Indian National Army's Legacy

• 17 Mar 2025

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. 

For Mains: Role and legacy of Indian National Army. 

Source: TH 

Why in News? 

A veteran of the Indian National Army (INA), celebrated his 99th birthday by laying wreaths at the statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on Kartavya Path. 

• The veteran joined INA on 1st November 1943, at the age of 17. 

What was the Indian National Army (INA)? 

• About INA: It was a military force formed during World War 2 to fight against British rule in India and played a crucial role in India’s struggle for independence. 
• Formation: 
  • Mohan Singh: He proposed forming an army from Indian prisoners of war (POWs) and gained Japanese support. He initially led the INA, recruiting about 40,000 soldiers.  
    • However, conflicts with the Japanese over troop size led to his removal.  
  • Rashbehari Bose: He was a veteran revolutionary and played a crucial role in mobilizing support for the INA and formed the Indian Independence League in Tokyo (1942). 
  • Subhas Chandra Bose: On 25th August 1943, he became the Supreme Commander of the INA and later, on 21st October 1943, established the Provisional Government of Free India in Singapore. 
    • It was recognized by 9 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 but it ended in Imphal due to Japan’s defeat in World War 2. 
• Collapse: The Japanese retreat (1944-45) weakened the INA. After Japan’s surrender on 15th August 1945, the INA also surrendered.  
  • On 18^th August 1945, Subhas Bose reportedly died in a Taiwan plane crash, leading to the INA’s disbandment. 
• INA Trials: After INA’s defeat, many INA soldiers were court-martialed as POWs, sparking nationwide protests that fueled India’s independence movement. 
  • The first trial 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), emphasizing the unity of the INA. 
  • At the Bombay Congress session (September 1945), a resolution supported INA prisoners. Eminent lawyers Bhulabhai Desai, Tej Bahadur Sapru, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Asaf Ali defended them. 
• Major Nationalist Upsurges (1945–46): Three major violent confrontations took place during this period: 
  • 21^st November 1945: Student protests in Calcutta against the INA trials led to police firing. 
  • 11^th February 1946: Demonstrations erupted in Calcutta against the sentencing of INA officer Rashid Ali. 
  • 18^th February 1946: The Royal Indian Navy (RIN) ratings mutinied in Bombay. 

Click Here to Read:  

• What are Key Facts About Subhash Bose?  
• What was SC Bose Role in India’s Freedom Movement? 

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

• Direct Challenge to British Authority: The INA’s formation and military campaigns directly challenged British rule by attempting to liberate India militarily with the help of Axis powers (Japan and Germany). 
• Nationalist Unity: The INA trials united Indians across religious and political divides, sparking nationwide protests.  
  • Political factions like Congress, Muslim League, Hindu Mahasabha, and Communists were united against British policies. 
• Impact on the Indian Armed Forces: The INA inspired sympathy among Indian troops, leading to the Royal Indian Navy Mutiny (1946), where 20,000 sailors revolted, marking a turning point in British control. 
• Forced British Withdrawal: In 1956, British PM admitted the INA was key to Britain’s exit, as fears of Indian military no longer loyal to the British crown hastened independence. 
• Legacy and Symbolism: The INA became a symbol of armed resistance, inspiring future generations in India’s defense and strategic outlook. 
  • The INA’s slogan "Jai Hind" remains a rallying cry for national unity.  

Click Here to Read: What are Key Facts about Rash Behari Bose? 

Conclusion 

The Indian National Army (INA) played a crucial role in India's independence by directly challenging British rule, fostering nationalist unity, and inspiring armed forces revolts. Its impact hastened British withdrawal, and its legacy continues to influence India's strategic outlook, military ethos, and national identity. 

Drishti Mains Question:

Discuss the role of the Indian National Army (INA) in India's struggle for independence.

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 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 ‘Free Indian Legion’? (2008) 

(a) Lala Hardayal   

(b) Rashbehari Bose  

(c) Subhas Chandra Bose   

(d) V.D. Savarkar  

Ans: (c)

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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)