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Forward Bloc and the INA: ICSE Class 10 Total History solutions
Get notes, summary, questions and answers, MCQs, extras, and PDFs of Chapter 8 “Forward Bloc and the INA” which is part of ICSE Class 10 History (Total History). However, the notes should only be treated as references and changes should be made according to the needs of the students.
If you notice any errors in the notes, please mention them in the comments
Summary
The chapter discusses the role of Subhas Chandra Bose in India’s struggle for independence, focusing on his contributions through the Forward Bloc and the Indian National Army (INA). Bose was born on January 23, 1897, in Odisha and, after completing his studies, joined the Indian Civil Service but soon resigned, unwilling to serve under British rule. He entered politics, joining the Congress Party and becoming an active member of the freedom movement, though he often disagreed with Mahatma Gandhi’s strategies.
In 1938, Bose was elected President of the Indian National Congress and re-elected in 1939, despite Gandhi’s opposition. His second term saw a split within the Congress, leading to his resignation and the formation of the Forward Bloc, a party aimed at uniting left-wing factions and pushing for India’s liberation.
Bose was arrested in 1940 but escaped and reached Germany, later moving to Japan. In Southeast Asia, he took control of the INA, which was initially formed by Mohan Singh, an Indian officer who sought Japanese assistance. The INA aimed to fight the British with the help of Indians living abroad. Bose led the INA as its Supreme Commander and established the Provisional Government of Free India in Singapore in 1943. This government declared war on Britain and the United States and was recognized by the Axis powers.
The INA made significant progress, capturing several territories, but its successes were short-lived. The Japanese retreat from the Indo-Burma border and their eventual defeat in World War II led to the INA’s downfall. Bose’s fate was sealed when he reportedly died in a plane crash in 1945.
The INA’s efforts inspired a wave of patriotism in India, leading to uprisings within the Indian armed forces, which contributed to the weakening of British control over India. Despite their eventual defeat, the INA’s legacy lived on, symbolizing the spirit of sacrifice and the determination to achieve independence.
Textbook (Total History) solutions
Multiple-Choice Questions
1. Complete the following analogy.
Surat split Moderates and Assertive Nationalists: : Tripuri Split: ….?….
A. Gandhiji and Bose
B. Gandhiji and Tilak
C. Gandhiji and Jinnah
D. Gandhiji and Nehru
Answer: A. Gandhiji and Bose
2. Name the army under Subhas Chandra Bose’s command.
A. British Indian Army
B. Indian Independence Army
C. Indian National Army
D. POW Army
Answer: C. Indian National Army
3. Which of the following were the objectives of INA?
(i) To organise an armed revolution and to fight against the British army.
(ii) To organise a provisional government of free India.
(iii) To mobilise Indian manpower and money to end the World war.
A. (i) and (ii)
B. (i) and (iii)
C. (ii) and (iii)
D. (i), (ii) and (iii)
Answer: A. (i) and (ii)
4. INA?….: Quit India: Do or Die
A. Jai Hind
B. Unity, Faith, Sacrifice
C. Delhi Chalo
D. Give me blood, and I’ll give you freedom.
Answer: C. Delhi Chalo
5. Subhash Chandra Bose was re-elected the President of INC at the Tripuri Session in 1939 by defeating which of the following candidates?
A. Dr. Rajendra Prasad
B. J.B. Kriplani
C. Pattabhi Sitaramaiyya
D. Nellie Sengupta
Answer: C. Pattabhi Sitaramaiyya
6. Arrange the following events of Netaji’s life in chronological order
(i) Congress Presidentship
(ii) Formation of Forward Bloc
(iii) Provisional Government of Free India
(iv) Supreme Commander of INA
A. (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)
B. (iv), (ii), (iii) and (i)
C. (iv) (i) (iii) and (ii)
D. (i), (iii), (iv) and (ii)
Answer: A. (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)
7. The Provincial Government under Netaji first acquired which of the following territories in India?
A. Mowdok
B. Ukhral and Kohima
C. Andaman & Nicobar Islands
D. Imphal
Answer: C. Andaman & Nicobar Islands
8. To attain Independence Netaji did not lay stress on which of the following?
A. Organisation of masses
B. Large scale industrialisations
C. Small scale industries
D. National Planning
Answer: C. Small scale industries
9. The Forward Bloc would work for the establishment of
A. Capitalist state
B. Socialist state
C. Combination of (a) & (b)
D. None of the above.
Answer: B. Socialist state
Select the correct relationship
1. (A) Subhas Chandra Bose believed in adoption of assertive methods for the attainment of Swaraj.
(B) Subhas Chandra Bose won the election of the President of the Congress for a second term by a majority of votes.
(a) (B) contradicts (A)
(b) (B) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other
Answer: (d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Explanation: Subhas Chandra Bose’s adoption of assertive methods to achieve Swaraj (complete independence) reflects his broader political strategy, which was influenced by his belief in direct action against British rule. On the other hand, his winning the Congress presidency for a second term was a political achievement, influenced by his popularity within the Congress party at that time. These two statements describe different aspects of Bose’s political life and are not directly related; one does not cause or explain the other.
2. (A) Subhas Chandra Bose resigned from the Presidentship of the Congress in 1939.
(B) He laid the foundation of a new party called the Forward Bloc to bring the entire left wing under his party.
(a) (B) contradicts (A)
(b) (B) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other
Answer: (b) (B) is the reason for (A)
Explanation: Subhas Chandra Bose resigned from the Congress presidency due to increasing differences with the Congress leadership, particularly with Mahatma Gandhi. His vision of a more radical approach to achieving independence was not in alignment with the Congress’s strategies. This dissatisfaction led him to establish the Forward Bloc, a party intended to unify the left-wing elements within the Congress and push for a more aggressive stance against British rule. Therefore, the formation of the Forward Bloc (B) directly resulted from his resignation from the Congress presidency (A).
3. (A) The idea of the Indian National Army (INA) was conceived in Malaya by Mohan Singh.
(B) Indian Prisoners of War (POW’s) were handed over by the Japanese to Mohan Singh who inducted them into the INA.
(a) (B) contradicts (A)
(b) (B) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other
Answer: (b) (B) is the reason for (A)
Explanation: The formation of the Indian National Army (INA) was a significant development during World War II. Mohan Singh, an officer in the British Indian Army, conceived the idea of the INA in Malaya. However, this was made possible because the Japanese, who were fighting against the British, handed over Indian Prisoners of War (POWs) to Mohan Singh. These POWs became the core members of the INA. Thus, the fact that Japanese forces gave these prisoners to Mohan Singh (B) was the key reason he was able to form the INA (A).
4. (A) Subhas Chandra Bose set up the INA headquarters in Yangon and in Singapore.
(B) Subhas Chandra Bose wanted to organise a non-violent struggle from outside India.
(a) (B) contradicts (A)
(b) (B) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other
Answer: (a) (B) contradicts (A)
Explanation: Subhas Chandra Bose was a proponent of using force, rather than non-violent methods, to achieve India’s independence. This is evidenced by his efforts in setting up the Indian National Army (INA) with the intention of fighting the British militarily. The statement (B), which suggests that Bose aimed to organize a non-violent struggle, directly contradicts his actual strategy, as reflected in statement (A), where he established the INA’s headquarters to lead an armed struggle.
Short Answer Questions
1. Why did Subhas Chandra Bose resign from the Congress Presidentship?
Answer: Subhas Chandra Bose resigned from the Congress Presidentship because the Gandhi wing began to oppose the President to make it impossible for him to function.
2. Why did Rashbehari Bose organise the Indian Independence League? Who was the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian National Army?
Answer: Rashbehari Bose organised the Indian Independence League with the objective of contributing to the liberation of India and serving the interests of the overseas Indians during the critical period. The first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian National Army was Mohan Singh.
3. Name the two slogans which became the war cry of the INA. Which islands were renamed as ‘Shahid’ and ‘Swaraj’?
Answer: The two slogans which became the war cry of the INA were “Delhi Chalo” (March to Delhi) and “Jai Hind” (Victory to India). The islands which were renamed as ‘Shahid’ and ‘Swaraj’ were Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
4. Why couldn’t the Indian National Army capture Imphal?
Answer: The Indian National Army couldn’t capture Imphal because the Japanese forces had to withdraw from the Indo-Burma border due to their entanglement with the Americans in the Pacific Ocean, and at the same time, the rainy season set in.
5. Mention two contributions of Subhas Chandra Bose to India’s freedom struggle.
Answer:
- He led the freedom struggle outside India as the Supreme Commander of the INA.
- He set up the Provisional Government of Free India in Singapore and declared war on Britain and the USA.
6. How can you say that the INA was a unique army?
Answer: The INA was unique because it was a revolutionary army organised on foreign soil, hundreds of kilometres away from its motherland. It was dependent on foreign powers for planes, tanks, artillery, rifles, ammunition, and even lorries for the transport of soldiers to the front. It also relied on the patriotic fervour of its nationals scattered over East Asia for men, money, clothing, food, and other civilian supplies. However, its greatest asset was the spirit of self-sacrifice of the men who enthusiastically volunteered to lay down their lives.
Structured Questions
1. In 1939, Subhas Chandra Bose formed the Forward Bloc. In this context, answer the following questions:
(a) Why did Subhas Chandra Bose decide to form a new party?
Answer: Subhas Chandra Bose decided to form a new party due to his differences with Mahatma Gandhi and the Congress Working Committee. He felt the urgent need for an organised left-wing party in the Congress to bring the entire left wing under one banner.
(b) What were the aims and objectives of the new party formed by Subhas Chandra Bose?
Answer: The aims and objectives of the Forward Bloc were:
- The immediate objective was the liberation of India with the support of workers, peasants, youth, and other organisations.
- After attaining independence, the Forward Bloc aimed to work for the establishment of a Socialist State through the reorganisation of agriculture and industry on socialist lines, abolition of the Zamindari system, and the introduction of a new monetary and credit system.
(c) Mention two main objectives of the Provisional Government of Free India. Name any two countries that recognised the Provisional Government of India formed in Singapore in 1943.
Answer:
- The two main objectives of the Provisional Government of Free India were to launch and conduct the struggle that would bring about the expulsion of the British and their allies from Indian soil and to establish a permanent national government of Azad Hind.
- The two countries that recognised the Provisional Government of India formed in Singapore in 1943 were Japan and Germany.
2. Read the excerpt given below and answer the questions that follow:
“Friends, one year ago, when I made certain demands of you, I told you that if you give me ‘total mobilization’, I would give you a ‘second front’. I have redeemed that pledge. The first phase of our campaign is over. Our victorious troops, fighting side by side with Nipponese troops, have pushed back the enemy and are now fighting bravely on the sacred soil of our dear motherland. I had asked you for men, money and materials. I have got them in generous measure. Now I demand more of you. A long fight is still in front of us. We should have but one desire today the desire to die so that India may live the desire to face a martyr’s death, so that the path to freedom may be paved with the martyr’s blood. Friends! My comrades in the War of Liberation! Today I demand of you one thing, above all. I demand of you blood. It is blood alone that can avenge the blood that the enemy has spilt. It is blood alone that can pay the price of freedom.”
(a) Whom is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose addressing? Who are the victorious troops referred to in the excerpt? Who were the Nipponese?
Answer: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose is addressing his comrades in the War of Liberation. The victorious troops referred to in the excerpt are the soldiers of the Indian National Army (INA). The Nipponese were the Japanese troops.
(b) Which war of liberation is Subhas Chandra Bose talking about? From where did he start his campaign? Name the two areas of Indian territory his troops acquired?
Answer: Subhas Chandra Bose is talking about the campaign led by the Indian National Army (INA) against the British forces. He started his campaign from South-East Asia. The two areas of Indian territory his troops acquired were Mowdok and Klang Klang.
(c) What did he demand from his troops? Did the troops fulfill the mission of their leader?
Answer: He demanded men, money, and materials from his troops, as well as their desire to die for the freedom of India. The troops of the Indian National Army (INA) fought bravely but ultimately did not fulfill the mission of liberating India due to various setbacks, including the surrender of Japan in World War II.
Picture Study
(a) Identify the person in the picture and name the army organised by him. How was this army formed and where?
Answer: The person in the picture is Subhas Chandra Bose. He organised the Indian National Army (INA). This army was formed with the help of Indian prisoners of war (POWs) who were captured by the Japanese during World War II. The INA was first formed in Malaya.
(b) What were the objectives of this army? Did it achieve its objectives?
Answer: The objectives of the Indian National Army (INA) were to organise an armed revolution and to fight the British army with modern arms, to organise a provisional government of Free India to mobilise all the forces effectively, and to achieve the total mobilisation of Indian manpower and money for a total war. The INA did not fully achieve its objectives as its advances were halted due to the withdrawal of Japanese forces and the eventual surrender of Japan in World War II, leading to the disbandment of the INA.
(c) Mention this army’s contribution to the India’s freedom struggle.
Answer: The Indian National Army (INA) made significant contributions to India’s freedom struggle by inspiring patriotism and demonstrating the willingness of Indians to fight for their independence. The INA, under the leadership of Subhas Chandra Bose, launched military campaigns in the northeastern region of India, including the capture of Mowdok, and advanced up to the Indian border. The INA’s efforts and sacrifices stirred nationalist sentiments in India and contributed to the eventual independence movement, even though their military campaign did not succeed.
Thinking Skills
1. Do you think Subhas Chandra Bose set an inspiring example of patriotism? Give examples to support your answer.
Answer: Yes, Subhas Chandra Bose set an inspiring example of patriotism. He resigned from the prestigious Indian Civil Service to join the freedom struggle, showing his commitment to the cause of India’s independence. His formation of the Indian National Army (INA) and the Provisional Government of Free India in Singapore further exemplified his dedication. Bose’s call to his soldiers, “Give me blood and I shall give you freedom,” and his battle cries “Delhi Chalo” and “Jai Hind” inspired many to join the freedom movement and fight against British rule.
2. The India National Army built by Subhas Chandra Bose was far ahead of its time. Discuss.
Answer: The Indian National Army (INA) built by Subhas Chandra Bose was indeed far ahead of its time. It was the first organized military force from India that aimed to fight for the country’s independence from foreign soil. The INA included a women’s regiment, the Rani Jhansi Regiment, which was an innovative and progressive step towards gender equality in the armed forces. The INA’s objectives of armed revolution and the establishment of a provisional government of Free India were forward-thinking strategies that reflected Bose’s vision of a liberated and self-reliant India.
Extra/additional MCQs
1. When was Subhas Chandra Bose born?
A. January 3, 1895
B. January 23, 1897
C. February 14, 1898
D. December 25, 1896
Answer: B. January 23, 1897
Q. Where was Subhas Chandra Bose born?
A. Kolkata
B. Mumbai
C. Cuttack
D. Chennai
Answer: C. Cuttack
Q. Why did Subhas Chandra Bose resign from the Indian Civil Service?
A. He failed the exam
B. He wanted to work for the British Crown
C. He wanted to serve India honestly
D. He was expelled
Answer: C. He wanted to serve India honestly
Q. At what age did Subhas Chandra Bose enter active politics?
A. 18
B. 22
C. 24
D. 30
Answer: C. 24
Q. What movement launched by Mahatma Gandhi attracted Subhas Chandra Bose?
A. Civil Disobedience Movement
B. Quit India Movement
C. Non-Cooperation Movement
D. Salt Satyagraha
Answer: C. Non-Cooperation Movement
Q. In which session of the Congress was Subhas Chandra Bose elected as President?
A. Lahore
B. Tripuri
C. Haripura
D. Bombay
Answer: C. Haripura
Q. When did Subhas Chandra Bose resign from the Congress presidency?
A. March 12, 1939
B. April 29, 1939
C. May 3, 1939
D. July 5, 1939
Answer: B. April 29, 1939
Q. When was the Forward Bloc formed?
A. March 1938
B. April 1939
C. May 1939
D. June 1940
Answer: C. May 1939
Q. Which year was Subhas Chandra Bose arrested under the Defence of India Rules?
A. 1938
B. 1939
C. 1940
D. 1941
Answer: C. 1940
Q. From which city did Subhas Chandra Bose escape house arrest in January 1941?
A. Delhi
B. Kolkata
C. Mumbai
D. Chennai
Answer: B. Kolkata
Q. Who conceived the idea of the Indian National Army (INA) in Malaya?
A. Rashbehari Bose
B. Mohan Singh
C. Subhas Chandra Bose
D. Jawaharlal Nehru
Answer: B. Mohan Singh
Q. How many Indian Prisoners of War (POWs) were brought into Mohan Singh’s sphere of influence after the fall of Singapore?
A. 20,000
B. 30,000
C. 45,000
D. 50,000
Answer: C. 45,000
Q. When was the Tokyo Conference held?
A. March 15-17, 1942
B. March 28-30, 1942
C. April 1-3, 1942
D. April 15-17, 1942
Answer: B. March 28-30, 1942
Q. Who was appointed as the Commander-in-Chief of the Indian National Army (INA) at the Bangkok Conference?
A. Subhas Chandra Bose
B. Rashbehari Bose
C. Mohan Singh
D. Shah Nawaz Khan
Answer: C. Mohan Singh
Q. When did Subhas Chandra Bose arrive at Singapore to take charge of the Indian Independence League?
A. May 1943
B. June 1943
C. July 1943
D. August 1943
Answer: C. July 1943
Q. When was the Provisional Government of Free India set up by Subhas Chandra Bose?
A. October 21, 1943
B. November 21, 1943
C. December 21, 1943
D. January 21, 1944
Answer: A. October 21, 1943
Q. What was the motto of the Indian National Army (INA)?
A. Unity, Courage, Freedom
B. Liberty, Faith, Sacrifice
C. Unity, Faith, Sacrifice
D. Honor, Duty, Patriotism
Answer: C. Unity, Faith, Sacrifice
Q. Which islands were handed over to the Provisional Government of Free India by Japan?
A. Andaman and Lakshadweep
B. Nicobar and Lakshadweep
C. Andaman and Nicobar
D. Maldives and Lakshadweep
Answer: C. Andaman and Nicobar
Q. What were the Andaman and Nicobar Islands renamed as by Subhas Chandra Bose?
A. Azad and Hind
B. Shaheed and Swaraj
C. Bharat and Hind
D. Freedom and Victory
Answer: B. Shaheed and Swaraj
Q. When did the INA raise the Tricolour Flag on the liberated Indian soil for the first time?
A. March 15, 1944
B. March 19, 1944
C. March 25, 1944
D. March 29, 1944
Answer: B. March 19, 1944
Q. When did the Japanese forces withdraw from the Indo-Burma border, affecting the INA’s campaign?
A. February 1944
B. March 1944
C. April 1944
D. May 1944
Answer: C. April 1944
Q. When did Japan surrender in the Second World War?
A. August 10, 1945
B. August 12, 1945
C. August 15, 1945
D. August 18, 1945
Answer: C. August 15, 1945
Q. What was the impact of the INA and the 1942 revolt on the Indian armed forces?
A. Inspired uprisings in the Indian Air Force
B. Inspired naval uprisings in Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Karachi
C. Led to mass resignations in the Indian Army
D. Caused a general strike among Indian soldiers
Answer: B. Inspired naval uprisings in Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Karachi
Q. Who was elected as the President of the Council of Action at the Bangkok Conference?
A. Subhas Chandra Bose
B. Mohan Singh
C. Rashbehari Bose
D. Shah Nawaz Khan
Answer: C. Rashbehari Bose
Q. What was Subhas Chandra Bose’s famous call to his soldiers?
A. “Victory is ours!”
B. “March to Delhi!”
C. “Give me blood and I shall give you freedom”
D. “Freedom or death!”
Answer: C. “Give me blood and I shall give you freedom”
26. When did Subhas Chandra Bose reportedly die in a plane crash?
A. August 15, 1945
B. August 16, 1945
C. August 17, 1945
D. August 18, 1945
Answer: D. August 18, 1945
Extra/additional questions and answers
1. When was Subhas Chandra Bose born?
Answer: 23 January, 1897.
Q. Where was Subhas Chandra Bose born?
Answer: Cuttack, Odisha.
Q. Which examination did Subhas Chandra Bose pass in England?
Answer: Indian Civil Service Examination.
Q. At what age did Subhas Chandra Bose enter active politics?
Answer: At the age of twenty-four.
Q. Which movement attracted Subhas Chandra Bose to become an active worker of the freedom movement?
Answer: The Non-Cooperation Movement.
Q. When was Bose elected as the President of the Congress?
Answer: In 1938.
Q. When was the All-India National Planning Committee inaugurated by Bose?
Answer: In December 1938.
Q. When did Bose resign from the Presidentship of the Congress?
Answer: April 29, 1939.
Q. When was the Forward Bloc formed?
Answer: May 3, 1939.
Q. Under which rules was Bose arrested in July 1940?
Answer: Under the Defence of India Rules.
Q. Where did Subhas Chandra Bose escape to after leaving India?
Answer: Berlin.
Q. What was the slogan that greeted Subhas Chandra Bose in Germany?
Answer: “Jai Hind.”
Q. Who conceived the idea of the Indian National Army (INA)?
Answer: Mohan Singh.
Q. Where was the idea of the INA conceived?
Answer: Malaya.
Q. When was the Tokyo Conference held?
Answer: From 28th to 30th March, 1942.
Q. Who made efforts to organize the Tokyo Conference?
Answer: Rashbehari Bose.
Q. When was the Bangkok Conference held?
Answer: From 15th to 23rd June, 1942.
Q. How many Indian POWs were brought under Mohan Singh’s influence after the fall of Singapore?
Answer: 45,000 Indian POWs.
Q. When did Subhas Chandra Bose arrive at Singapore?
Answer: In July 1943.
Q. What was the name of the women’s regiment in the INA?
Answer: Rani Jhansi Regiment.
Q. Who led the Rani Jhansi Regiment?
Answer: Dr. Laxmi Swaminathan.
Q. What was the motto of the INA?
Answer: Unity, faith, sacrifice.
Q. When was the Provisional Government of Free India set up?
Answer: On 21st October, 1943.
Q. What islands were handed over to the Provisional Government of Free India by Japan?
Answer: Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Q. When did the INA go into action for the first time?
Answer: In February 1944.
Q. When did Netaji reportedly die in a plane crash?
Answer: On 18th August, 1945.
Q. Why did Subhas Chandra Bose resign from the Indian Civil Service?
Answer: Subhas Chandra Bose resigned from the Indian Civil Service because he did not want to work under the British Crown. He believed that one could not be loyal to the British Raj and yet serve India honestly, heart and soul. His commitment to the freedom of India made it impossible for him to continue serving under colonial rule.
Q. What were the main differences between Bose and Gandhi that led to their rift?
Answer: The main differences between Bose and Gandhi included their views on industrialization and the struggle for independence. Bose favored large-scale industrialization, while Gandhi supported small-scale industries to make villages self-sufficient. Additionally, Bose wanted to use tact with opponents, contrasting Gandhi’s openness. The rift widened at the Tripuri Session in 1939, where Bose supported aiding Princely States’ freedom struggles, which Gandhi opposed. Lastly, Bose wanted to take advantage of British difficulties during World War II, while Gandhi preferred a compromising approach.
Q. What were the objectives of the Forward Bloc after India’s independence?
Answer: After India’s independence, the Forward Bloc aimed to work for the establishment of a Socialist State through the following objectives:
- Reorganization of agriculture and industry on socialist lines.
- Abolition of the Zamindari system.
- Introduction of a new monetary and credit system.
Q. What role did Rashbehari Bose play in the events in Southeast Asia?
Answer: Rashbehari Bose played a crucial role in organizing Indians living in territories captured by Japan during the outbreak of World War II in Southeast Asia. He helped give a definite shape to the idea of an Indian Independence League, which aimed at contributing to the liberation of India and serving the interests of overseas Indians during the critical period. Rashbehari Bose lived in Singapore after escaping from India and was instrumental in these efforts.
Q. How did Mohan Singh contribute to the formation of the INA?
Answer: Mohan Singh, an Indian officer in the British Indian Army, conceived the idea of the Indian National Army (INA) in Malaya. He chose not to join the retreating British army and instead approached the Japanese for support. The Japanese handed over Indian Prisoners of War (POWs) to Mohan Singh, and he inducted them into the INA. His efforts led to the formation of the INA, with 45,000 Indian POWs under his influence after the fall of Singapore, and by the end of 1942, 40,000 men expressed their willingness to join the INA.
Q. What were the main objectives of the Indian National Army (INA)?
Answer: The main objectives of the Indian National Army (INA) were:
- To organize an armed revolution and fight the British army with modern arms.
- To assign the task of organizing an armed revolution to Indians living abroad, particularly those in East Asia, as it was not possible for Indians in the homeland to do so.
- To organize a provisional government of Free India to effectively mobilize all forces.
- To achieve the total mobilization of Indian manpower and money for a total war.
- The motto of the INA was “unity, faith, sacrifice.”
Q. What was the significance of the Provisional Government of Free India established by Subhas Chandra Bose?
Answer: The Provisional Government of Free India, established by Subhas Chandra Bose on 21st October, 1943, in Singapore, was significant because it declared war on Britain and the United States and was recognized by Axis powers, including Japan, Germany, and Italy. It aimed to expel the British and their allies from Indian soil and establish a permanent national government of Azad Hind. The Provisional Government’s establishment marked a critical phase in the Indian freedom struggle, as it mobilized resources and support from Indians living abroad and set a revolutionary example of patriotism and self-sacrifice.
Q. What were the reasons behind the deadlock between Subhas Chandra Bose and Gandhi within the Congress?
Answer: The deadlock between Subhas Chandra Bose and Gandhi within the Congress arose primarily due to their differing ideologies and approaches to the freedom struggle. At the Tripuri session in 1939, Gandhi opposed Bose’s re-election as Congress President, preferring Pattabhi Sitaramayya. Despite Gandhi’s opposition, Bose won, leading to a significant rift. Gandhi viewed Sitaramayya’s defeat as his own, leading to the resignation of 13 members of the Congress Working Committee. When Bose was requested to nominate a Working Committee in line with Gandhi’s wishes, a deadlock ensued as Bose’s supporters reaffirmed their confidence in Gandhi’s leadership, making it difficult for Bose to function effectively, ultimately leading to his resignation.
Q. How did Subhas Chandra Bose escape from house arrest and what were his activities after reaching Germany?
Answer: Subhas Chandra Bose escaped from house arrest in Kolkata in January 1941, eluding police vigilance. He traveled through Peshawar and Russia, eventually reaching Berlin. In Germany, the Indian community welcomed him as their leader, addressing him as “Netaji” and greeting him with the slogan “Jai Hind.” Bose utilized his time in Germany to urge his countrymen to rise against the British through radio broadcasts. He also established Free India centers in Rome and Paris, continuing his efforts to mobilize support for India’s independence on an international level.
Q. What were the circumstances that led to Subhas Chandra Bose’s resignation from the Congress Presidency in 1939?
Answer: Subhas Chandra Bose’s resignation from the Congress Presidency in 1939 was a result of mounting tensions and ideological differences with Gandhi. After Bose won the Congress Presidential election at the Tripuri session, despite Gandhi’s support for Pattabhi Sitaramayya, the situation became strained. Gandhi viewed Bose’s victory as his personal defeat, and many Congress Working Committee members resigned. Bose was then asked to form a Working Committee aligned with Gandhi’s wishes, but this led to further conflict, as his supporters reaffirmed their faith in Gandhi. The persistent opposition from Gandhi’s faction made it impossible for Bose to function effectively, leading to his resignation on April 29, 1939.
Q. Describe the formation and significance of the INA’s women’s regiment.
Answer: The INA’s women’s regiment, known as the Rani Jhansi Regiment, was a significant and pioneering initiative led by Subhas Chandra Bose. After he took charge of the INA in August 1943, Bose focused on reorganizing and strengthening the army, including recruiting civilians. Recognizing the potential of women in the liberation struggle, Bose established the Rani Jhansi Regiment, which was led by Dr. Laxmi Swaminathan. This regiment was unique as it was one of the first all-women combat regiments in the world, symbolizing the active role of women in the fight for India’s freedom. The regiment’s formation highlighted the inclusive nature of the INA and its commitment to total mobilization of Indian resources, both human and material, in the struggle for independence.
Q. How did the Provisional Government of Free India contribute to the Indian freedom struggle?
Answer: The Provisional Government of Free India, established by Subhas Chandra Bose on 21st October, 1943, in Singapore, played a crucial role in the Indian freedom struggle by acting as a revolutionary government in exile. This government declared war on Britain and the United States, signaling a clear and organized resistance against colonial rule. It was recognized by the Axis powers, including Japan, Germany, and Italy, which provided it with international legitimacy. The Provisional Government’s main task was to mobilize all resources, including men, money, and materials, for a total war against the British Empire. It also sought to establish a permanent national government of Azad Hind, which would take over once India was liberated. By acquiring territories such as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and renaming them Shaheed and Swaraj Islands, the Provisional Government marked a significant symbolic victory. Moreover, its efforts in organizing the INA and inspiring uprisings within India were pivotal in weakening British control and galvanizing the Indian independence movement.
38. What were the main achievements and challenges faced by the INA during its military campaigns?
Answer: The Indian National Army (INA) achieved several notable successes during its military campaigns, despite facing significant challenges. One of its main achievements was the capture of Mowdok, an outpost southeast of Chittagong, in February 1944, and advancing up to the frontier of India. The INA also succeeded in capturing the strong military post of Klang Klang and gave a tough fight to the British forces in the Assam hills, capturing Ukhral and Kohima. These victories were significant as they demonstrated the INA’s capability to challenge the British forces on the battlefield and raised the Tricolour Flag on liberated Indian soil for the first time on 19th March, 1944. However, the INA’s successes were short-lived due to several challenges. The Japanese forces, upon whom the INA heavily relied, had to withdraw from the Indo-Burma border due to their entanglement with the Americans in the Pacific Ocean. The onset of the rainy season further hampered their efforts, and Rangoon was eventually recaptured by the British. These setbacks led to the disarmament of INA soldiers and their subsequent imprisonment as prisoners of war. The surrender of Japan on 15th August, 1945, marked the final blow to the INA’s efforts, effectively sealing its fate and bringing an end to its military campaigns.
