Sambhav-2025

Approach Begin by briefly introducing the Quit India Movement Explain that the Quit India Movement was strategically conceived. Describe the spontaneity and lack of coordination during the movement. Conclude Suitably.

Introduction

On 8 August 1942, during the All-India Congress Committee session in Bombay, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi initiated the 'Quit India' movement. The following day, Gandhi, Nehru, and several other leaders of the Indian National Congress were detained by the British authorities. In the days that followed, disorderly yet non-violent protests erupted across the country.

Body

Strategic Conception of the Movement:

• The movement was launched after the failure of the Cripps Mission, which had failed to offer sufficient autonomy to India during World War II.
• In July 1942, the Congress Working Committee met at Wardha and resolved that it would authorise Gandhi to take charge of the non-violent mass movement.
  • The resolution generally referred to as the ‘Quit India’ resolution.
• The Congress Working Committee approved the resolution, which marked a clear demand for British withdrawal and independence.
• Gandhi emphasized that the struggle should be people-driven, with mass participation across all sections of society, including peasants, workers, students, and women.
• Gandhi called for "Do or Die" to demand the immediate withdrawal of British rule.

Spontaneity and Lack of Coordination in Execution:

• The movement became spontaneous when the British government immediately arrested Gandhi, Nehru, and other INC leaders.
  • After Gandhi's arrest, local leaders like Aruna Asaf Ali in Delhi and Usha Mehta in Bombay led protests and underground radio broadcasts to keep the movement alive.
• The general public attacked symbols of authority and hoisted national flags forcibly on public buildings.
  • Satyagrahis offered themselves up to arrest, bridges were blown up, railway tracks were removed, and telegraph lines were cut.
• The absence of central leadership led to the lack of coordination among regional uprisings.
  • In Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, a parallel government was formed under Chittu Pandey, which declared independence from British rule.
• Left without leaders, there was no restraint and violence became common.
  • Main storm centres of the movement were in eastern United Provinces, Bihar, Midnapore, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.
• The British reaction to the spontaneous uprisings was harsh, with mass arrests and violent suppression. Agitating crowds were lathi-charged, tear-gassed, and fired upon. The number of those killed is estimated at 10,000.

Conclusion

The Quit India Movement, although strategically conceived, unfolded in a spontaneous and uncoordinated manner. Despite the challenges, the movement succeeded in mobilizing the masses and increasing nationalist fervor. It became a crucial chapter in India’s struggle for independence, contributing significantly to the weakening of British colonial rule and setting the stage for independence in 1947.