The National Movement (1935-42)-The Quit India Movement and the INA

Mahatma Gandhi rejected proposals of ............... as a 'post-dated cheque'.

1. Cripps Mission
2. Government of India Act, 1919
3. Cabinet Mission
4. Simon Commission

Answer

Cripps Mission

About 10,000 people died in firing and 70,000 were put behind the bars during the

1. Civil Disobedience Movement
2. Champaran Satyagraha
3. Quit India Movement
4. Kheda Satyagraha

Answer

Quit India Movement

The Forward Bloc was formed by

1. Dr. Rajendra Prasad
2. Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan
3. Subhas Chandra Bose
4. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad

Answer

Subhas Chandra Bose

The ............... did not accept the August Offer (1940), as it did not give a clear assurance for the establishment of Pakistan.

1. Muslim League
2. Communist Party of India
3. Indian National Congress
4. Congress Socialist Party

Answer

Muslim League

In 1942, the threat of ............... invasion of India convinced the Indian leaders that for India's safety, the British should withdraw from India immediately.

1. German
2. French
3. Japanese
4. Italian

Answer

Japanese

The slogan 'Dilli Chalo' is related to

1. Dr. Sangeeta Narang
2. Avneet Kaur
3. S.C. Bose
4. G.S. Dhillon

Answer

S.C. Bose

Officers like Shah Nawaz Khan, Gurdial Singh Dhillon and Prem Sehgal were associated with the

1. Quit India Movement
2. Indian National Army
3. Non-cooperation Movement
4. Civil Disobedience Movement

Answer

Indian National Army

With reference to the given picture, answer the following:

Identify the person in the picture.

1. Subhas Chandra Bose
2. Jagjivan Ram
3. C. Rajagopalachari
4. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee

Answer

Subhas Chandra Bose

With reference to the given picture, answer the following:

Which among the following slogans was delivered by him?

1. Satyameva Jayate
2. Give me blood and I shall give you freedom.
3. Inqlaab Zindabad
4. Vande Mataram

Answer

Give me blood and I shall give you freedom.

With reference to the given picture, answer the following:

He was elected Congress President in the year

1. 1938
2. 1939
3. Both of these
4. None of these

Answer

Both of these

During the Quit India Movement parallel governments were set up in

1. Ballia
2. Tamluk
3. Satara
4. All of these

Answer

All of these

Which party was formed by S.C. Bose in 1939?

1. Forward Ever
2. Forward Bloc
3. INA
4. All of these

Answer

Forward Bloc

Identify the reasons why Subhash Chandra Bose resigned from the Presidentship of Congress in 1939.

P : Majority of the delegates who had supported him reaffirmed their faith in Gandhiji's leadership.

Q : Gandhiji openly declared the defeat of Sitaramayya as his own defeat.

R : A request was made to him to give up presidentship.

S : He wanted to lead the INA and begin a violent struggle to liberate India.

1. P and Q
2. Q and R
3. R and S
4. P and S

Answer

P and Q

Read the two statements given below regarding the Forward Bloc. Select the option that shows the correct relationship between (A) and (B).

(A) His chief objective was to organise all progressive and radical elements in the Congress under one head.

(B) He wanted to establish a socialist society after Independence.

1. (B) contradicts (A)
2. (B) is the reason for (A)
3. (A) is true but (B) is false
4. (A) and (B) are independent of each other

Answer

(B) is the reason for (A)

When did the Cripps Mission come to India?

Answer

The Cripps Mission came to India on March 22, 1942.

Why did Congress reject the Cripps Mission?

Answer

The Cripps Mission was rejected by Gandhiji as a 'post-dated cheque'. The Congress now wanted to settle for nothing less than 'Purna Swaraj' or 'Complete Independence'.

What is meant by the Quit India Movement?

Answer

The Quit India Movement was launched to call upon the British to hand over power to the Indians and quit the country.

Give one reason for passing the Quit India Resolution in 1942.

Answer

One reason for passing the Quit India Resolution in 1942 was Japan's advance towards India. There was a growing threat of Japanese invasion on India. The Congress leaders believed that to save India, the British must handover power to the Indians and quit the country.

What new slogan was given to the nation by Mahatma Gandhi while launching the Quit India Movement?

Answer

Mahatma Gandhi gave the slogan 'Do or Die' while launching the Quit India Movement in 1942.

Which was the last mass uprising against the British Rule in India?

Answer

The last mass uprising against the British Rule in India was the Quit India movement, launched in August, 1942.

In which two ways did the Quit India Movement influence the National Movement?

Answer

Two ways in which the Quit India Movement influenced the National Movement are given below:

1. In the Quit India Movement people from all walks of life took part irrespective of religion, gender, caste, and creed. In some areas, the revolutionaries set up 'parallel governments'. It was clear that the national feelings had become too deep-rooted to be uprooted by any one.
2. The Indians showed great capacity for struggle and sacrifice. It was made clear to the British that the Indians would accept no less than complete independence.

How did the Quit India Movement demonstrate that the national feelings had become too deep-rooted?

Answer

In the Quit India Movement people from all walks of life took part, irrespective of religion, gender, caste and creed. Then people of the British provinces as well as the Indian states were all there to oppose British imperialism. Almost all parts of India witnessed the same enthusiasm in breaking the citadel of foreign rule.

People from all walks of life took part in the processions and demonstrations against the Government. In many places, the rebels seized temporary control over towns, cities and villages. In some areas of U.P., Bengal, and Bombay, the revolutionaries set up 'parallel governments'. It was now fully demonstrated to the foreign rulers that the national feelings had become too deep-rooted to be uprooted by any one.

How did the Quit India Movement make the British feel that their days were numbered in India?

Answer

The pace and depth of the Quit India Movement made the English realize that their days were numbered in India. They were surprised seeing their unity and the great capacity of the people for struggle and sacrifice. No matter how they were punished, their determination remained unshaken. They could never think of ruling the country against the wishes of such a resolute people.

Give one reason which led to the split in the Congress in 1939.

Answer

Despite Mahatma Gandhi's support for Pattabhi Sitaramayya, S.C. Bose won the presidential election. This created serious differences between him and the Gandhian faction, ultimately leading to his resignation and the formation of the Forward Bloc, thus causing a split within the Congress.

When and why did Subhas Chandra Bose resign from the presidentship of the Congress?

Answer

Majority of the delegates who had supported Subhas Chandra Bose for presidentship reaffirmed their faith in the leadership of Gandhiji. It created a deadlock between Subhas and Gandhiji. The Gandhi wing began to oppose the President with a view to make it impossible for him to function. That's why S.C. Bose resigned from the presidentship of the Congress on April 29, 1939.

Name the party whose foundation was laid by Subhas Chandra Bose after leaving the Congress.

Answer

Subhas Chandra Bose laid the foundation of a radical and progressive party within the Congress, called the Forward Bloc, after resigning from the presidentship of the Congress in 1939.

When was this progressive party founded by Subhas Chandra Bose?

Answer

The Forward Bloc was founded by Subhas Chandra Bose in 1939, after resigning from the presidentship of the Indian National Congress.

Give one objective of the Forward Bloc.

Answer

One chief objective of the Forward Bloc was to organise all the progressive and radical elements in the Congress under one head.

Who formed the Provisional Government of Free India at Singapore in 1943?

Answer

Subhas Chandra Bose founded the Provisional Government of Free India at Singapore in October 1943.

Name any three countries who recognised the Provisional Government.

Answer

Three countries that recognised the Provisional Government were — Germany, Italy, and Japan.

Who gave the call "Dilli Chalo"?

Answer

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose gave the call "Dilli Chalo".

Name the two places captured by the INA on the Indian borders.

Answer

Two places captured by the INA on the Indian borders are — Ukhral and Kohima.

What was the objective of the Indian National Army?

Answer

The main objectives of the INA were —

1. To organise an armed rebellion and to attack the British army with modern arms.
2. The rebellion to be organised by the Indians living in East Asia.
3. To set up a provisional government of Free India in order to mobilise the forces effectively.
4. Total mobilisation of Indian manpower and money for the rebellion.

Name three officers of the INA who were prosecuted for treason by the British.

Answer

Three officers of the INA who were prosecuted for treason by the British were — Prem Sehgal, G.S. Dhillon and Shahnawaz Khan.

What was the contribution of the INA to the Freedom Movement of India?

Answer

The contributions made by the INA are given below:

1. The INA set an inspiring example of patriotism before the Indian people.
2. The heroic deeds and sacrifices of the soldiers of INA led to political consciousness among the Indian forces.
3. The British now realised that they could not rely on the Indian forces to continue their rule in India.
4. The INA trial attracted great attention in India and England. The decision to hold the trial in public in the Red Fort in Delhi, created huge excitement. It became a rallying point for independence movement from autumn 1945.
5. Later on the release of INA prisoners and suspension of the trial gave a great impetus to the campaign for Freedom.
6. Most of the historians agree that the INA trials and its effects brought a decisive shift in British policy. They now began to feel that their days were numbered.

Thus, the INA played an important role in the British decision to finally quit India.

With reference to the Cripps Mission, explain :

(a) Why was the Cripps Mission sent to India?

(b) Mention four causes of their proposals.

(c) Why did both Congress and Muslim League reject it?

Answer

(a) Cripps Mission was sent to India on 22 March 1942 to solve the constitutional problems of India.

(b) Four clauses of the Cripps mission are given below:

1. After the war, India would be given the same status as the other Dominions like Canada and Australia.
2. A Constituent Assembly would be set up after the war. This elected assembly would frame the Constitution of free India.
3. It proposed that an 'Interim Government' would be formed during the war.
4. Until the new Constitution was framed the government wanted Indian leaders to take effective part in the Viceroy's Executive Council.

(c) The Cripps Mission was rejected as its proposals disappointed both the Congress and the Muslim League. Gandhiji rejected it as 'a postdated cheque'. The Muslim League rejected it as it felt the prospects of achieving Pakistan were remote. It demanded 'a definite pronouncement in favour of Pakistan'.

The All India Congress Committee which met at Bombay on 8th August, 1942 passed the famous Quit India Resolution.

In this context, answer the following questions :

(a) Mention the reasons that led to the passing of the Resolution.

(b) Explain the spread of the Quit India Movement.

(c) State the repressive measures practised by the British Government.

(d) State the importance of the Movement.

Answer

(a) The Quit India Movement started in 1942. The reasons for starting the same were the following :

1. Failure of the Cripps Mission : The Cripps Mission (March 1942) failed to solve the constitutional problem of India. It led to discontent, dissatisfaction and anger. Indian people were filled with distrust and hostility towards the British.
2. Japanese Threat : Japan was rapidly advancing towards India and there was a growing threat of Japanese invasion on India. The Congress leaders believed that to save India from the Japanese attack, the British must handover power to the Indians and quit the country.

(b) All India Congress Committee (AICC) was held at Bombay on August 8, 1942. It passed the famous Quit India resolution.

1. Gandhiji raised the slogan 'Do or Die' and declared that it would be his final struggle for the freedom of the country.
2. Gandhiji and other leaders of the Congress were arrested in the early hours of the morning of August 9, 1942.
3. The Congress was declared illegal and its funds were confiscated.
4. The people started the Quit India Movement over the whole of the country.
5. The people were leaderless, unorganised, unprepared and undirected. So the movement assumed a violent turn.
6. They observed hartals and took out processions and organised demonstrations. Public life came to a standstill and all business was suspended.
7. People became violent and burnt post offices, telegraph offices, police stations, railway stations and other Government buildings. They cut off telegraph, telephone and electric lines. Bridges were blown up and roads were dug up.
8. They shot down notorious police officers and hurled bombs upon them. The movement became a popular upsurge and the whole country rose to overthrow the British Rule.

(c) The repressive measures practised by the British Government are given below:

1. Thousands of people were imprisoned without trial.
2. The undertrials were tortured. Lathi-charge, firing, beating and flogging became the order of the day.
3. The press was completely muzzled.
4. Many villages were looted and burnt. Collective fines were also imposed on them.
5. By using repressive measures the Government ultimately succeeded in crushing the movement within a few weeks.
6. About 10,000 people died in firing and about 70,000 were put behind the bars.

(d) The Quit India Movement was short-lived but its results were of far-reaching consequences.

1. It Demonstrated the Depth of the National Feelings : In the Quit India Movement people from all walks of life took part irrespective of religion, gender, caste, and creed. In some areas, the revolutionaries set up 'parallel governments'. It was clear that the national feelings had become too deep-rooted to be uprooted by any one.
2. People Acquired Great Capacity for Struggle and Sacrifice : The Indians showed great capacity for struggle and sacrifice. It was made clear to the British that the Indians would accept no less than complete independence.
3. It Made the English Realise that Their Days were Numbered in India : The pace and depth of the Quit India Movement made the English realise that their days were numbered in India. The tremor, though short-lived, left the British quite aghast and they read the writing on the wall.

There was a split in the Congress in 1939 which led to the formation of Forward Bloc by Subhas Chandra Bose. In this connection, explain the following :

(a) What causes led to the split in the Congress in 1939?

(b) What were the points of differences between Mahatma Gandhi and Subhas Chandra Bose?

(c) What were the objectives of the Forward Bloc formed by Subhas Chandra Bose?

Answer

(a) Despite Mahatma Gandhi's support for Pattabhi Sitaramayya, S.C. Bose won the presidential election. This created serious differences between him and the Gandhian faction, ultimately leading to his resignation and the formation of the Forward Bloc, thus causing a split within the Congress.

(b) The points of differences between Mahatma Gandhi and Subhas Chandra Bose are given below:

1. S.C. Bose was opposed to any compromise with Britain. At the same time he favoured the policy of large-scale industrialisation. On the other hand, Gandhiji was opposed to his policy of industrialisation. He also wanted to adopt a compromising attitude towards the British and opposed any national struggle during the war.
2. S.C. Bose wanted to prepare for war and take independence by force, while Gandhiji was a believer of ahimsa and was against any violence.

(c) The objectives of the Forward Bloc were as given below:

1. To organise all the progressive and radical elements in the Congress under one head.
2. To vehemently oppose the British Government.
3. To struggle for immediate liberation of the country.
4. Establishing a socialist society after achieving independence.

The Indian National Army (INA) has immortalised the name of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. In this context, briefly describe :

(a) Formation of the Indian National Army.

(b) Its effects to liberate India from foreign rule.

Answer

(a) The Azad Hind Fauj (the Indian National Army or INA) was establiched by S.C. Bose in Singapore for the freedom of his country. It was helped by Rash Behari Bose, an old revolutionary. He had already organised the Indian Independence League to attain the complete and immediate independence of India. Likewise, the Indian National Army had already been formally established in September 1942 with Mohan Singh acting as its first Commander-in-Chief. After taking the charge Subhas Chandra Bose became the President of the Indian Independence League as well as the Supreme Commander of the Indian National Army. The INA was joined in large numbers by the Indians living in South East Asia and by the Indian soldiers and officers captured by the Japanese forces in Burma, Malaya and Singapore. He set up Recruitment and Training Departments as well. Training Camps were opened for men and women.

(b) The Subhas brigade captured Peletwa, Daletme and Mowdok and entered the frontiers of India. Later on the INA captured the strong military post of Klang Klang. The Subhas Brigade gave a tough fight to the British forces in the Assam Hills and succeeded in capturing Ukhral and Kohima. The main objective of the INA was to capture Imphal, the capital city of Manipur. Gandhi and Azad Brigades advanced within two miles of Imphal. However, the Japanese had to withdraw their forces because of their entanglement with the Americans in the Pacific Ocean, and the rainy season set in earlier. Hence, the fighters of the Indian freedom were also overpowered by the British army.

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose played a great part in the National Movement. In this context, explain the following :

(a) Political aims of Netaji.

(b) Part played by him in liberating India from the British yoke.

Answer

(a) The political aims of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose are given below:

1. He believed in adopting bold and revolutionary methods, focused on achieving complete and immediate independence for India through armed struggle.
2. Netaji wanted to establish a socialist society after achieving the independence.
3. He strongly emphasised national unity, urging Indians to rise above caste, religion, and regional differences. INA was a symbol of seculariem and patriotism, with Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and others fighting side by side.
4. He formed the Provisional Government of free India, which was recognised by several countries.

(b) Netaji played a signficant role in liberating India from the British yoke.

1. S.C. Bose laid the foundation of a radical and progressive party within the Congress in 1939, with a view to bringing the entire left wing under one banner. This party was known as the Forward Bloc.
2. In Singapore, he organised the Azad Hind Fauj (the Indian National Army or INA) for the freedom of his country.
3. He set up Recruitment and Training Departments as well. Training Camps were opened for men and women.
4. He also founded the Provisional Government of Free India at Singapore in October 1943.
5. He captured the cities of Ukhral and Kohima.
6. He gave the call to his soldiers, "Give me blood and I shall give you freedom." His battle-cry was, "Dilli Chalo."

Read the passage given below and answer the following questions.

As a result of his popularity, Subhas was elected President of the Congress in 1938. He laid great stress on national planning, unity and organisation of the masses for the national struggle. The war-clouds were gathering in Europe. Subhas wanted to prepare India to launch a struggle against the British if the war broke out in Europe. He was opposed to any compromise with Britain. At the same time he favoured the policy of large-scale industrialisation. On the other hand, Gandhiji was opposed to his policy of industrialisation. He also wanted to adopt a compromising attitude towards the British and opposed any national struggle during the war. The breach between Bose and Gandhiji had become very wide by now.

(a) When was S.C. Bose elected as President of the Congress? Give one reason for this.

(b) Why did Bose differ with Gandhiji? Mention any two points.

(c) Describe Bose's political strategy and principles.

Answer

(a) S.C. Bose was elected as the President of the Congress in years 1938 and 1939. This is because a majority of delegates supported his views.

(b) Bose differed with Gandhiji in the following two ways:

1. S.C. Bose was opposed to any compromise with Britain. At the same time he favoured the policy of large-scale industrialisation. On the other hand, Gandhiji was opposed to his policy of industrialisation. He also wanted to adopt a compromising attitude towards the British and opposed any national struggle during the war.
2. S.C. Bose wanted to prepare for war and take independence by force, while Gandhiji was a believer of ahimsa and was against any violence.

(c) The political strategy and principles of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose are given below:

1. He believed in adopting bold and revolutionary methods, focused on achieving complete and immediate independence for India through armed struggle.
2. Netaji wanted to establish a socialist society after achieving the independence.
3. He strongly emphasised national unity, urging Indians to rise above caste, religion, and regional differences. INA was a symbol of seculariem and patriotism, with Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and others fighting side by side.
4. He formed the Provisional Government of free India, which was recognised by several countries.
5. He was in favour of international alliance. He sought support from countries like Germany and Japan.

With reference to the given picture, answer the following questions :

(a) Name the personality and the reform proposals proposed by him.

(b) Why did the mission fail?

(c) Name any two features of the mission.

Answer

(a) The given picture shows Sir Stafford Cripps. To solve the constitutional problems, the British Government sent Sir Stafford Cripps to India. He arrived in India on 22 March 1942. He made the following proposals :

1. After the war, India would be given the same status as the other Dominions like Canada and Australia.
2. A Constituent Assembly would be set up after the war. This elected assembly would frame the Constitution of free India.
3. It proposed that an 'Interim Government' would be formed during the war.
4. Until the new Constitution was framed the government wanted Indian leaders to take effective part in the Viceroy's Executive Council.
5. Only 'the defence of India' would remain under the control of the British Government.

(b) The Cripps Mission failed as the proposals disappointed both the Congress and the Muslim League. Gandhiji rejected it as 'a postdated cheque'. The Muslim League rejected it as it felt the prospects of achieving Pakistan were remote. It demanded 'a definite pronouncement in favour of Pakistan'.

(c) Two features of the Cripps Mission are given below:

1. After the war, India would be given the same status as the other Dominions like Canada and Australia.
2. A Constituent Assembly would be set up after the war. This elected assembly would frame the Constitution of free India.