Freedom Movement

Model Answer

The Individual Satyagraha played a crucial role in sustaining the Indian national movement between the August Offer and the Cripps Mission during World War II. This period was marked by significant political developments, including the British government’s attempts to secure Indian support amidst the war’s challenges.

Context of the August Offer

In August 1940, the British Viceroy, Lord Linlithgow, proposed the August Offer, which acknowledged for the first time the right of Indians to frame their own constitution and suggested the expansion of the Executive Council. However, the offer lacked clarity and included provisions that allowed minority groups to veto any constitutional changes, leading to its rejection by both the Indian National Congress (INC) and the Muslim League.

Launch of Individual Satyagraha

In response to the dissatisfaction with the August Offer, Gandhi initiated the Individual Satyagraha in late 1940. This movement was designed to maintain the momentum of the freedom struggle without resorting to mass protests that could lead to violence. Gandhi believed that a mass movement might embarrass Britain and preferred a more controlled approach. The Satyagraha allowed selected individuals to express dissent against the British government by issuing anti-war declarations, thereby utilizing the freedom of speech as a form of protest.

Key Figures and Impact

The first Satyagrahi was Acharya Vinoba Bhave, followed by Jawaharlal Nehru and Brahma Datt, all of whom were imprisoned for their actions. This individual approach not only kept the spirit of non-violent resistance alive but also highlighted the Indian nationalist stance against the war, distinguishing between the fight against fascism and the autocratic rule of the British.

Sustaining the Movement

The Individual Satyagraha effectively sustained the national movement during a critical juncture. It demonstrated the INC’s commitment to non-violence while keeping the dialogue open with the British government. This period of protest laid the groundwork for the subsequent Cripps Mission, which ultimately failed to meet Indian demands for complete independence, leading to the call for the Quit India Movement in 1942.

In summary, the Individual Satyagraha was instrumental in maintaining the momentum of the Indian independence movement during a time of political uncertainty, reinforcing the principles of non-violence and civil disobedience.

Model Answer

The launch of the Quit India Movement in August 1942 became inevitable despite the challenging circumstances due to several key factors:

1. Failure of the Cripps Mission

The Cripps Mission, sent by the British government to negotiate with Indian leaders, failed to provide a satisfactory solution for Indian self-governance. The offer was seen as an empty gesture, leading to disillusionment among leaders like Gandhi and Nehru, who had initially supported the war effort against fascism but felt betrayed by the lack of genuine concessions.

2. Rising Discontent and Economic Hardship

The Indian populace was experiencing significant hardships due to rising prices and wartime shortages. The government’s heavy-handed actions, such as seizing boats in Bengal and Orissa to prevent Japanese use, further fueled public anger and dissatisfaction with British rule.

3. News of Allied Reverses

Reports of British military setbacks, including the withdrawal of troops from Southeast Asia, created a sense of impending British collapse. This speculation heightened the urgency for a movement that could galvanize public sentiment against colonial rule.

4. Japanese Aggression

As Japanese forces advanced in Southeast Asia, there was widespread fear that they might not face resistance from demoralized Indian masses. Leaders believed that a strong movement was necessary to boost morale and prepare for potential invasions.

5. Erosion of Faith in British Rule

The stability of British rule was increasingly questioned, evidenced by a run on banks and a withdrawal of deposits. This growing skepticism among the populace indicated a readiness for a decisive movement against colonial authority.

6. Impatience Among Leadership

The British evacuation of white residents from Malaya and Burma, while leaving Indian subjects vulnerable, raised alarms among Indian leaders about the potential for similar treatment in India. This sense of betrayal contributed to the urgency for action.

In summary, the combination of failed negotiations, economic distress, military setbacks, and a loss of faith in British authority created a perfect storm that made the Quit India Movement not only necessary but inevitable.