Communications in Humanities Research ISSN: 2753-7072
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Research Article

India’s Road of Independence, from Late 1800s to 1947s

Fengming JiaCrean Lutheran High School*

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

This essay will explain India’s road to Independence from the late 1800s to 1947. It began with early nationalist leaders such as Sir Surendranath Banerjee, who supported more reforms and rights for Indian people under British rule. Early movements of Indian Nationalism started with petitions, more Indian political participation and peaceful protests. Over time, new leaders and new events pushed for a stronger reform. One of the most significant figures of the Indian Independence Movement is Mahatma Gandhi. After joining the Indian National Congress, a congress that seeks more Indian participation in Politics under British rules, Gandhi encouraged more peaceful protest and civil disobedience, such as the significant salt march and non-cooperation movement that inspired millions of Indians to fight for freedom. Gandhi successfully united people across India under different religions and social classes together and fought for independence. Some events in India pushed the independence movement more as Indians are tired of the poor treatment from British rule. The tragedies from the Bengal Famine of 1943 was an example that revealed failures in British policies of their rule of India. With the anger and dissatisfaction of Indian people, the Quit India Movement happened as people were frustrated and believed independence from British rule would be necessary. In 1947, the British passed the Indian Independence Act, finally ending the 190 years of British rule in India. However, the new nation was split into two nations: India and Pakistan, and this split created further violence and conflicts post independence. However, India’s independence would also become a significant event during the decolonization, and lead to more countries in Africa and Asia gaining their independence from colonial rules later.

Keywords: Independence; Nationalism; Indian
Published: December 10, 2025
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/2025.NS30469
Volume: CHR Vol.99
pp. 1-7
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