Why in News?
A new book “The Forgotten Indian Prisoners of World War II” by Gautam Hazarika claims that Subhas Chandra Bose did not found the Indian National Army (INA); it was initially formed by Japanese intelligence and Indian nationalists, later revived and led to prominence by Bose in 1943.
Description:
- Formed during World War II (1942) to fight British rule in India.
- Captain Mohan Singh (14th Punjab Regiment) — first commander; recruited Indian POWs captured by Japan.
- Supported by Japanese Army Intelligence (Major Fujiwara Iwaichi) & Indian nationalists like Giani Pritam Singh.
- Rash Behari Bose formed the Indian Independence League (Tokyo, 1942) and handed INA leadership to Subhas Chandra Bose in July 1943.
- Netaji reorganized it and announced the Provisional Government of Free India (Azad Hind) on 21 Oct 1943 in Singapore.
Key Campaigns:
- “Chalo Delhi” slogan; INA hoisted flag on Indian soil at Moirang (Manipur).
- Campaign ended after Japan’s defeat (1945) → INA collapse.
INA Trials (1945–46):
- Conducted at Red Fort, Delhi.
- Officers tried: Shah Nawaz Khan, Prem Kumar Sehgal, Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon.
- Sparked nationwide protests, uniting all political factions.
- Triggered RIN Mutiny (1946) → major factor in British withdrawal.
Legacy:
- Direct armed challenge to British rule.
- Fostered nationalist unity across religion & politics.
- Inspired Indian armed forces’ loyalty shift.
- The slogan “Jai Hind” and patriotic spirit remain national symbols.
Traditional vs. New Interpretation:
| Aspect | Traditional View | New (2025) Interpretation |
| Founder | Subhas Chandra Bose | Formed jointly by Japanese intelligence (Fujiwara Iwaichi) and Indian nationalists (Giani Pritam Singh) |
| First Commander | Subhas Chandra Bose | Captain Mohan Singh (1942) |
| Political Patron | Azad Hind Government (1943) | Indian Independence League (1942) |
| Role of Rash Behari Bose | Lesser-known | Bridged Mohan Singh’s INA and Netaji’s INA |
| Subhas Bose’s Contribution | Founder and leader | Reviver, organiser, and global symbol of the INA |
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