Book excerpt: India's declaration of independance on 15 August 1947 was a momentous occasion. For the British, who had ruled there for over 200 years, it was the start of a process to discard its world empire. This text explores, through the voices and memories of both the British and Indians, the drama and tensions of the years leading up to, and following, Independance. The text combines historical narrative with these interviews and presents a social history and an insight into a significant period in British history.