- The Indian National Army (INA), also known as the Azad Hind Fauj, was an armed force that was formed during World War II to support the Indian independence movement against British rule. The INA was formed by Indian nationalists in collaboration with the Imperial Japanese forces.
- The INA’s origins can be traced back to the capture of Indian prisoners of war by the Japanese during their advance in Southeast Asia in 1942. These prisoners, under the leadership of Captain Mohan Singh, were given the option to join the Japanese-backed military force to fight against the British in India. As a result, the INA was officially established on September 1, 1942.
- Subhas Chandra Bose, a prominent Indian nationalist leader who had escaped from British custody and reached Germany, later took command of the INA and became its most prominent leader. Bose was a fervent supporter of India’s independence struggle and sought support from Axis powers, including Germany and Japan, to fight against British colonial rule.
- The INA aimed to liberate India from British colonial rule and played a significant role in the freedom struggle. Its soldiers, or “Azad Hind Fauj,” participated in military campaigns in Southeast Asia, including Burma (present-day Myanmar), alongside the Japanese forces.
- The INA’s impact on India’s independence movement was both symbolic and substantial. It galvanized nationalist sentiments among Indians, both within and outside the country, and posed a challenge to British rule. The INA’s existence and actions added pressure on the British to address India’s demand for independence.
- While the INA’s military campaigns faced challenges and did not achieve their ultimate objective of liberating India during World War II, its contribution to India’s independence struggle and its role in inspiring the masses cannot be underestimated. The INA remains an important chapter in India’s history of the fight for freedom and continues to be remembered as a symbol of valor and dedication to the cause of independence.
The Indian National Army
- Before the outbreak of World War II, Southeast Asia and Japan served as major refuge nations for exiled Indian Nationalists.
- At the beginning of World War II in Southeast Asia, around 70,000 Indian troops were stationed along the Malayan coast.
- The Japanese army’s successful campaign on the Malayan coast resulted in the capture of numerous Indian soldiers who became Prisoners of War (PoWs), with approximately 45,000 soldiers being taken after the fall of Singapore.
- The first Indian National Army was formed from these PoWs and was led by Mohan Singh, an officer in the British-Indian Army who was captured during the Malayan Campaign.
- The deplorable conditions in the PoW camps and strong resentment towards the British army encouraged many volunteers to join the INA.
- Rash Behari Bose, an Indian Nationalist, assumed overall leadership of the INA.
- The INA received whole-hearted support from the Japanese Imperial Army and Indian ethnic communities residing in Southeast Asia.
- Disagreements between the Japanese and the INA, especially with Mohan Singh, eventually led to the disbandment of the INA in 1942.
Origin and First Phase of the Indian National Army (INA)
- Mohan Singh’s Idea: The idea of forming an army from Indian prisoners of war (POWs) was first proposed by Mohan Singh, an Indian army officer who chose not to join the retreating British forces in Malaya.
- Invitation to Join INA: After the fall of Singapore, around 40,000 Indian POWs were ready to join the INA, but they awaited an invitation from the Indian National Congress and the people of India before taking action.
- Boost from Quit India Movement: The Quit India Movement in India provided a boost to the INA, leading to the formation of its first division with approximately 16,300 men.
- Disagreements within INA: However, significant disagreements arose between Indian Army officers and Japanese officers regarding the role and operations of the INA.
- Activities in Japan: Subhas Chandra Bose, after becoming a naturalized citizen, engaged in Pan-Asian activities, founded the Indian Club of Tokyo, and gave lectures on the negative impacts of Western imperialism.
- Formation of INA: Rash Behari Bose played a key role in forming the Indian National Army (INA) under the Indian Independence League in 1942.
- Subhas Bose as Supreme Commander: Subhas Chandra Bose assumed the position of the INA’s Supreme Commander on August 25, 1943, and established the Provisional Government for Free India in Singapore with other members holding important portfolios.
- “Chalo Delhi” and Headquarters Relocation: In January 1944, the INA headquarters moved to Rangoon (Burma), and army recruits were to march from there with the slogan “Chalo Delhi!” to signify their intention to advance towards the Indian capital.
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands Control: On November 6, 1943, the Japanese army handed over control of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to the INA, renaming them Shahid Dweep and Swaraj Dweep, respectively.
- Seeking Gandhi’s Blessings: On July 6, 1944, Subhas Chandra Bose addressed Mahatma Gandhi as the ‘Father of the Nation’ and sought his blessings for “India’s last war of independence.”
- Flag Hoisting at Moirang: The Azad Hind Fauz crossed the Burma border on March 18, 1944, advancing up to Kohima and Imphal. On April 14, Colonel Malik hoisted the INA flag at Moirang, Manipur, amid enthusiastic cries of “Jai Hind” and “Netaji Zindabad.”
- Withdrawal and End of INA: However, like the Japanese forces, the INA suffered setbacks and all brigades withdrew on July 18, 1944.
- Subhas Chandra Bose’s mysterious plane crash in Taipei, Taiwan, marked the end of his life.
- After the war, INA POWs were returned to India to face court-martial, but this led to the emergence of a powerful defense movement.
- The Indian National Army’s first phase, under the leadership of Subhas Chandra Bose, left a significant impact on India’s struggle for independence. Despite its ultimate defeat, the INA’s actions and ideals inspired nationalist sentiments, contributing to the broader movement for India’s liberation from British colonial rule.
The Indian National Army under Subhas Chandra Bose
- After a falling out between Mohan Singh and the Japanese army, they agreed to reform the Indian National Army (INA) under the condition that Subhas Chandra Bose would lead it.
- Mohan Singh supported Bose’s appointment as the leader, considering him the most suitable candidate due to his strong loyalty to the nationalist cause.
- Bose’s actions against the British, including his imprisonment and subsequent escape to Germany in 1941, demonstrated his dedication to the cause of Indian independence.
- Despite being unable to garner support from the Germans for forming an army against British rule, Bose found backing from the Japanese.
- In July 1943, Bose arrived in Singapore and assumed command of the revived Indian National Army, also known as the Azad Hind Fauj.
- Bose’s leadership revitalized the INA, attracting civilians such as barristers, traders, and plantation workers who joined the army in their fight against British Rule.
- His famous rallying cry was “Give me Blood! I will give you Freedom” (tum mujhe khoon do, main tumhe azadi dunga), inspiring his followers to dedicate themselves to the cause.
Operations of the Indian National Army/ Azad Hind Fauj
INA’s Subordination to the Japanese Army:
- The Indian National Army (INA) functioned as a subordinate under the Japanese Army during World War II.
- Subhash Chandra Bose, the leader of the INA, considered this alliance necessary to achieve his ultimate goal of freeing India from British colonial rule.
- By aligning with the Japanese, Bose hoped to gain military support and resources for his independence movement.
Participation in Operation U-Go:
- In 1944, the INA participated in Operation U-Go, which was a Japanese military campaign against British India.
- This operation aimed to advance towards Imphal and Kohima in northeast India, seeking to cut off British supply lines and establish control over the region.
Early Success and Downfall:
- Initially, the INA saw some success during Operation U-Go, making progress in the early stages of the campaign.
- However, the tide turned during the battles of Imphal and Kohima, where the British forces mounted a fierce defense and inflicted heavy losses on the Japanese and INA.
- The INA was forced to withdraw, and their retreat led to significant casualties and a loss of vital supplies.
Disbandment and Merging of Units:
- Due to the setbacks faced during the battles of Imphal and Kohima, many INA units were disbanded.
- Some remaining units were compelled to merge with the declining Japanese Army for survival.
British Capture of INA Members:
- After Japan’s defeat in World War II, the British Army captured most of the members of the Azad Hind Fauj.
- The INA soldiers were treated as prisoners of war by the British, leading to the disbandment of the INA as a fighting force.
Subhash Chandra Bose’s Fate:
- Following Japan’s surrender in 1945, Subhash Chandra Bose evaded capture and left for Dalian, a city near the Soviet border.
- Tragically, Bose’s reported death occurred in a plane crash near Taiwan, leading to speculations and controversies surrounding the circumstances of his demise.
Surrender of INA Members:
- After Subhash Chandra Bose’s reported death, the remaining members of the INA surrendered to the British Indian forces in Singapore.
- With Bose no longer leading the movement, the INA lost its momentum and dissolved as an organized military force.
- These points provide an overview of the operations and fate of the Indian National Army (Azad Hind Fauj) during World War II and its collaboration with the Japanese in their campaign against British India.
Azad Hind Radio
Purpose of Azad Hind Radio:
- Azad Hind Radio was established with the primary objective of inspiring fellow countrymen to join the freedom struggle under the leadership of Subhas Chandra Bose.
- It served as a platform to motivate Indians to fight for independence and participate actively in the movement against British colonial rule.
Multilingual Broadcasting:
- The radio station adopted a multilingual approach, broadcasting news and messages in various languages, including English, Hindi, Tamil, Punjabi, Urdu, and more.
- By using diverse languages, Azad Hind Radio aimed to reach a wide audience across different regions of India, ensuring the message of independence and resistance was accessible to people from various linguistic backgrounds.
Counteracting Allied Radio Stations:
- Azad Hind Radio was established during World War II, a time when India was under British rule, and the country’s political landscape was influenced by the ongoing global conflict.
- One of the crucial roles of Azad Hind Radio was to counter the broadcasts of the allied radio stations, which were aligned with British interests and aimed to maintain support for the colonial administration.
- By providing an alternative source of information, Azad Hind Radio sought to challenge British propaganda and present a perspective that encouraged the fight for India’s liberation.
Instilling Pride and Motivation:
- Another significant goal of Azad Hind Radio was to instill a sense of national pride and motivation among Indian nationals.
- The radio station aimed to boost the morale of the people, urging them to stand united in their pursuit of freedom and independence.
- It sought to evoke a spirit of nationalism and self-determination, encouraging individuals to contribute actively to the cause of liberation.
- Azad Hind Radio played a crucial role in disseminating the messages of Subhas Chandra Bose and the Indian National Army, fostering a sense of unity and determination among Indians during the struggle for independence. By countering British propaganda and broadcasting in multiple languages, the radio station effectively reached a broad audience, playing a significant part in India’s fight for freedom.
The Rani Jhansi Regiment
Subhas Chandra Bose’s Vision:
- Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose strongly believed in the power and potential of women. He was an advocate for women’s empowerment and inspired many women with his ideas and words.
Formation of Rani Jhansi Regiment:
- Bose’s dream of creating an exclusive women’s regiment became a reality when the Rani Jhansi Regiment was established on 12th July 1943.
- The regiment was named after Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi, a prominent figure in India’s history and a symbol of courage and resistance.
Recruitment and Training:
- Around 170 women cadets joined the Rani Jhansi Regiment initially, and they underwent training in Singapore.
- The women were assigned ranks based on their educational backgrounds, reflecting Bose’s focus on merit and qualifications.
Expansion and Camps:
- By November 1943, the Rani Jhansi Regiment had grown significantly, with more than 300 cadets in its ranks.
- To accommodate the increasing numbers, additional training camps were established in locations like Rangoon and Bangkok.
Comprehensive Training:
- The women cadets received rigorous military and combat training, learning essential skills to become effective soldiers.
- They were also trained in the use of weapons and participated in route marches to enhance their physical fitness and endurance.
- Some selected individuals received advanced training, while others were trained as nurses to support medical needs.
Role as Care and Relief Givers:
- The primary role of the Rani Jhansi Regiment was to serve as care and relief givers during the ongoing conflict.
- They were involved in providing medical aid, support, and assistance to soldiers and civilians affected by the war.
Disbandment and Aftermath:
- Unfortunately, the Rani Jhansi Regiment faced challenges with the fall of Rangoon and the withdrawal of the Azad Hind Government.
- As a result, the unit was disbanded after these events, marking the end of its active service.
- The Rani Jhansi Regiment remains a significant testament to the vision of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and the dedication of Indian women who bravely stepped forward to contribute to the struggle for independence. Despite its relatively short existence, the regiment played a vital role in showcasing the capabilities and potential of women in the fight for India’s liberation.
- The fate of the Indian National Army (INA) after World War II was significant and played a crucial role in India’s journey towards independence. Here’s a summary of the events that transpired:
Treason Trials:
- After World War II, the surviving members of the INA were put on trial for treason by the British Indian government. The trials were held publicly at the Red Fort in New Delhi.
Backfiring of Trials:
- The British government’s decision to conduct public trials aimed to portray the INA soldiers as traitors. However, this move had an unintended consequence.
- Instead of being seen as traitors, the INA soldiers were hailed as patriots by the Indian population. The trials ignited a surge of nationalism and support for the INA’s cause.
Nationalistic Sentiment:
- The public perception of the INA members shifted dramatically. They were now viewed as courageous freedom fighters who had taken up arms to liberate India from British rule.
- This change in perception was a turning point in the struggle for independence, as it mobilized and united the Indian people against British colonialism.
Mutiny in the British Indian Army:
- The ongoing INA trials, coupled with other factors like the Quit India Movement, led to a growing sense of discontent and unrest within the British Indian Army.
- The soldiers in the army began to question their role in suppressing their own people’s aspirations for independence. Some even sympathized with the INA’s cause.
Forced Acceleration of Independence:
- The British authorities quickly realized that the loyalty of the British Indian Army, which had been instrumental in maintaining British rule, was weakening due to the events unfolding.
- The combination of the INA trials, mutiny in the army, and the ongoing Quit India Movement created an atmosphere of intense pressure on the British colonial administration.
- Faced with mounting resistance and an increasingly uncontrollable situation, the British were forced to hasten the process of India’s independence.
Role of INA in Gaining Independence:
- Despite the INA’s ultimate defeat, their actions and trials had a profound impact on India’s struggle for freedom.
- The INA’s fight for independence and the subsequent public trials galvanized the Indian people, inspiring them to stand united in their quest for liberty.
- The INA’s role in exposing the weaknesses in the British administration, particularly within the army, contributed significantly to the acceleration of India’s independence.
The Indian National Army trials
- The Indian National Army trials, also known as the INA trials or Red Fort trials, were significant court-martial proceedings conducted by the British Indian authorities between November 1945 and May 1946. These trials involved officers of the Indian National Army (INA), who had fought alongside the Japanese military under the Azad Hind during the Second World War. The trials were on various charges, including treason, torture, murder, and abetment to murder.
Early Trials:
- Before the public trials, courts-martial had taken place in India of former personnel of the British Indian Army who were captured fighting in the INA or supporting its activities. These trials received little publicity or political attention at the time.
- The charges in these earlier trials were of committing a civil offense contrary to the Indian Army Act or the Burma Army Act, with the offense specified as “Waging War against the King” under the Indian Penal Code.
Public Trials and INA Defence Committee:
- As the number of INA troops captured by Commonwealth forces increased by the end of the Burma Campaign, the British authorities decided to take a selective approach and charge those accused of the most serious allegations.
- The first public trial involved Shah Nawaz Khan, Prem Sahgal, and Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon. The decision to hold public trials, including at the historic Red Fort, was influenced by the political significance and importance of the proceedings.
- The Indian National Congress established the INA Defence Committee in 1945 to defend the officers charged during the INA trials. The committee was tasked with coordinating information on INA troops held captive and providing relief for them after the war.
- The Congress formed a defense team for the INA, comprising eminent lawyers of the time, including Bhulabhai Desai, Asaf Ali, Sharat Chandra Bose, Tej Bahadur Sapru, and Kailash Nath Katju.
The outcome of the Trial:
- The Red Fort trials brought the Indian public’s attention to the INA, a force that had fought for independence. It generated sympathy for the INA across the country, and demonstrations in solidarity with the captured troops began to occur in various parts of India.
- The Congress recognized the widespread support for the INA soldiers and saw an opportunity to rekindle the nation’s enthusiasm and determination for independence.
- The INA Defence Committee presented a strong defense, arguing that the actions of the INA troops were legal and within the terms of the Indian National Army Act, exempting them from the Indian Penal Code and the Indian Army Act.
- While the defense’s arguments were compelling, the three INA members were found guilty of waging war. However, they were not given the death sentence and were instead dismissed from service and handed transportation for life, which was later remitted.
- The release of the three INA members was celebrated with great enthusiasm, and they were welcomed as heroes with full support from Congress.
- The INA trials played a significant role in elevating the INA’s stature and generating support for the cause of independence. It marked a turning point in India’s struggle for freedom and contributed to the growing momentum towards achieving independence from British colonial rule.
Conclusion
- In conclusion, the Indian National Army played a crucial role in India’s path to independence. Their trials and subsequent treatment as patriots rather than traitors sparked a wave of nationalism and resistance that put immense pressure on British rule. The events surrounding the INA trials, coupled with other factors, hastened the process of India’s independence and showcased the determination and unity of the Indian people in their fight for freedom.
FAQs
1. Who is the founder of the Indian National Army (INA)?
- The Indian National Army (INA) was founded by Subhas Chandra Bose.
2. What were the Indian National Army trials?
- The Indian National Army trials were a series of military trials conducted by the British colonial authorities against INA officers and soldiers who were captured during World War II. These trials were held at the Red Fort in Delhi.
3. Who founded the Indian National Army (INA)?
- The Indian National Army (INA) was founded by Subhas Chandra Bose, also known as Netaji.
4. Who was responsible for establishing the Indian National Army (INA)?
- The Indian National Army (INA) was established by Subhas Chandra Bose.
5. भारतीय राष्ट्रीय सेना (INA) का गठन किसने किया था? (Who founded the Indian National Army in Hindi?)
- भारतीय राष्ट्रीय सेना (INA) का गठन सुभाष चंद्र बोस द्वारा किया गया था।
6. By whom was the Indian National Army (INA) formed?
- The Indian National Army (INA) was formed by Subhas Chandra Bose.
7. Who led the Indian National Army (INA)?
- The Indian National Army (INA) was led by Subhas Chandra Bose, who held the title of “Netaji” and was the supreme commander of the INA.
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