Gandhi ji and congress launched the famous Quit India movement in August 1942. This was the 3rd mass movement against British. A resolution was passed on 8 August 1942 Bombay (Mumbai) by the All Indian Congress Committee demanding end of the British rule. Mass struggle were organised all over the country.

All Indians were politically charged. Even women and children were inspired and they participated enthusiastically. All were inspired by Gandhi ji’s slogan ‘ DO OR DIE ‘ ( Karo yah maro ) was a great source of inspiration. On 9 August 1942, the British arrested Gandhi ji and other senior leaders and declared the congress the illegal organisation. The people reacted violently to this, as the news of their leaders arrest shocked the entire country. In this anger many Indians destroyed police stations, post offices, railway lines, etc.

The British government used extensive force to crush the movement. Thousands of people were sent to jails. Thousands were killed, peaceful processions were lathi-charged. The British imprisoned most of the leaders of the Congress. During this time a terrible famine occurred in Bengal ( 1943 ). Over 30 lakhs people died. The government did little to alleviate the suffering of these people.