The Indian National Army (INA), also known as Azad Hind Fauj, holds a significant place in the history of India’s struggle for independence from British colonial rule. Led by nationalist leader Subhas Chandra Bose, the INA played a crucial role during World War II in challenging British dominance in India. Comprised primarily of Indian prisoners of war and civilians from Southeast Asia, the INA fought alongside the Japanese forces against the British in the hope of securing India’s freedom. Despite its eventual dissolution and the complexities surrounding its legacy, the Indian National Army remains a symbol of resistance, patriotism, and the relentless pursuit of independence in India’s history.
During World War II, Indian nationalists and prisoners of war came together to form the Indian National Army (INA). It started in 1942 under Mohan Singh’s leadership with support from the Japanese Empire. Over time, it became its own army, fighting for India’s independence. Subhas Chandra Bose, a well-known nationalist leader, led the INA.
Formation and Background
- On February 17, 1942, around 45,000 Indian prisoners of war (POWs) were gathered at Farrer Park, shortly after Singapore fell to the Japanese. The British handed them over to the Japanese, who surprised them by expressing support for India’s independence. Mohan Singh, a British army captain from the 1/14th Punjab Regiment, urged the Indian soldiers to unite and fight for India’s freedom. About 20,000 men quickly joined the Indian National Army (INA).
- Before this, various Indian nationalist groups in East Asia were encouraged by the Japanese military to join an anti-British alliance. These groups later formed the Indian Independence League (IIL) in Singapore, which also looked after the welfare of Indian communities in East Asia.
- In March 1942, the Japanese suggested that the INA should be affiliated with the IIL and led by Rash Behari Bose, an Indian revolutionary who had fled to Japan earlier. This was officially announced in June 1942 in Bangkok. However, by the end of 1942, many Indians began to realize that the Japanese were using them and started to distrust Bose.
- Following disagreements with the Japanese, Mohan Singh and other INA officials took command of the INA in December. The Japanese then arrested and deported Mohan Singh to Ubin Pulau.
Indian National Army (INA) and Subhas Chandra Bose
- Subhash Chandra Bose was a prominent nationalist leader in India who believed in advocating for India’s freedom through military means. Born in Bengal, he studied at Calcutta and Cambridge Universities.
- In the early 1920s, Bose left his public service position to join the nationalist movement. In 1938, he became the President of the Indian National Congress, but due to disagreements with Gandhi, he resigned the following year.
- Bose played a crucial role in the establishment of the Indian National Army (INA), also known as the Azad Hind Fauj, which was formed by indigenous nationalists with support from the Imperial Japanese Army.
- Invited by the Japanese in January 1943 to lead the Indian nationalist movement in East Asia, Bose took over in February and departed for Tokyo from Germany. He arrived in Tokyo in May 1943 after a submarine journey and a brief stop in Singapore.
- In Tokyo, Bose used radio broadcasts to encourage Indian communities to join the fight for India’s independence. The Indian national flag was raised in Kohima, Nagaland, in March 1944.
- However, as the war progressed and the Japanese faced defeat, the INA’s strength weakened. Despite this, the INA’s participation had a significant impact on Indian politics, stirring revolutionary sentiments among the Indian people.
- Bose’s vision and idealism through the INA movement inspired Indians, despite his controversial methods. The INA brigades were named after prominent Indian leaders such as Gandhi, Nehru, Maulana Azad, and Bose himself. There was also an all-women army named after Lakshmibai, the Rani of Jhansi.
- Bose demonstrated his military leadership and organizational skills through the INA, with one brigade accompanying the Japanese army to India’s borders.
Women’s Regiment
- Dr. Lakshmi was present at Bose’s gathering on July 9th and quickly responded to his call for forming a Women’s Regiment. Despite initial hesitation from many women due to traditional gender roles, Dr. Lakshmi convinced a group of 20 young women to join the INA.
- Impressed by their dedication, Bose appointed Dr. Lakshmi as the commander of the Women’s Regiment, which he named the “Rani of Jhansi Regiment” in honor of Rani Lakshmibai, a historic figure in India’s fight against British rule.
- The Women’s Regiment, established on July 12, 1943, saw an additional 150 women recruited shortly after its formation. These women came from diverse backgrounds, including plantation laborers and those from business families, despite facing opposition from their families.
- Inspired by Bose’s passion for India’s independence, around 300 cadets were part of the camp by November 1943, demonstrating their commitment to the cause.
The Indian National Army (INA) and the British Indian Southeast Asia (BISEA) played significant roles in India’s struggle for independence, embodying the spirit of patriotism and resistance against colonial rule. Despite facing challenges and setbacks, both movements contributed to the eventual achievement of India’s freedom. The INA, led by Subhas Chandra Bose, symbolized the determination of Indian nationalists to fight for independence through armed struggle. Bose’s leadership and vision inspired thousands to join the INA, including women who formed the Rani of Jhansi Regiment, defying societal norms to contribute to the cause of freedom. Similarly, the British Indian Southeast Asia (BISEA) movement, led by Indian nationalists in East Asia, aimed to collaborate with the Japanese to overthrow British colonial rule in India. While the collaboration with the Japanese was controversial, the BISEA movement reflected the desire of Indians living abroad to contribute to India’s independence struggle.
Despite their differences in approach and strategy, both the INA and BISEA movements highlighted the unity and resolve of Indians to break free from British imperialism. Their sacrifices and contributions served as a catalyst for India’s eventual independence in 1947.
In conclusion, the stories of the INA and BISEA underscore the multifaceted nature of India’s struggle for independence, encompassing both nonviolent resistance and armed rebellion. These movements remain integral parts of India’s historical narrative, reminding us of the courage and determination of those who fought tirelessly for the nation’s freedom.
Also Read: Wavell Plan and Shimla Conference.