India’s freedom struggle got a new direction when Mahatma Gandhiji launched the Quit India Movement on August 8, 1942 at the Bombay session of the All-India Congress Committee (AICC).
Desperate for India’s support in the World War II, the British Government had promised to give India self-rule. But the Cripps Mission, led by Sir Stafford Cripps, offered only a dominion status and also made provisions for the Partition of India. These terms were not acceptable to the AICC.
So, in a public speech, from Gowalia Tank in Mumbai, Gandhiji gave his famous call for the British to “Quit India” and for the Indians to “Do or Die”. Less than 24 hours later, Gandhiji and almost the entire top Congress leadership were arrested. With their leaders behind bars, people took matters in their own hands and started revolting. Protests erupted across major cities, Strikes, demonstrations, and clashes with the police coloured the streets. The movement soon spread to the villages, where people attacked the symbols of authority such as police stations, courts and government offices.
Although the British eventually quelled the movement violently using the police and the army, it showed the world that India was willing to fight tooth and nail for its freedom.
Did you know?
Kasturba Gandhi died at the Aga Khan Palace in Pune, where Mahatma Gandhiji was kept during the Quit India movement, before he was moved to Yerwada Jail.
Picture Credit : Google
