“Netaji” – The Leader Who Fought for India’s Freedom with an Army
Subhas Chandra Bose was one of India’s greatest freedom fighters, known for his strong leadership, armed resistance against the British, and the formation of the Indian National Army (INA). His famous slogan “Give me blood, and I will give you freedom!” still inspires Indians today.
1. Early Life & Education
- Born: 23 January 1897 in Cuttack, Odisha.
- Father: Janakinath Bose (a prominent lawyer).
- Mother: Prabhavati Devi.
- Education:
- Topped the Indian Civil Services (ICS) exam in England (1920).
- Resigned from ICS (1921), saying he could not serve the British government.
- Became inspired by the freedom movement.
2. Political Career & Differences with Gandhi
- Initially worked under Chittaranjan Das in Bengal Congress.
- Elected President of Indian National Congress (1938, 1939).
- Clashed with Mahatma Gandhi and Nehru, as he preferred armed struggle over non-violence.
- Resigned from Congress in 1939 and formed the Forward Bloc.
3. Escape from British Surveillance (1941)
- House arrested by the British in 1940 but escaped disguised as a Pathan (Afghan merchant).
- Traveled from India to Germany via Afghanistan, USSR, and Italy.
- Met Hitler in Germany, seeking support for India’s independence.
4. Formation of the Indian National Army (INA)
- Reached Japan in 1943 and revived the Indian National Army (INA), originally formed by Rash Behari Bose & Mohan Singh.
- Declared “Chalo Delhi” (March to Delhi) to free India.
- Created the Provisional Government of Free India (Azad Hind) in Singapore (1943).
- INA fought against the British in Burma (Myanmar) and India.
5. Azad Hind Government & Military Campaigns
- Declared war on Britain in 1943.
- INA, along with Japanese forces, captured parts of Nagaland & Manipur in 1944.
- “Dilli Chalo” (March to Delhi) was their battle cry.
- INA faced defeat as Japan surrendered in World War II (1945).
6. Death Mystery (1945)
- Officially reported dead in a plane crash on 18 August 1945 in Taiwan.
- Many believe he survived and lived in secret.
- Several investigations were conducted, but his death remains a mystery.
7. Legacy & Influence
- Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose is still one of India’s most respected freedom fighters.
- Indian National Army’s spirit inspired later military movements.
- “Jai Hind” slogan, popularized by him, is now India’s official military greeting.
MCQs on Subhas Chandra Bose
1. When was Subhas Chandra Bose born?
a) 23 January 1897
b) 15 August 1905
c) 2 October 1869
d) 28 September 1907
Answer: (a) 23 January 1897
2. Which slogan is associated with Subhas Chandra Bose?
a) Inquilab Zindabad
b) Jai Hind
c) Vande Mataram
d) Swaraj is my birthright
Answer: (b) Jai Hind
3. Subhas Chandra Bose founded which political group after leaving Congress?
a) Swaraj Party
b) Forward Bloc
c) Azad Hind Fauj
d) Hindustan Socialist Party
Answer: (b) Forward Bloc
4. Which army was revived by Subhas Chandra Bose to fight against the British?
a) Bengal Army
b) Indian National Army (INA)
c) British Indian Army
d) Royal Indian Navy
Answer: (b) Indian National Army (INA)
5. Where did Subhas Chandra Bose declare the Provisional Government of Free India?
a) Tokyo
b) Singapore
c) Berlin
d) Kolkata
Answer: (b) Singapore
6. What was the slogan of INA’s war campaign against British India?
a) Quit India
b) Chalo Delhi
c) Do or Die
d) Long Live Revolution
Answer: (b) Chalo Delhi
7. Where did Subhas Chandra Bose reportedly die?
a) Japan
b) Germany
c) Taiwan (Formosa)
d) India
Answer: (c) Taiwan (Formosa)
8. In which year did INA capture parts of Manipur and Nagaland?
a) 1941
b) 1942
c) 1943
d) 1944
Answer: (d) 1944
9. What was the name of the women’s regiment in INA?
a) Rani Laxmi Bai Regiment
b) Bharat Mata Brigade
c) Durga Vahini
d) Swaraj Battalion
Answer: (a) Rani Laxmi Bai Regiment
10. Subhas Chandra Bose gave the famous call – “Give me blood, and I will give you ____”
a) Victory
b) Freedom
c) Revolution
d) Justice
Answer: (b) Freedom
Conclusion
Subhas Chandra Bose was a fearless leader who took bold steps to free India. His military strategy and nationalist vision continue to inspire the nation.
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