India gained independence on Friday, August 15, 1947. (Image: Shutterstock)
How well do you know India’s history? Take our Independence Day quiz to find out.
This year marks India’s 78th Independence Day, which falls on Thursday, August 15. Every year, it is commemorated by hoisting the national flag and singing the National Anthem. On this special day, people hold cultural events and seminars to honour the freedom fighters who gave their lives for the country’s independence. To commemorate the occasion, schools, universities, and other educational institutions host quiz and essay writing competitions.
As the country prepares to commemorate this special day, here are a few questions to help you brush up.
Independence Day 2024 Quiz
When India became independent on August 15, 1947, what day was it?
India officially marked its independence from British colonial control on August 15, 1947, a momentous day in world history and a turning point for the Indian subcontinent. This historic event, which ended centuries of foreign dominance and heralded a new period of self-government, took place on a Friday.
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Where was the Indian national flag hoisted for the first time?
The history of India’s national flag begins on August 7, 1906, when a green, yellow, and red draft flag was raised at Kolkata’s Parsee Bagan Square. This foundational design had eight white lotuses, the words “Vande Mataram” in Devanagari writing, a crescent moon, and a sun. The flag’s design developed during the freedom movement, culminating in its current form in 1947.
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When was India’s National Anthem officially adopted?
India didn’t have an official national anthem when it gained independence. Although Rabindranath Tagore wrote Jana Gana Mana in 1911, it was formally adopted as the national anthem on January 25, 1950.
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How much time does it take to sing Jana Gana Mana, the Indian national anthem?
When sung at the proper pace, the Indian National Anthem, Jana Gana Mana, takes about 52 seconds to complete.
Why did Lord Mountbatten choose August 15 to hand over authority to India?
The British Parliament authorised Lord Mountbatten until 30 June 1948 to transfer responsibility, but he chose August 15, 1947, since it was the second anniversary of Japan’s surrender to the Allied Forces.
What was the dollar and rupee exchange rate on August 15, 1947?
On the historic day of August 15, 1947, as India entered a new age of sovereignty, its currency was equivalent to the US dollar, with a 1 USD = 1 INR exchange rate. The Indian Rupee started its independent journey on an equal footing with the leading global currency, having its roots in the British pound and having no external debt.
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Apart from India, how many other countries celebrate their Independence Day on August 15?
Numerous countries celebrate important national holidays or their unique days of independence on August 15, ranging from the Korean peninsula to the enormous subcontinent of India.
While India celebrates its independence from British rule, South and North Korea recall their liberation from Japanese occupation. The Republic of the Congo commemorates its independence from France, while Bahrain marks the day it was recognised as a sovereign nation following British treaty relations. Notably, the tiny nation of Liechtenstein has joined this list, commemorating its National Day.
