The Quit India Movement
The final major push for British departure, fueled by the mantra “Do or Die.”
A Decisive Call for Independence
The Quit India Movement, launched in 1942, was a decisive call by Mahatma Gandhi for the British to leave India. Frustrated by the failure of the Cripps Mission and the British government’s refusal to grant independence, the Indian National Congress initiated this mass civil disobedience campaign. Gandhi’s powerful slogan, “Do or Die,” galvanized the nation and marked a final, all-out effort to end British rule.
1942
The Year of the
“Quit India” Call
“Do or Die”
The Slogan that
Defined a Nation
A Timeline of the Movement
August 8, 1942: The “Quit India” Resolution
The All-India Congress Committee passed the Quit India Resolution in Bombay, demanding an immediate end to British rule.
August 9, 1942: Arrests of Leaders
The British government responded swiftly by arresting Mahatma Gandhi and other senior Congress leaders. This led to leaderless but widespread protests across the country.
Mass Civil Disobedience
Without a central leadership, the movement turned into spontaneous protests, strikes, and acts of sabotage. People took matters into their own hands, targeting government buildings and communication lines.
Underground Activity
Leaders like Jayaprakash Narayan, Aruna Asaf Ali, and Ram Manohar Lohia went underground to continue the resistance, running a clandestine radio service to disseminate information and inspire the masses.