Quit India Movement

Quit India Movement – A detailed description

The Quit India Movement was an important phase of the Indian independence struggle , which was launched by Mahatma Gandhi on 8 August 1942 in Mumbai. Gwalia Tank Ground (today’s August Kranti Maidan) It was started from ‘ August Revolution ‘ It is also called the British movement. The main objective of this movement was to end the British rule from India.

The main reasons for the movement

1. World War II ( 1939–1945):
   • The British government involved India in the Second World War without the consent of Indians.
   • Indian leaders were unhappy with this decision and protested.
2. Failure of the Cripps Mission ( 1942):
   • The British government promised independence to India , but it was full of conditions , which were rejected by the Indian leaders.
3. Repressive policies of the British Government:
   • The British government discriminated against Indians and rejected their demands for independence.
4. Patriotic feeling and urgent demand for independence:
   • 1857 and other movements awakened national consciousness among the Indian people.
   • Gandhiji felt that the British government would not liberate India immediately , so he decided to start a big movement.

Gandhiji’s slogan and the beginning of the movement

In his historic speech at the All India Congress Committee meeting on 8 August 1942, Gandhiji said: Gave the slogan of ” Do or Die ” . After this, a mass movement broke out against the British rule in the whole country.

Major events of the movement

1. Arrest of Gandhiji and other leaders ( 9 August 1942)
   • The very next day of the movement, the British arrested all the major leaders of Congress including Gandhiji , Jawaharlal Nehru , Sardar Patel , Maulana Azad.
   • Gandhiji was placed under house arrest at Aga Khan Palace in Pune.
2. violent public demonstration
   • The arrest of the leaders enraged the public and protests took place across the country.
   • Railway lines were uprooted , post offices and government buildings were attacked.
   • Parallel governments were also formed in some places (like Satara , Ballia and Midnapore).
3. Strict action by British government
   • To crush the movement, the British government launched a massive repression.
   • Thousands of people were arrested , hundreds were shot and the army was deployed in many places.
4. Secret revolutionary activities
   • Many revolutionary organisations began working underground.
   • Jayaprakash Narayan , Ram Manohar Lohia and Aruna Asaf Ali continued to lead the movement secretly.

Impact of the movement

1. The British government realized the power of Indians.
2. This movement became the signal of the final struggle for Indian Independence.
3. 1946 , the British government had to send the Cabinet Mission and India got independence on 15 August 1947 .

conclusion The Quit India Movement was the most important and decisive movement of the Indian freedom struggle. It gave a clear signal to the British rule that Indians now want freedom at any cost. This movement under the leadership of Gandhiji proved to be the final struggle that led India to independence.

The Main Reasons For The Movement

Main reasons of Quit India Movement (Detailed description)

Quit India Movement was the biggest and decisive mass movement against the British rule in 1942. There were many important reasons behind it , which mainly included the Second World War , the repressive policies of the British government , the growing desire for independence among Indians and the failure of the Cripps Mission. Let us understand these reasons in detail.

1. World War II and India’s involuntary participation ( 1939-1945)

• involved India in the Second World War ( 1939) without its consent.
• Indian leaders and people strongly objected to this decision , because it was against their wishes.
• During the war the British Government withdrew from India Resources , Money and Soldiers , which affected the Indian economy.
• Mahatma Gandhi and the Congress initially laid down the condition for supporting the British government that India should be granted independence after the war , but the British rejected it.

 This increased discontent among Indians and they intensified their demand for independence from British rule.

2. Failure of Cripps Mission ( 1942)

• In March 1942, the British government, in order to gain the support of the Indians, Sir Stafford Cripps was sent to India.
• The Cripps Mission gave India ‘ Dominion Status ‘ after the war But it was not complete freedom .
• Indian leaders found the proposal unacceptable because:
  • This constituted the power of the British government She was going to stay.
  • India’s independence was not being granted immediately.
  • There was a possibility of partition of India.
• Congress and Gandhiji called it a hoax and rejected it.

 The failure of the Cripps Mission increased anger among the Indians and intensified the struggle against the British government.

3. Oppressive policies of the British government

• of the British ‘ Divide and Rule ‘ The policy served to divide Indians.
• Some provincial autonomy was granted under the Government of India Act of 1935 , but real power remained with the British governor.
• During the war, the British government imposed heavy taxes on Indian industries and farmers.
• Indians were not given higher positions in the administration , which increased discontent among educated Indians.

 These policies of the British made Indians realize that without independence they can never do any good for their country.

4. Growing sense of independence among Indians

• After the freedom struggle of 1857 , the feeling of nationalism was continuously increasing among the Indian people.
• under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi Non-cooperation Movement ( 1920) and Civil Disobedience Movement ( 1930) Raised consciousness among the people against British rule.
• of Subhash Chandra Bose Indian National Army ( INA) was also fighting a military struggle against the British rule , which further strengthened the feeling of independence among the people.

 Indians were now convinced that there was no benefit in compromising with the British rule and instead they would have to fight for complete independence.

5. Adverse effects of British rule on Indian economy

• The British government had ruined Indian industries and trade.
• During World War II Heavy taxes , food crisis and unemployment further worsened the economic condition of Indians.
• came to Bengal in 1943 Great famine Lakhs of people were killed , but the British government did not take any concrete steps.

 Economic hardship and poverty made the Indian people more furious against the British government.

6. Non-violent struggle of Congress and Gandhiji

• Congress demanded independence from the British government several times , but the British ignored it.
• Gandhiji was convinced that now there was only one mass movement Only he can force the British to leave India.
• So on 8 August 1942 he ” Do or Die “ By giving this slogan he started the final struggle against the British government.

conclusion

The Quit India Movement was a result of several major reasons , including India’s forced participation in the Second World War , the repressive policies of the British government , the failure of the Cripps Mission , the growing feeling of independence among Indians and the economic crisis. All these reasons united the Indian people and they fought together to overthrow the British rule.

” Quit India” movement made the British government realize that their rule over India could not last much longer , and finally India gained independence on 15 August 1947 .

Gandhiji’s Slogan and The Beginning of The Movement

Gandhiji’s slogan and the beginning of the movement (detailed description)

Background of Quit India Movement

The Quit India Movement was an important chapter of the Indian independence struggle , which was launched by Mahatma Gandhi on 8 August 1942 in Mumbai. Gwalia Tank Ground (August Kranti Ground) This movement proved to be the last mass struggle against the British rule and laid the foundation for India’s independence.

Gandhiji’s historical slogan – “Do or Die “

• On 8 August 1942 , the All India Congress Committee ( AICC) met Gwalia Tank Ground , Mumbai happened in.
• In this meeting, Mahatma Gandhi gave a direct message to the British government in his powerful speech that now Indians should The British must be thrown out of the country at all costs.
• He called upon the people to either achieve independence or sacrifice their lives for it.
• Gandhiji clearly said –

” We will fight for freedom , even if we have to sacrifice our lives for it. We cannot live in slavery. Now there is only one mantra – ‘ Do or Die ‘ .”

 This slogan ignited the flames of revolution in the entire country. People jumped into the movement with full force.

Beginning of the movement – 8 and 9 August 1942

1. Declaration of movement by Congress ( 8 August 1942)

• In this meeting held in Mumbai Pandit Nehru , Sardar Patel , Maulana Azad , Rajendra Prasad , Acharya Kripalani Like all the big leaders participated.
• Gandhiji clearly stated that the time has come to Indians should fight till the end for their rights.
• The Congress supported this movement Unanimous support did it and it ‘ Quit India Movement’ was declared as .
• Gandhiji told the people that they Follow the path of non-violence, stop cooperating with the British government and be ready to make sacrifices for the establishment of Swaraj.

 The British government knew that if this movement was not stopped then it would prove fatal for them.

2. Arrest of Gandhiji and other leaders ( 9 August 1942)

• As soon as the movement was announced, the British government became active.
• 9 August 1942 , Gandhiji , Nehru , Patel , Maulana Azad and other major leaders were arrested.
• Gandhiji was placed under house arrest in ‘ Aga Khan Palace ‘ in Pune.
• The Congress Party was declared outlawed and the British government adopted a repressive policy to crush the movement.

 But the public did not give up and a movement broke out across the country without any leadership.

3. Spread of the movement throughout the country

After Gandhiji’s slogan and the arrest of the leaders the movement spread throughout the country.

• The public Railway stations , post offices , government buildings But attacks were made.
• The students Boycott of schools and colleges and held anti-British demonstrations.
• many places Parallel governments to overthrow the British administration were made , such as:
  • Satara (Maharashtra) In 1844 Nana Patil established a parallel government.
  • Ballia (Uttar Pradesh) In 1756, Chittu Pandey drove out the British officers.
  • Midnapore (Bengal) A parallel government was also formed in .

 To suppress the movement, the British government took the help of police and army and committed massive atrocities on the people.

conclusion The Quit India Movement started on 8 August 1942 with Gandhiji’s “Do or Die” slogan. After this, despite the arrest of Gandhiji and other leaders on 9 August, the people continued the struggle against British rule. This movement proved to be the last phase of India’s independence and India got independence on 15 August 1947 .

Major Events of The Movement

Major events of Quit India Movement (Detailed description)

Quit India Movement was the biggest and decisive movement of the Indian freedom struggle , which started on 8 August 1942. This movement led to revolutionary events across the country. Here we will understand the major events of this movement in detail.

1. Meeting of the All India Congress Committee ( 8 August 1942)

• place: Gwalia Tank Maidan , Mumbai (now August Kranti Maidan)
• Leadership: Mahatma Gandhi
• Announcement:
  • In this meeting the Congress declared a decisive struggle against British rule.
  • Gandhiji gave his famous slogan ” Do or Die “ Gave.
  • The Congress has ‘ Quit India Movement ‘ and asked the British government to leave India immediately.

 This meeting ignited the spark of revolution in the entire country.

2. Arrest of Gandhiji and other leaders ( 9 August 1942)

• The British government reacted immediately and on August 9 itself , arrested all the major leaders of the Congress including Mahatma Gandhi , Pandit Nehru , Sardar Patel , Maulana Azad , Rajendra Prasad , Acharya Kripalani , Sucheta Kripalani , Aruna Asaf Ali.
• Gandhiji was placed under house arrest in ‘ Aga Khan Palace ‘ in Pune.
• Nehru and Patel were imprisoned in the Ahmednagar Fort.
• to the Congress party Outlawed and the government took harsh measures to crush the movement.

 The arrest of the leaders further aggravated the movement , and the people themselves started leading the movement.

3. Fierce opposition of the masses and revolutionary activities (August 1942 – 1943)

( i ) Attack on railways and communication services

• The youth and students Railway stations , post offices and telegraph offices But attacks were made.
• in various Railway lines were uprooted so that the British government’s communication system would come to a halt.
• Patna , Varanasi , Allahabad , Bombay , Delhi , Calcutta There were widespread protests in other cities.

(ii) Establishment of parallel governments

In the absence of leaders, the public protested in many places Tried to overthrow British rule and set up parallel governments , such as:

• Satara (Maharashtra): Nana Patil formed the “Prati Sarkar”.
• Ballia (Uttar Pradesh): Chittu Pandey drove away the British officers.
• Tamluk (Bengal): The local people established independent administration.
• Midnapore (Bengal): The British officials were removed and their own administration was started.

 These events made the British government realise that the people now wanted nothing less than independence at any cost.

4. Repressive action of the British Government ( 1942-1944)

• To suppress the movement the British Government severe repression Did.
• Police and army attacked the protesters shoot straight ordered.
• More than 10,000 agitators were killed and thousands were imprisoned.
• Lakhs of people were arrested and curfew was imposed in many places.
• Women and children were also tortured , which made the movement more violent.

 But the people did not give up and the movement continued for many years.

5. Underground movement and revolutionary activities

• Many leaders conducting a covert movement started doing things like:
  • Jayaprakash Narayan and Ram Manohar Lohia He went underground and continued his struggle against the British government.
  • Achyut Patwardhan And Aruna Asaf Ali As if the leaders continued to awaken the people secretly.
  • Subhash Chandra Bose By forming ‘ Azad Hind Fauj ‘ he put pressure on the British government from outside.

 The secret movements constantly troubled the British Government and strengthened the freedom struggle.

6. The terrible famine of 1943 in Bengal

• 1943 there was a severe famine in Bengal , in which about 30 lakh people were killed.
• The British government did not provide any help in this crisis , which further fuelled the people’s anger.
• The agitators saw this as a failure of the British government and intensified their struggle for independence.

 This famine exposed the insensitivity of the British rule and made people more active in the freedom struggle.

7. Impact of Quit India Movement ( 1945-1947)

( i ) End of the Second World War ( 1945)

• 1945 and the British government found it difficult to maintain its rule in India.
• The people of Britain also started supporting Indian independence.

(ii) Acceptance of the struggle of Indians

• The British government realised that it was now impossible to rule India.
• 1946 the British Government Cabinet Mission Sent to India , which began the process of India’s independence.

(iii) Independence of India ( 15 August 1947)

• 1947 , Lord Mountbatten was made the last Viceroy of India.
• After discussions with Indian leaders, he India declared independence on 15 August 1947 .

 The Quit India Movement shook the foundations of British rule and paved the way for independence.

conclusion

The Quit India Movement was the most important and decisive phase of the Indian independence struggle.

• 8 August 1942 to Gandhiji’s ” Do or Die “ The movement started with the slogan.
• Arrest of Gandhiji and other leaders on 9 August Despite this the movement spread throughout the country.
• The public Attacked railway stations , government buildings , post offices and formed parallel governments.
• To suppress the movement, the British Government severe repression But the spirit of the Indians did not weaken .
• This movement forced the British Government to Made plans to liberate India.
• Ultimately India gained independence on 15 August 1947 .

This movement was a symbol of strength , courage and desire for freedom of Indians , which played a vital role in overthrowing the British rule.

Impact of Quit India Movement

Impact of Quit India Movement (Detailed Description)

Quit India Movement ( 1942) proved to be a turning point in the Indian freedom struggle. This movement not only shook the British government but also laid the foundation for political and social change in India. Effects of this movement Immediate ( Short-term) and Long-term ( Long-term) Can be seen in the form of .

1. Short-term Impact

( i ) A revolutionary atmosphere was created in the entire country

• Gandhiji’s ” Do or Die “ The slogan filled the countrymen with enthusiasm to attain independence.
• Of India Every section – students , labourers , farmers , women , businessmen – all joined the movement.
• The British Government tried to suppress it Repressive policies But the enthusiasm of the movement did not wane .

(ii) Strict action and repression by the British Government

• 9 August 1942 , all the major leaders of Congress including Gandhiji were arrested.
• The British Government imposed on the people Shootings , arrests , floggings , confiscation of property Like took strict action.
• In this oppression More than 10,000 people were killed , thousands were injured and millions were imprisoned.

(iii) Formation of parallel governments

• During the movement, people in many places overthrew the British rule and Parallel governments installed , such as:
  • Ballia (Uttar Pradesh): The British officers under the leadership of Chittu Pandey were driven away.
  • Satara (Maharashtra): ‘ Prati Sarkar ‘ was formed under the leadership of Nana Patil .
  • Midnapore (Bengal): An independent administration was established.
• These events proved that the Indian people were no longer ready to accept British rule.

(iv) Expansion of the underground movement

• Many leaders conducting a covert movement started doing things like:
  • Jayaprakash Narayan and Ram Manohar Lohia continued revolutionary activities secretly.
  • Aruna Asaf Ali Fought against British rule by remaining underground.
  • usha mehta Established a secret radio station and conveyed the message to the public.
• These secret activities became a big challenge for the British government.

(v) Second World War and the weakness of the British Government

• 1939-1945) was going on at the time of the Quit India Movement .
• Britain had already been weakened by the war , and found it difficult to maintain its rule in India.
• Due to this the British government realized that it was no longer possible to rule India.

2. Long-term Impact

( i ) Forced the British government to transfer power

• The Quit India Movement made it clear that now the British Government I will have to leave India.
• When the Second World War ended in 1945 , the British government had to consider independence.
• In 1946 Cabinet Mission Plan Was sent to India , which began the process of India’s independence.

(ii) The political consciousness of Indians increased

• Due to this movement, Indians The consciousness of independence became stronger.
• People in every corner of India are now Was ready to fight for freedom.
• The support base of the Congress grew stronger and it became impossible for the British government to ignore the demands of the Indians.

(iii) British influence in Indian administration weakened

• The administrative weakness of the British rule was exposed during the movement.
• The British officials realized that it was no longer possible to rule India.
• The British government started increasing the number of Indians in the Indian Administrative Services ( IAS, IPS) .

(iv) The loyalty of Indians in the British army weakened

• During the Quit India Movement, Indian soldiers serving in the British Army also got inspiration for the freedom struggle.
• Indian National Army ( INA) Due to this the inclination of Indian soldiers increased towards the freedom struggle.
• In 1946 , the Royal Indian Navy Mutiny occurred , in which Indian sailors revolted against British rule.

(v) Inspired Subhash Chandra Bose and Azad Hind Fauj

• During the movement Subhash Chandra Bose went out of India ‘ Azad Hind Fauj ‘ Led by.
• With the help of Japan and Germany, he Tried to overthrow the British rule.
• Inspired by the Quit India Movement The INA fought against the British in 1944 .

(vi) The path to India’s independence was paved

• After the Quit India Movement, it became clear to the British government that now India would have to be granted independence.
• 1947 , Lord Mountbatten was made the last Viceroy of India.
• After discussions with Indian leaders, he India declared independence on 15 August 1947 .

3. Global Impact

( i ) Inspired the freedom struggle of other countries

• Reasons for Quit India Movement many countries in Asia and Africa found inspiration in the freedom movement.
• After the independence of India Indonesia , Sri Lanka , Myanmar , Kenya , Nigeria Countries like these also intensified their independence struggle.

(ii) The decline of the British Empire began

• India was the most important colony of the British Empire.
• After the Quit India Movement, Britain realized that its empire was now weakening.
• After this, Britain gradually started giving independence to its other colonies also.

conclusion

Quit India Movement was a part of Indian Independence Movement The most important and decisive movement Was.

• It has Shook the British rule and paved the way for independence.
• After the movement The British government realized that it was impossible to rule India for long.
• for the independence of India The Cabinet Mission came , the naval revolt took place , and finally India became independent on 15 August 1947 .

The Quit India Movement proved that India would no longer accept anything less than independence at any cost.

Reference

Bipan Chandra. India’s Struggle for Independence (1857–1947). Penguin Books, 1988.

Sumit Sarkar. Modern India: 1885–1947. Macmillan, 1983.

Sekhar Bandyopadhyay. From Plassey to Partition and After: A History of Modern India. Orient BlackSwan, 2015.

R. C. Majumdar. History of the Freedom Movement in India. Firma KLM, 1962.