Independence Day: Unveiling 10 rare pictures from India’s struggle for freedom

Rare pictures from our history often serve as a time capsule, taking you back to another era. The white and black pixels seen in the historic pages of India’s Independence serve as a reminder of the past, a time of victory and loss felt by our late brothers and sisters. A moment of struggle and pride, these pictures are an ode to untold battles and unsung heroes. As we’re all set to celebrate our 79th Independence Day on 15th August, here are some rare pictures from India’s struggle for freedom.

This picture shows the members of the Indian National Congress being arrested, and they were hell-bent on abolishing British rule in India. As they began protesting in full force, the British police released the tear gas, for which the freedom fighters had to lie down to avoid getting the full blast of the gas.

(Image Credits: X-@mumbaiheritage)

This picture showcases INA’s Captain Shah Nawaz, Captain PK Sahgal, and Captain GS Dhillon, who were released under public pressure, as they had been accused of treason. Captain Shah Nawaz is not only known for his contribution to the freedom struggle but also has links with the family of the Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan.

(Image Credits: Instagram-@thebetterindia)

As astronauts Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins, and Buzz Aldrin left their footprints on the moon, they started a global tour and fascinated Indians by visiting the streets of Mumbai on October 26, 1969.

(Image Credits: Instagram: @thebetterindia)

Three brothers named Aspy, Minoo, and Ronnie Engineer are known for their heroic work in the IAF today, amongst whom Aspy won the Agha Khan trophy and is the first Indian to fly from London to Delhi in a Gipsy Moth. He was India’s second Chief of the Air Staff.See More: Happy Independence Day 2025: Patriotic memes and messages that will make you feel proud to be an Indian​

(Image Credits: Instagram-@thebetterindia)

During the Partition of India, the division of Punjab left millions of families distraught. As the West Punjab belonged to Pakistan, the East Punjab was given to India. With tonnes of refugees on both sides, this map feels like an old wound today.

(Image Credits: X-@IndiaHistorypic)

In 1942, Indians came together and made a clear message asking the Britishers to ‘Quit India’. With Gandhi launching his movements, the British police arrested several freedom fighters from that time, keeping them confined in a fort-like area.

(Image Credits: X-@IndiaHistoryPic)

The pride and joy of India, Milkha Singh, aka The Flying Sikh, made Indians’ hearts swell with happy faces as he made a national record in 1958 at the British Empire and Commonwealth Games, which earned him the gold medal.

(Image Credits: X-@HistoryInImages)

The division of the states and people between the two nations was not done in a day. With different ideologies that can influence the daily lives of people living on both sides, this image shows the frustration and work that had to be done.

(Image Credits: X-@HistoryInImages)

This picture belongs to Lieutenant Colonel Dr Arcot G Rangaraj, who led a medical mission to the Korean peninsula. Etching his name for commitment in history, he served as a medical officer in the Indian Army’s para battalion.

(Image Credits: Instagram- @thebetterindia)

Known as the ‘Daughter of the Hills’, she spent 14 years in Jail for India’s Independence and was just 16 years old when she was first arrested. Born in the Rongmei tribe, she was trained alongside Haipou Jadonang and fought bravely against the British.

(Image Credits: Instagram- @thebetterindia)