule policy broke our country into two pieces and gave birth to two nations, the Union of India and Islamic Pakistan. 

On the day of the 76th Independence of India, we  Indians desire a highly developed, transparent, corruption-free country. We also promise to contribute to India's social, economic, spiritual, and technological development to build this nation into a superpower.