UPSC Prelims 2021 Q43: Modern History – Gandhian Mass Movements (1915 - 1942)
- (a) The Quit India Resolution was adopted by the AICC,
- (b) The Viceroy’s Executive Council was expanded to include more Indians.
- (c) The Congress ministries resigned in seven provinces.
- (d) Cripps proposed an Indian Union with full Dominion Status once the Second World War was over.
Answer: (a) The Quit India Resolution was adopted by the AICC,
Explanation
8 August 1942 in Indian History
| Option | Claim | True? |
|---|---|---|
| a) Quit India Resolution passed by AICC | TRUE | On 8 August 1942, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) meeting at Gowalia Tank Maidan, Bombay, passed the Quit India Resolution drafted by the CWC on 14 July 1942. Gandhi gave his 'Do or Die' speech the same day. |
| b) Viceroy's Executive Council expanded | FALSE | Different event/date. |
| c) Congress ministries resigned in 7 provinces | FALSE | That was October-November 1939 (over India entering WW2 without consulting Indians). |
| d) Cripps proposed Indian Union with Dominion Status | FALSE | Cripps Mission was March 1942, not August. |
Answer: (a) The Quit India Resolution was adopted by the AICC,.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. On 8 August 1942, the AICC at Gowalia Tank Maidan, Bombay, passed the Quit India Resolution. Gandhi gave his 'Do or Die' speech the same day. Mass arrests followed on 9 August.
- (b) Incorrect. The Viceroy's Executive Council was expanded to include more Indians in July 1941 and again in 1946 (Interim Government), not August 1942.
- (c) Incorrect. Congress ministries resigned in October-November 1939 over WW2 declaration without Indian consultation, not in August 1942.
- (d) Incorrect. Cripps Mission and its proposals were in March 1942, not August.
Key point
8 August 1942 = AICC passes Quit India Resolution at Gowalia Tank Maidan, Bombay. Gandhi's 'Do or Die' speech same day. Mass arrests of leaders on 9 August. Movement went underground under Jayaprakash Narayan, Aruna Asaf Ali, Ram Manohar Lohia.
Remember
On 8 August 1942 at Gowalia Tank Maidan (August Kranti Maidan), Bombay, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) passed the Quit India Resolution. Gandhi gave his 'Do or Die' speech the same day. Mass arrests followed on 9 August. Correct answer: (a).
Common mistakes
- Confusing 8 August 1942 (Quit India Resolution passed) with 9 August 1942 (Leaders arrested, movement begins).
- Confusing 1939 (Congress ministries resign over WW2) with 1942 (Quit India).
- Not knowing the CWC had drafted the Quit India Resolution on 14 July 1942 at Wardha; the AICC endorsed it on 8 August.
Exam tip
Quit India timeline: (i) 14 July 1942: CWC drafts resolution at Wardha; (ii) 8 August 1942: AICC passes it at Bombay + Gandhi's 'Do or Die' speech; (iii) 9 August 1942: All leaders arrested (Operation Zero Hour); (iv) Movement goes underground. Learn this micro-timeline.
Sources
- Bipan Chandra - India's Struggle for Independence (Chapter on Quit India Movement)
- NCERT Class XII History - Themes in Indian History Part III