0Quit India Movement (1942)
Introduction
The Quit India Movement of August 1942 marked a decisive turning point in the Indian freedom struggle. Launched during World War II, it represented the Indian people’s boldest and most unified demand for immediate independence. The movement was mass-based, spontaneous, and uncompromising, shaking the foundations of British colonial rule.
Background
1. Impact of World War II
In 1939, Britain unilaterally included India in World War II without consulting Indian leaders. This angered the Congress and deepened the demand for complete freedom. As a protest, all Congress ministries resigned in 1939.
2. Failure of the Cripps Mission (1942)
The British sent the Cripps Mission to gain Indian cooperation for the war. But the proposals only promised “Dominion Status” after the war and allowed provinces to opt out. Gandhi called it “a post-dated cheque on a failing bank.” Its failure made confrontation inevitable.
3. Increased public discontent
Due to wartime hardships—price rise, inflation, food shortages, military recruitment and repressive laws—public dissatisfaction against the British was at its peak.
Launch of the Movement
On 8 August 1942, at the Bombay session of the All India Congress Committee (AICC), Gandhi delivered the historic call:
“Do or Die”
The Congress demanded that the British leave India immediately so that Indians could manage their own affairs during wartime.
Top leadership
- Mahatma Gandhi
- Jawaharlal Nehru
- Sardar Patel
- Maulana Azad
- Subleaders: Jayaprakash Narayan, Aruna Asaf Ali, Ram Manohar Lohia (who later led the underground movement)
Within hours, the British arrested all top leaders, hoping the movement would collapse. Instead, it became a massive spontaneous uprising.
Nature and Spread of the Movement
1. Mass uprising
People across cities, towns and villages rose against British authority.
Attacks were directed at:
- Police stations
- Railway tracks and stations
- Post and telegraph offices
- Government buildings
The goal was to cripple British communication and administration.
2. Underground activities
With major leaders imprisoned, underground networks emerged.
Jayaprakash Narayan, Lohia, Usha Mehta and Aruna Asaf Ali:
- Ran secret radio stations
- Distributed pamphlets
- Held clandestine meetings
- Coordinated protests across provinces
The Congress Radio run by Usha Mehta was particularly influential.
3. Participation of youth and students
Students boycotted schools and colleges, joined protests, and helped underground leaders with shelter, money, and communication.
4. Rural revolts
The movement gained extraordinary momentum in rural areas:
- Ballia (U.P.): Chittu Pandey established a “National Government” for a few days.
- Satara (Maharashtra): A “Prati Sarkar” led by Nana Patil operated as a parallel government.
- Midnapore (Bengal): Villages expelled colonial officials and set up local committees.
British Repression
The government used unprecedented violence:
- Over 100,000 arrests
- Public floggings, firing, and torture
- Collective fines on villages
- Press censorship
- Use of Army and RAF in several places
Despite severe repression, the movement continued underground until 1944.
Significance of the Movement
1. Loss of British legitimacy
Quit India made it clear that British rule in India rested on force, not consent. The Empire realized that continuing colonial rule would require indefinite military repression.
2. Highest level of mass participation
Women, peasants, workers, students, tribals—all participated. No earlier movement had such a broad social base.
3. Emergence of parallel governments
These “national governments” proved that Indians could run their own administration and had rejected British authority at the grassroots.
4. Impact on British politics
After the war, the Labour Party came to power in Britain. Influenced by the cost and unpopularity of suppressing Indian nationalism, it accelerated the process of granting independence.
5. Paved the path to Independence
Though the movement did not immediately succeed, it convinced the British that Indian independence was unavoidable. The Cabinet Mission of 1946 and independence in 1947 were shaped by the pressures created in 1942.
Criticisms
- The movement was launched without adequate planning.
- Violence erupted at many places, contrary to Gandhian principles.
- Major political groups like the Muslim League, Hindu Mahasabha, and Communist Party did not support it.
- Some argued it weakened India’s defense during wartime.
Conclusion
The Quit India Movement was the final mass struggle that decisively undermined British authority in India. It demonstrated the maturity, unity, and determination of the Indian people to achieve complete independence. Though brutally suppressed, its moral and political impact made British withdrawal inevitable. It remains one of the most powerful chapters in India’s freedom struggle.
