History Notes Chapter 9 Last Phase of Struggle for Independence Class 8 Maharashtra Board

Notes For All Chapters – History Class 8
1. Introduction

• This chapter focuses on the Quit India Movement, Underground Movement, and the Indian National Army (INA).
• The final phase of India’s freedom struggle occurred between 1942 and 1947, leading to Indian independence from British rule.

2. Act of 1935

Purpose: To create a federal structure in India by combining British provinces and Princely States.

Key Provisions:

• Indian representatives would govern provinces.
• Princely States refused to join as they did not want to lose autonomy.
• Result: The federal proposal failed because of Princely State opposition.

3. Provincial Cabinets (1937 Elections)

Background: Despite dissatisfaction with the Act of 1935, Congress participated in provincial elections in 1937.

Outcome:

• Congress won 8 out of 11 provinces and formed governments.
• In the other 3 provinces, mixed cabinets were formed.

Congress Ministries’ Contributions:

1. Released political prisoners.
2. Introduced basic education.
3. Prohibited liquor consumption.
4. Improved conditions for Dalits.
5. Passed debt relief laws for farmers.

4. Second World War and Indian National Congress

Start of War (1939): Britain declared India’s participation in World War II without consulting Indian leaders.

Congress Reaction:

• Demanded immediate independence if Britain claimed to fight for democracy.
• Britain refused, so Congress ministries resigned in November 1939.

5. Cripps Mission (1942)

Reason: Japan was advancing toward India during World War II, and the British needed Indian support.

Proposal by Sir Stafford Cripps:

• Dominion status after the war.
• Formation of an Indian Constitution.

Rejection:

• Congress rejected it due to the lack of complete independence.
• Muslim League rejected it as Pakistan was not mentioned.

6. Quit India Movement (1942)

A. Causes of the Movement

1. Failure of Cripps Mission.
2. British refusal to grant freedom.
3. Increasing public anger against British rule.

B. Quit India Resolution

• Date: 7-8 August 1942 at Gowalia Tank (Kranti Maidan), Mumbai.
• President of Session: Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.
• Resolution: British should leave India immediately or face a massive non-violent movement.

C. Gandhi’s Message

• “Do or Die” – Every Indian must fight for freedom or be ready to sacrifice.
• Called upon people to act as free citizens and break British authority.

D. Beginning of People’s Movement

Arrest of Leaders: On 9 August 1942, the British arrested Gandhiji, Nehru, and other key leaders.

Public Reaction:

• Protests and processions across India.
• Attacks on government buildings (jails, police stations, railway stations).

E. Inspirational Accounts of Brave Children

• In Nandurbar, Maharashtra, Shirishkumar led school students in protests.
• Police opened fire on unarmed children, killing Shirishkumar and others.

7. Underground Movement

New Leaders: After Congress leaders’ arrest, the movement continued secretly.

Key Leaders:

• Jayprakash Narayan
• Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia
• Aruna Asaf Ali
• Achyutrao Patwardhan
• Yusuf Meher Ali

Tactics Used:

• Cutting telephone lines and disrupting railways.
• Blowing up bridges to damage British communication.

Example:

• Hemu Kalani of Sindh tried to derail a train carrying British soldiers. He was hanged for his actions.

8. Establishment of Parallel Government

Definition: In some areas, British officials were removed, and local governments were formed.

Key Regions:

• Midnapore (Bengal)
• Ballia (Uttar Pradesh)
• Satara (Maharashtra)

Satara’s Parallel Government:

• Leader: Krantisinh Nana Patil.
• Activities:
  • Collected taxes.
  • Maintained law and order.
  • Punished criminals.

9. Indian National Army (INA)

• Founder of INA: Rash Behari Bose in Japan (1942).
• Leader: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.

Goals of INA:

• Overthrow British rule with armed struggle.
• Liberate India with Japan’s help.

Achievements:

• Captured Andaman and Nicobar Islands, renaming them Shaheed and Swaraj.
• Advanced into Assam but faced setbacks when Japan stopped support.

Slogan: “Give me blood, and I will give you freedom!”

A. Trials of INA Soldiers

• British put INA soldiers on trial for treason.
• Lawyers: Jawaharlal Nehru, Bhulabhai Desai, and others defended them.
• Outcome: Due to public pressure, the British released many INA soldiers.

10. Naval and Air Force Revolts (1946)

• Event: Inspired by INA, naval soldiers on the British ship “Talwar” in Mumbai revolted.
• Action:
  • Indian flag was raised on 18 February 1946.
  • Soldiers fired back when the British army attacked.
• Air Force: Strikes occurred in Delhi, Karachi, and Ambala in support of naval soldiers.

Impact:

• These revolts showed that even the British military was turning against the government.

11. Significance of the Quit India Movement

• Mass Participation: It was a nationwide movement with millions of people involved.
• British Weakness: British realized they could no longer control India effectively.
• Inspiration: It increased patriotism and led to the final struggle for freedom.

This movement marked the beginning of the end for British rule in India.