Quit India Movement MCQs Quiz | Class 10

Understanding the Quit India Movement (1942)

The Quit India Movement, launched in August 1942, was a watershed moment in India’s struggle for independence. It was a civil disobedience movement called by Mahatma Gandhi at the Bombay session of the All-India Congress Committee, demanding an end to British rule in India.

Context and Causes:

• World War II: Britain’s involvement in WWII and its unilateral decision to drag India into the war without consulting Indian leaders created widespread resentment.
• Failure of Cripps Mission (March 1942): The Cripps Mission failed to offer a concrete plan for Indian self-government, leading to frustration and a feeling that Britain was not serious about Indian independence.
• Threat of Japanese Invasion: The proximity of Japanese forces to India’s borders fueled fears and a desire among Indians to be free from British rule before any potential invasion.
• Gandhi’s Call: Mahatma Gandhi called for complete independence and famously gave the “Do or Die” (Karo ya Maro) call to the nation.

The 1942 Movement: Key Aspects

The movement was unique due to its spontaneous and leaderless nature following the immediate arrest of all major Congress leaders (Gandhi, Nehru, Patel, etc.) in what was known as ‘Operation Zero Hour’ on August 9, 1942.

• Mass Participation: It became a truly mass movement, drawing participation from students, peasants, workers, women, and even some government officials.
• Widespread Protests: Protests erupted across the country, involving hartals, demonstrations, and processions. People attacked government symbols like railway stations, post offices, and police stations.
• Underground Activities: With leaders jailed, several underground movements emerged. Usha Mehta famously operated the ‘Congress Radio’ from various secret locations, broadcasting messages and news to the public.
• Parallel Governments: In places like Ballia (Uttar Pradesh), Tamluk (Bengal), and Satara (Maharashtra), parallel governments were established, demonstrating local autonomy and resistance.

Government Repression:

The British government responded with unprecedented force and repression to quell the movement.

• Mass Arrests: Tens of thousands of leaders and activists were arrested across the country.
• Brutal Force: Police and military resorted to lathi charges, firing, and aerial bombardment (in some areas). Villages suspected of supporting the movement were bombed.
• Fines and Collective Punishments: Heavy fines were imposed on villages and individuals. Collective fines were levied on entire communities.
• Press Censorship: The press was heavily censored, and many newspapers stopped publishing in protest.
• Casualties: Thousands were killed and injured, though official figures were often underreported.

Despite the severe repression, the Quit India Movement profoundly demonstrated the Indian people’s unwavering resolve for self-rule. It signaled to the British that their time in India was limited and significantly contributed to the eventual transfer of power.

Quick Revision Checklist:

• When: August 1942
• Slogan: “Do or Die” (Mahatma Gandhi)
• Cause: Failure of Cripps Mission, WWII frustration
• Nature: Spontaneous, leaderless mass uprising
• Key Figures (initially): Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (all arrested early)
• Underground Activities: Congress Radio (Usha Mehta)
• Repression: Mass arrests, brutal force, censorship
• Outcome: Signified India’s firm demand for independence, paved the way for negotiations post-WWII.

Practice Questions:

1. Which of the following events immediately preceded the launch of the Quit India Movement?
2. Name the Viceroy of India during the Quit India Movement.
3. What were the two main forms of resistance observed during the movement after the leaders were arrested?
4. Explain the significance of the slogan “Do or Die”.
5. Mention any two places where parallel governments were formed during the Quit India Movement.