Indian Independence Day Timeline

May 10, 1857

The Uprising

The 34th Bengal Native Infantry, Mangal Pandey, rises up against the British East India Company’s army. That triggers an effective rebellion — bringing together a coalition of various civil and political organizations banding together to oppose British oppression.

December 28, 1885

Indian National Congress

The Indian National Congress is one of the oldest political groups in the world and was formed out of a coalition of various groups including the National Students Union of India, the Indian Youth Congress, and the Indian National Trade Union Congress, to name a few.

April 13, 1919

Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre involves British troops firing into a massive crowd of unarmed Indian civilians in Amritsar — an event which motivated Gandhi to lead a movement of non-violent resistance in the struggle for independence.

1929

"Purna Swaraj"

The Indian National Congress gathers at Lahore and resolves to fight for "Purna Swaraj" or total liberation.

August 15, 1947

Power transfer

By midnight of India's first day as an independent, sovereign nation, pundit Jawaharlal Nehru reinforces India's liberation with his iconic “Tryst with Destiny” speech.