Lecture 9 August Offer & Quit India Resolution PDF

 GS-1 (History) BACKGROUND OF AUGUST OFFER...............................................................................................2...

 GS-1 (History) BACKGROUND OF AUGUST OFFER...............................................................................................2 August Offer-1940.........................................................................................................................................2 Government attitude towards Congress.....................................................................................................2 Individual Satyagraha- October 1940..........................................................................................................3 Aims of launching Individual Satyagraha....................................................................................................3 Changes in situation worldwide in 1941..................................................................................................... 3 Background of Cripps Mission..................................................................................................................... 4 Cripps Mission- March 1942......................................................................................................................... 4 Objections of congress.................................................................................................................................5 Objections of Muslim League.......................................................................................................................5 Failure of Cripps Mission.............................................................................................................................. 5 ʻQUIT INDIA RESOLUTIONʼ......................................................................................................... 6 Public on Rampage...................................................................................................................................... 7 Underground Activity...................................................................................................................................7 Features of QIM-........................................................................................................................................... 8 Events that followed.................................................................................................................................... 9 Who didnʼt support the movement-..........................................................................................................10 Who support the movement-....................................................................................................................10 Impact of the movement-.......................................................................................................................... 11 Limitations of the movement-................................................................................................................... 11 PYQ..............................................................................................................................................................17 “All material appearing on the “Sarrthi IAS” ("content") is protected by © copyright. You may not copy, reproduce, distribute, publish, display, perform, modify, create derivative works, transmit, or in any way exploit any such content” ©Sarrthi IAS 9569093856 www.sarrthiias.com 1  GS-1 (History) BACKGROUND OF AUGUST OFFER Hitlerʻs astounding success and the fall of Belgium, Holland and France put England in a conciliatory mood. As the war in Europe had undertaken a new turn, the dominant Congress leadership was again in a dilemma. Even the Congress was ready to compromise, asking the British government to let it form an interim government during the war period but the government was not interested. The government came up with its own offer to get the cooperation of India in the war effort. August Offer-1940 Presented by Viceroy Linlithgow. Dominion status as the objective for India. Expansion of Viceroyʻs executive council which would have a majority of Indians (who would be drawn from major political parties); Setting up of a constituent assembly a er the war where mainly Indians would decide the constitution according to their social, economic and political conceptions, subject to fulfillment of the obligation of the government regarding defense, minority rights, treaties with States, all India services etc. No future constitution to be adopted without the consent of minorities. Formation of War advisory Council with representatives of British India and Princely state. However,Nehru said, ―The Dominion status concept is dead as a doornail. The Muslim League did not accept the offer, as it did not give a clear assurance for the establishment of Pakistan. Dilemma in front of National Leaders- Rightist- People are not ready for movement. Le ist- People are ready for movement as War against Fascism, so no right time for movement. Gandhi- No to movement on Moral Ground. Government attitude towards Congress The government had taken the adamant position that no constitutional advance could be made till the Congress came to an agreement with the Muslim leaders. ©Sarrthi IAS 9569093856 www.sarrthiias.com 2  GS-1 (History) It issued ordinance a er ordinance taking away the freedom of speech and that of the press and the right to organize associations. Towards the end of 1940, the Congress once again asked Gandhi to take command. He decided to initiate a limited satyagraha on an individual basis by a few selected individuals in every locality. Individual Satyagraha- October 1940 An Individual Satyagrahi was to deliver an anti-war speech. In case he was not arrested, he would repeat the act in the next village while moving in the direction of Delhi, thus initiating a movement which came to be known as Delhi Chalo Aandolan. The movement started on 17th October 1940 at Dhamtari. ○ Vinoba Bhave was the first Satyagrahi. ○ Jawaharlal Nehru was the second Satyagrahi. ○ Brahma Dutt was the third Satyagrahi. Aims of launching Individual Satyagraha To show that nationalist patience was not due to weakness. To express peopleʻs feeling that they were not interested in the war and that they made no distinction between Nazism and the double autocracy that ruled India. To give another opportunity to the government to accept Congressʻ demands peacefully The demand of the satyagrahi would be the freedom of speech against the war through an anti war declaration. Gandhiji was beginning to prepare the people for the coming struggle. By May 1941, 25,000 people had been convicted for individual civil disobedience. Changes in situation worldwide in 1941 2 Major challenges emerged in the world- Nazi occupied almost Eastern Europe and in June attacked USSR.That led to entry of USSR in World War II. Japan attacked Pearl harbour of USA in December and USA entered into World War II.Also occupied almost S-E Asia. ©Sarrthi IAS 9569093856 www.sarrthiias.com 3  GS-1 (History) Change in British attitude and wants to seek active support from India. Change in Congress stand- ○ CWC overrode Gandhi's and Nehruʼs views and gave full support to Britain in WW II,if India will get independence a er end WW II. Gandhi declared Jawahar lal Nehru as his political successor and Vinoba Bhave as Spiritual successor. Background of Cripps Mission Japan's attack on Pearl Harbour. Japanʼs invasion of Burma in 1942. Fall of Singapore, Rangoon & occupation of Andaman Islands. That brought war to India's door. Military necessities of Allied forces. Without full support of India, it is not possible. So,allied powers forced Britain to find out solution for the Constitutional Deadlock. Cripps Mission- March 1942 In March 1942, a mission headed by Stafford Cripps was sent to India with constitutional proposals to seek Indian support for the war. An Indian Union with a dominion status would be set up; It would be free to decide its relations with the Commonwealth. A er the end of the war, a constituent assembly would be convened to frame a new constitution. Members of this assembly would be partly elected by the provincial assemblies through proportional representation and partly nominated by the princes. The British government would accept the new constitution subject to two conditions: ○ any province not willing to join the Union could have a separate constitution and form a separate Union ○ the new constitution-making body and the British government would negotiate a treaty to effect the transfer of power and to safeguard racial and religious minorities. In the meantime, defence of India would remain in British hands and the Governor Generalʻs powers would remain intact. The Cripps Mission proposals differed from those offered in the past in many respects ©Sarrthi IAS 9569093856 www.sarrthiias.com 4  GS-1 (History) The making of the constitution was to be solely in Indian hands now (and not ‗mainly in Indian hands—as contained in the August Offer). A concrete plan was provided for the constituent assembly. Option was available to any province to have a separate constitution—a blueprint for Indiaʻs partition. Objections of congress The offer of dominion status instead of a provision for complete independence; Representation of the princely states by nominees and not by elected representatives Right to provinces to secede as this went against the principle of national unity Absence of any plan for immediate transfer of power. Congress finally rejected the cripps offer. Gandhiji called Cripps Mission as - “A Post Dated cheque on a failing bank”. And call it as “Invitation given to Muslim League to form Pakistan”. Objections of Muslim League Criticized the idea of a single Indian Union. Did not like the machinery for the creation of a constituent assembly and the procedure to decide on the accession of provinces to the Union Thought that the proposals denied the Muslims the right to self-determination and the creation of Pakistan. Finally rejected Cripps offer. Failure of Cripps Mission The incapacity of Cripps to go beyond the Dra Declaration and the adoption of a - rigid ― take it or leave it attitude added to the deadlock. Stafford Cripps returned home leaving behind a frustrated and embittered Indian people, who, though still sympathizing with the victims of Fascist aggression, felt that the existing situation in the country had become intolerable and that the time had come for a final assault on imperialism. ©Sarrthi IAS 9569093856 www.sarrthiias.com 5  GS-1 (History) ʻQUIT INDIA RESOLUTIONʼ A er failure of the Cripps Mission in April 1942 made it clear that Britain was unwilling to offer an honourable settlement and a real constitutional advance during the War. The empty gesture of the ʻCripps offerʼ convinced even those Congressmen like Nehru and Gandhiji,that any further silence would be tantamount to accepting the right of the British Government to decide Indiaʼs fate without any reference to the wishes of her people. A er failure of Cripps Mission and Policy of Scorched Earth ,Gandhijiʼs attitude changed towards British. This changed is visible in Gandhijiʼs views in newspaper,like- ○ April 1942- “Both Indian and British Safety lies in the British withdrawal from India”. ○ May 1942- “Leave India in godʼs hand in the modern parlance of anarchy,from this India will rise in the true sense”. ○ June 1942- “I canʼt wait,if i have to wait,then i have to wait till doomsday”. A er Crippsʻ departure, Gandhi framed a resolution calling for British withdrawal and a nonviolent non-cooperation movement against any Japanese invasion. In July 1942, the Congress Working Committee met at Wardha and resolved that it would authorize Gandhi to take charge of the non-violent mass movement. The resolution is generally referred to as the Quit Indiaʻ resolution. Gandhiʼs Communicated this to the Viceroy via Mira Ben.However,Viceroy rejected offer The All-India Congress Committee (AICC) )was then to meet in Bombay in August to ratify this decision. Quit India resolution was proposed by Jawaharlal Nehru and seconded by Sardar Patel,The Quit India Resolution was ratified at the Congress meeting at Gowalia Tank, Bombay, on August 8, 1942. Gandhi followed up with the now-famous exhortation: Do or Dieʻ. We shall either free India or die in the attempt; we shall not live to see the perpetuation of our slavery. Gandhi even gave specific instruction for Quit India Movement - ○ Government Servants were asked not to resign yet but openly declare their loyalty to the Congress. ○ The Soldiers were not asked to leave their posts but to refuse to fire on their own people. ©Sarrthi IAS 9569093856 www.sarrthiias.com 6  GS-1 (History) ○ Students- Give up studies if they were sure they could continue to remain firm till independence was achieved ○ Peasants- Not to Pay Land Revenue. ○ Tenets- Not to pay tax to Zamindar,if Pro-Govt. ○ The Princes were asked to accept the sovereignty of their own people rather than that of foreigners. ○ Praja- Feel to be part of India. Later in end of 1942,new & radical programme- ○ Non-Acceptance of Paper Money. ○ Non payment of Revenue. ○ Non sell of food crops & cattle's to British. ○ Boycott of Revenue officers. ○ Boycott of Police officers. ○ Destruction of Railways & telegraph line to defeat British Military. However, the Congress didnʼt give any concrete line of action to be adopted by the people but merely appealed to them to remain completely non violent. Gandhi had carefully built the tempo through individual civil disobedience movements or satyagraha, organizational revamping and a consistent propaganda campaign. Public on Rampage The general public attacked symbols of authority, and hoisted national flags forcibly on public buildings. Satyagrahis offered themselves up to arrest, bridges were blown up, railway tracks were removed and telegraph lines were cut. Students responded by going on strike in schools and colleges, participating in processions, writing and distributing illegal news sheets (patrikas) and acting as couriers for underground networks. Underground Activity Many nationalists went underground and took to subversive activities. The participants in these activities were the Socialists, Forward Bloc members, Gandhi ashramites, revolutionary nationalists and local organisations in Bombay, Poona, Satara, Baroda and other parts of Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra, United Provinces, Bihar and Delhi. ©Sarrthi IAS 9569093856 www.sarrthiias.com 7  GS-1 (History) Usha Mehta started an underground radio in Bombay Leaders- Aruna Asaf Ali,Usha Mehta,Sucheta Kriplani,Sumati Morarji. Biju Patnaik, R.M.Lohia, Achyut Patwardhan, R.P.Goenka, J.P.Narayan and Chhotubhai Puranik. Congress Radio- By Usha Mehta. Known as “Voice of Freedom”. At Bombay. Guerrilla Band at Indo-Nepal Border- Known as “Azad Dasta”. Leaders- J.P.Narayan,Baidyanath Jha. Features of QIM- Pan India even extended to Native States. Social base- peasants & students. Rural base. Establishment of Parallel Government at many places ○ Ballia (in August 1942 for a week)-under Chittu Pandey. He got many Congress leaders released. ○ Tamluk (Midnapore, from December 1942 to September 1944) Jatiya Sarkar undertook cyclone relief work, sanctioned grants to schools, supplied paddy from the rich to the poor, organised Vidyut Vahinis, etc. Talcher(Odisha)- ○ “Chasi Maulia” means Peasants Workers Raj ○ Parallel government based on “Adult Franchise”. ○ Some government servants also became part of it. ○ Ended with Air attacked by British. ○ Gazipur(East Bengal)- For 72 Hrs ○ Nagpur- For 72 Hours. ©Sarrthi IAS 9569093856 www.sarrthiias.com 8  GS-1 (History) Satara (mid-1943 to 1945)— ○ named Prati Sarkar, was organised under leaders like Nana Patil, Y.B.Chavan Etc. ○ Established Nyayadan Mandals or peopleʼs courts were set up and justice dispensed. ○ ʻGandhian marriagesʼ celebrated to which untouchables were invited and at which no ostentation was allowed. ○ Prati Sarkar received much support from the ruler of Aundh who was Gandhian and had even got a constitution of his state dra ed by Gandhi. Underground Movements- Voice of Freedom – a congress Radio,Guerrilla Band- Azad Dasta at Nepal Border. Erosion of loyalty to the British Government of its own officers was one of the most striking aspects of the Quit India struggle. Violent Character at some places. Events that followed The government, however, was in no mood to either negotiate. In the early hours of August 9, 1942, in a single sweep, all the top leaders of the Congress were arrested and taken to unknown destinations. The press was muzzled for example- The National Herald and Harijan ceased publication for the entire duration of the struggle. The military took over many cities; police and secret service reigned supreme. The Congress Working Committee, the All India Congress Committee and the Provincial Congress Committees were declared unlawful associations. In February 1943, Gandhi started a fast as an answer to an exhortation by the government to condemn violence; the fast was directed against the violence of the State. Gandhiji not only refused to condemn the peopleʼs resort to violence but unequivocally held the Government responsible for it. The popular response to the news of the fast was immediate and overwhelming. Protests were organised at home and abroad through hartals, demonstrations and strikes. Three members of the viceroyʻs executive council resigned - M.S. Aney, N.R. Sarkar and H.P. Mody, who had supported the Government in its suppression of the 1942 movement, but were in no mood to be a party to Gandhijiʼs death. ©Sarrthi IAS 9569093856 www.sarrthiias.com 9  GS-1 (History) On March 23, 1943 Pakistan Day was observed, with creation of Pakistan being the national goal for all Muslims in India and also adopted a new slogan “Divide and Quit” Who didnʼt support the movement- The Muslim League supported the British in war efforts. The Hindu Mahasabha condemned the Movement calling it ʻsterile, unmanly and injurious to Hindu causeʼ and thus supported the British war efforts. The Communist party of India also didnʼt support the movement following the involvement of Russia in the war in December 1941. Who support the movement- The Quit India Movement marked a new high in terms of popular participation in the national movement and sympathy with the national cause. Students were in the forefront of the struggle. Women, especially college and school girls, played a very important role. Aruna Asaf Ali and Sucheta Kripalani were two major women organizers of the underground, and Usha Mehta an important member of the small group that ran the Congress Radio. Workers made considerable sacrifice by enduring long strikes and braving police repression in the streets. Peasants of all strata, were the heart of the movement especially in East U.P. and Bihar, Midnapur in Bengal, Satara in Maharashtra.The pattern of peasant activity was its total concentration on attacking symbols of British authority. Smaller zamindars also participated, especially in U.P. and Bihar. Big zamindars maintained a stance of neutrality and refused to assist the British in crushing the rebellion,the most representative example being Raja of Darbhanga. Government officials, especially those at the lower levels of the police and the administration, were generous in their assistance to the movement. Muslim- mass participation in the Quit India Movement was not high,but even Muslim League supporters gave help by providing shelter to underground workers and did not act as informers. Communists at the local and village levels participated in the movement despite the official position taken by the Communist Party not to take part in Quit India. ©Sarrthi IAS 9569093856 www.sarrthiias.com 10  GS-1 (History) Significance of Quit india Movement-: Mass Mobilization: The movement saw unprecedented participation from all sections of Indian society, including students, workers, and farmers, creating a unified national front against British rule. Demand for Immediate Independence: Gandhiʼs call for "Do or Die" galvanized the masses and underscored the urgent demand for immediate independence. Increased Repression and International Awareness: The British government's brutal repression, including mass arrests and violence, exposed the oppressive nature of colonial rule and drew international attention and sympathy for the Indian cause. Leadership and Grassroots Empowerment: With key leaders imprisoned, local leaders emerged, demonstrating the decentralized and resilient nature of the Indian independence movement. Acceleration Towards Independence: The movement made it clear to the British that maintaining control over India was untenable, ultimately accelerating the process towards independence in 1947. Impact of the movement- Most radical response. Served as an Eye Opener for the British government.. Landmark spread of Nationalist spirit and it entered into Indian Officials. Limitations of the movement- The goal is not fulfilled. Broad parameters of the Gandhian Mass movement violated. How Did the Quit India Movement Differ From Other Gandhian Movements? Deviation from Nonviolence: The Gandhian philosophy of nonviolent resistance was ignored, and people developed their own strategies for resistance. Underground Activity:As the open movement was suppressed by British authorities,so youn leadership of Congress opted for it. Rammanohar Lohia, Jayaprakash Narayan, Aruna Asaf Ali, Usha Mehta etc were the prominent figures involved. Support from Rural Masses: Peasants of all strata, were the heart of the movement.Rural people from Bombay, Andhra, UP, Bihar, Gujarat, Orissa, Karnataka, Bengal, etc. responded in large numbers to the movement. ©Sarrthi IAS 9569093856 www.sarrthiias.com 11  GS-1 (History) Parallel governments: Talcher in Orissa, Tamluk Jatiya Sarkar in Bengal, and Satara in Maharashtra. Challenge to State Machinery: The emphasis during the conflict was on "fight to the finish" rather than traditional Satyagraha. Therefore, it posed a problem for the government apparatus. Known as the most UN-GANDHIAN movement: Gandhi believed that a nation can only exist if its citizens are willing to die for it. Was it Violent Movement ? Congress always refrain from violence. Congress leadership refused to use or sanction violent means. Cutting of telegraph lines, blowing up the bridges, destruction of railway lines etc were alright as long as human life was not taken. Gandhi refused to condemn the violence of people during quit India movement, because he saw it as a reaction of people against the much bigger violence done by the state. Quit India Movement- Was it a spontaneous outburst or organized Rebellion? Elements of spontaneity are visible in the Quit India movement. Degree of spontaneity & popular initiative that was actually exercised in the movement has been sanctioned by leaders. Resolution of AICC on 8th August 1942,clearly stated, “A time may come when it may not possible to issue instructions or for instructions to reach to our People” Every man & woman must function for himself/herself within 4 corners of the general instructions issued. Indian National Movement is the primary Anti hegemony struggle,which was represented by Indian National Congress. The preparedness of struggle canʼt be measured by volume of immediate organizational activities but by the degree of hegemonic influence that the movement has acquired over the people. The Swadeshi movement,Non Cooperation and Civil Disobedience movement had already created that platform,over which Quit India movement was rested. ©Sarrthi IAS 9569093856 www.sarrthiias.com 12  GS-1 (History) Role Played by Women in the Indian Freedom Struggle Symbol of Resistance and Inspiration: ○ Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi: Though her resistance was during the 1857 revolt, she became a symbol of bravery and inspiration for women in the later stages of the national movement. ○ Begum Hazrat Mahal: Played a key role during the 1857 rebellion and her legacy inspired many women to take active roles in the freedom struggle. Revolutionary Activities: ○ Bhikaiji Cama: A prominent figure in the Indian revolutionary movement abroad, she unfurled the first version of the Indian national flag in Germany in 1907. ○ Kalpana Dutta and Pritilata Waddedar: Associated with the Chittagong Armoury Raid, they were key figures in the revolutionary activities against British rule in Bengal. ○ Durga Bhabhi (Durga Devi Vohra): Actively participated in revolutionary activities and assisted Bhagat Singh in escaping the British police. Participation in Non-Political Social Reforms: ○ Rukhmabai Raut: As one of the first practicing female doctors in colonial India, Rukhmabai's fight against child marriage and for women's education contributed to the larger social reform movement, indirectly supporting the independence struggle. ○ Pandita Ramabai: Championed women's education and established Sharada Sadan for widows in 1889 and Arya Mahila Samaj. ○ Tarabai Shinde: An early feminist, Tarabai wrote "Stri Purush Tulana" in 1882, critiquing the patriarchal society and advocating for women's rights. Role played by Women before Gandhian Phase: ○ Sarala Devi Chaudhurani: An influential figure in the Bengal Renaissance, Sarala Devi actively participated in the Swadeshi Movement by promoting indigenous goods and encouraging women's involvement in the boycott of British products.She founded Bharat Stree Mahamandal in Allahabad in 1910,which is first national-level women's organization in India. ○ Annie Besant: She played a crucial role by providing her leadership of the Home Rule League, which advocated for self-governance. She inspired many Indian women to join the freedom struggle. ©Sarrthi IAS 9569093856 www.sarrthiias.com 13  GS-1 (History) Role played by Women before Gandhian Phase: ○ Women's Indian Association (WIA): Founded in 1917 by Annie Besant, Margaret Cousins, and others, the WIA focused on women's suffrage, education, and social reform, setting the stage for greater female participation in the national movement. ○ Durgabai Deshmukh: Even before the Gandhian phase, Durgabai was involved in the freedom struggle, actively participating in various revolutionary activities, later played a significant role in dra ing the Indian Constitution. ROLE OF WOMEN DURING GANDHIAN PHASE Non-cooperation movement (1920s) ○ Women joined the movement in large numbers, participating in picketing foreign goods and liquor shops. ○ Kasturba Gandhi: Worked closely with Mahatma Gandhi, leading the womenʼs wing of the movement, participating in the Salt March, and promoting khadi. ○ Basanti Devi, wife of C.R.Das, arrested during the NCM. ○ Kamala Nehru: Actively participated in the Non-Cooperation Movement and led the boycott of foreign goods in Allahabad. Civil Disobedience and the Dandi Salt March (1930s): ○ Mass Awareness: Women volunteers took part in demonstrations, rallies, protests, and prabhat pheris during the civil disobedience movement. ○ Leading roles: Following the arrest of men, women's organizations assumed responsibility for continuing civil disobedience and organizing meetings. ○ Constructive activities: They also kept up the Gandhian constructive program, which included weaving cloth and fasting as a form of passive resistance. Some of them were known as sevikas, or scouts. ○ Salt Satyagraha: In the 1930s, Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay rose to prominence as the face of the Gandhian movement, particularly the Salt Satyagraha. Sarojini Naidu Known as the "Nightingale of India," she led the Dharasana Salt Satyagraha. Quit India Movement (1942) ○ The colonisers quickly arrested almost all of the foremost national leaders at the time. ©Sarrthi IAS 9569093856 www.sarrthiias.com 14  GS-1 (History) ○ Women propelled the movement in 1942 by organising protest marches, hartals, and demonstrations, risking arrests, and distributing anti-colonial literature. ○ Sucheta Kripalani offered individual satyagraha at Faizabad and was imprisoned for two years. ○ Aruna Asaf Ali played an active role in the underground movement,hoisted the Congress flag at the Gowalia Tank maidan in Bombay during the movement. ○ Usha Mehta runs the Congress Radio in Bombay,to broadcast messages to Indian freedom fighters and keep the spirit of resistance alive. Why did women participate on a large scale during the Gandhian Mass movement? Women's large-scale participation in Gandhian mass movements was a result of the inclusive and non-violent nature of these movements, the inspirational leadership, and the intertwining of the freedom struggle with social reform efforts. Gandhi Ji during Non Cooperation Movement said “A yagna is incomplete without women taking part in it”.This explains his views related to women. Gandhijiʼs Inclusive Ideology: ○ Empowerment of Women: Mahatma Gandhi strongly believed in the power and potential of women. He emphasized their equal role in the struggle for independence.Gandhi's philosophy emphasized equality and non-violence, which resonated with many women who sought social justice and empowerment. ○ Non-Violent Resistance: The philosophy of non-violence (Ahimsa) resonated with women, making it easier for them to participate without engaging in violent confrontations. Economic and Social Factors: ○ Economic Exploitation: Many women, especially those from rural areas, were affected by British economic policies. The non-cooperation and boycott movements allowed them to protest against their economic hardships. ○ Social Reform: Participation in the freedom struggle was intertwined with the push for social reforms such as the abolition of untouchability, child marriage, and promoting women's education and rights. ©Sarrthi IAS 9569093856 www.sarrthiias.com 15  GS-1 (History) Inspirational Leadership and Role Models: ○ Prominent Women Leaders: Leaders like Kasturba Gandhi,Sarojini Naidu,Kamla Devi Chattopadhyay and others served as role models, demonstrating that women could lead and significantly contribute to the independence movement. ○ Grassroots Mobilization: Influential local leaders and activists inspired and organized women at the grassroots level, fostering a sense of collective action and solidarity. Political Awakening: The widespread political mobilization of the masses by the Indian National Congress and other organizations created an environment where women's participation was encouraged and facilitated. Personal Liberation: For many women, participation in the freedom movement was also a means of personal liberation and assertion of their identity and rights within the socio-political context of India. Women involvement not only strengthened the independence movement but also paved the way for future gender equality and women's rights in India. LIMITATIONS OF WOMEN'S ROLE IN NATIONAL MOVEMENT Lack of leadership role: Women had not led the revolt and nationalist movement from the front. They mostly assisted the torchbearers and also act on the plan prepared by the INC or other organisations. ○ Ex. Pritilata Waddekar and Kalpana Dutt worked for Surya Sen-led organisation. Patriarchal Society: The prevalence of patriarchy eventually resulted in opportunities being diverted to men, which hampered their advancement in the process of forming nations. Women were also responsible for their housework. Social stigma: They were viewed as weak and consequently unable to withstand the British's brutal and severe kind of repression. Less representation: Women were not given prominent positions and leading roles in the forefront institutions for the freedom movement. For Example - Congress membership, Labour union organisation etc. Lack of Scientific Temperament: Only a small percentage of upper middle-class women could obtain Western education, which served as a deterrent to instilling a contemporary, secular, liberal, and scientific viewpoint in them. ©Sarrthi IAS 9569093856 www.sarrthiias.com 16  GS-1 (History) PYQ Q.1) The plan of Sir Stafford Cripps envisaged that a er the Second World War (a) India should be granted complete independence. (b) India should be partitioned into two before granting independence. (c) India should be made a republic with the condition that she will join the Commonwealth. (d) India should be given Dominion status. Q.2) Which one of the following observations is not true about the Quit India Movement of 1942? (a) It was a nonviolent movement (b) It was led by Mahatma Gandhi (c) It was a spontaneous movement (d) It did not attract the labour class in general Q.3) Quit India Movement was launched in response to (a) Cabinet Mission Plan (b) Cripps Proposals (c) Simon Commission Report (d) Wavell Plan Q.4) With reference to Indian freedom struggle, Usha Mehta is well-known for (a) Running the secret Congress Radio in the wake of Quit India Movement (b) Participating in the Second Round Table Conference (c) Leading a contingent of Indian National Army (d) Assisting in the formation of Interim Government under Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Q.5) With reference to 8th August, 1942 in Indian history, which one of the following statements is correct? (a) The Quit India Resolution was adopted by the AICC. (b) The Viceroyʼs 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. Mains PYQ Q.1) Discuss the role of women in the freedom struggle especially during the Gandhian phase. ©Sarrthi IAS 9569093856 www.sarrthiias.com 17  GS-1 (History) ©Sarrthi IAS 9569093856 www.sarrthiias.com 18