Mains Practice Questions

Introduction

Subhas Chandra Bose and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel were two stalwarts of India’s freedom struggle, each contributing uniquely to the cause of independence and post-independence nation-building.

• While Bose adopted a radical approach, seeking external military support to overthrow British rule, Patel followed a pragmatic strategy, strengthening the internal movement under the Congress’s leadership.

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Contributions to India’s Independence

• Subhas Chandra Bose
  • Revolutionary Nationalism: Bose believed in armed struggle as the path to independence.
    • He formed the Indian National Army (INA) and sought Axis powers’ assistance to expel the British from India.
  • Azad Hind Government: Established the Provisional Government of Free India in 1943 in Singapore, gaining recognition from several countries.
  • Disillusionment with Congress’s Moderation: Disagreed with the Congress leadership’s approach, particularly with Gandhi and Patel, leading to his resignation from the Congress presidency in 1939.
• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
  • Non-Violent Resistance: As a close associate of Gandhi, Patel adhered to non-violent civil disobedience and played a leading role in movements like the Bardoli Satyagraha (1928), which enhanced mass participation in the struggle.
  • Role in Quit India Movement: A key leader in the Quit India Movement (1942), Patel’s organizational ability ensured widespread protests despite Congress leaders’ arrests.
  • Congress Leadership and Pragmatism: Unlike Bose, Patel preferred negotiation and political organization, strengthening the Congress’s hold over Indian politics.

Contributions to Nation-Building

• Subhas Chandra Bose
  • Economic Vision: Advocated for socialist planning and industrialization, proposing a strong state role in economic development similar to Nehru’s approach.
  • Secularism and Social Unity: Emphasized Hindu-Muslim unity and condemned communal politics, denouncing organizations like the Hindu Mahasabha as divisive forces.
  • Rousing Patriotism: His ideology and slogans, such as “Give me blood, and I will give you freedom,” instilled a militant form of nationalism that inspired later generations.
• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
  • Integration of Princely States: Patel played a decisive role in unifying over 560 princely states, using a mix of persuasion and force (e.g., Hyderabad Police Action, 1948 and annexation of Junagadh).
  • Strengthening Civil Services: Played a pivotal role in establishing the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Police Service (IPS), recognizing their importance in governance and stability.
  • Focus on Private Enterprise: Unlike Bose’s socialist inclination, Patel was more sympathetic to private enterprise, advocating economic policies that balanced state control with free-market principles.

Differences Between Bose and Patel:

Conclusion

Modern India can draw lessons from both leaders: Bose’s vision of economic self-reliance and patriotism combined with Patel’s pragmatism in governance and unity can serve as a roadmap for a strong, self-sufficient, and inclusive India.