Milestones in the South Asia Independence Struggle

Sepoy Rebellion

Mar 15, 1857

Also known by Indians as "The first War of Independence" this rebellion was an attempt by Indian states to unite and fight the invading British and restore power to the Mogul Emperor Bahadur Shah.

British Crown Assumes Control of India

Aug 28, 1858

In August 1858, the British government assumed control of India from from the Briish East India company (a joint-stock company that had originally been Britain's connection to control in India). This began the British Raj and Queen Victoria was declared emmpress of India.

Formation of the Indian National Congress

Dec 28, 1885

The Formation of the Indian National Congress in 1885 consisted of a labor union organizing themselves together in order to achieve reforms in Britain's civil service in India. They specifically wanted better wages, better work hours, and better treatment.

Formation of the Muslim League

Oct 1, 1906

The Muslim League was a group of Muslims in India who wished to advance the political rights of Muslims in British India and they supported the idea of hom rule for India which gave Indians more autonomy.

World War I

Jul 28, 1914

During World War I, the British became involved and employed Indian troops in the fighting. In return for their service during the war, Britain promised India limited Home Rule.

World War I ends and beginning of Noncooperation Movement

Nov 11, 1918

After the war, the British did not fufill their promise of giving India limited home rule which enraged many. Gandhi began what is known as the Noncooperation Movement against the British. The goal of this movement was to hurt the British economically because that was their ain purpose for British occupation in India.

Ghandi Arrested for Protests

Mar 13, 1922

In 1922, Gandhi was sentenced to prison for seven years for his civil disobedience during the Indian Noncooperation Movement in which he and thousands of other Indians peacefully (following the philosophy of satyagraha) protested British rule by bocotting British goods, work strikes, and other peaceful yet economically damaging acts.

Salt March

Mar 12, 1930

In March of 1930, Gandhi lead a troop of 97 people to the sea in a civil disobedience movement, aiming to protest the heavy taxation of salt.

The Partition of India

Jan 1, 1947

After much fighting, India and Pakistan were granted independence from each other. Punjab was partitioned between the two countries. Nehru became the first Indian prime minister and Liaquat Ali Khan served as Pakistan's first prime minister.

India becomes an independent nation

Aug 15, 1947

At midnight on August 15, 1947 soon after the partition of India separating a majority of Hindus from a majority of Muslims, India became an independent nation.

Gandhi Asassinated

Mar 28, 1948

Gandhi was killed by a Hindu extremist during a prayer meeting but Gandhi's teachings and philosophies live on and influenced other Indians who continued to fight for independence.