History & Civics
The Indian National Army built by Subhas Chandra Bose was far ahead of its time. Discuss.
Answer
It is true that the India National Army built by Subhas Chandra Bose was far ahead of its time. It was an army organised on foreign soil, hundreds of kilometres away from its motherland. It depended upon the patriotic fervour of its nationals scattered over East Asia, from Myanmar to Japan, 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.
Related Questions
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?
(b) What were the aims and objectives of the new party formed by Subhas Chandra Bose?
(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.
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.”
—Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.(a) Whom is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose addressing? Who are the victorious troops referred to in the excerpt? Who were the Nipponese?
(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?
(c) What did he demand from his troops? Did the troops fulfill the mission of their leader.
Study the picture and answer the following questions:
(a) Identify the person in the picture and name the army organised by him. How was this army formed and where?
(b) What were the objectives of this army? Did it achieve its objectives?
(c) Mention this army's contribution to the India's freedom struggle.
Do you think Subhas Chandra Bose set an inspiring example of patriotism? Give examples to support your answer.