India’s journey to independence is studded with numerous important events and the August Kranti is undoubtedly one of them. This article sheds light on the momentous event, the 77th anniversary of which was observed on August 8, 2019.
The Quit India Movement
On August 8, 1942, also known as the August Kranti Day, Mahatma Gandhi initiated the Quit India Movement from the platform of the All-India Congress Committee in Mumbai. This historical movement started from Gawalia Tank Maidan, which is now popularly known as the August Kranti Maidan. Following the failure of the Cripps Mission, Gandhi delivered his iconic “Do or Die” speech at this location, calling for an end to British rule.
Held captive at the Aga Khan Palace in Pune along with many other leaders, Gandhi’s arrest created a leadership vacuum, from which arose new leaders like Aruna Asaf Ali.
British Resistance and Indian Rebellion
The Britishers, viewing the Indian National Congress (INC) as an unlawful association, arrested over 100,000 people and resorted to violence to crush the agitation. However, even in the absence of central leadership, the spirit of the movement didn’t falter and instances of violence against the oppressors were reported across the country.
The Muslim League, the Communist Party of India, and the Hindu Mahasabha did not support the movement due to their own political motivations. Subhas Chandra Bose, in the meantime, organized the Indian National Army and the Azad Hind government from outside the country.
Demonstrations and strikes were commonplace during this time, with factory workers displaying their support by boycotting work. Parallel governments also arose in several places including Ballia, Tamluk, and Satara.
Women’s Role in the August Kranti Din
Women actively participated in the Quit India Movement, with leaders like Usha Mehta setting up underground radio stations to spread the movement’s message. Aruna Asaf Ali, fondly remembered as the ‘Grand Old Lady’ of the Independence Movement, is known for her instrumental role during this period, most notably for hoisting the Indian flag at the Gowalia Tank Maidan in Mumbai.
The Impact of World War II and the Cripps Mission
Table:
| Cripps Mission Proposal | Implication |
|---|---|
| Establishment of an Indian Union with dominion status | Freedom to decide its relations with the Commonwealth and participation in international bodies |
| Convening of a constituent assembly after the war | New constitution formulation by members partly elected by provincial assemblies and partly nominated by princes |
| Provision for provinces unwilling to accept the constitution | Granting of full status equivalent to the Indian Union |
| Negotiation of a treaty between the constitution-making body and the British Government | Transfer of power and safeguarding of racial and religious minorities |
Resistance to the Cripps Mission
Despite the offers made by the Cripps Mission led by Stafford Cripps, the Indian National Congress was dissatisfied due to the rejection of their demand for immediate complete independence. Mahatma Gandhi famously referred to Cripps’ offer of Dominion Status after the war as a “post-dated cheque drawn on a failing bank”.
The Quit India Movement, although crushed by the British in 1944, signified that India was becoming increasingly ungovernable. The cost of World War II led the British to realize this, which eventually resulted in India attaining independence three years later.
