Mahatma Gandhi and the Nationalist Movement
Quit India and the last heroic days
Explain why the months after Independence are called Gandhi's finest hour.
In August 1942, Gandhi launched the Quit India movement. He and other leaders were jailed at once, but young activists organised strikes and sabotage across the country. In some places, like Satara in Maharashtra and Medinipur in Bengal, they set up 'parallel' (independent) governments.
Meanwhile, the Muslim League grew strong, especially in Punjab and Sind. The 1946 elections showed sharp polarisation: the Congress won the general seats, the League the Muslim seats. The League called for 'Direct Action Day' on 16 August 1946, which led to terrible riots in Calcutta that spread to other parts of India.
In February 1947, Lord Mountbatten became Viceroy. He announced that India would be given freedom, but divided. On 15 August 1947, power was formally transferred.
On that day, Gandhi was not in Delhi celebrating. He was in Calcutta, on a 24-hour fast, working to restore peace. He went on to work for communal harmony in Bengal, and then in Delhi.
On 30 January 1948, Gandhi was shot dead by Nathuram Godse, a man who objected to his efforts for Hindu-Muslim harmony. India was free, but divided.
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