Subhash Chandra Bose | Indian National Army | Freedom Movement | Modern History | UPSC Smart Course

Summary

This video discusses the role of Subhash Chandra Bose in the Indian freedom movement, especially during World War II. It highlights his early achievements, resignation from the Indian Civil Services to join the freedom struggle, and his leadership in the Indian National Congress. The video delves into Bose's differences with Mahatma Gandhi over non-violence and socialism, his formation of the Forward Bloc, and his escape from British house arrest. It also covers his efforts to form the Indian National Army (INA) with Japanese support and his enduring commitment to India’s independence, despite the INA's eventual defeat.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Subhash Chandra Bose secured 4th position in the Indian Civil Services exam in 1920 but resigned in 1921 to join the freedom struggle.
• 📚 Bose opposed the dominion status provision in Motilal Nehru's report in 1928 and formed the Independence for India League with Jawaharlal Nehru.
• 🏛️ In 1938, Bose became the Congress President and established the National Planning Committee but resigned in 1939 due to differences with Gandhi.
• ⚔️ Bose formed the Forward Bloc in 1939 and organized anti-compromise movements when Congress didn’t support his aggressive approach during World War II.
• 🏃‍♂️ In January 1941, Bose escaped house arrest and traveled to Afghanistan and later to Germany to seek international support for India's freedom.
• 🇩🇪 In Germany, Bose formed the Free India Legion with Indian-origin prisoners of war and started regular broadcasts from the Azad Hind Radio.
• 🇯🇵 Disillusioned with Germany, Bose traveled to Japan in 1943, where he became the leader of the Indian National Army (INA), taking command from Mohan Singh.
• 💬 Bose’s popular slogan 'Give me blood, and I will give you freedom' rallied support for the INA, including local Indians and prisoners of war.
• 🏴 In October 1943, Bose formed the Provisional Government of Free India, and INA units fought alongside Japanese forces in the Imphal campaign of 1944.
• ✈️ Bose's mysterious death in a plane crash in 1945 remains a subject of debate, but his legacy through the INA and its contribution to India's independence is significant.

Q & A

Who was Subhas Chandra Bose, and what role did he play in the Indian independence movement?

Subhas Chandra Bose, also known as Netaji, was a prominent leader of the Indian independence movement. He resigned from the Indian Civil Services in 1921 and dedicated his life to the freedom struggle. He later formed the Forward Bloc and led the Indian National Army (INA) to fight for India's freedom.

Why did Subhas Chandra Bose resign from the Indian Civil Services?

Subhas Chandra Bose resigned from the Indian Civil Services in 1921 because he believed that he could not serve the British government while his country was under colonial rule. He chose to join the Indian freedom struggle instead.

What were the key ideological differences between Subhas Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi?

Subhas Chandra Bose believed in socialism and was willing to take any measures, including violence, to achieve independence. In contrast, Mahatma Gandhi advocated for non-violence (ahimsa) and believed in trusteeship theory. These fundamental differences in their approaches led to Bose resigning from the Congress Party's leadership.

What led to Subhas Chandra Bose forming the Forward Bloc?

Bose formed the Forward Bloc in 1939 after resigning from the Congress presidency. He disagreed with the Congress's strategies during World War II, particularly its reluctance to take advantage of the situation to launch a large-scale movement for independence.

How did Subhas Chandra Bose escape from house arrest in 1941?

Subhas Chandra Bose escaped from house arrest on January 17, 1941, by disguising himself as a Pathan. He managed to evade British officers and traveled to Peshawar, then through Afghanistan to Russia, eventually seeking assistance from foreign powers to liberate India.

Why did Subhas Chandra Bose go to Germany, and what was his objective there?

After being disappointed by the Soviet Union's alliance with Britain during World War II, Subhas Chandra Bose went to Germany to seek support for India's independence. He hoped to gain assistance from Germany and Italy to fight against British colonial rule.

What was the Free India Legion, and how did Bose form it?

The Free India Legion, also known as the Azad Hind Fauj, was an army of Indian soldiers formed by Subhas Chandra Bose with the help of German forces. It primarily consisted of Indian prisoners of war captured by Axis forces, and its aim was to fight against British rule in India.

What role did the Indian National Army (INA) play under Subhas Chandra Bose's leadership?

Under Subhas Chandra Bose, the INA played a significant role in attempting to liberate India from British rule through military action. Bose revitalized the INA, which had originally been created by Mohan Singh, and led it in campaigns, including the Imphal Campaign in India.

What was the significance of Bose's slogan, 'Give me blood, and I will give you freedom'?

Bose's slogan, 'Give me blood, and I will give you freedom,' was a powerful call to action, urging Indians to contribute to the fight for independence by making sacrifices. It symbolized Bose's militant approach to achieving freedom and inspired many to join the INA.

What happened to Subhas Chandra Bose and the INA after World War II?

After Japan's surrender in August 1945, the INA also disbanded. According to reports, Subhas Chandra Bose died in a plane crash in Taiwan on August 18, 1945, under mysterious circumstances. The INA's soldiers were taken as prisoners of war, but their trials in India sparked widespread nationalist movements.