Aruna Asaf Ali's Role in India's Freedom Struggle

Aruna Asaf Ali was a prominent figure in the Indian independence movement. She is remembered for her significant contributions, particularly her role in organizing underground activities during a critical phase of the struggle against British rule.

Underground Activity and the Quit India Movement

The question asks about Aruna Asaf Ali's major role as a woman organizer of underground activity during the freedom struggle. Let's examine her involvement in the movements listed:

• Civil Disobedience Movement (1930 onwards): Aruna Asaf Ali participated in this movement, including the Salt Satyagraha. She was imprisoned multiple times. However, her most notable underground work was associated with a later movement.
• Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922): This movement occurred earlier in her political life. While she was involved in nationalist activities, her major role in underground organization came later.
• Quit India Movement (1942): This is where Aruna Asaf Ali played a pivotal role in underground resistance. When the prominent leaders of the Indian National Congress were arrested on August 9, 1942, following the Quit India Resolution, many activists went underground to continue the struggle. Aruna Asaf Ali was one of the leading figures who organized and led these covert activities. She hoisted the Indian flag at the Gowalia Tank Maidan in Mumbai (then Bombay) during the launch of the movement, defying the British authorities. She then went underground for several years, editing the Congress's underground newspaper, 'Inquilab', and coordinating resistance efforts. This period marked her most significant involvement in organizing underground activities.
• Swadeshi Movement (1905-1908): This movement took place before Aruna Asaf Ali became actively involved in nationalist politics. Her major contributions were during the later phases of the freedom struggle.

Based on her historical involvement, Aruna Asaf Ali was a major woman organizer of underground activity during the Quit India Movement.

Identifying Aruna Asaf Ali's Contribution

Aruna Asaf Ali's decision to go underground during the Quit India Movement was crucial after the mass arrests of leaders. She became a symbol of resistance, operating from hiding and inspiring others to continue the fight through various clandestine methods. Her work involved publishing underground literature, organizing communication networks, and coordinating protests, all under the constant threat of arrest. This period is widely recognized as the peak of her involvement in organizing underground resistance during the freedom struggle.

Therefore, her most significant role as an organizer of underground activity was during the Quit India Movement.

Revision Table: Key Indian Freedom Movements

Additional Information on Aruna Asaf Ali and Quit India Movement

Aruna Asaf Ali's bravery and leadership during the Quit India Movement made her a national hero. Despite being declared a fugitive and a bounty placed on her head, she evaded arrest for several years, continuously working for the cause from underground locations. She emerged from hiding only after the warrants against her were withdrawn in 1946. Her actions during this period highlight the crucial role played by many lesser-known activists and leaders who kept the spirit of the freedom struggle alive when mainstream leadership was incarcerated. The Quit India Movement was unique in its spontaneous nature following the leadership arrests, and underground networks were vital for its continuation.