UPSC Prelims 2005 Q61: Modern History – Gandhian Mass Movements (1915 - 1942)
Consider the following statements: On the eve of the launch of Quit India Movement,
Mahatma Gandhi
1. Asked the Government servants to resign.
2. Asked the soldiers to leave their posts.
3. Asked the Princes of the Princely States to accept the sovereignty of their own people.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2
- (b) 2 and 3
- (c) 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c) 3 only
Explanation
Gandhi's instructions on the eve of Quit India
| Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|
| 1. Government servants to resign | False: he asked them to declare allegiance to Congress without resigning |
| 2. Soldiers to leave posts | False: he asked them not to fire on compatriots, not to leave |
| 3. Princes to accept sovereignty of their people | True |
Only statement 3 is correct.
Answer: (c) 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Gandhi did not ask for resignations or desertions.
- (b) Incorrect. Statement 2 is false.
- (c) CORRECT. Only statement 3 is correct.
- (d) Incorrect. Statements 1 and 2 are false.
Key point
Quit India: princes to accept people's sovereignty; soldiers not to fire on people.
Remember
Gandhi asked Princes to accept the sovereignty of their people.
Common mistakes
- Assuming Gandhi asked for resignations like in 1920.
- Mixing with the 1930 call to government servants.
- Ignoring that soldiers were asked not to fire, not to leave.
Exam tip
Gandhi's 8 August 1942 instructions to different groups.
Sources
- Bipan Chandra — India's Struggle for Independence
- NCERT Class XII History — Themes in Indian History Part III — Mahatma Gandhi and the Nationalist Movement
- Mahatma Gandhi — "Quit India" speech, Gowalia Tank, Bombay (8 August 1942)