TLDR;
This session covers the Quit India Movement, the formation of the Azad Hind Fauj, and the rising demand for Pakistan. It emphasizes exam-oriented preparation, urging students to focus on syllabus topics, previous year questions, and mock tests.
- The Quit India Movement was launched in 1942, demanding immediate British withdrawal and leading to widespread protests and governmental repression.
- The Azad Hind Fauj, initially conceived by Mohan Singh, gained momentum under Subhas Chandra Bose, aiming to liberate India with Japanese support.
- Attempts to resolve the constitutional deadlock between the Congress and the Muslim League, such as the C. Rajagopalachari Formula and the Desai-Liaquat Pact, ultimately failed, exacerbating communal tensions.
Introduction [0:01]
The session will cover the Quit India Movement, the formation of the Azad Hind Fauj, and the demand for Pakistan. The approach will be exam-oriented, focusing on important details for the upcoming prelims. Students are encouraged to join the test series and focus on syllabus-based preparation using previous year questions and mock tests.
Background to the Quit India Movement [2:05]
In 1942, the British faced increasing pressure due to Japan's advance into Burma. The British government sent the Cripps Mission to negotiate with Indian leaders. The Cripps Mission proposed a constitution assembly and self-governance after the war, but offered only Dominion status, which was rejected by the Congress. The proposal also allowed princely states to remain independent, further angering the Congress.
Quit India Movement: Launch and Reasons [8:37]
Following the failure of the Cripps Mission, Gandhi advocated for immediate British withdrawal. The वर्धा session in July 1942 saw the proposal for the Quit India Movement, which was approved by Jawaharlal Nehru and proposed by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Several factors contributed to this decision, including the failure of the Cripps Mission, rising inflation due to the war, and discriminatory policies by the British. The British were also losing ground in Southeast Asia, which fueled the desire for Indians to express their discontent.
Instructions and Spread of the Movement [19:24]
Gandhi instructed government servants to declare loyalty to the Congress while remaining in their positions, and soldiers were told not to fire on Indians. Students were allowed to leave educational institutions, and farmers were encouraged to support anti-British landlords. On August 8, 1942, the Quit India Movement, also known as the August Revolution, was officially launched in बॉम्बे. Key leaders were arrested on August 9, leading to a surge of youth leadership and widespread attacks on symbols of British authority.
Underground Activities and Parallel Governments [24:58]
Underground activities were carried out by socialists, Forward Bloc members, and Gandhi Ashram followers. Key leaders included Ram Manohar Lohia, Jayaprakash Narayan, Aruna Asaf Ali, and Usha Mehta, who established an underground radio station in बॉम्बे. Parallel governments were formed in several places, including बलिया under चित्तू पांडे, तामल in मिदनापुर, and सतारा under वाईबी चौहान and नाना पाटिल.
Participation and Governmental Repression [27:40]
The movement saw significant participation from students, farmers, and lower-level government officials. Muslims also supported the movement through underground activities. Despite initial hesitation, a large number of communists joined the movement. The British responded with severe repression, including public floggings, arrests, and the deaths of approximately 10,000 people.
Impact and Evaluation of the Movement [32:36]
The Quit India Movement significantly deepened nationalist sentiment and demonstrated the widespread desire for independence. It forced the British to recognize that they could no longer rule without Indian consent. The movement highlighted the long-term preparations by the Congress and the spontaneous participation of the Indian masses. Gandhi's fasts further intensified international pressure on the British government.
Azad Hind Fauj: Formation and Second Phase [39:06]
The idea for the Azad Hind Fauj originated in मलाया with Mohan Singh, who later joined the Japanese army. The first phase involved the Japanese handing over Indian prisoners of war to Mohan Singh. By 1942, the force had grown to 40,000 soldiers. The second phase began when Subhas Chandra Bose arrived in Japan in 1943 and took leadership of the force. He formed an interim Indian government in Singapore and created a women's regiment named Rani झांसी Regiment.
INA's Activities and End of World War II [45:51]
In 1944, Bose sought Gandhi's blessings for the final war for India's independence. However, Japan's surrender after the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings led to the capture of INA soldiers, who were then brought to India for trial. This sparked widespread public support for the INA soldiers.
Attempts to Resolve the Constitutional Deadlock [47:58]
Several attempts were made to resolve the constitutional deadlock between the Congress and the Muslim League. The C. Rajagopalachari Formula in 1944 proposed a plebiscite in Muslim-majority areas after the war, but it was rejected by both Jinnah and Savarkar. The Desai-Liaquat Pact aimed to form an interim government with equal representation for Congress and the League, but it also failed.
Wavell Plan and the Shimla Conference [55:50]
In 1945, British Viceroy Wavell convened a conference in Shimla to discuss the formation of a new executive council. The proposal included equal representation for Hindus and Muslims, except for the Governor-General and Commander-in-Chief. However, the conference failed because the Muslim League insisted on being the sole representative of Indian Muslims, leading to the collapse of the talks.
