Indian National Army: Bose Vision, Role, and Impact in the Freedom Struggle

INA’s Freedom Mission: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s Fight for Indian Independence

During World War II, the Indian National Army (INA), also known as Azad Hind Fauj, played an important role in the Indian freedom struggle. The Indian National Army, led by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, aimed to free India from British colonial rule and establish an independent nation. Here’s a look at the INA’s role and impact during the Indian freedom struggle:

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army: Forge of Indian Freedom and Unity

• In 1942, Bose, a prominent nationalist leader, founded the Indian National Army with the goal of liberating India from British rule. 
• The Indian National Army waged military campaigns against the British in Southeast Asia, recruiting Indian POWs to their cause. The activities of the Indian National Army and Bose’s leadership had a significant political impact, inspiring nationalist sentiments and unity among Indians. 
• Despite not achieving immediate independence, Bose and the INA’s contributions to India’s freedom struggle left a lasting legacy. However, Bose’s alliance with Axis powers is fraught with controversy. Nonetheless, Bose’s leadership and the efforts of the Indian National Army continue to be an important part of India’s nationalist narrative.

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INA’s Origin: Mohan Singh to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose – Struggles & Triumphs

• Mohan Singh’s Idea of National Army: The idea of creating an army out of Indian prisoners of war (POWs) was originally proposed by Mohan Singh, an Indian army officer who had decided not to join the retreating British army in Malaya.  
• Invitation For Joining: After the fall of Singapore, 40,000 POWs were ready to join the INA, which was to go into action only on the invitation of the Indian National Congress and the people of India.  
• First Division: With the outbreak of the Quit India Movement in India, the Indian National Army received a boost, and the first division of the Founder of INA with 16,300 men.  
• Difference Over the Role Of INA: However, serious disagreements arose between Indian Army officers and Japanese officers regarding the role to be played by the INA.  
• Activities IN JAPAN: After turning into a naturalized citizen, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose became involved in Pan-Asian circles, Founder of INA the Indian Club of Tokyo, and lectured on the evils of Western imperialism.  
• Formation Of INA: Rash Behari Bose was instrumental in forming the Indian National Army (INA) under the Indian Independence League in 1942.  
• Supreme Commander of the INA: Subhas Bose became the INA’s Supreme Commander on August 25, 1943, and formed the Provisional Government for Free India in Singapore with H.C. Chatterjee (Finance portfolio), M.A. Aiyar (Broadcasting), Lakshmi Swaminathan (Women Department), and others.  
• Chalo Delhi: In January 1944, the INA headquarters were relocated to Rangoon (Burma), and army recruits were to march from there with the war cry “Chalo Delhi!” on their lips.  
• Hold Over Andaman and Nicobar: On November 6, 1943, Andaman and Nicobar islands were given by the Japanese army to the INA; the islands were renamed Shahid Dweep and Swaraj Dweep respectively.  
• Blessing From Gandhi: On July 6, 1944, Subhas addressed Mahatma Gandhi as ‘Father of Nation’ and asked for Gandhi’s blessings for “India’s last war of independence”.  
• INA flag at Moirang: The Azad Hind Fauz crossed the Burma border on March 18, 1944, and the INA units advanced up to Kohima and Imphal. On April 14, Colonel Malik hoisted the INA flag at Moirang, in Manipur, to enthusiastic cries of “Jai Hind” and “Netaji Zindabad”.  
• End of INA: However, the INA suffered the same fate as the Japanese, and all brigades withdrew on July 18, 1944. Subhash Bose died in a mysterious plane crash in Taipei, Taiwan. When the INA POWs were returned to India after the war to face court-martial, a powerful defense movement emerged.

Conclusion

The Indian National Army, led by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, played a critical role in the Indian freedom struggle. It heightened national consciousness, posed a challenge to British imperialism, and motivated many Indians to fight for independence. The INA’s legacy lives on as a symbol of resistance and determination in the pursuit of a free India.

Previous Year Question (Prelims)

Q. In the context of Colonial India, Shah Nawaz Khan, Prem Kumar Sehgal and Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon are remembered as_______________________. [2021] 

1. Leaders of Swadeshi and Boycott Movement
2. Members of the Interim Government in 1946
3. Members of the Drafting Committee in the Constituent Assembly
4. Officers of the Indian National Army

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