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There were many historical movements in India’s freedom struggle that shook the foundations of British rule. Bharat Chhodo Andolan, also known as the Quit India Movement, was a significant movement launched in India during World War II on August 8, 1942. One of the most influential and decisive movements among these movements was the Quit India Movement also famous as Bharat Chhodo Andolan. It is also called the August Movement because it started in August 1942. Quit India Movement or Bharat Chhodo Andolan spread the wave of independence across the country and made it difficult for the British to stay in India.

Also Read: Mahatma Gandhi

Background of Quit India Movement

In the 1930s when the civil disobedience movement That is, when the Civil Disobedience Movement was going on, the feeling of independence had taken a deeper root in the Indians. Although this movement subsided for some time, during the Second World War (1939), when the British government threw India into the war without any consultation, a wave of discontent spread.

Congress opposed this and demanded that if India were being dragged into the war, then it should also be given independence after the war. But the British government ignored these demands. As a result of this, on 8 August 1942, British was forced to leave the country. The All India Congress Committee passed a resolution in Bombay (now Mumbai), and the Quit India Movement was announced.

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Quit India Movement Do or Die Slogan

Most famous thing about Quit India Movement was the historical slogan given by Mahatma Gandhi: Do or die” (Karo Ya Maro Ka Nara) to the Indian people during his speech at Gowalia Tank Maidan, which is now known as August Kranti Maidan. It gave a clear message to the people of India—now the time has come that either we should liberate India or sacrifice our lives for it.

Gandhi said in his speech, “I want one thing from you—that is freedom. We cannot have it if you do not join in the spirit of ‘do or die.’”

Note: This slogan spread like fire across the country, and every citizen became ready to join Quit India Movement.

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Beginning of Quit India Movement and Developments

As soon as Quit India Movement was announced, the British government arrested Gandhiji, Nehru, Sardar Patel, and other prominent leaders. This step was taken to stop the movement, but it had the opposite effect. The people spontaneously took to the streets.

Key Characteristics of Bharat Chhodo Andolan:

Here are the key characteristics of the Quit India Movement:

• Demand for Immediate Independence: Shift from gradual reforms to immediate withdrawal of the British from India.
• “Do or Die” Spirit: Mahatma Gandhi’s call for unwavering determination and sacrifice for freedom.
• Widespread Participation: Participation from various groups, including peasants, students, women, and landlords.
• Unprecedented Violence and Repression: Significant violence, including attacks on government buildings and police stations.
• Underground Activities: Leaders like Ram Manohar Lohia, J.P. Narayan, and Aruna Asaf Ali played crucial roles.
• Establishment of Parallel Governments: Parallel governments were established in areas like Ballia, Tamluk, and Satara.
• Shift to Decentralized Movement: Bharat Chhodo Andolan initially started in urban areas but quickly spread to countryside.
• Impact on British Policy: Bharat Chhodo Andolan influenced the British decision to leave India.
• Symbols of the British government were targeted.

Note: There was a lack of organized leadership in Quit India Movement (Bharat Chhodo Andolan) because most of the leaders were in jail. But the common people made Quit India Movement a mass movement.

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Quit India Movement and Participation of Women and Youth

Special thing about Quit India Movement was that the active participation of women and youth was seen in it. Aruna Asaf Ali, Usha Mehta, and Sucheta Kriplani were women who led a secret radio. Information was conveyed to the public. The secret radio ‘Congress Radio’ run by him defied British censorship and gave new energy to the Quit India Movement.

British Government Response to Quit India Movement

British government took harsh measures to crush Quit India Movementt:

• Mass arrests
• Firing and lathi charge
• Press censorship
• Restrictions and curfews
• More than 1 lakh people were arrested. This was done, and hundreds of people lost their lives. But even then, the enthusiasm of the people did not wane.

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Limitations and Criticisms of Quit India Movement

Although Quit India Movement shook the British rule, it had some limitations:

• Quit India Movement had no clear strategic leadership, as key leaders were in jail.
• Violence occurred at many places, which dealt a blow to Gandhiji’s policy of non-violence.
• The Muslim League and the Hindu Mahasabha did not support Quit India Movement.
• Nevertheless, Quit India Movement made it clear that India would no longer accept anything less than independence.

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Importance of Quit India Movement

Quit India Movement brought the Indian freedom struggle to a decisive turn. Its major effects are as follows:

• The legitimacy of British rule was questioned
• The British realized that they would not be able to stay in India for much longer.
• Quit India Movement strengthened the demand for India’s independence on the international stage
• The spirit of self-confidence and sacrifice for freedom grew stronger among Indians

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Quit India Movement and Road to Independence

Though India did not gain independence immediately in 1942, Quit India Movement proved to be the final nail in the coffin of British rule. The war ended in 1945, and British power weakened. India finally became independent on 15 August 1947.

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Conclusion

Bharat Chhodo Andolan was not just a movement; it was a flame that ignited the spark of freedom in the hearts of every Indian. Mahatma Gandhi’s Do or Die” slogan became a symbol of the Indian freedom struggle. Quit India Movement gave a new consciousness to the Indians and told the British Empire that now the people of India want nothing less than independence at any cost.

Quit India Movement FAQs

Q1. What was the Quit India Movement?

Quit India Movement, launched in 1942 by Mahatma Gandhi, was a mass protest demanding an end to British rule in India.

Q2. Why is it called the August Movement?

It is called the August Movement because it was officially launched on 8th August 1942 in Bombay during the All India Congress Committee session.

Q3. What was the slogan of Quit India Movement?

Quit India Movement slogan was “Do or Die” (Karo Ya Maro), given by Mahatma Gandhi to inspire Indians to fight for complete independence.

Q4. Who were the key leaders of Quit India Movement?

Key leaders included Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Aruna Asaf Ali, and Usha Mehta, among others.

Q5. What was the impact of Bharat Chhodo Andolan?

Though suppressed, it marked a turning point in India’s freedom struggle, showing mass unity and weakening British control irreversibly.