On August 15, 1947, India gained independence from British rule after nearly 200 years of colonial governance. This day marked the end of the British Empire's control over the Indian subcontinent, leading to the establishment of a sovereign nation. The struggle for independence involved numerous leaders and movements, including figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. The independence was accompanied by the partition of India into two separate nations: India and Pakistan. This division was based on religious lines, leading to significant demographic changes and widespread communal violence. Despite the challenges, August 15 is celebrated annually as India's Independence Day, symbolizing freedom and self-determination.