1847–1947

Timeline

Filter by era or theme. Select an event to read its causes, consequences and sources.

1945–1947

Independence & Partition

Negotiations, communal violence, and freedom divided.

November 1945
INA Trials
Officers of Bose's Indian National Army were tried at the Red Fort, prompting nationwide protest.
political
March–June 1946
Cabinet Mission
Three British ministers proposed a loose federal India with grouped provinces. The plan collapsed amid Congress–League disagreement.
political
18–23 February 1946
Royal Indian Navy Mutiny
Ratings of the Royal Indian Navy in Bombay rose against poor conditions and racism. The revolt spread to 78 ships and shore stations, with strikes in the city.
political
16 August 1946
Direct Action Day
The Muslim League called for 'Direct Action' to win Pakistan. Calcutta erupted in killings, followed by violence in Noakhali, Bihar and Punjab.
political · social · regional
14–15 August 1947
Independence and Partition
Under the Mountbatten Plan, British India was divided into India and Pakistan. Freedom came with mass migration and violence.
political · social · regional
3 June 1947
Mountbatten Plan
Lord Mountbatten announced that British India would be split into India and Pakistan, with Punjab and Bengal divided. The handover was brought forward to August 1947.
political