The Quit India Movement of 1942: Key events include Gandhi's resolution for British withdrawal, mass participation, public response, government repression, and the impact on Indian independence efforts.
Quit India Movement: A Turning Point in the Struggle for Independence
Context and Initiation: Factors Leading to the Movement
Cripps Mission Failure: The failure to address the constitutional deadlock highlighted Britain’s unchanging stance on Indian constitutional advancement.
Popular Discontent: Rising prices, shortages of essentials, and fears of British scorched earth policies increased public discontent.
British Setbacks: News of British reverses in South-East Asia and the approach of Japanese troops heightened anti-British sentiments.
Racist British Behavior: The evacuation of Europeans over Indians and the defeat of a European power by an Asian power exposed British racism and weakened British prestige.
Leadership Strategy: The leadership aimed to prepare the masses for a possible Japanese invasion.
The 'Quit India' Resolution: Demanding Immediate Independence
Meeting Details: Congress Working Committee (CWC) met at Wardha on July 14, 1942, to authorize Gandhi for a non-violent mass movement.
Resolution Approval: The resolution was ratified by the All India Congress Committee at Gowalia Tank, Bombay, on August 8, 1942.
Key Resolutions:
Immediate end to British rule in India.
Commitment to defend against Fascism and imperialism.
Formation of a provisional Government of India post-British withdrawal.
Sanctioning of civil disobedience against British rule.
Leadership: Gandhi was named the leader of the struggle.
Gandhi’s Instructions: Guidelines for Action
Government Servants: Declared allegiance to Congress without resigning.
Soldiers: Avoid firing on compatriots.
Students: Leave studies if confident.
Peasants: Pay rent based on zamindar's stance.
Princes and Princely States: Support the masses and accept the sovereignty of the Indian nation.
Spread and Actions: A Nationwide Movement
Movement Launch: Major Congress leaders were arrested on August 9, 1942, leading to widespread public and militant activity.
Public Response: Attacks on symbols of authority, sabotage, strikes, and civil disobedience were prevalent.
Underground Activity: Nationalists including Usha Mehta and Rammanohar Lohia led underground operations to maintain morale and organization.
Parallel Governments: Symbols of Resistance
Ballia: Briefly established in August 1942 under Chittu Pandey.
Tamluk (Midnapore): Functioned from December 1942 to September 1944, providing relief and governance.
Satara: Operated from mid-1943 to 1945, implementing various social and administrative reforms.
Extent of Mass Participation: A Diverse Coalition
Youth and Students: Actively participated in protests and strikes.
Women: Involved prominently, including leaders like Aruna Asaf Ali and Sucheta Kripalani.
Workers and Peasants: Played a crucial role, with strikes and demonstrations.
Government Officials: Erosion of loyalty, with some participating in the movement.
Communists and Muslim League: Did not support the movement due to differing priorities and fears of minority oppression.
Princely States: Generally showed a low-key response.
Government Repression: Brutal Suppression of the Uprising
Measures: Severe actions including lathi charges, tear gas, and shootings.
Casualties and Muzzling: Estimated 10,000 killed; press censorship and heavy fines on rebellious villages.
Estimate and Impact: A Defining Moment
Violence and Spontaneity: Increased violence and spontaneity were noted due to leader absence.
Nationalism: The movement highlighted the deep-rooted nationalism and the growing unwillingness to accept British rule without Indian input.
Gandhi’s Fast: A Moral Challenge
February 1943: Gandhi undertook a fast in response to government violence.
Impact:
Raised public morale and anti-British sentiment.
Provided a platform for political activity.
Exposed government high-handedness.
Outcome: Gandhi's health and determination showed resilience against British repression.
Observations: Legacy of the Movement
Spontaneity: High level of spontaneous participation despite leadership's absence.
Nationalism: The movement highlighted the deep-rooted nationalism and the growing unwillingness to accept British rule without Indian input.
We use cookies to improve your experience on our website. By continuing to browse, you agree to our use of cookies. Please review our
Privacy Policy and
Terms of Use for more information.
Stay focused & Stay away from distractions
📚 *Ancient Indian History* is Available Now!
🔔 Upcoming Modules:
🎨 Art & Culture – 17 Mar
🌍 World History – 18 Mar
🕉 Spiritual Mysticism – 25 Mar
⚔️ Medieval Indian History – 03 Apr
🇮🇳 Modern Indian History – 13 Apr
🌏 Indian Geography – 21 May
🌍 Human Geography – 21 Jun
🌍 Physical Geography – 28 Jul
Don't wait! Strengthen your knowledge of Ancient Indian History now, and be fully prepared as we roll out the next exciting modules, one by one!
