This nation was partitioned just prior to gaining its independence in 1947
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The nation that was partitioned just prior to gaining its independence in 1947 was India.

Explanation:

The division of India on 14/15 August 1947 led to the two independent states of India and Pakistan (later divided into Pakistan and Bangladesh), and was based on religion.

The division was realized in the Indian Independence Act of 1947 and led to the disappearance of the colony of British India. Because of the division, a refugee stream of more than 12 million people started and as a result several hundred thousand to one million people lost their lives. The division also split the state of Bengal into Eastern Pakistan (as part of the Dominion of Pakistan) and West Bengal (as part of India). The same happened with the state of Punjab. This was divided into Western Punjab (Pakistan) and Eastern Punjab (India).  

Both countries became officially independent on August 14, 1947. The ceremony of power transfer was already held in Karachi, the first capital of Pakistan, on August 14, 1947. A day later the ceremony was only held in Delhi.