Quit India Movement

Background and Origin of the Movement

On 26th April 1942, Mahatma Gandhi wrote an essay on “Quit India” in the Harijan Patrika, sowing the first seeds of what soon became a national movement. The idea took formal shape on 14th July 1942, when the Congress Working Committee passed a resolution declaring that the immediate end of British rule in India was essential—both for India’s future and for the success of the Allied forces during World War II.

Launch of the Quit India Resolution

On 8th August 1942, at Gowalia Tank Maidan in Mumbai (now August Kranti Maidan), Mahatma Gandhi launched the historic Quit India Movement, also known as the August Kranti. It marked a decisive call for complete independence from British rule.

Gandhiji’s Call: “Do or Die”

During his powerful address, Gandhiji urged the nation to prepare for a non-violent struggle, stating:

“There is a mantra, a short one—I give you. Imprint it on your heart… Do or Die. We shall either free India or die in the attempt.”

These words ignited a wave of patriotism across the nation, creating an electrifying atmosphere that united Indians in the pursuit of freedom.

Triggering Factors

One of the immediate causes for the movement was the failure of the Cripps Mission, which convinced the Indian leadership that the British Government was unwilling to offer real self-rule.

Key Features of the Quit India Resolution

• Nationwide Hartals: Strikes and shutdowns across cities and villages.
• Salt Satyagraha Reinforced: People were encouraged to make their own salt—a symbol of self-reliance.
• Student Participation: Youth above 16 were urged to leave educational institutions and join the non-violent struggle.
• Symbol of Resistance: Citizens were asked to wear badges bearing the slogan “Do or Die”.

Repression and the Spirit of Resistance

Arrests and British Crackdown

In the early hours of 9th August 1942, Gandhiji, Jawaharlal Nehru, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and other top Congress leaders were arrested. The Congress Party was banned and declared an unlawful organization.

Despite poor health and the recent loss of Kasturba Gandhi, Gandhiji undertook a 21-day fast in prison, intensifying the moral pressure on the British.

Nationwide Uprising

The arrest of leaders sparked widespread protests:

• Major centres: Bombay, Calcutta, Delhi, Patna, and Ahmedabad
• 60,000+ arrested; nearly 10,000 people lost their lives
• Government buildings, railways, and communication lines became major targets
• Movement spread into rural India and developed underground networks in cities

To suppress the movement, the British abolished civil rights, press freedom, and freedom of speech.

Regional Movements and Grassroots Leadership

Major Epicentres

Important regions of uprising included:
Satara (Maharashtra), Tamluk & Contai (Midnapore), Balurghat (West Dinajpur), Balia & Azamgarh (U.P.), and Naogaon (Assam).

Key Local Leaders

Notable freedom fighters who led the movement at the grassroots level:

• Nanan Patil – Satara
• Chaitu Pandey – Balia
• Matangini Hazra & Sushil Dhara – Tamluk
• Kanaklata Barua – Assam

The Heroism of Matangini Hazra

At Midnapore, the movement became a massive peasant uprising inspired by Binardanath Shasmal (Desh Pran).
On 29th September 1942, 72-year-old Matangini Hazra, leading 20,000 protestors, was shot dead while chanting Vande Mataram. After her martyrdom, Ajay Mukherjee, Sushil Dhara, and Satish Samanta continued the struggle, capturing Tamluk.

On 17th December 1942, Ajay Mukherjee formed the Tamluk Provisional National Government, which organized:

• Bidyut Bahini – an armed volunteer force
• Bhagini Sena – a women’s resistance group

Significance and Legacy

The Quit India Movement was a turning point in India’s freedom struggle. It clearly signaled to the British that continuing to rule India was impossible. The movement demonstrated that the power of united masses was mightier than imperial authority and compelled the British to consider a peaceful withdrawal from India.

Philatelic Tribute

A commemorative postage stamp was issued to honor the Quit India Movement, acknowledging its enduring legacy in India’s struggle for independence.