On August 15, 1947, India declared its sovereignty and independence from the United Kingdom after nearly 200 years of rule.

By the mid 19th Century, the British took control of India through its British East India Company. The British utilized India for its raw products, labor, and other materials. However, over time, inhabitants of India began to stand up against the British in a struggle for independence.

In the 1940s, under the direction of non-violence leader Mahatma Gandhi, millions of Indians resisted the British and took steps to secure independence. Eventually, the British gave into Gandhi and his followers’ requests.

In July 1947, Britain and India signed the Indian Independence Act. The Act stated that India would be granted independence from Britain and India would be divided into the countries of India and Pakistan. Predominantly Hindu areas were given to India and predominantly Muslim areas were given to Pakistan, as Pakistan made up the land mass to the northwest of India.

On this day, August 15, 1947, at the stroke of midnight, India declared its independence from Britain and gained full sovereignty as a country. Shortly thereafter, Jawaharlal Nehru became the first Prime Minister of India.

India received well over 500 former princely states and many former British provinces, while Pakistan received the remainder of states and land. However, the division between Pakistan and India caused a tremendous migration of people and much violence.

It’s estimated that around 3.5 million Hindus and Sikhs moved from Pakistan to India and around 5 million Muslims moved from India to Pakistan. It’s also estimated that around 1 million people died due to violence caused by the migrations, religious animosities between the two countries, and other issues. Today is a national holiday in India. People celebrate through ceremonies, parades, flag-hoisting, and other activities. In New Delhi, the Indian Prime Minister will hoist the National Flag and deliver a nationally televised speech to the nation highlighting the government’s achievements and other important issues. The Prime Minister will also generally credit the leaders who paved the way to freedom through non-violence, including Mahatma Gandhi.

India now has the second largest population in the world estimated at 1.2 billion people. India remains a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. And India’s government is the largest democracy in the world.