INA & Subhash Chandra Bose: The Tiger's Roar
"Tum mujhe khoon do, main tumhe azadi dunga." (Give me blood, and I will give you freedom).
While the Congress walked the path of Negotiation, Subhash Chandra Bose chose the path of Force.
He escaped House Arrest in Kolkata, traveled to Berlin, then Tokyo, and raised an army to invade India and free it.
It is the most audacious adventure in our history.
1. The Difference: Gandhi vs Bose
They respected each other (Bose called Gandhi "Father of the Nation" first), but their methods clashed.
- Gandhi: Means are as important as Ends. Non-violence is non-negotiable.
- Bose: The End (Freedom) justifies the Means. If we need help from Hitler or Tojo to kick the British out, so be it. "My enemy's enemy is my friend."
2. The Journey: The Great Escape
1941: Bose escapes disguise as a Pathan ("Ziauddin").
Berlin: Sets up Free India Centre. realizes Hitler is racist and useless for India.
Singapore: Takes over the Indian National Army (INA) or Azad Hind Fauj from
Rashbehari Bose.
Battle cry: "Chalo Dilli!"
3. The INA Structure
Bose was a modern leader. He created:
- Provisional Government: Azad Hind Sarkar (recognized by 9 countries). It had its own currency, post, and code.
- Rani Jhansi Regiment: The first all-women combat regiment in Asia. Led by Captain Lakshmi Sehgal.
4. The Mental Model: "The Psychological Blow"
The INA attacked Imphal (1944) but failed due to rains and lack of Japanese supply. Militarily, they lost.
But they won the War. How?
When the British put INA officers (Sehgal, Dhillon, Shah Nawaz) on trial at Red Fort (1945), India exploded in
anger.
The Royal Indian Navy (RIN) mutinied in 1946. The British Indian Army soldiers said, "We will not
fire on our brothers."
The British realized: "The sword we hold India with (The Army) has rusted." They decided to leave.
5. UPSC Corner: Writing the Answer
Answer: Subhash Chandra Bose (in 1939, after resigning from Congress).
Key Argument: The INA Trials destroyed the loyalty of the British Indian armed forces, which was the only thing keeping the Raj alive.
6. Summary
- Role: Netaji (The Leader).
- Effect: Accelerated British departure by fearing an Army revolt.
- Legacy: A symbol of defiant patriotism.