August is one of the most important months in Indian history. Many major political, social, and cultural events have taken place in this month that shaped the future of the nation. From India’s Independence Day to the Quit India Movement, August has witnessed turning points in our freedom struggle and post-independence journey.
In this article, we have listed historical events that occurred in August in Indian History, including freedom movements, landmark legislations, and important national developments. This article is ideal for students, competitive exam aspirants, and history lovers.
What happened in August in Indian History?
August is deeply significant in Indian history. From the Independence movement to landmark legislative changes and births or deaths of key leaders, many defining moments occurred in this month. Candidates aspiring to prepare for the One Day Competitive Exams Such as- Railway, SSC, State Exams, etc. can go through the article to get information related to specific events in the History of India which happened in the month of August 2025.
List of Important Days of August in History of India
August holds a unique place in Indian history. It contains high points of the freedom struggle from Quit India to Independence Day alongside landmark political events and contributions by notable figures. Every date on this list represents an essential chapter in India’s journey to becoming the nation it is today. Below is a curated list of at least 20 important historical events in Indian history that happened in August.
| List of Important Days of August in Indian History | |||
| Date | Event | Year | Significance |
| August 1 | Death of Lokmanya Tilak | 1920 | Beloved nationalist; coined “Swaraj is my birthright” |
| August 1 | Launch of Non‑Cooperation Movement | 1920 | Gandhi began mass civil disobedience |
| August 2 | Birth of Pingali Venkayya | 1876 | Designer of the Indian national flag |
| August 2 | British defeat Mir Kasim at Giriya | 1763 | Strengthened East India Company’s rule |
| August 5 | Abrogation of Article 370 (J&K) | 2019 | Revoked Jammu & Kashmir special status |
| August 5 | Bhoomi Pujan of Ram Mandir, Ayodhya | 2020 | Landmark religious and cultural moment |
| August 7 | National Handloom Day | 2015 | Marks beginning of Swadeshi movement in 1905 |
| August 8 | Launch of August Offer | 1940 | British proposal for political reform during WWII |
| August 8 | Quit India Movement launched | 1942 | Gandhi’s “Do or Die” call for British exit |
| August 9 | Nationwide protests (Quit India) | 1942 | Mass arrests and resistance spread across India |
| August 10 | First boundary commission set up | 1947 | Led to partition borders later defined |
| August 11 | Execution of Khudiram Bose | 1908 | Young freedom fighter martyred by British |
| August 12 | Birth of Vikram Sarabhai | 1919 | Founder of Indian space programme (ISRO) |
| August 14 | Partition announced | 1947 | India–Pakistan division confirmed before midnight |
| August 15 | India attains Independence | 1947 | British rule ends; India becomes free nation |
| August 15 | Jawaharlal Nehru’s “Tryst with Destiny” speech | 1947 | Iconic address at midnight announcing independence |
| August 17 | Radcliffe Line announced | 1947 | Border between India and Pakistan finalized |
| August 20 | Birth of Rajiv Gandhi | 1944 | India’s youngest PM; led modernization drives |
| August 21 | Death of Subramania Bharati | 1921 | Tamil poet, nationalist and social reformer |
| August 26 | Mother Teresa awarded Bharat Ratna | 1980 | Honoured for humanitarian service in India |
| August 29 | National Sports Day | commemorates Dhyan Chand’s birth | Yearly celebration of sports in India |
| August 30 | ISRO Day | 1969 | Indian space agency founded commemorates first satellite launch |
Major Events of August in Indian History- Explained
August 1: Death of Lokmanya Tilak and Start of Non‑Cooperation
On this day in 1920, Lokmanya Tilak passed away, a leader who inspired Indians with his nationalist message. Simultaneously, Gandhi launched the Non‑Cooperation Movement, urging Indians to boycott British institutions peacefully.
August 2: Birth of Pingali Venkayya and East India expansion
Born in 1876, Pingali Venkayya designed the Indian flag, his vision later became the national emblem. In colonial times, the East India Company gained more power in 1763 by defeating Mir Kasim at Giriya.
August 8-9: Quit India Movement
In 1942, Gandhi launched the Quit India Movement on August 8, and protests erupted across India on August 9. It was a massive movement with thousands arrested, signalling India’s resolve to end British rule.
August 15: Independence Day
India achieved freedom from British rule on August 15, 1947, when the Indian Independence Act took effect. Nehru’s famous “Tryst with Destiny” speech marked the birth of a sovereign nation at midnight.
August 17: Radcliffe Line announced
Two days later after Independence Day in 1947, the Radcliffe Line, defining the India-Pakistan border, was officially published, launching major migrations and upheaval during Partition.
August 5: Article 370 abrogated and Ram Mandir Bhoomi Pujan
On August 5, 2019, the special constitutional status of Jammu & Kashmir was revoked, a historic political milestone. A year later, In 2020, the foundation ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya marked a landmark moment for millions of Indians.
What happened in August in Indian History FAQs
Q1. Why is August 15 celebrated as Independence Day?+
Q2. What happened on August 8, 1942?+
Q3. Who was Pingali Venkayya and when was he born?+
Q4. What is the Radcliffe Line and when was it announced?+
Q5. What historic event occurred on August 5, 2019?+
Tags: August in Indian History Important Days in August
