The road to independence
From the Salt March to Quit India and the Azad Hind Fauj, the freedom struggle won independence on 15 August 1947 — at the cost of Partition.
How it was ruled
British rule continued with limited provincial self-government under the Government of India Act, 1935. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose formed the Provisional Government of Azad Hind (21 October 1943).
How people lived
The Congress declared Purna Swaraj (complete independence) in 1929. Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru were executed in 1931. Dr B. R. Ambedkar fought for the rights of the depressed classes (Poona Pact, 1932).
What people did
Peasants, workers, students and women joined the movement; the Bengal famine of 1943 killed millions.
What people ate
Salt, taxed by the British, became the symbol of the Dandi March (1930).
Trade
Boycotts of British goods; India's economy was strained by the Second World War.
Region by region
- Gujarat: The Dandi March to break the salt law, 12 March – 6 April 1930.
- Maharashtra: Quit India resolution at Gowalia Tank, Bombay, 8 August 1942; the naval revolt of 1946.
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands: Netaji hoisted the Tricolour at Port Blair (now Sri Vijaya Puram) on 30 December 1943.
- Manipur: The Azad Hind Fauj raised the Tricolour at Moirang in April 1944.
- Punjab and West Bengal: Partition in August 1947 displaced millions and took countless lives.
Key events
- 1930: Dandi March
- 1942: Quit India Movement
- 1943: Azad Hind government formed
- 15 August 1947: India becomes independent
Legacy
Independence Day, the Tricolour, and the memory of the many who gave their lives for freedom.