The Colonization and Independence of India

1930

Britain levied a tax on SALT as a means of punishing the Indians. Gandhi responded by leading thousands of Indians on the Dandi Salt March. The Salt Satyagraha campaign was based upon Gandhi's principles of non-violent protest called satyagraha, which he loosely translated as "truth-force." The New York Times wrote almost daily about the Salt March, including two front page articles on April 6 and April 7. Near the end of the march, Gandhi declared, "I want world sympathy in this battle of Right against Might."

1857

British East India Company indirectly ruled most of India through puppet kings. In 1857 there was an uprising in response to the widespread resentment building in the region. This uprising is referred to as the Revolt of 1857.

1947

In 1947, India became independent. From that year onward, India began its struggle to become one of the leading nations of the world. Britain's holdings on the Indian subcontinent were granted independence in 1947 and 1948, becoming four new independent states: India, Burma (now Myanmar), Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), and Pakistan (including East Pakistan, modern-day Bangladesh).

1869-1948

In India, Mahatma Gandhi is known as "Father of the Nation" and his birthday is celebrated as a national holiday. Gandhi followed as well as preached the following principles throughout his life: Truth, Nonviolence, Vegetarianism, Brahmacharya (Celibacy), Simplicity, Faith in God.

1942

The "Quit India Movement" or "Bharat Chhodo Andolan" was the most aggressive revolt of the Indian National Congress. Its aim was gaining the complete exit of the British from India.

1600

The East India Company was formed by Queen Elizabeth in 1600 to trade with India and East Asia. The Colonial Era in India started with the British taking control over almost all parts of India and ended with the freedom of India in 1947.

1885

The Indian National Congress was founded in 1885. The feeling of nationalism had started growing in the minds of Indians as early as the middle of the nineteenth century but it grew more with the formation of the INC in 1885. The Indian National Congress became the leader of the Indian Independence Movement, with over 15 million members and over 70 million participants in its struggle against British rule in India.

1498

The Portuguese were the first Europeans to arrive in India in 1498. The colonial era in India began in 1502, when the Portuguese established the first European trading centre at Kollam, Kerala.