August Kranti Maidan (1942)

Overview

August Kranti Maidan in Mumbai, then called Gowalia Tank Maidan, was where the All India Congress Committee passed the Quit India resolution on 8 August 1942.

Gandhi gave the call 'Do or Die' here. Leaders were arrested the next morning, and Aruna Asaf Ali hoisted the Congress flag at the ground on 9 August, which is remembered as August Kranti Day.

The movement that followed saw parallel governments in Ballia, Tamluk and Satara, and underground leaders such as Jayaprakash Narayan, Ram Manohar Lohia and Usha Mehta, who ran a secret Congress radio.

Geography and key facts

• Mumbai, Maharashtra (formerly Gowalia Tank Maidan)
• Quit India resolution passed on 8 August 1942
• Gandhi's slogan 'Do or Die'
• Flag hoisted by Aruna Asaf Ali on 9 August 1942

Why it matters for UPSC

Quit India Movement questions often ask about the venue, the slogan and the leaders who kept the movement going underground.