UPSC Prelims 2009 Q58: Modern History – Gandhian Mass Movements (1915 - 1942)

UPSC Prelims 2009, General Studies Paper I · Modern History

With which one of the following movements is the slogan “Do or die” associated?

Answer: (d) Quit India Movement

Explanation

Which movement the "Do or Die" slogan belongs to

This famous rallying cry is tied to a specific, climactic phase of the freedom struggle.

Option	Verdict	Reason
(a) Swadeshi Movement	Incorrect	This movement (1905) had different slogans/themes, not 'Do or Die'
(b) Non-Cooperation Movement	Incorrect	Also associated with different mobilizing language
(c) Civil Disobedience Movement	Incorrect	Had its own distinct themes, not this specific slogan
(d) Quit India Movement	Correct	Gandhi's call of 'Do or Die' was specifically associated with the Quit India Movement (1942), urging total commitment to the independence struggle

'Do or Die' and Quit India:

Answer: (d) Quit India Movement.

(a) Incorrect. The Swadeshi Movement had different associated slogans.
(b) Incorrect. The Non-Cooperation Movement is linked to different mobilizing language.
(c) Incorrect. The Civil Disobedience Movement had its own distinct themes.
(d) CORRECT. 'Do or Die' is specifically associated with the Quit India Movement.

The slogan 'Do or Die', given by Gandhi, is associated with the Quit India Movement, 1942.

'Do or Die': the slogan associated with the Quit India Movement.

Confusing 'Do or Die' with slogans from earlier movements (Swadeshi, Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience).
Not knowing the specific 1942 context of this rallying cry.
Mixing up different movements' distinct, memorable slogans.

'Do or Die' = Gandhi's Quit India Movement (1942) call. A specific, memorable slogan-movement pairing.

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)