Subhas Chandra Bose and INA: A Deep Dive for UPSC SSC

Early Life and Political Career

Subhas Chandra Bose was born on January 23, 1897, in Cuttack, Odisha. He was a brilliant student, qualifying for the Indian Civil Service (ICS) examination in 1920 but resigned from his position in 1921 to join the Non-Cooperation Movement. Bose quickly rose in the ranks of the Indian National Congress, aligning with the more radical wing. He became the President of the Congress in 1938 at the Haripura session and was re-elected in 1939 at the Tripuri session, defeating Mahatma Gandhi's preferred candidate, Pattabhi Sitaramayya. However, ideological differences with Gandhi and the Congress Working Committee led to his resignation from the presidency in April 1939. He then formed the Forward Bloc within the Congress in May 1939, advocating for immediate and uncompromising struggle against British rule.

Escape and Axis Alliance

With the outbreak of World War II, Bose saw an opportunity to leverage international conflict for India's independence. He was placed under house arrest in Calcutta in 1940 but made a dramatic escape in January 1941, travelling through Afghanistan and the Soviet Union to reach Germany. In Germany, he sought support from the Axis powers, believing that 'Britain's enemy is India's friend.' He established the Free India Centre in Berlin and started the 'Azad Hind Radio' to broadcast messages to Indians. He also raised the 'Free India Legion' (also known as the 'Tiger Legion') comprising Indian prisoners of war captured by Germany and Italy. This period marked a significant shift in his strategy, moving towards armed struggle with external support.

Formation of INA

The concept of the Indian National Army (INA) was initially conceived by Mohan Singh, an officer of the British Indian Army, after the fall of Singapore in February 1942. Indian prisoners of war (POWs) captured by the Japanese were persuaded to join the INA. Rash Behari Bose, an Indian revolutionary living in Japan, played a crucial role in organizing the INA and later handed over its leadership to Subhas Chandra Bose. Subhas Chandra Bose arrived in Southeast Asia in July 1943, taking command of the INA from Rash Behari Bose. He revitalized the organization, inspiring thousands of Indian POWs and civilian expatriates to join the cause of 'Total Mobilisation' for India's freedom. He famously gave the slogan 'Jai Hind' and 'Tum Mujhe Khoon Do, Main Tumhe Azadi Dunga' (Give me blood, and I will give you freedom).

Provisional Government and Campaigns

On October 21, 1943, Subhas Chandra Bose proclaimed the formation of the Provisional Government of Free India (Arzi Hukumat-e-Azad Hind) in Singapore. This government was recognized by nine Axis powers, including Japan, Germany, and Italy. Bose also established the Rani of Jhansi Regiment, an all-women combat unit, demonstrating his progressive vision. The INA, under Bose's leadership, participated in military campaigns alongside the Japanese army, most notably in the Imphal and Kohima sectors in Northeast India in 1944. Despite initial advances, the INA's offensive faced severe setbacks due to logistical challenges, harsh weather, and strong British counter-offensives. The defeat in these battles marked a turning point for the INA's military fortunes.

Legacy and Disappearance

With Japan's surrender in August 1945, the INA's military operations ceased. Subhas Chandra Bose reportedly died in a plane crash in Taiwan on August 18, 1945, though the circumstances of his death remain a subject of debate and various conspiracy theories. Despite its military failure, the INA's existence and the subsequent trials of its officers (the Red Fort Trials of 1945-46) had a profound impact on Indian public opinion and the morale of the British Indian Army. The trials galvanized nationalist sentiment across India, leading to widespread protests and mutinies, most notably the Royal Indian Navy Mutiny in February 1946. The INA's contribution is seen as a significant factor in accelerating India's independence, demonstrating the widespread desire for freedom and the willingness to fight for it.

Important Keywords Explained

Indian National Army (INA)organization

The INA was an armed force formed by Indian nationalists during World War II in Southeast Asia. Its aim was to secure Indian independence from British rule. It was initially formed by Mohan Singh with Japanese support from Indian prisoners of war, and later revitalized and led by Subhas Chandra Bose. The INA fought alongside the Japanese in campaigns like Imphal and Kohima.

Forward Blocorganization

The Forward Bloc was a left-wing nationalist political party formed by Subhas Chandra Bose in May 1939 after his resignation from the presidency of the Indian National Congress. Its objective was to consolidate the radical elements within the Congress and to launch an uncompromising struggle against British imperialism, advocating for immediate independence.

Provisional Government of Free Indiaconcept

Also known as Arzi Hukumat-e-Azad Hind, this was a provisional government established by Subhas Chandra Bose in Singapore on October 21, 1943. It was recognized by several Axis powers and aimed to govern India once the British were overthrown. It had its own currency, court, and civil code, symbolizing India's sovereignty.

Rash Behari Boseperson

An Indian revolutionary leader who lived in exile in Japan for many years. He was instrumental in organizing the Indian Independence League and the initial formation of the Indian National Army in Southeast Asia. He later handed over the leadership of the INA to Subhas Chandra Bose in 1943, recognizing his dynamic leadership.

Additional Facts & Context

• Bose's famous slogan was 'Tum Mujhe Khoon Do, Main Tumhe Azadi Dunga' (Give me blood, and I will give you freedom).
• The INA had an all-women regiment called the Rani of Jhansi Regiment, led by Captain Lakshmi Swaminathan (later Sehgal).
• The INA's emblem was a springing tiger.
• The INA trials (Red Fort Trials) of 1945-46 involved officers like Shah Nawaz Khan, Prem Kumar Sahgal, and Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon.
• The INA's battle cry was 'Jai Hind'.