The India Independence Timeline highlights the pivotal events, movements, and key moments that led to India’s freedom from British rule.
Independence MCQ
1857 – First War of Indian Independence (Sepoy Mutiny)
A large-scale uprising against British rule, marking the first major resistance to colonial power.
1885 – Formation of Indian National Congress (INC)
The Indian National Congress was founded to bring Indian elites together and represent their interests.
1906 – Formation of All-India Muslim League
The Muslim League was founded to represent the political and social rights of Muslims in India.
1909 – Morley-Minto Reforms
Introduced by the British, this act granted separate electorates for Hindus and Muslims, strengthening the divide.
1915 – Return of Mahatma Gandhi to India
Gandhi returned to India and became the leader of the independence movement, advocating for non-violence.
1916 – Lucknow Pact
An agreement between the Indian National Congress and the All-India Muslim League to unite and seek greater autonomy.
1919 – Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
British General Dyer ordered the massacre of hundreds of unarmed Indians in Amritsar, sparking nationwide protests.
1919 – Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms & Rowlatt Act
The British passed reforms for limited Indian participation and the repressive Rowlatt Act, leading to mass protests.
1919 – First Round Table Conference
The first Round Table Conference in London aimed to negotiate constitutional changes but failed to bring significant results.
1920 – Non-Cooperation Movement
Gandhi led the mass movement urging Indians to boycott British goods, schools, and services in peaceful resistance.
1930 – Salt March
Gandhi led the historic 240-mile Salt March to defy the British monopoly on salt, symbolizing civil disobedience.
1930 – Second Round Table Conference
The second Round Table Conference in London failed to resolve key differences, and Gandhi returned to India.
1931 – Gandhi-Irwin Pact
A truce between Gandhi and Lord Irwin, where Gandhi agreed to end the Civil Disobedience Movement for certain concessions.
1935 – Government of India Act
The British passed the Government of India Act, expanding self-governance but still falling short of full independence.
1937 – Provincial Elections
The INC won a majority in several provinces, showing its growing influence and political power across India.
1940 – Lahore Resolution
The Muslim League called for separate states for Muslims, laying the foundation for the creation of Pakistan.
1942 – Quit India Movement
The INC launched the Quit India Movement, demanding an immediate end to British rule. Gandhi was arrested, and protests broke out.
1946 – Direct Action Day & Bengal Riots
The Muslim League called for Direct Action Day, leading to the Bengal riots and widespread communal violence.
1947 – Partition of India
The Mountbatten Plan led to the partition of India into India and Pakistan, leading to mass migration and communal violence.
August 15, 1947 – Independence Day
India gained independence from British rule, and Jawaharlal Nehru became the first Prime Minister of the new nation.