reviewing history
Historical arcHive
Although Satyagraha, ahimsa or nonviolence became the unique weapons of
Indian National Movement, the Quit
India movement treaded a different path.
Why was the movement
launched?
The key factor of launching the movement was that Gandhiji wanted people to
rise in union favouring direct action
against the British. On 14th July 1942,
The Congress Working Committee
adopted the well known 'Quit India' Resolution at Wardha, to give effect to
Gandhiji’s views. On, 8th August 1942 in
Bombay, The All India Congress Committee accepted this resolution.
What triggered the
movement?
On 9th August 1942, eminent Congress leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Vallabhbhai Patel, Jawaharlal Nehru and
Abul Kalam Azad were arrested. Gandhiji's 'do or die' call for the people created
uproar in the nation. Gandhiji addressed
the masses to lead the movement with
non-violent means. But the harsh atrocities by Viceroy, Lord Linlithgow
led
to
immediate protests by
the people.
How was the
movement led?
The Man
Gopabandhu Das was one of
the founders of the modern Orissa
state and a foremost social reformer excelling in politics and literature. Due to his thorough
devotion towards social work, he
was bestowed the honorary title of
Utkalmani (jewel of Orissa) by the
people.
The Mission
Gopabandhu Das was born on
October 9, 1877 in Swando village of Puri district in Orissa. From
his youth, he encouraged his
friends to take on social, economic
and political problems as able citizens of society. After his graduation, he obtained his Law degree
but he left his legal profession and
devoted himself completely to the
service of the people of Orissa.
Das started newspapers like
‘Satyabadi’ and ‘Samaja’ and was
rightly called the ‘father of Oriya
8
journalism’
and an educationist of
great
insight. Being
an absolute
patriot, he
joined the
Freedom Movement under the
leadership of Mahatma Gandhi.
The Organisation
He believed, only education
can improve and develop society.
Thus, in August 1909, he established Satyabadi Bana Vidyalay,
near Puri in Orissa. The objective
of the institution was to spread
idealism, patriotism, nationalism
and intellectual pursuits among its
students in a Gurukul environment. The school stood forth despite, facing strong opposition
from orthodox Brahmins. On 17th
June 1928, after a prolonged illness, Gopabandhu passed away.
n Young ExplorEr n SEPTEMBER 2009
Fascinating Forts
Gopabandhu Das
Lighting Lives
The
Quit
India
Movement opened in
four phases. The first
phase
began
with
strikes,
processions,
protest and lasted for 34 days. Factory and mill
workers rose to the
cause and displayed
maximum force and enthusiasm. Raiding
of municipal and government buildings
marked the second phase. Police stations,
post offices and railway stations were attacked and set ablaze. September 1942
marked the beginning of the third phase
with prominent effects in Madhya
Pradesh, Bombay and Uttar Pradesh.
With the fourth phase, the movement
slowed down but stretched until Gandhiji
was released from prison in May, 1944.
What were the
consequences of the
movement?
With the Quit India movement, India
was at the threshold of independence.
The movement sealed the success for
Satyagraha as a policy of political resistance and Gandhiji’s role as the torch
bearer of the Independence movement
was universally accepted.
Gwalior Fort was mightier than any other fort
in the medieval ages. It was aptly described by
Babur, the Mughal Emperor as the ‘pearl amongst
fortresses in India’. Situated at Gopachal, 100 meters above the town of Gwalior, the fort is reputed
as the most secure in north central India. It is a
perfect blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture.
Gwalior fort was built by Raja Man Singh Tomar
of Tomara dynasty, who conquered the fort in 8th
century. It has two parts: the Main fort and Gurjari
Mahal. The Gurjari Mahal was constructed later by
the king in the 10th century for his favourite queen
Mrignayni. The fort has been a steady witness to
many battles in olden times. It was here that Tatya
Tope and Rani of Jhansi fought for their freedom
against the British Empire.