The correct option is (a) 1 and 2 only.
Explanation
The Quit India Movement, also known as the August Kranti, was the final major mass campaign for independence launched by the Indian National Congress under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi in August 1942.Statement 1 is Correct:
The movement was initiated by Mahatma Gandhi in August 1942, which falls in the middle of the Second World War (1939–1945). The immediate trigger for the movement was the failure of the Cripps Mission and the growing dissatisfaction with British rule during the war.
Statement 2 is Correct:
On August 8, 1942, at the historic session of the All India Congress Committee at Gowalia Tank Maidan in Bombay, Mahatma Gandhi gave the famous mantra "Do or Die" (Karo ya Maro). He urged the people to either free India or die in the attempt, rather than live to see the perpetuation of slavery.
Statement 3 is Incorrect:
Unlike the Non-Cooperation or Civil Disobedience movements, the Quit India Movement was not strictly non-violent. Following the immediate arrest of all top Congress leaders (including Gandhi) on August 9, the movement became leaderless and spontaneous. The public reaction turned violent, characterized by widespread attacks on symbols of British authority such as police stations, post offices, railway tracks, and telegraph lines.
Key Takeaway:
The Quit India Movement is distinct for its leaderless character and the breakdown of strict non-violent discipline, resulting in a spontaneous mass upsurge against colonial symbols.