India and Pakistan gained independence from British rule in 1947. The partition of British India on August 15 marked the creation of two sovereign states: predominantly Hindu India and Muslim-majority Pakistan. This momentous event followed years of struggle for self-rule and was characterized by mass political mobilization, leading to significant social upheaval. The partition resulted in one of the largest human migrations in history, accompanied by communal violence and significant loss of life. Independence set the stage for future national identities, conflicts, and geopolitical dynamics in South Asia, deeply influencing the region's history for decades to come.