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

Early Life and Political Journey

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 resigning from it in 1921 to join the Non-Cooperation Movement. Bose quickly rose in the ranks of the Indian National Congress, aligning with the more radical faction. He served as Mayor of Calcutta in 1930 and was elected President of the Indian National Congress in 1938 at the Haripura session. His socialist leanings and assertive stance against British rule often put him at odds with Mahatma Gandhi's non-violent approach. He was re-elected President in 1939 at the Tripuri session, defeating Gandhi's preferred candidate, Pattabhi Sitaramayya. However, due to ideological differences and a lack of support from the Congress Working Committee, he resigned shortly after and formed the Forward Bloc in 1939.

Escape and Axis Alliance

With the outbreak of World War II, Bose saw an opportunity to leverage international conflicts for India's independence. He believed that Britain's weakness during the war could be exploited. In 1941, he was placed under house arrest by the British but famously escaped from his Calcutta residence in January 1941, disguised as a Pathan. His journey took him through Afghanistan and the Soviet Union, eventually reaching Germany in April 1941. In Germany, he sought support from the Axis powers, believing that 'an enemy's enemy is a friend.' He established the Free India Centre in Berlin and started the 'Azad Hind Radio' to broadcast messages to Indians. He also formed the 'Indian Legion' (also known as the 'Tiger Legion') comprising Indian prisoners of war captured by Germany and Italy.

Formation of INA

The concept of the Indian National Army (INA) was first conceived by Mohan Singh, an officer of the British Indian Army, in Malaya in 1942. He gathered Indian prisoners of war captured by the Japanese after the fall of Singapore. The first INA was formed with Japanese support but later disbanded due to disagreements. Subhas Chandra Bose arrived in Southeast Asia in July 1943, after a perilous submarine journey from Germany. He took over the leadership of the Indian Independence League and the reorganized INA from Rash Behari Bose in Singapore. On October 21, 1943, he proclaimed 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 was given the title 'Netaji' by the people of Germany and India.

INA's Campaigns and Legacy

Under Netaji's leadership, the INA launched its military campaigns. Its headquarters were moved to Rangoon (Yangon) in January 1944. The INA participated in the Imphal-Kohima campaign alongside the Japanese army in 1944, aiming to enter India through the northeastern border. Despite initial successes, the campaign ultimately failed due to logistical challenges, heavy monsoon rains, and strong British resistance. The INA's slogan was 'Jai Hind,' and its marching song was 'Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja.' Though militarily unsuccessful, the INA's existence and Netaji's leadership had a profound psychological impact on the Indian masses and the British Indian Army. The trials of INA officers at the Red Fort in 1945-46 galvanized public opinion across India, leading to widespread protests and mutinies, including the Royal Indian Navy mutiny in 1946. This demonstrated the weakening loyalty of Indian soldiers to the British Crown.

Netaji's Disappearance and Impact

Subhas Chandra Bose's disappearance remains one of the greatest mysteries of Indian history. It is widely believed that he died in a plane crash in Taiwan on August 18, 1945, while en route to Tokyo. However, various theories and conspiracy claims persist. Despite his controversial alliances, Netaji is revered as a national hero for his unwavering commitment to India's independence. His daring escape, formation of the INA, and call for 'Chalo Delhi' (March to Delhi) inspired millions. The INA trials, in particular, played a crucial role in accelerating the process of Indian independence by exposing the deep anti-British sentiment within the armed forces and among the general public. His legacy continues to inspire discussions on different paths to freedom and national pride.

Important Keywords Explained

Indian National Army (INA)organization

The INA was an armed force formed by Indian nationalists during World War II, initially by Mohan Singh and later revived and led by Subhas Chandra Bose. Its aim was to secure India's independence from British rule with the support of the Axis powers, primarily Japan. It comprised Indian prisoners of war and expatriates in Southeast Asia.

Forward Blocorganization

The Forward Bloc was a left-wing nationalist political party founded by Subhas Chandra Bose in 1939 after his resignation from the presidency of the Indian National Congress. Its objective was to rally all radical elements within the Congress and unite them for a decisive struggle against the British, advocating for immediate and unconditional independence.

Provisional Government of Free Indiaconcept

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

Mohan Singhperson

Mohan Singh was an officer in the British Indian Army who played a crucial role in the initial formation of the Indian National Army (INA) in Malaya in 1942. He gathered Indian prisoners of war captured by the Japanese. Though the first INA disbanded, his efforts laid the groundwork for its later revival under Subhas Chandra Bose.

Additional Facts & Context

• Bose's political guru was Chittaranjan Das.
• The INA's famous slogan was 'Chalo Delhi' (March to Delhi).
• The INA had a women's regiment called the Rani of Jhansi Regiment, led by Captain Lakshmi Swaminathan (Sehgal).
• The INA trials (Red Fort Trials) began in November 1945.
• The INA flag was a tricolor with a springing tiger emblem.