During which of the following mass movements did Mahatma Gandhi write that he was so tired of slavery that he was even prepared to take the risk of anarchy, expressing his firm resolve to oppose British rule?

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: Quit India Movement

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Mahatma Gandhi led several major mass movements against British rule in India, each with its own context, strategy and slogans. During one of these movements, he wrote a powerful line in which he said that he was personally so tired of slavery that he was ready to face even the risk of anarchy. This statement reflects the intensity of his opposition to continued colonial domination and his willingness to accept serious consequences. Exam questions often ask you to link this particular sentiment with the correct mass movement.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Gandhi wrote about being so sick of slavery that he would accept the risk of anarchy.
  • The question requires us to identify the movement related to this expression.
  • The options list major movements: Home Rule, Non Cooperation, Civil Disobedience and Quit India, plus Swadeshi.
  • We assume familiarity with the broad chronology and character of each movement.


Concept / Approach:
The statement is most closely associated with the Quit India Movement of 1942. At that time, Gandhi demanded an immediate end to British rule using the slogan "Do or Die". The atmosphere was tense, with a world war in progress and British reluctance to grant independence. Gandhi expressed that he was so weary of continued subjugation that he would rather risk disorder than tolerate slavery. Non Cooperation and Civil Disobedience were also strong protests but were earlier in time and had different contexts. Quit India represented a final, decisive demand for British withdrawal, which aligns with the intensity of this quote.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Arrange the movements in chronological order: Swadeshi and Home Rule were earlier, Non Cooperation started in 1920, Civil Disobedience around 1930 and Quit India in 1942. Step 2: Note that the Quit India Movement was launched during the Second World War and carried the very strong slogan "Do or Die". Step 3: Recognise that Gandhi s frustration with British rule had reached a peak by 1942, leading him to state that he was personally so tired of slavery that he was prepared even for the risk of anarchy. Step 4: Match this intense tone of finality and urgency with the options and see that it best fits the Quit India Movement rather than earlier phases of his struggle. Step 5: Therefore, select Quit India Movement as the correct answer.


Verification / Alternative check:
Historical writings and compilations of Gandhi s letters and articles show that this line appears around the time he was advocating the Quit India resolution. The demand for immediate British withdrawal, regardless of wartime pressures, is consistent with a willingness to accept risks to social order. There is no similar famous quote from him in the context of the earlier Home Rule, Non Cooperation or Civil Disobedience movements that so directly talks about being ready to face anarchy rather than continued subjugation.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Home Rule Movement: This movement, associated with leaders like Tilak and Annie Besant, predates Gandhi s central leadership phase and does not match the quote. Non-Cooperation Movement: Although it was a major protest, it was suspended after the Chauri Chaura incident, and the tone in Gandhi s statements was different, emphasising discipline and non violence. Civil Disobedience Movement: This movement focused on breaking specific unjust laws like the salt law, and Gandhi s language in this period, while firm, did not usually invoke the risk of anarchy. Swadeshi Movement: This was earlier and more linked with Bengal s anti partition agitation; Gandhi was not yet the central national leader.


Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to select Non Cooperation or Civil Disobedience simply because those movements are familiar and strongly associated with Gandhi. However, the language of being ready to risk anarchy best fits the extreme urgency of the Quit India Movement. To avoid confusion, you should connect the quote with the phrase "Do or Die" and the 1942 call for immediate British withdrawal, which clearly points to Quit India.


Final Answer:
Gandhi wrote this line in the context of the Quit India Movement.

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