Question

When was 'Quit India' movement launched? What were its main causes?

Hint:

The most crucial cause for the Quit India Movement was the \textbf{Failure of the Cripps Mission}. Always start with this point. Also, remember Gandhi's famous slogan for this movement: \textbf{"Do or Die"}, as it perfectly captures the determined spirit of the final phase of the freedom struggle.

Answer 1

The Revolt of 1857, also known as the First War of Indian Independence, was a significant turning point in India's history. Though it did not lead to immediate independence, it had profound consequences on the political, social, and administrative structure of British India. The consequences of the Revolt of 1857 can be summarized as follows:

• End of the Mughal Empire: The Revolt marked the end of the Mughal Empire. The last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar, who was seen as the symbolic leader of the revolt, was captured by the British and exiled to Rangoon (Myanmar). The Mughal dynasty, which had ruled India for centuries, effectively came to an end after the revolt.
• Transfer of Power to the British Crown: One of the most significant consequences of the revolt was the transfer of power from the East India Company to the British Crown. In 1858, the Government of India Act was passed, marking the beginning of the British Raj. The British government took direct control over India, and the Queen of Britain became the formal ruler of India, taking over from the East India Company, which had governed the country since 1757.
• Reorganization of the British Administration: After the revolt, the British made several changes to the administrative structure of India. The British administration was centralized even more, with greater control over local affairs. The British also introduced new policies to strengthen their control, including reforms in the military, revenue collection, and land ownership systems. These changes were aimed at preventing future uprisings.
• Militarization and Reorganization of the Army: Following the revolt, the British reorganized the Indian army. The number of Indian soldiers in the army was reduced, and British soldiers were given more prominent positions. The British also made efforts to prevent any future rebellions by dividing communities and increasing racial discrimination in the military to avoid the unity seen during the revolt.
• Social and Religious Policies: The revolt exposed the discontent among various sections of society, including peasants, sepoys (soldiers), and the nobility. In response, the British adopted new social and religious policies to undermine unity among the Indian people. They promoted divide-and-rule strategies, highlighting religious and caste divisions, which led to more racial and communal tension in the years that followed.
• Impact on Indian Society: The revolt had a lasting impact on Indian society. The widespread rebellion was a result of grievances over economic exploitation, land taxes, religious issues, and military conditions. In the aftermath of the revolt, there was a marked change in public awareness and growing nationalist sentiments. The revolt sowed the seeds of future independence movements in India, with leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, and others drawing inspiration from the resistance shown during the rebellion.
• Increased Racial Discrimination and Repression: The British response to the revolt was marked by harsh repression. Public hangings, mass executions, and the punishment of villages that had supported the rebels were carried out to instill fear and maintain control. This increased racial discrimination between the British and Indians and deepened the mistrust between the two communities.

Conclusion:

The Revolt of 1857 had far-reaching consequences for India. It marked the end of the Mughal Empire and the beginning of direct British rule in India, leading to the formation of the British Raj. The revolt also resulted in significant changes to the administrative structure, military organization, and social policies of British India. Though it failed to secure immediate independence, it laid the foundation for future movements and became an important part of India’s freedom struggle in the years to come.