Quit India Movement

The Quit India Movement (QIM) of 1942 was a transformative anti-colonial uprising led by Mahatma Gandhi, marked by the mantra "Do or Die". The immediate reasons for QIM included the failure of the Cripps Mission, economic hardships, and British setbacks in Southeast Asia. The movement, distinct from earlier peaceful protests, witnessed violent resistance, with leaders arrested and parallel governments established. Activities ranged from public violence to underground operations and strikes. Although not immediately achieving its goals, the movement showcased widespread nationalism, weakened British rule, and set the stage for future protests, contributing to India's eventual independence.

The Quit India Movement was fueled by several key factors. The failure of the Cripps Mission showed that British were reluctant to introduce constitutional reforms. Wartime hardships due to World War II, such as soaring prices, scarcity of goods, and heavy taxation, imposed an economic strain on Indians, fostering discontent. The British setback and evacuation in Southeast Asia damaged their prestige, amplifying grievances among the Indian population. Additionally, the looming threat of a Japanese invasion prompted Indian leaders to mobilize the masses. The intensifying momentum of nationalism, spearheaded by Gandhi and other leaders through Individual Satyagraha and Sabha movements, further fueled the drive for independence. The British support for the Muslim League's demand for Pakistan infuriated Indian nationalists, contributing to the growing discontent that eventually led to the Quit India Movement.

The Quit India Movement (QIM) was a pivotal anti-colonial struggle launched on August 8, 1942, during India's fight for independence. It is also known as the "August Kranti Movement," it emerged as the third wave of India's freedom struggle and marked a departure from the peaceful resistance of earlier movements. Led by Mahatma Gandhi, the movement sought the immediate end of British rule, leading to violent protests and the establishment of parallel governments.

• After the failure of Cripps Mission, The Wardha CWC(Congress Working Committee) Meeting of July 1942 authorized Gandhiji to lead a non-violent mass movement, known as the Quit India resolution.
• Then, in the AICC(All India Congress Committee) Meeting of Bombay on 8 Aug 1942, a resolution was passed which demanded:
  • Demanded an immediate end to British rule in India.
  • Declared the commitment of free India to defend itself against fascism and imperialism.
  • Planned the formation of a provisional Government of India after British withdrawal.
  • Sanctioned a civil disobedience movement against British rule.
• However, on August 9, 1942, the Top Congress leaders were arrested and taken to undisclosed locations and the CWC, the AICC, and the Provincial Congress Committees were declared unlawful associations by the British. This marked the beginning of the Quit India Movement.

• Violence and Public Outrage: Public engaged in violent acts, attacking symbols of authority.
• Underground Morale Maintenance: Underground activities by figures like Jayaprakash Narayan, Aruna Asaf Ali, Usha Mehta, Biju Patnaik to keep public morale high.
• Parallel Governments: Emergence of parallel governments in places like Balia (Chittu Pandey), Tamluk (Jatiya Sarkar & Vidyut Vahinis), Satara (Prati Sarkar), etc.
• Diverse Participation: Involvement of various sections, including youth, women, workers, peasants, tribals, and government employees.
• Leaderless Movement: Call for students to assume a major role and lead the movement in the absence of senior Congress leaders who were arrested.
• Disruption of Infrastructure: Organizing disruptions in physical transport infrastructure and tele-communications.
• Guerilla Bands (Azad Dastas) in Bihar: Formation of guerilla bands conducting raids on ammunition depots, treasuries, and government offices.
• Strikes and Clashes: Strikes in cities like Kanpur, Lucknow, Nagpur, and violent clashes with striking millworkers in Delhi.
• Naga Raj Movement: Rani Gaidinliu initiated the Naga Raj movement, rallying support from various Naga tribes against British control. In 1944, she was arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment.

• The Non-Cooperation Movement (NCM) of 1920-22 and the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) of 1930-34 were initially peaceful resistances to British rule. Their social base expanded gradually to include wider participation. In contrast, the Quit India Movement (QIM) was a massive uprising involving major sections of citizens right from the start, aiming to compel the British to leave India.
• Militant Slogan - 'Do or Die': The Quit India Movement was characterized by the militant mood of Gandhiji, exemplified by the slogan 'Do or Die.'
• QIM's Distinct Characteristics: While the Non-Cooperation Movement was urban-based, and the Civil Disobedience Movement was broader, the Quit India Movement stood out as the most violent and radical. It found support primarily among the poor and labor class, the segments most severely affected by wartime inflation.

• Demonstrated Depth of Nationalism: The Quit India Movement revealed the profound depth of nationalism, as loyalty to the government experienced significant erosion.
• Assertion of Indian Will: The movement established the truth that governing India without considering the wishes of its people was no longer feasible.
• Non-Negotiable Demand for Independence: It underscored that the demand for independence had become non-negotiable, and any future discussions with the British could only revolve around the manner of transferring power.
• Unparalleled Heroism and Militancy: Common people displayed unparalleled heroism and militancy during this struggle for independence.
• Emergence of Young Leaders: The movement gave rise to a new generation of leaders, including JP Narayan and Aruna Asaf Ali.
• Active Participation of Women: Women played an active role in the movement and contributed to nation-building, exemplified by figures like Usha Mehta and Aruna Asaf Ali.

• Consolidation of Muslim League: The Quit India Movement led to the consolidation of the Muslim League. By supporting the British in their war efforts, the League drew closer to the British and gained a significant position in Indian constitutional politics.
• Communalization of Indian Politics: The movement contributed to the communalization of Indian politics, with both the Muslim League and Hindu Mahasabha playing divisive roles.
• Human Cost of British Policies: The policies of the British during the movement resulted in the death of several people, highlighting the human cost of their actions.
• Opposition from Various Quarters: The movement faced opposition from multiple quarters, including the Communist Party of India (CPI), the Muslim League, and the Hindu Mahasabha.

The Quit India Movement stands as a pivotal for Indian Independence movement. It represented an irreversible shift towards the demand for independence, altering the dynamics of political negotiations with the British and laying the foundation for India's eventual freedom. While its immediate objectives weren't instantly realized, the movement played a crucial role in eroding the strength of British rule. Its impact resonated in subsequent protests, notably during the INA Trials, solidifying its significance in the larger narrative of India's struggle for independence.