On 8th August 1942, India embarked on a momentous journey of rebellion against British colonization. The acclaimed leader of this movement, Mahatma Gandhi gave a pivotal call to his countrymen to expel the British rulers, initiating what came to be known as the Quit India Movement or August Kranti. This historic call was made at the All-India Congress Committee session held in Mumbai. “Do or Die” – this was the clarion call by Gandhi that reverberated across Gowalia Tank Maidan, now August Kranti Maidan.
Aruna Asaf Ali, fondly remembered as the ‘Grand Old Lady’ of the Independence Movement, took the lead in hoisting the Indian flag at Gowalia Tank Maidan during the Quit India Movement. The tagline ‘Quit India’ was the brainchild of Yusuf Meherally, a socialist, trade unionist, and former Mayor of Mumbai. Meherally also coined the slogan “Simon Go Back”.
The Making of the Movement: Causes and Reasons
The initial cause leading to the fruition of the Quit India Movement was the failure of the Cripps Mission. The mission was led by Stafford Cripps to negotiate a new constitution and
self-governance for India. Various factors led to its failure, including the offer of not full freedom but Dominion Status and potential partition of India.
An important trigger was India’s involvement in World War II without consulting Indian leaders. This, coupled with prevalent anti-British sentiment and desire for full independence among Indian masses, provided a fertile ground for the movement. Two decades of mass movements conducted by various associated bodies of the Congress had already prepared the nation for this monumental step.
Economic conditions further precipitated the fervour – World War II had rendered the economy weak, with significant shortages of essential commodities.
Demands and Phases of the Movement
The primary demand was the immediate end of British rule in India, and for Indians to cooperate against fascism in World War II. There was also a clamour for forming a provisional government following the British withdrawal.
The movement underwent three phases: The initial urban revolt featuring strikes, boycotts, and picketing; the shift of the focus to the countryside marked by a significant peasant rebellion, and the final phase which saw the formation of national or parallel governments in isolated pockets like Ballia, Tamluk, Satara etc.
Victories of the Movement and Prominent Leaders and Participants
The movement heralded the rise of future leaders such as Ram Manohar Lohia, J.P. Narayan, Aruna Asaf Ali, Biju Patnaik, and Sucheta Kriplani, who were involved in underground activities. Women too took an active part in the movement, setting up underground radio stations, and spreading awareness about it.
The Quit India Movement fostered an increased sense of unity and nationalism among the people. Even though the British refused to grant immediate independence, the movement paved the way to it by making India ungovernable due to the cost of World War II.
Setbacks of the Movement
The movement faced violent suppression by the British authorities, with arbitrary arrests, fines, and brutal violence. Lack of support from significant sections of society like the Muslim League, Communist Party of India, and the Hindu Mahasabha further weakened the movement. These groups did not favour British withdrawal without prior measures, feared internal disorder, or had political alliances that conflicted with the goals of the Quit India Movement. Politicians like Subhas Chandra Bose and C Rajagopalachari too had dissenting views and organized separate resistance against the British.