Facts and Figures
Independence Day
India celebrates Independence Day on 15 August every year, commemorating the nation’s freedom, in 1947, from nearly 200 years of British colonial rule. Here are some fascinating historical facts and milestones.
FREEDOM AT MIDNIGHT India officially gained independence at 12:00 a.m. on 15 August, 1947, moments after the iconic ‘Tryst with Destiny’ speech delivered by Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, the country’s first Prime Minister.
WORLD’S LARGEST DEMOCRACY India is home to over 980 million registered voters, making it the largest democracy in the world.
Population At Independence India had an estimated population of around 340 million in 1947. Today, it exceeds 1.4 billion, making it the world’s most populous nation.
Dimensions Of National Flag India’s National Flag has an official length-to-width ratio of 3:2, with the navy-blue Ashoka Chakra featuring exactly 24 spokes.
National Flag Adopted Before 15 Aug The Constituent Assembly adopted the Tricolour as India’s National Flag on 22 July 1947, weeks before independence.
Why 15 August? The date was chosen by the last British Viceroy, Lord Louis Mountbatten, because it marked the second anniversary of Japan’s surrender in World War II, a date he considered personally significant.
Official Adoption Of National Anthem Although Jana Gana Mana was widely known, it wasn’t officially adopted as India’s National Anthem until 24 January, 1950.
Goa’s Long Wait For Independence Goa remained under Portuguese rule until 19 December, 1961, on which date it finally became part of India.
Not All Princely States Joined At First At Independence, there were 565 princely states. Between 1947 and 1950, and through the efforts of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the vast majority acceded to the Indian Union.
