2024 · GS Paper 1 · Q3 · 10 marks
What were the events that led to the Quit India Movement? Point out its results.
In short
Quit India grew out of India's entry into the war without consent, the failed Cripps Mission and the Japanese threat, and though crushed by 1943 it made independence non-negotiable. Over 60,000 people were arrested by the end of 1942, and parallel governments rose in Ballia, Tamluk and Satara.
Model answer
Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026 · 277 words
War without consent
Linlithgow dragged India into the Second World War in September 1939 without consulting Indians, and the Congress ministries resigned.
Rebuffed offers
The August Offer (1940) led to the Individual Satyagraha, and the Cripps Mission (March 1942) failed by deferring real power and letting provinces opt out.
Japanese threat and hardship
The fall of Singapore and Rangoon, racist evacuation from Burma and rising prices led the AICC at Gowalia Tank on 8 August 1942 to adopt Quit India with Gandhi's "Do or Die".
Mass upsurge
After the 9 August arrests, people attacked symbols of authority, and parallel governments rose in Ballia, Tamluk and Satara.
Underground leadership
Aruna Asaf Ali, Usha Mehta's Congress Radio, Jayaprakash Narayan and Lohia kept the struggle alive.
Repression and gaps
Over 60,000 were arrested by end-1942 and the revolt was crushed by 1943, while the Muslim League gained ground outside it.
Point of no return
Britain realised India could not be held by force after the war.
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This chapter in the exam
National Movement: Towards Freedom and Partition (1939–1947)2 questions
Asked in 2 of 14 sittings since 2013
Question from the official UPSC Civil Services (Main) Examination 2024 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.