The last British troops officially left India on August 15, 1947, marking the end of British colonial rule and the establishment of India as an independent nation. This event followed a long struggle for independence, primarily led by figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. The departure of British forces was a significant turning point in Indian history, leading to the partition of India and Pakistan. The process was marked by communal violence and massive migrations as populations moved across borders, fundamentally altering the social and political landscape of the region.