2 weeks ago

British official's 1947 orders: no 'God Save the King'

In 1947, India became a free country, and the first Independence Day was celebrated on August 15.

Government officials planned that special day very carefully.

Sir Ivon Hope Taunton, a British officer in the state of Bombay, gave the orders.

He said 'God Save the King,' the anthem of the British Empire, should not be played or sung on August 15.

He allowed 'Vande Mataram' to be played or sung if people wanted it.

Children in primary schools received sweets, and schools planted trees for the celebration.

The national flag had to be made of khaddar, a cloth that is spun and woven by hand.

A parade was held at 6 pm so it matched the events happening in Delhi at the same time.

There were fireworks, and Royal Indian Navy ships lit up the night with rockets and flares.

As India celebrates its 80th Independence Day, these old records show how the first one was planned.

Key facts

Event: India's first Independence Day celebration
Date: August 15, 1947
Key official: Sir Ivon Hope Taunton, chief secretary of Bombay State
Public holidays: August 15 and 16, 1947, declared by the Government of India
Sweets cost limit: No more than six annas per child
Flag material: Khaddar (hand-spun and hand-woven cloth)
Parade time: 6 pm in all districts, to coincide with events in Delhi
Last British Governor of Bombay: Sir John Colville, who relinquished the post on January 6, 1948

theprint.in · 2 weeks ago