On August 8th, 2020, India marked the completion of 78 years since the Quit India Movement, also known as August Kranti. Drawing from the spirit of the Quit India Movement, the Prime Minister urged the revival of this spirit with a new slogan – “karenge aur karake rahenge” as opposed to Gandhi’s “karo ya maro” (Do or Die). This new chant aims to inspire the creation of a “New India” by 2022.
About the Quit India Movement
The Quit India Movement was initiated on August 8th, 1942, when Mahatma Gandhi called for an end to British rule and launched the move at an All-India Congress Committee session in Mumbai. His rallying cry, “Do or Die,” was delivered at Gowalia Tank Maidan, now known as August Kranti Maidan. Key figures of the movement included Aruna Asaf Ali, who hoisted the Indian flag at the Maidan, and Yusuf Meherally who coined the slogan “Quit India.”
Causes of the Movement
The collapse of the Cripps Mission served as the immediate catalyst for the movement. The British expectation of unconditional support from India during World War II was rejected by the Indian National Congress. Anti-British sentiments and the call for complete independence resonated amongst the masses. Mass movements led by groups like the All India Kisan Sabha and Forward Bloc had already set the stage for the Quit India Movement.
Demands and Phases of the Movement
The primary demand of the Quit India Movement was to immediately end British rule in India in exchange for Indian cooperation during World War II against fascism. The movement occurred in three phases, beginning with urban revolt characterized by strikes and picketing, quickly followed by a shift towards rural rebellion. This was marked by the destruction of communication systems and attacks on colonial authority symbols. The final phase saw the formation of national or parallel governments in isolated pockets like Ballia, Tamluk, and Satara.
Underground activities were undertaken by future leaders like Ram Manohar Lohia, J.P. Narayan, and Aruna Asaf Ali. Women also played a significant role in the movement with female leaders like Usha Mehta setting up underground radio stations.
Several political factions, including Muslim League, Communist Party of India, and Hindu Mahasabha, did not support the movement due to various reasons. Subhas Chandra Bose, however, organized the Indian National Army and Azad Hind government from outside the country.
Cripps Mission
The Cripps Mission was sent to India In March 1942 by British Prime Minister Winston Churchill to negotiate a new constitution and self-government. But the Indian National Congress rejected Cripps’ offer of Dominion Status after the war, as their demand for immediate full independence was not met.
Outcomes
The Quit India Movement was brutally suppressed by the British, resulting in widespread violence. Over 100,000 people were arrested, and many regions faced extreme punitive measures. Despite this, it led to the important realization that long-term governance of India was untenable, primarily due to the fiscal pressure exerted by World War II. This marked a turning point in political negotiations with the British, ultimately paving the way for India’s independence.
