Indian History

 Indian History

Indian National Army's Legacy

For Prelims: Indian National Army (INA), Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Kartavya Path, Indian Independence League, Provisional Government of Free India, Royal Indian Navy Mutiny, INA Trials

Why in the News?

A veteran of the Indian National Army (INA) recently marked his 99th birthday by laying a wreath at the statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on Kartavya Path. This veteran joined the INA on November 1, 1943, at the age of 17.

What Was the Indian National Army (INA)?

About INA:
The Indian National Army was a military force formed during World War II to challenge British rule in India. It played a significant role in India’s fight for independence.

Formation:

• Mohan Singh proposed the formation of an army from Indian prisoners of war (POWs) and secured support from Japan. Initially, he led the INA, recruiting around 40,000 soldiers, but was later removed due to conflicts over troop numbers.
• Rashbehari Bose, a revolutionary, mobilized support for the INA and established the Indian Independence League in Tokyo (1942).
• Subhas Chandra Bose became the Supreme Commander of the INA on August 25, 1943, and established the Provisional Government of Free India in Singapore on October 21, 1943. The government was recognized by nine countries, including Japan, Germany, Italy, and China (under Wang Jingwei).
  Under the Chalo Delhi campaign, the INA hoisted its flag on Indian soil at Moirang, Manipur, although their progress ended at Imphal due to Japan's defeat in World War II.
• Collapse: The retreat of Japanese forces (1944-45) weakened the INA. After Japan’s surrender on August 15, 1945, the INA followed suit and surrendered. Subhas Bose reportedly died in a plane crash in Taiwan on August 18, 1945, leading to the disbandment of the INA.

INA Trials:
Following the INA’s defeat, many of its soldiers were court-martialed as POWs, leading to widespread protests that fueled the independence movement. The first trial, held at the Red Fort in November 1945, involved three officers: Prem Kumar Sehgal (a Hindu), Shah Nawaz Khan (a Muslim), and Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon (a Sikh). Their unity represented the strength of the INA.
At the Bombay Congress session in September 1945, a resolution was passed in support of INA prisoners, with eminent leaders like Bhulabhai Desai, Tej Bahadur Sapru, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Asaf Ali defending them.

Major Nationalist Uprisings (1945–46):
Three key confrontations took place during this period:

• November 21, 1945: Student protests in Calcutta against the INA trials led to police violence.
• February 11, 1946: Demonstrations erupted in Calcutta in response to the sentencing of INA officer Rashid Ali.
• February 18, 1946: The Royal Indian Navy (RIN) ratings mutinied in Bombay.

What is the Significance of the Indian National Army (INA)?

• Direct Challenge to British Authority: The INA’s formation and military operations directly challenged British rule, aiming to liberate India with the support of Axis powers (Japan and Germany).
• Nationalist Unity: The INA trials united Indians from various religious and political backgrounds, sparking nationwide protests and rallying different factions like Congress, the Muslim League, the Hindu Mahasabha, and Communists against British policies.
• Impact on the Indian Armed Forces: The INA inspired Indian troops, contributing to the Royal Indian Navy Mutiny of 1946, where 20,000 sailors revolted—marking a pivotal moment in the weakening of British control.
• Forced British Withdrawal: In 1956, British Prime Minister admitted that the INA played a critical role in accelerating Britain’s exit from India, as fears grew that Indian forces would no longer remain loyal to the British Crown.
• Legacy and Symbolism: The INA became a symbol of armed resistance, inspiring future generations in India’s defense and military outlook. Its slogan "Jai Hind" continues to resonate as a rallying cry for national unity.

Conclusion

The Indian National Army (INA) was instrumental in India’s independence struggle. By directly confronting British rule, fostering nationalist unity, and inspiring revolts within the armed forces, the INA played a crucial role in hastening British withdrawal from India. Its legacy continues to influence India's military ethos, strategic outlook, and national identity.

Drishti Mains Question:
Discuss the role of the Indian National Army (INA) in India’s struggle for independence.

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UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Prelims
Q. In the context of Colonial India, Shah Nawaz Khan, Prem Kumar Sehgal, and Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon are remembered as (2021)
(a) Leaders of the Swadeshi and Boycott Movement
(b) Members of the Interim Government in 1946
(c) Members of the Drafting Committee in the Constituent Assembly
(d) Officers of the Indian National Army

Ans: (d)

Q. During the Indian Freedom Struggle, who of the following raised an army called the 'Free Indian Legion'? (2008)
(a) Lala Hardayal
(b) Rashbehari Bose
(c) Subhas Chandra Bose
(d) V.D. Savarkar

Ans: (c)

Mains
Q. Many voices had strengthened and enriched the nationalist movement during the Gandhian Phase. Elaborate. (2019)

Q. Highlight the difference in the approach of Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom. (2016)

Q. How different would have been the achievement of Indian independence without Mahatma Gandhi? Discuss. (2015)

Q. In what ways did the naval mutiny prove to be the last nail in the coffin of British colonial aspirations in India? (2014)

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